Todd Archer, ESPN Workers Author
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — When the season began, the Dallas Cowboys by no means believed they’d be in such a predicament after seven video games.
With Sunday’s 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys are 3-4 and nearer to the underside of the NFC than a Tremendous Bowl contender in the meanwhile.
“We’re dissatisfied,” coach Mike McCarthy mentioned. “Our males actually had a very good week of preparation. I assumed there have been areas of enchancment. However, nonetheless, we’ve a ton to work on.”
The final time the Cowboys had a 3-4 document with a wholesome Dak Prescott at quarterback was 2018. In 2020, the Cowboys had been 2-5 on their solution to 2-7 however Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his proper ankle within the fifth recreation of the season.
The 2018 Cowboys had been jumpstarted by a midseason commerce for huge receiver Amari Cooper and completed the 12 months with a 10-6 document, profitable the NFC East and a playoff recreation. Solely 5 gamers energetic Sunday stay from the 2018 roster — Prescott, working again Ezekiel Elliott, proper guard Zack Martin, cornerback Jourdan Lewis and particular teamer C.J. Goodwin.
The Cowboys play on the Atlanta Falcons, leaders of the NFC South, subsequent week.
“We all know what it takes on this league,” Prescott mentioned. “You bought sizzling, you get rolling, that is all you are seeking to do. That is my level that that is irritating however no person is giving up. No person is shook, as you possibly can say, from the place we’re at. We simply acquired to focus up, get able to go on the highway and acquired one other good workforce developing and do no matter we will do be sure that we come out with a victory. Get even. Then fear about after that after this subsequent highway recreation.”
The Cowboys’ subsequent 4 opponents are a mixed 22-7 with the Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Washington Commanders all profitable on Sunday.
“We have got to go each Sunday by Sunday,” Lewis mentioned. “We won’t take into consideration the longer term. That is the place we at the moment are. Interested by that subsequent recreation and that subsequent alternative.”
Frustration, nevertheless, is rising. The Cowboys have misplaced 4 straight video games to the 49ers, together with two postseason contests and three straight to San Francisco at Levi’s Stadium.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs, nonetheless in uniform, got here out of the locker room to confront a tv reporter a couple of tweet through the recreation that appeared to query his effort.
“It actually sucks,” huge receiver CeeDee Lamb mentioned. “Particularly coming right here 3 times within the final three years. It is sickening.”
Regardless of falling behind, 27-10, after being outscored 21-0 and outgained, 167-16 within the third quarter, the Cowboys nonetheless had an opportunity to drag out the unbelievable win, however Prescott had 4 straight incompletions after taking on with 3:05 to play.
It was the top to a recreation Prescott want to overlook. Whereas he threw two fourth-quarter landing passes to Lamb, he turned the primary Cowboys quarterback with two interceptions in three straight video games since Troy Aikman in 1992, in keeping with ESPN Analysis.
He completed with 243 yards on 25-of-38 passing and was sacked twice.
“I imply me, personally pissed off. Pissed off myself in my play. I think about the remainder of the fellows are,” Prescott mentioned. “Not getting the win, two in a row now, sitting at 3-4. However I can positively let you know that no person’s shaken or giving up. Frustration may be very excessive. However it’s a protracted season. I imply it is a lengthy season. Division video games, loads are nonetheless forward of us.
“Pissed off. That is one of the best ways that I can put it.”
