Dak candid on his play vs. Packers, McCarthy future
Texas's Arlington The Dallas Cowboys' 2023 season ended the same way the jumbotron's screen did after the team's victory over the Green Bay Packers. A division winner and No. 2 seed was intimidated and boat raced by a No. 7 seed in their own home, in one of the most shocking defeats you'll probably ever witness. This has raised doubts about Mike McCarthy's future.
The Cowboys have demonstrated resilience throughout the season in the wake of season-ending defeats to both impact and cornerstone players, but that is all irrelevant right now. The offseason has come with a bang, and things are not looking good for the next few months.
"I think the biggest thing is, you know, we're disappointed," McCarthy stated. "Everyone on my team is hurting in the locker room. I haven't given this game's conclusion any thought."
Given that general manager and owner Jerry Jones had previously planned to meet with him following this game, regardless of the result, to talk about the team's direction, he will inevitably be forced to do so.
Now that Jones has acknowledged he's "stunned" by both the loss and the manner in which it occurred, all eyes are on him to name his team's head coach. Jones is the one who guided the Cowboys to three straight 12-win seasons, two division crowns, and a 16-game winning streak at home.
However, that streak came to an abrupt end on Sunday.
QB Dak Prescott, for his part, had nothing but positive things to say about McCarthy's tenure in Dallas. Over the previous few months, the two became closer as the latter assumed play-calling responsibilities. This led to a historic season for CeeDee Lamb and an MVP nomination for Prescott, who also won a third Pro Bowl selection.
However, against the Packers, everything that could have gone wrong did so, including Prescott's two interceptions (one of which was a pick-six) on a night when play on both sides of the ball was crazily unpredictable.
Prescott says that the Cowboys' franchise quarterback should take full responsibility for his own play if McCarthy is being held accountable for the events of the Wild Card game.
McCarthy has "been amazing," according to Prescott. "I understand the industry, but I'm not sure how there can be [speculation about his future]. If so, it ought to also be about me. It's thanks to him that I've had this season. It is mostly down to him that this team has had such success.
"I am aware that the Super Bowl is at stake. That's the bar for this league and, quite obviously, this establishment. Though add me to the list in that scenario, I understand."
Although Prescott is anticipated to speak with the Cowboys about a contract this offseason, he is now at a loss for words when attempting to explain what transpired against the Packers.
"It's tough to give you that answer when I just went out there and we just did that," he responded. "Sadly, the offseason—which is quite lengthy—is used for just that. Yes, that is the response I wish I could give you."
He also offered his ultimate evaluation of how he believes he performed in the most significant game of the season, completely brushing aside any and all regular season honors, all in keeping with his tone of brutal, unapologetic honesty.
"I'm not a guy who lives in the past," he replied. "Where my feet are and at this moment, yeah, I sucked tonight, that was it. Even though I started it a little late, it didn't matter at that point. Fall, that's all I truly know how to do.
"It's all about winning—winning the playoffs, qualifying for the final game, and winning it too. Yes, it is difficult.
The list of choices Jones and the Cowboys must now make is also growing.