Cowboys' Loss to Chargers & Defensive Woes: Ed Werder & Joe Trahan Analyze

Cowboys' Approach to Final Games

• 🏈 Coach Brian Shottenheimer wants the team to keep playing and winning, aiming to avoid a losing record and a back-to-back losing season.
• 💡 The culture he's building emphasizes confidence and momentum for the offseason, with players expressing a desire to compete.
• ⚠️ Despite the desire to play, the team prioritized protecting quarterback Dak Prescott by removing him from a non-winnable game against the Chargers.

Dak Prescott's Role and Future

• 🧠 While Dak Prescott is willing to play, there's a strong argument from analysts for the front office and coaching staff to protect him from further injury, given his history.
• 🛡️ The sentiment is that the Cowboys haven't won enough when it mattered, necessitating a focus on future protection for their key player.
• 🤔 The discussion touches on the potential for Dak to be protected from himself, with a strong front office needing to make that call.

Trayvon Diggs and Defensive Struggles

• 📉 The Cowboys' defense, particularly in Cover 2 coverage, showed significant breakdowns, exemplified by a touchdown where Lad McConkey was left wide open.
• 🧩 Miscommunication and confusion, especially involving Trayvon Diggs, led to receivers being uncovered, a recurring issue with veteran players.
• 🗣️ Diggs's public comments and apparent disdain for Cover 2, coupled with his contract situation and past disciplinary actions, suggest his departure from the team is likely.
• 💸 A post-June 1 cut for Diggs could save the Cowboys $15.5 million on the salary cap.

Offensive Line and Roster Questions

• 🚧 The offensive line has shown flashes of good play but has been inconsistent, contributing to Dak Prescott's struggles at times.
• 🔄 There's an expectation that the offensive line will look different next season, with potential moves for financial relief.
• 🌟 Tyler Smith is highlighted as a versatile player who has performed exceptionally well at left tackle, earning praise for his adaptability and protection of Dak Prescott.

Defensive Coordinator and Franchise Woes

• 🎯 Matt Eberflus is seen as a likely scapegoat for the defense's poor performance, despite attempts to scheme pressure and play press man coverage.
• 🚫 The decision to trade Micah Parsons is heavily scrutinized as a primary reason for the defense's inability to generate pressure and sacks.
• 📊 The Cowboys have allowed the three highest opponent point totals in franchise history in the last six years, indicating a systemic defensive issue.
• ⏳ Jerry Jones acknowledges the front office's significant role in the team's 30-year drought without reaching the NFC Championship game, expressing deep disappointment.
• 🔄 The team's defensive coordinator situation has been unstable, with multiple one-and-done hires, suggesting a deeper roster construction problem rather than coaching alone.