Prescott had a very shaky 4th QTR

[cowboys1732]

Um....Aubrey?

By Aubrey I assume you mean he is another big reason, especially against the Giants, they are not 0-6. Yes, I absolutely agree.

 

[McKDaddy]

This tread was about Dak's so called Shaky 4th Quarter. Read the title. It was a dumb thread to begin with.

I read it. I chose to make my comments about the offense as a whole.

 

[Vtwin]

Which side of the ball is doing their job for the most part??? It is not reasonable to question the offense (QB] as much or more than this defense.

The offense failed in what turned out to be the most critical time. But it’s unreasonable to expect success all the time. Failure is going to happen. That shouldn’t give a pass or excuse the failure, it just acknowledges that failure is an expected byproduct of the game. A baseball player can fail 7 out of every 10 at bats and potentially make the Hall of Fame.

The Cowboys scored on over 60% of their possessions in this game, more than 20% above the 2025 league average of 40%. Unfortunately Carolina was even higher. With the luxury of hindsight, we failed and Carolina succeeded when it mattered most.

Perfection is certainly not the standard. Not sure what I said to indicate anything different. Failure is expected, especially when there is a whole group of players on the other side is whose job it is to cause you to fail. .

Sports most often comes down to those critical moments. Players have become legendary for being "clutch" in those moments. In those moments in which they earned that reputation, nothing that happened before that matters in the outcome of that play(s). There are no excuses. You succeed and you're a hero. You fail and you're a loser.

There are also other nuances involved. There is more than one way to fail in a situation like that. You can fail with a whimper and you can fail with guns blazing trying with your last effort to make something happen. The Cowboys always seem to fail with a whimper.

I'm not blaming the defense for the loss. I am responding to the ridiculousness of giving the offense a pass for how they handled that do or die situation.

If the offense thought it wasn't a do or die situation then I have to question the intelligence. You have to know, ironically by the way the game had played out to that point, that there was no guarantee of getting the ball back and that now was the time.

In hindsight the best call might have been to let them run the punt back for the TD so they would get the ball right back. That would have been hilarious and historic.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

By Aubrey I assume you mean he is another big reason, especially against the Giants, they are not 0-6. Yes, I absolutely agree.

Yes...."another".

I know more guys are hitting longer FGs these days...but we got a good one.

If only our defense could tackle. They play scared and afraid to hit.

Meanwhile the two games last night were absoultely BRUTAL! I'm convinced it's NOT just scheme. These guys need a real fire on their butts not coddled and excused.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

Which side of the ball is doing their job for the most part??? It is not reasonable to question the offense (QB] as much or more than this defense.

Wait...so you want to use our defense as a comparison to how the offense is doing?

We should NOT assess the offense in detail because the defense sucks so bad?

This is not ...elite. This is excuses.

 

[blueblood70]

By Aubrey I assume you mean he is another big reason, especially against the Giants, they are not 0-6. Yes, I absolutely agree.

That's very untrue he's part of the team and he did his job but he was not kicking from the other 40 Ability that he on first down was Bo Jackson so he played offense defense special team wide receiver tight end I mean you act like the dude kicked him on first down from the other 40 which would be what An 80 yard field goal I mean is that what happened there was no offense or defense you remember the overtime that would be Donovan Wilson got an interception the defense actually made us another stop prescott moved the ball both right before halftime and in halftime enough in the field goal range and in overtime it was only like a 45 yarder the one you're thinking of the big one was right before over time that put us into overtime but there were still actual offensive plays that move the ball in the position so when you guys do this it's insane it was a team win yes but you do remember that the deepest made some stops and got an interception in overtime and Prescott put the ball where it needed to and it was actually inside a 50 not that impressive in today's league but very clutch yes Brandon Aubrey did his job and he needs a pat on the back if that makes you feel better...

 

[starfan1]

Wait...so you want to use our defense as a comparison to how the offense is doing?

We should NOT assess the offense in detail because the defense sucks so bad?

This is not ...elite. This is excuses.

As of mid-October 2025, the Dallas Cowboys offense ranks highly in several key categories, leading the NFL in total yards per game and points per game, and ranking third in passing yards per game. The running game is also strong, ranked 8th in rushing yards per game.

• Total Offense: 1st in the NFL (406.6 yards per game)
• Passing Offense: 3rd in the NFL (272.2 yards per game)
• Rushing Offense: 8th in the NFL (134.4 yards per game)
• Points Per Game: 4th in the NFL (30.2 points per game)
• First Downs Per Game: 1st in the NFL (25.0 first downs per game

The Dallas Cowboys defense has very low rankings, placing among the worst in the league in multiple categories for the 2025 season. They are ranked 32nd in total yards allowed, 29th against the run, 32nd against the pass, and 31st in points against. This poor performance is evident across the defense, with a particular weakness in the secondary and overall struggles to generate pressure and stops.

• Total Defense: 32nd in the NFL in total yards allowed.
  
  

Run Defense: 29th against the run.

• Pass Defense: 32nd against the pass, 8th worst among all teams. They have allowed the most passing yards and tied for the most passing touchdowns this season.
  
• Points Against: 31st in points scored against them.
  
• Overall: The defense is struggling in every major statistical category. Prescott and the offense has had their issues over the years but at this point if your finger is pointing at them you have an agenda. Sometimes the defense wins! Unless of course its our defense. Some of this fanbase thinks the QB should never miss a pass or the receiver should never drop a pass. Heck some of the playcalling have been extremely questionable. This defense is historically bad not just Bad
  

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

As of mid-October 2025, the Dallas Cowboys offense ranks highly in several key categories, leading the NFL in total yards per game and points per game, and ranking third in passing yards per game. The running game is also strong, ranked 8th in rushing yards per game.

• Total Offense: 1st in the NFL (406.6 yards per game)
• Passing Offense: 3rd in the NFL (272.2 yards per game)
• Rushing Offense: 8th in the NFL (134.4 yards per game)
• Points Per Game: 4th in the NFL (30.2 points per game)
• First Downs Per Game: 1st in the NFL (25.0 first downs per game

The Dallas Cowboys defense has very low rankings, placing among the worst in the league in multiple categories for the 2025 season. They are ranked 32nd in total yards allowed, 29th against the run, 32nd against the pass, and 31st in points against. This poor performance is evident across the defense, with a particular weakness in the secondary and overall struggles to generate pressure and stops.

• Total Defense: 32nd in the NFL in total yards allowed.

Run Defense: 29th against the run.

• 
  
• Pass Defense: 32nd against the pass, 8th worst among all teams. They have allowed the most passing yards and tied for the most passing touchdowns this season.
• 
  
• Points Against: 31st in points scored against them.
• 
  
• Overall: The defense is struggling in every major statistical category. Prescott and the offense has had their issues over the years but at this point if your finger is pointing at them you have an agenda. Sometimes the defense wins! Unless of course its our defense. Some of this fanbase thinks the QB should never miss a pass or the receiver should never drop a pass. Heck some of the playcalling have been extremely questionable. This defense is historically bad not just Bad

They indeed are. When you are afraid to tackle...it's VERY BAD.Not just "out of position" or "poor scheme"...but do not want to tackle. It's bad.

That is why I do not want to use them as a benchmark for the offense. I am STILL assessing this offense in detail and with high standards...regardless of what the defense does.

Not sure how this is such a unreasonable issue.

 

[cowboys1732]

That's very untrue he's part of the team and he did his job but he was not kicking from the other 40 Ability that he on first down was Bo Jackson so he played offense defense special team wide receiver tight end I mean you act like the dude kicked him on first down from the other 40 which would be what An 80 yard field goal I mean is that what happened there was no offense or defense you remember the overtime that would be Donovan Wilson got an interception the defense actually made us another stop prescott moved the ball both right before halftime and in halftime enough in the field goal range and in overtime it was only like a 45 yarder the one you're thinking of the big one was right before over time that put us into overtime but there were still actual offensive plays that move the ball in the position so when you guys do this it's insane it was a team win yes but you do remember that the deepest made some stops and got an interception in overtime and Prescott put the ball where it needed to and it was actually inside a 50 not that impressive in today's league but very clutch yes Brandon Aubrey did his job and he needs a pat on the back if that makes you feel better...

Hey brother, I assume you are getting me and another member I responded to mixed up. He brought up Aubrey in response to me stating it's crazy everyone is piling on Dak and the offense for the last drive. I said Dak and the offense are the reason they are not 0-6. But I do agree we have an awesome kicker in Aubrey and he was clutch in the Giants game. However, without Dak and offense, we do not win the game either.

 

[starfan1]

They indeed are. When you are afraid to tackle...it's VERY BAD.Not just "out of position" or "poor scheme"...but do not want to tackle. It's bad.

That is why I do not want to use them as a benchmark for the offense. I am STILL assessing this offense in detail and with high standards...regardless of what the defense does.

Not sure how this is such a unreasonable issue.

its not unreasonable as you can fan however you wish but I'm not sure what more you or anyone else could expect from them. Perfection? As mentioned above this team very well could be 0-6 had the offense not been performing at a HIGH level.

Now you can talk about it being the Jets or the Giants or the Panthers and the quality of competition if you wish. I think parity is alive and well but they also performed well against the Eagles and the Packers. I even think they performed ok against the Bears. Is there room for improvement? sure there is but the offense isnt the issue. Its really not debatable. Unless of course you want it to be.

Most of the sports talking heads agree with this line of thinking

 

[Spottswoode]

Perfection is certainly not the standard. Not sure what I said to indicate anything different. Failure is expected, especially when there is a whole group of players on the other side is whose job it is to cause you to fail. .

Sports most often comes down to those critical moments. Players have become legendary for being "clutch" in those moments. In those moments in which they earned that reputation, nothing that happened before that matters in the outcome of that play(s). There are no excuses. You succeed and you're a hero. You fail and you're a loser.

There are also other nuances involved. There is more than one way to fail in a situation like that. You can fail with a whimper and you can fail with guns blazing trying with your last effort to make something happen. The Cowboys always seem to fail with a whimper.

I'm not blaming the defense for the loss. I am responding to the ridiculousness of giving the offense a pass for how they handled that do or die situation.

If the offense thought it wasn't a do or die situation then I have to question the intelligence. You have to know, ironically by the way the game had played out to that point, that there was no guarantee of getting the ball back and that now was the time.

In hindsight the best call might have been to let them run the punt back for the TD so they would get the ball right back. That would have been hilarious and historic.

I was replying to your comment that “giving the offense a pass just because they look great when they are not failing is nuts”. I agree with your points and that the offense failed at what turned out to be the most critical time. They don’t deserve a pass for that and it certainly wasn’t clutch.

But if we are being honest, it wasn’t do or die at that moment. And if they somehow knew Carolina would score with no time left, they should have gone for it on 4th down. Then their choice to punt would have been the critical decision.

I agree legends are made in clutch moments. But every legend I can think of has failed more than they succeed. To me, the losers are the one’s who don’t want the ball in the clutch, not the one’s who know they will fail more than they succeed and still want the ball.

I have no idea why they failed on that last possession. Was it play calling, missed blocking assignments, lack of receiver separation, Dak getting happy feet, right defense at the right time? I don’t know. All I know is the offense krapped the bed on that last series. Once they got behind the chains on first down, they seemed to go conservative and settle for a field position game. To me, they played not to lose instead playing to win and we got an L because of it.

 

[Spottswoode]

Crunch time. Like Michael Jordan. Gimme the ball.

So we can do it when things are easy going...but when the pressure is ON...what now? Aginast an inferior NFL team.

I know...any given Sunday. but look...the #1 offense. Can't score in crunch time. I'd say that's as close to choke as you can get.

I don’t disagree other than I’m not sure how much inferior they are to us.

Was it a choke? Maybe. It was certainly conservative and a pizz poor series at a key moment in the game. If we didn’t lose 5 yards on 1st down, would the calls have been different? Maybe. But once we got behind the chains and then lost another 7 on 2nd, I think it became a field position game in their minds. We gave them an 86 yard field but couldn’t stop them.

If Elam doesn’t interfere, we get the ball back with over 5:00 on the clock. If we had held on 4th, we get the ball back with 2:30 on the clock, 2 timeouts, and 15 yards for a 62 yard FG. We stop them on either of those, I like our odds with our kicker.

IMO, the mistake was being conservative instead of putting a foot on their throat. We needed 1 first down to give Aubrey an opportunity at a 60ish yard FG. We couldn’t run, so they seemed to use short passes as a substitute. It failed miserably, we got behind the chains, and they played field position.

It’s great to have the best kicker in the league who just needs to get to the 50 for a chance. But if it causes you to be too conservative at critical times knowing you have 3 in your back pocket, you will eventually get burned. And we did.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

I don’t disagree other than I’m not sure how much inferior they are to us.

Was it a choke? Maybe. It was certainly conservative and a pizz poor series at a key moment in the game. If we didn’t lose 5 yards on 1st down, would the calls have been different? Maybe. But once we got behind the chains and then lost another 7 on 2nd, I think it became a field position game in their minds. We gave them an 86 yard field but couldn’t stop them.

If Elam doesn’t interfere, we get the ball back with over 5:00 on the clock. If we had held on 4th, we get the ball back with 2:30 on the clock, 2 timeouts, and 15 yards for a 62 yard FG. We stop them on either of those, I like our odds with our kicker.

IMO, the mistake was being conservative instead of putting a foot on their throat. We needed 1 first down to give Aubrey an opportunity at a 60ish yard FG. We couldn’t run, so they seemed to use short passes as a substitute. It failed miserably, we got behind the chains, and they played field position.

It’s great to have the best kicker in the league who just needs to get to the 50 for a chance. But if it causes you to be too conservative at critical times knowing you have 3 in your back pocket, you will eventually get burned. And we did.

I think we mostly agree. About as close as anyone gets around these parts.

But yes....if you have a #1 offense.....you put your foot on their throat hard. You don't get scared, play safe....you f em up!

 

[Chasing6]

He looked fairly comfortable all game didn’t really get hit/sacked. On the goal line he then fumbled the ball for no apparent reason. Dallas had to settle for 3. For the rest of the quarter he had happy feet despite having plenty of time in the pocket. He didn’t use his legs , didn’t throw anything downfield.

On our last drive Dallas got the ball on the 46 yard line and Dak checked it down 3 times for minus 12 yards. On every single one of those plays he looked like a deer in headlights. No more MVP talk. I don’t care what the stats say, he was off when it mattered most.

Were you expecting him to be damn near perfect for 25 quarters straight?

 

[RonnieT24]

I don’t disagree other than I’m not sure how much inferior they are to us.

Was it a choke? Maybe. It was certainly conservative and a pizz poor series at a key moment in the game. If we didn’t lose 5 yards on 1st down, would the calls have been different? Maybe. But once we got behind the chains and then lost another 7 on 2nd, I think it became a field position game in their minds. We gave them an 86 yard field but couldn’t stop them.

If Elam doesn’t interfere, we get the ball back with over 5:00 on the clock. If we had held on 4th, we get the ball back with 2:30 on the clock, 2 timeouts, and 15 yards for a 62 yard FG. We stop them on either of those, I like our odds with our kicker.

IMO, the mistake was being conservative instead of putting a foot on their throat. We needed 1 first down to give Aubrey an opportunity at a 60ish yard FG. We couldn’t run, so they seemed to use short passes as a substitute. It failed miserably, we got behind the chains, and they played field position.

It’s great to have the best kicker in the league who just needs to get to the 50 for a chance. But if it causes you to be too conservative at critical times knowing you have 3 in your back pocket, you will eventually get burned. And we did.

I honestly think part of the conservative approach from Schottenheimer on that last series was because he never thought in a million years with over 6 minutes left they would not get the ball back at least one more time. But frankly it's hard to participate in these discussions which basically boil down to "the offense wasn't perfect so they should shoulder equal blame for this loss." I can't go there. 27 points should win you the game like 80% of the time. If we're beating on the offense for a crappy 4th quarter what should we be doing for the defense for a crappy two months?

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

its not unreasonable as you can fan however you wish but I'm not sure what more you or anyone else could expect from them. Perfection? As mentioned above this team very well could be 0-6 had the offense not been performing at a HIGH level.

Now you can talk about it being the Jets or the Giants or the Panthers and the quality of competition if you wish. I think parity is alive and well but they also performed well against the Eagles and the Packers. I even think they performed ok against the Bears. Is there room for improvement? sure there is but the offense isnt the issue. Its really not debatable. Unless of course you want it to be.

Most of the sports talking heads agree with this line of thinking

Oh...talking heads...I was under the imprssion they do what they do mostly for clicks.

Not sure I said anything about "perfection'. Not even sure I know what that means...score TDs every single possession? Never said anything like that.

Mayfield was able to make four...FOUR....game winning drives this year. This last game he had first three WRs out, RB1...out...a couple o-line out. Conner Mcgovern playing inijured. Throwing TD bombs to his WR5. Scrambling for 1st down on 3rd and 14.

But our alleged #1 NFL offense cannot go late game scores?

This does not make sense to me.

I know...any given Sunday. Chaos theory. It's a team game. Our Defense sucks...I get it.

We already have one game with just one TD and two games with no 2nd half scores (IIRC...you get the drift). Then we could not put the nail in the coffin against...Carolina Panthers?

There's some smoke and mirrors going on here....horrible defense or not.

And no...please...I never said it was just Dak. But...watch Tampa...Mayfield is inspiring his team under a lot of adversity.

 

[Smith22]

As of mid-October 2025, the Dallas Cowboys offense ranks highly in several key categories, leading the NFL in total yards per game and points per game, and ranking third in passing yards per game. The running game is also strong, ranked 8th in rushing yards per game.

• Total Offense: 1st in the NFL (406.6 yards per game)
• Passing Offense: 3rd in the NFL (272.2 yards per game)
• Rushing Offense: 8th in the NFL (134.4 yards per game)
• Points Per Game: 4th in the NFL (30.2 points per game)
• First Downs Per Game: 1st in the NFL (25.0 first downs per game

The Dallas Cowboys defense has very low rankings, placing among the worst in the league in multiple categories for the 2025 season. They are ranked 32nd in total yards allowed, 29th against the run, 32nd against the pass, and 31st in points against. This poor performance is evident across the defense, with a particular weakness in the secondary and overall struggles to generate pressure and stops.

• Total Defense: 32nd in the NFL in total yards allowed.
  

Run Defense: 29th against the run.

• 
  
• Pass Defense: 32nd against the pass, 8th worst among all teams. They have allowed the most passing yards and tied for the most passing touchdowns this season.
• 
  
• Points Against: 31st in points scored against them.
• 
  
• Overall: The defense is struggling in every major statistical category. Prescott and the offense has had their issues over the years but at this point if your finger is pointing at them you have an agenda. Sometimes the defense wins! Unless of course its our defense. Some of this fanbase thinks the QB should never miss a pass or the receiver should never drop a pass. Heck some of the playcalling have been extremely questionable. This defense is historically bad not just Bad

The typical troll bunch doesn't care about facts or stats.

Some of those idiots thought Rush should start over Dak.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

I honestly think part of the conservative approach from Schottenheimer on that last series was because he never thought in a million years with over 6 minutes left they would not get the ball back at least one more time. But frankly it's hard to participate in these discussions which basically boil down to "the offense wasn't perfect so they should shoulder equal blame for this loss." I can't go there. 27 points should win you the game like 80% of the time. If we're beating on the offense for a crappy 4th quarter what should we be doing for the defense for a crappy two months?

NOBODY...is demanding the offense be perfect....this is some total bull ship. So offensive.... to make up lies like this.

Is baker mayfield and bucs...perfect? Of course not! But Mayfield DID do FOUR game winning drive this year. Top 3 wide receivers OUT. 2 linemen OUT. Center McGover..playing injured. Throwing bombs to WR5. DRIVEN to get the 3rd and 14 first down to keep the ball and score.

Alleged #1 NFL offense can't do it...against Panthers?

It's fine...it is what it is. Maybe we can do better next time. But...call it what it is. Choke.

And no...not just dak. The offense. Yiou guys have to get off this "everyone blame Dak" stuff. Maybe a coupel weirdos do it...but don't draw your line in the sand based on them.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

The typical troll bunch doesn't care about facts or stats.

Some of those idiots thought Rush should start over Dak.

Ah...the old "stats" thing?

We have #1 offense in the league. That couldn't show it against the Caroliona Panthers?

What happens when we face a good team?

 

[Smith22]

What happens when we face a good team?

The Packers defense has allowed 20+ points in 1/5 games this season.

It was the Dallas offense dropping 40 on them.

Sadly, they have the 32nd ranked defense dragging them down.