The Dallas Cowboys walked out of the Lions game looking nothing like a playoff team. A 44-point beating didn’t just hand them another loss. It just exposed every flaw they’ve been hiding for weeks. Their defense collapsed again, and their playoff footing went from shaky to straight-up dangerous.
After giving up 30+ points in five straight games, Dallas is no longer fighting for seeding. They’re fighting to stay alive. But the latest statistics, revealed by ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, suggest that the Cowboys have a 1-in-25-year probability of clinching a playoff berth.
Dan Orlovsky didn’t sugar-coat anything after the loss. He laid out the numbers that make the Cowboys’ situation look borderline hopeless. Orlovsky posted on X, “Only one team has ever made the playoffs allowing more than 28 PPG (2000 Rams- 29.4).” And added that the Cowboys allow over 30+.
The point where the Cowboys are standing is the rarest and concerning as the only team in NFL history to ever reach the postseason while surrendering more than 28 PPG was the 2000 Rams. The then-Rams team allowed 29.4 points per game.
Jerry Jones’ team is living in a statistical category that usually ends your year before January even arrives. But where is the Dallas Cowboys’ defense lacking and making mistakes?
Dallas Cowboys’ problems go way deeper than one bad night in Detroit
The run defense has been shredded for weeks. Since Week 9, the Cowboys have been giving up 5.1 yards per carry. And according to Next Gen Stats, this is one of the worst marks in the league during that stretch. When you can’t control the ground game, you can’t control anything.
The secondary hasn’t helped. Communication has completely fallen apart, leading to explosive plays and free runners everywhere.
The Cowboys’ situational defense has been a mess, too. Detroit went 9-of-14 on third down in Week 13. They extended the drives that the Cowboys had multiple chances to end. Over the past six weeks, Dallas ranks 28th in red-zone touchdown rate allowed according to TeamRankings, letting opponents finish nearly every trip inside the 20.
Add it all up, and the picture is ugly. The defense gave up 30+ per game, and the pass rush suddenly became mortal. In fact, as Orlovsky pointed out, teams that allow points at this pace don’t make the postseason at all.
Well, Dallas isn’t done yet, but the trend is screaming at them. Dak Prescott also clarified to fans that they are not over yet. Fix the defense immediately, or start preparing for a new season. That’s it.
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