Cowboys ‘remain undeterred’ by tougher road to playoffs

DETROIT — Over the last month, the Dallas Cowboys have dealt with the sorrow of losing a teammate while also enjoying their resurgence towards playoff eligibility.

On Thursday night, the Cowboys faced a 44-30 defeat against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, marking their first loss since the passing of Marshawn Kneeland and their first setback in over a month, placing their record at 6-6-1 and complicating their playoff aspirations.

«I think guys are frustrated right now,» quarterback Dak Prescott stated. «This isn’t a moment of being deflated or giving up. Not at all. You’re going to see a team that’s angry, especially given that this group has evolved since the bye week. This is the first time this team has faced adversity to this extent. Hopefully, it fuels a fire in us, and I know that, starting with myself, I’ll ensure we’re well-prepared for the next game.»

The upcoming schedule features four remaining opponents, three of whom — the Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 14), Washington Commanders (Dec. 25), and New York Giants (Jan. 3 or 4) — currently hold losing records, with an additional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) on Dec. 21.

Thursday marked the Cowboys’ fourth game in an 18-day stretch, following victories against the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs since trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the deadline.

«I’m incredibly proud of this team,» coach Brian Schottenheimer remarked. «Four games in 18 days, they’ve given their all, and I’m proud of them. We knew this game hinged on a few key factors – protecting the ball and forcing turnovers – but we didn’t execute well in that regard. We also needed to dominate in the trenches, which we failed to do.»

The Cowboys lost the turnover battle 3-0, surrendering two interceptions and a fumble that resulted in 14 points for the Lions. Their ground game averaged a mere 3.8 yards per rush, with Prescott’s longest run being just 12 yards, and they allowed four rushing touchdowns, three of which were scored by Jahmyr Gibbs.

«This was a critical match for both teams,» Schottenheimer added, «and they outperformed us.»

Prescott faced intense pressure, being hurried 20 times, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and was sacked five times, alongside a couple of questionable offensive pass interference calls.

Despite these challenges, twice in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys reduced the deficit to a single score after Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb left the game due to a concussion in the third quarter. On both occasions, the defense allowed touchdowns on the following drives.

«The complementary football wasn’t what it had been in recent weeks,» Schottenheimer noted.

For the Cowboys, winning the NFC East might be their best shot at the playoffs if the Eagles continue to falter.

«I can’t say we control our own fate,» Prescott acknowledged. «That was more attainable before. If we had wrapped up wins, we’d have a solid record, only five losses and a tie. But sitting at 6-6-1 with four games left, we will require a few favorable outcomes, especially considering the current shape of the divisions, the North and the West. At this stage, it’s not entirely in our hands. However, we can control our approach to the game. It comes down to pride and love for this game and your teammates, and I want that message to resonate with the players. If we embody that spirit, we still have a shot.»