Cowboys Corner: Is this a lost season without Dak Prescott? As the Dallas Cowboys grapple with injuries and a shaky performance, the question looms large. After a narrow victory in Pittsburgh, the Cowboys found themselves at 3-2, but the underlying issues were becoming impossible to ignore. Anxiety among fans was palpable, and the team’s cohesion felt fragile.
The Cowboys’ loyal fan base is reminded of a familiar saying: sometimes, things can always get worse. With Dak Prescott now on injured reserve, CeeDee Lamb nursing an injury, and Micah Parsons still sidelined, the situation appears dire. The recent trade deadline offered no relief, and the team is currently facing a daunting three-game losing streak. In this edition of Cowboys Corner, analysts David Helman and Ralph Vacchiano assess the team’s prospects heading into the crucial Week 10 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
If the situation doesn’t improve after this weekend, fans may find themselves bracing for even more disappointment.
1. With Dak Prescott out at least four games, is this officially a lost season for Dallas?
Helman: The term “officially” carries weight, and while there is a glimmer of hope that the Cowboys can remain competitive, the outlook is grim. Micah Parsons is expected back soon, and Cooper Rush has shown he can win games, boasting a 5-1 record as a starter. However, the reality is that Prescott’s absence for at least four games could stretch longer, and the trade deadline came and went without any enhancements to their struggling run defense. The next three opponents have a combined record of 19-7, and formidable quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield are on the horizon.
Historically, the Cowboys have only finished with a losing record three times in the past 15 seasons. This year, they could very well add a fourth to that list.
Vacchiano: Absolutely. The trajectory was already concerning before Prescott’s injury. Even with him, the team was one-dimensional and riddled with injuries. At 3-5, they would likely need to go 6-2 to have a shot at the playoffs, and they still face the Eagles and Commanders twice each.
Can they realistically achieve that with Cooper Rush at the helm for the next month? The odds are stacked against them.
The most troubling aspect is that the players likely sense the impending doom. This feeling is particularly disheartening because they entered the season with high hopes. While teams can bounce back from poor starts, those that believed they were contenders often struggle to recover from such emotional setbacks.
2. What’s your biggest takeaway from the Cowboys’ trade deadline?
Vacchiano: Were they even paying attention? The Cowboys acquired Jonathan Mingo, a promising receiver who has yet to make a significant impact in his brief NFL career. They traded a fourth-round pick for him, which is notably lower than the fifth-round pick they received from the Browns for Amari Cooper two seasons ago.
While recognizing the need for another receiver is commendable, they passed on opportunities to acquire established players like DeAndre Hopkins, who went for a fifth-round pick to the Chiefs, or other notable names. Mingo may have potential, but he doesn’t compare to those stars.
The overarching takeaway? The Cowboys are in dire need of a competent general manager.
Helman: I agree with Ralph’s assessment, but if a change in management isn’t on the table, updating their trade strategy would be a step in the right direction. They should aim to project less desperation in negotiations with other teams.
Jonathan Mingo is still young at 23, and he has time to prove himself. The Cowboys likely justified their decision to trade a fourth-round pick for him based on his potential and the two years left on his rookie contract.
However, paying such a high price for a player who has not yet demonstrated consistent production is concerning. Mingo’s career high for a single game is only 69 yards, and he averages just two receptions per game. While the quarterback situation in Carolina has been challenging, other young receivers like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have surpassed Mingo in the depth chart.
Moreover, evaluating Mingo’s performance in 2024 may be even more complicated, as he won’t have Prescott throwing to him for the foreseeable future.
Vacchiano: Many Cowboys fans might argue for a strategic tanking to secure a top-10 draft pick. They are realistic about the team’s current trajectory and understand that winning a few more games may not lead to a Super Bowl or even a playoff berth. A higher draft pick could be more beneficial for the team’s future.
However, fan psychology is complex. While they may acknowledge the need for a losing season, when game day arrives, the emotional pull of supporting their team often overrides rational thinking. Whether in the stands or on their couches, they will cheer for Cooper Rush to lead them to victory.
Come April, they may find themselves lamenting that the team is picking 17th instead of seventh, asking, “Why didn’t they tank?”
4. Where do you think this team is right now if Derrick Henry had been on the roster all year?
Vacchiano: Having Derrick Henry on the team would have improved their situation significantly. While they would still face challenges without Dak Prescott, Henry’s presence would have injected hope into a struggling season.
If the Cowboys were sitting at 5-3, they might have been able to weather Prescott’s absence better, as Rush wouldn’t have to shoulder the entire load. While playoffs would still be a long shot, the dream wouldn’t be entirely out of reach.
However, even with Henry, the team’s defensive issues and other shortcomings would still pose significant obstacles.
5. Do you expect Trey Lance to get meaningful snaps while Dak is out? Should he?
Helman: Yes, Trey Lance should absolutely see the field. The Cowboys invested a fourth-round pick to acquire him, and it would be unwise to let that investment go unused while they navigate the challenges posed by Prescott’s injury.
While starting him might not be the best option—given Rush’s proven ability—incorporating Lance into specific plays could be beneficial. His athleticism could enhance the running game, which becomes more critical with Prescott sidelined.
They might consider giving him short-yardage or red-zone opportunities in the upcoming weeks. If the situation continues to deteriorate, they could evaluate him as a potential starter toward the end of the season.
Vacchiano: Unless Prescott’s injury extends indefinitely, I wouldn’t rush Lance into action. The immediate goal is to survive the next four weeks and secure a couple of wins, allowing Prescott a chance to return and potentially salvage the season. Rush offers the best chance for that survival.
If the season reaches a point of no return—if Rush struggles and they lose a few games in a row, or if Prescott’s absence is prolonged—then it makes sense to explore what Lance can bring to the table. His preseason performance wasn’t stellar, but giving him a chance could help the Cowboys assess their options for next season.
However, any such decision should be made only once the season’s fate is truly sealed.
