The Dallas Cowboys were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 48-32 in the worst home loss in the team’s storied playoffs history. The Cowboys couldn’t stop the run or the pass, and they suffered many self-inflicted wounds. While certain players and personnel battled to keep Dallas in it, several are likely sitting ducks on the hot seat. Here are the Cowboys players and personnel responsible for the hideous showing, and what’s next in store for them.
Dallas Cowboys Smothered by Green Bay Packers in 48-32 Season Finale
Safety – Jayron Kearse
Jayron Kearse, get your pink slip.
Kearse allowed several bad plays in Dallas’ final six-week stretch, missing tackles and obvious blocks. He had a much worse year than his previous two, tallying just one interception at a 43.1 overall PFF grade. It is the lowest out of every safety from the 2023 season. Quite the fall from grace for one of Dallas’ premier defenders.
Kearse allowed Packers TE Luke Musgrave to score a 38-yard touchdown, leaving him at least 20 yards of separation. He has been outplayed by fellow safeties Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and even Juanyeh Thomas. The Cowboys can’t continue to shoot themselves in the foot, Kearse is a huge liability on defense.
The former Lion, Viking & Raven found solid footing in Dallas’ initial scheme. However, it looks as though Father Time is catching up to Kearse. While the Cowboys loss to the Packers isn’t entirely on his shoulders, Jayron Kearse has much blame to hold. Football is strictly business, and his days are likely numbered.
Defensive Coordinator – Dan Quinn
When asked about Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s job status following the game, the team’s ultimate leader had this to say.
“That guy, I’ve had the season that I’ve had because of him,” said Dak Prescott. “I get it, but add me to the (hot seat) list, in that case,”
Many fans are confused and probably calling for McCarthy’s head, but there’s good reason for him to stay. He kept Dak Prescott in the game when we all thought he was out of it. His playcalling changed as the game progressed. The same can’t be said about Cowboys DC Dan Quinn right now.
The Cowboys highly coveted defense struggled against one of the playoffs’ youngest teams. Top defenders Micah Parsons and Stephon Gilmore looked pedestrian in the blowout loss. CB DaRon Bland has slowed down since his record-setting fifth pick-six. The Packers’ Aaron Jones & Romeo Doubs gave Dallas’ defense fits. While many big names built their reputations under Quinn, it could be time for a change.
DC Dan Quinn is already on several teams’ radar for Head Coach. The former Falcons HC notoriously allowed the 28-3 comeback in Superbowl 51. He took the Dallas defense from 28th to consistently top five in one year. While Quinn’s heroics won’t be forgotten, the wheel is going to turn regardless. The Cowboys have never allowed 48 points at home in the playoffs. Performances like that typically end in someone packing up their office…
Linebackers – Damone Clark/Marquese Bell
Once again, the Cowboys just couldn’t seem to stop the Packers run game. The Linebacker corps looked lukewarm in the 48-32 embarrassment. Markquese Bell began the season as Dallas’ defensive crush, but now he might get ghosted. Damone Clark was up and down, but couldn’t give Dallas any leverage. They both looked like turnstiles against Aaron Jones, shoulder tackling and showing a lack of effort. One’s a former safety and the other hasn’t had his name called much at all recently. Bell is barely 200 pounds, that’s cutting it close in the NFL for a safety, let alone a Linebacker
Dallas lost LB Leighton Vander-Esch midway through the season and cut LB Devin Harper after one bad play. Their linebacker corps was paper thin before they could do a thing about it. The health of Vander-Esch is still in question, and retirement is likely going to be considered. Clark and Bell’s struggles will likely end with one of them on the bench. The Packers’ run game proved just how badly the Cowboys need to address this issue.
The NFL Draft is likely where Dallas will search for their replacements. Young playmakers like Edgerrin Cooper and Jeremiah Trotter should be on the Cowboys radar. Regardless of their poor play, the linebacker problem will likely be the last to be addressed. Look for both players to “keep their jobs”, but likely as rotational pieces.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
