The Dallas Cowboys' regular season ended on January 7, 2024, with the same lack of excitement as it began. Much like their preseason finale, the Cowboys fell to the Washington Commanders, this time by a score of 23-19, leading to questions about the direction of the franchise. This game marked Trey Lance's first start for Dallas at AT&T Stadium, and it could signify Mike McCarthy's final stand as head coach.
With playoff dreams dashed, the Cowboys finished the year with a disappointing 7-10 record—a number of missed opportunities encapsulated by their final game. Leading by three points with under four minutes left, McCarthy opted for caution, choosing to punt on 4th-and-1 from midfield instead of seizing the chance to put the game away. The Commanders took advantage and drove down the field, scoring the decisive touchdown with just seconds remaining.
Fans watched with bated breath as the Cowboys' struggles on both sides of the ball were evident all season long. A porous run defense and injuries to star quarterback Dak Prescott were constant hurdles. McCarthy, who was brought on board to propel the team from postseason appearances to Super Bowl contenders, may be remembered for his failure to deliver, as his record of 44-28 over four years doesn't match the successful tenure of his predecessor Jason Garrett.
McCarthy's dubious decisions were highlighted late during the game. The controversial fourth-quarter punt set the stage for Washington's comeback. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota led the Commanders to victory, throwing two touchdowns, including the game-winner to Terry McLaurin.
"With nothing left to lose, why not go for it?" many fans questioned. McCarthy's conservative choice to punt instead of pressing for points or attempting to draw the Commanders offside reflects the cautious approach he often took throughout the season.
While the offense struggled to find the end zone, it wasn't all doom and gloom. Trey Lance, who secured the start amid the swirling offseason debates over the quarterback position, threw for 244 yards without any interceptions. His connection with wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who caught four passes for 98 yards, offered glimpses of potential for the future. Yet, inconsistencies also bubbled up—Lance failed to deliver during key opportunities, particularly when Dallas made six trips to the red zone but managed only one touchdown.
Meanwhile, kicker Brandon Aubrey ended the season on a high note, setting the franchise record with his 40th field goal. He completed four field goals against the Commanders, demonstrating resilience amid the team's floundering performance. Aubrey's kicking prowess stood out against the backdrop of missed drives and squandered chances.
Dallas now faces considerable changes as they look toward the offseason. The Cowboys have 22 players set to hit free agency, with questions swirling around key figures such as guard Zack Martin, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Martin, recovering from ankle surgery, will need to decide whether to retire or charge forward, leaving fans on edge about his future.
Lawrence could attract significant interest due to his demonstrated skills, but injuries have plagued him. Moving beyond individual player concerns, the Cowboys must also confront their overall management strategy as they prepare for the NFL Draft.
Fans and analysts alike are left contemplating how the team will approach its backup quarterback situation following Lance's mixed performance. With Lance, who was once deemed a top-five draft pick, finding limited success, many are asking if the organization will still hold faith. Meanwhile, Rush's potential return may indicate the ever-evolving depth chart.
Amongst all this uncertainty, discussions surrounding McCarthy's job security have intensified. Owner Jerry Jones communicated no immediate decisions would be made but acknowledged the closing window of opportunity for McCarthy to secure his future. "The hay is in the barn," Jones stated as the team grapples with its coaching direction.
The final game of the season encapsulated the Cowboys' inconsistency and missed opportunities, characteristics they displayed throughout the year. With hopes of contention fading, Dallas must now look critically at what lies ahead, as the offseason promises to bring either volatility or renewal.
Summary: the Cowboys' 2023 season, much like the last game, was filled with fleeting promise but hauntingly predictable failings. Fans now await clarity from the team’s management as they prepare for substantial changes.