Dallas Cowboys: Why losing against the Colts matters going forward

All losses matter. The Dallas Cowboys wretched loss against the Indianapolis Colts showed a common theme in all their losses and some major concerns.

The Dallas Cowboys abysmal performance in the game Sunday afternoon should leave fans deeply concerned. Who knew the game was essentially over when the Colts scored with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter? Who knew the team would be shut out for the first time in 15 years?

While we can all revel in success and write about the good things when the Cowboys win, we cannot overlook the bad things that continually hold the team back. This not a good omen if the team is going to have any sustained success. Let’s take a deeper look.

The Offense

We obviously have to start here. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will be asking questions again about his job security despite last week’s offensive outburst. Why? Simply put, this team has had issues all season long finishing drives, even in wins. Moreover, there was no offensive balance.

The Red Zone has once again reared it’s ugly head. The fourth down play call after the dropped touchdown pass , early in the first quarter was poorly designed, disguised, blocked, and executed. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was set deep in the backfield and there was no question where the play was going.

The play never had a chance to evolve, as Elliott was smothered in the backfield and subsequently fumbled. Far too many plays were blown up by poor blocking and missed assignments.

The offense was frequently behind the chains due to missed throws or penalties. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw the ball 39 times and suffered three more sacks. Linehan needs to explain why Elliott had eight carries for 47 yards after the first quarter and only ten carries for 40 yards the rest of the way.

Sound familiar?

The Special Teams

The Cowboys special teams are not so special. Virtually every game, I hold my breath with each kickoff, field goal, or punt. I’ve come to expect some sort of undisciplined penalty or giving up a good return to the opponent. This is not a new situation as this has gone on for a number of years.

This unit hasn’t been able to develop a dynamic returner since the departure of Dwayne Harris. With Harris, you could sensed that he could break off a big return at any moment. I don’t get the same feeling with Cole Beasley

You rely on the special teams to steal the momentum or a possession with a big play. We just don’t see that with this unit. What we see is mistakes

The Defense

The defense has played spectacular despite being hung out to dry repeatedly by the offense. However, today was not the greatest day at the office. The unit was eaten up on the ground and could not get off the field on third down.

Drives that ended in field goals were at least 10 plays each. The two field goal drives in the second half, combined for 22 plays and chewed up 14 minutes and eight seconds. Thus, leaving the defense out on the field almost an entire quarter.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was not sacked once. We’ve seen this before in other losses where the defense cannot apply pressure to force the opposing quarterbacks into mistakes. Most notably in their last loss to Tennessee, where Marcus Mariota sat back and picked the defense apart.

While winning the East is not a forgone conclusion, you’d like to think the Cowboys can right the ship in the next two weeks. This loss should have all Cowboy fans worried if this team will be one and done in the Wild Card round.

What are your biggest concerns? Tell us in the comments section below.