The Dallas Cowboys were officially eliminated from playoff contention before their game on Sunday night, but they managed to secure a 26-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, much to the delight of owner Jerry Jones. Despite being out of the playoff race and dealing with uncertainties surrounding coach Mike McCarthy's expiring contract, the Cowboys have shown resilience by winning four of their last five games, all without star quarterback Dak Prescott who is sidelined due to injury.
Jerry Jones expressed his pride in the team's performance, commending their determination on the field. He also praised McCarthy for keeping the team motivated and focused on each game as if they were playing for the Super Bowl.
After three consecutive playoff appearances, the Cowboys found themselves out of contention with three games remaining in the regular season, marking their earliest elimination since 2015. Their upcoming games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will serve as opportunities to finish the season on a positive note.
The reality of missing the playoffs hit both Jones and McCarthy hard, as they acknowledged the disappointment before the game. McCarthy, with a record of 49-33 in regular-season games and 1-3 in the playoffs with the Cowboys, reflected on the team's resilience and focus despite the challenging circumstances.
While Jones praised McCarthy's coaching performance, he remained tight-lipped about the coach's contract status beyond the current season. With two games left in the regular season, the Cowboys will look to build on their recent success and end the season on a high note.
Despite the early playoff exit, the Cowboys have shown determination and resilience in their recent performances, earning praise from their owner and coach for their efforts on the field.
