From 2016 to 2019, the Cowboys average scoring margin in losses was 10.04 points. This placed them 15th in the NFL for lowest scoring margin in a loss. The team with the lowest average margin of defeat was the Chiefs at 6.2. The worse was the Dolphins at a 17.03 average margin of defeat
In games decided by 3 or less points the Cowboys were 6-6. That was good for a 15th place tie with the Packers. The team that produced the best record in games won by 3 or less points was, surprisingly, the Texans at 13-6. The worse team was the Browns with a 4-11 record.
It's difficult to consider how the Cowboys might have fared with a player from a different time period. There are more than enough variables to consider with just the players they had. Besides, those "if" scenarios are a cop out in regards to what should have happened if every player there had been focused, prepared, and properly coached. The Cowboys had opportunities to beat the Packers in that 2016 playoff game and they didn't get it done.
In the Packer's first scoring drive, they were aided by two dumb defensive penalties, one being 12 men on the field. That is a lack of discipline and preparation. In the 2nd Packers scoring drive, the Packers converted three 3rd downs. On the Packer's 3rd TD drive the Cowboys had them at 3rd and 6 on the Packers 36 yard line. It was an incomplete pass but Morris Claiborne, the "elite" CB that was supposed to be a difference maker accomplished that in a very negative way, a holding penalty.
So you see, someone like Parsons might have done just enough to cancel out another mistake that might have happened but didn't anyway.
