Ed Werder on Cowboys' Final Game Expectations and Season Outlook

Final Game Objectives

• 🎯 Brian Shottenheimer emphasizes playing to win the final game to avoid a losing record and finish with a winning streak.
• 📈 The goal is to create positive momentum and secure a 5-1 NFC East record, avoiding consecutive losing seasons.
• ⚠️ A loss would mark the first time Dallas has had consecutive losing seasons since the Dave Campo era 20 years ago.

Player Performance and Health

• 🌟 Dak Prescott aims to play, seeking to maintain his record of never having a losing season as a starter and potentially leading the NFL in passing yards.
• 🛡️ Despite his desire to play, protecting Prescott's health is a priority due to significant sacks and hits in recent games, especially against a strong Giants pass rush.
• 📉 The team's pass protection has broken down, with a season-high six sacks against Washington and 14 sacks in the last four games.

Defensive Coordinator Situation

• 🔍 Jerry Jones has expressed increasing criticism of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, suggesting a change is likely in the offseason.
• 🚩 The Cowboys have allowed a franchise-record 477 points this season, the highest total in the NFL, including a league-high 33 touchdown passes allowed.
• 🔄 If Eberflus is replaced, it would be the fourth defensive coordinator in four years, with ownership decisions on previous hires not yielding positive results.

Trevon Diggs' Future

• ❓ There are question marks surrounding Trevon Diggs' future with the Cowboys due to his contentious relationship with the team and off-field issues.
• 🚫 Diggs has not recorded an interception or pass breakup this season and ranks last among starting corners, potentially saving the Cowboys $15 million in cap space if cut.
• 💰 Cutting Diggs could be essential for the Cowboys' cap space management in the upcoming offseason.