Andy Dalton wasn’t superb. Neither was his offensive line. Or the Dallas Cowboys’ protection. Add head coach Mike McCarthy to the checklist as properly.

None had been as dangerous as Ezekiel Elliott.

Arizona humiliated Dallas, 38-10, on nationwide tv Monday evening. It was the Cowboys’ first full sport since quarterback Dak Prescott was misplaced for the season to an ankle damage (and since he’s a free agent, doubtlessly eternally). All they managed to do was make Prescott’s worth much more apparent.

Somebody ought to take Jerry Jones’ telephone away from him earlier than he, like a lonely, determined soul not too long ago jilted from a relationship, dials up the Prescott camp and affords Dak half of Arlington to signal a long-term deal.

Ezekiel Elliott’s two fumbles helped doom Dallas in a blowout loss to Arizona on Monday evening. (AP Photograph/Michael Ainsworth)

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The bargaining leverage is rapidly headed in Dak’s path. If Monday is what the Cowboys actually are, then it’s clear Prescott solved issues each apparent and hidden. Whereas the probability that he’ll play elsewhere subsequent season has at all times been distant, Dallas may have reassurance (and some extra years) earlier than the offseason arrives.

Dallas is 2-Four and it’s price remembering that the 2 groups it beat – Atlanta and the New York Giants – are a mixed 2-10. The Cowboys weren’t world beaters with Prescott. They by no means seemed this dangerous although. Prescott was the glue. Now the crew is rubble.

Solely the ineptitude of the complete NFC East is protecting this season stuffed with potential as Dallas remains to be, one way or the other, in first place. Even average competence will lead to internet hosting a playoff sport.

The Cowboys, nevertheless, don’t seem able to average competence.

Dalton seemed horrible. He arrived this yr as a valued backup after 9 seasons as a starter in Cincinnati. Presumably he may step in and supply common to above common play.

As an alternative he threw for 266 yards, one landing and two picks. His greatest moments had been throughout rubbish time. Largely the offense ran poorly.

In equity, he was rusty and working for his life behind a porous offensive line that yielded three sacks Monday. And there may be time to enhance.

This wasn’t all on Dalton. Kyler Murray and the Cardinals scorched the protection to the tune of 438 yards. Kliff Kingsbury fully outcoached McCarthy. At one level McCarthy seemed up at a 3rd quarter scoreboard that confirmed the Cowboys trailing 28-Three and thought trying a 58-yard-field purpose was a good suggestion.

The Cowboys missed it, in fact.

“I did not coach very properly,” McCarthy stated.

Then there was Elliott, who fumbled on consecutive possessions within the first half. That led to him being briefly benched. He wound up with 49 yards on 12 rushes.

If there was one participant who wanted to step up probably the most with Prescott gone, it was Elliott. Thus far, regardless of his monumental contract, he stepped again.

You aren’t going to win many video games with 4 turnovers, however that has been the Cowboys’ curse all season.

“We’re the worst within the league in caring for the soccer,” McCarthy stated afterward. “It’s discouraging, interval. Possibly we’re making an attempt too laborious, perhaps we’re over-coaching.”

The one constructive for Dallas is it will get divisional video games towards Washington and Philadelphia subsequent. The Cowboys must play higher to win these. Though not that significantly better.

This isn’t how Jones thought the season would play out. He slapped a franchise tag on Prescott after they couldn’t agree on the size of a contract extension. With large cash doled out to Elliott and receiver Amari Cooper, the offense seemed primed. McCarthy, who gained a Tremendous Bowl in Inexperienced Bay, was introduced in to switch Jason Garrett and take the Boys to the subsequent degree.

This was alleged to be an enormous season.

It’s something however, no less than up to now. And it was obvious on Monday that their most precious participant is gone for the yr, but he received much more worthwhile anyway.

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