The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-3 on the season following an embarrassing 47-9 loss at home to the Detroit Lions in Week Six. On what was Jerry Jones‘ 82nd birthday, his $60 million a year quarterback, Dak Prescott, completed just 17 of 33 passes for 178 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He had a quarterback rating of just 42.2.
As might have been expected, the Cowboys also struggled running the ball. Of course, they were down big early, so the run game became a non-factor early. Still, they mustered just 53 rushing yards on 17 attempts (3.1 yards per carry).
Of course, one of the biggest stories from the game was the gruesome injury suffered by Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson. One on of the four sacks of Prescott, Hutchinson suffered a compound fracture and had to be carted off of the field. He even needed emergency surgery to repair the tibia.
Even without their star pass rusher, the Lions absolutely dominated the Cowboys, leaving many wondering about the immediate future of head coach Mike McCarthy.
Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy Has Virtually No Job Security
The 2024 NFL season marks the final year of Coach McCarthy’s contract with the Cowboys. Typically, if an organization is happy with their head coach, they give him a contract extension ahead of his final contract year to ensure his immediate and extended future lies with them.
Despite three consecutive 12-win seasons, McCarthy was not given a contract extension. Instead, he is what is known as a “lame duck” coach. His 1-3 postseason record since coming to Dallas has left many fans frustrated. Obviously, it also has given Jones pause when it comes to committing to him for another several years.
Going into this season, the message to McCarthy was clear: his job depends on the team making a deep run in the NFL Playoffs.
Unfortunately, at 3-3, making the postseason in the first place is not a guarantee right now.
Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Will Not Fire Mike McCarthy [Yet]
During and after the game today, many Cowboys fans were calling for McCarthy to become the second NFL head coach fired this season. Last week, the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh after their 2-3 start.
When asked about a possible coaching change during the season, Jones, much to the dismay of some fans, said he is not considering that right now:
To say fans are furious with Jones for this stance would be an understatement:
In McCarthy’s defense, it is not as if Jones has given him a great roster to work with. Of course, he has Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on offense, but Jones dropped the ball when it came to getting him a running back. Additionally, both the offensive and defensive lines were not addressed as much as they should have been if Jones expected a deep playoff run.
McCarthy’s future in Dallas beyond this season is uncertain, but it sure sounds like he will get the full year to prove himself.
