The Cowboys' season is not over despite demoralizing 3-3 record

Anytime a team loses multiple important contributors, their play takes a step back. The reliance on rookies to seamlessly replace starting-level talent is a risky bet, and the Dallas Cowboys are suffering from it.

A team's record, a player's stats, and headlines alone don't tell the whole story, but when they all tell the same story of disappointing play, it's time to take notice. With a 3-3 record and non-encouraging play heading into Week 8, is the Cowboys' season over?

In some respects, it may seem so. Injuries have plagued the defense, setting up practice squad players to start for the team at cornerback and defensive end. Questionable play along the offensive line, among the receivers and quarterback adds to the concern. Yeah, it seems like everything is going wrong.

Why the Cowboys' season isn't over despite demoralizing 3-3 start

Dallas' bye week came at a convenient time. That is, to nurse the hurting Cowboys, analyze what is going wrong, and plan how they can fix it. It's safe to say no team member should have had an easy week.

It may be painful to hear, but things can't get worse from here. The defense will eventually get healthier, the penalties should even out, and the rookies should improve. They are all hypotheticals, which is not the best thing to bank on, but one can only get so low.

A positive is that two of the better teams in the NFL, the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, are behind them. The downside is upcoming matchups against the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If Dallas was to only lose those four games for the rest of the year, the Cowboys would end up with a 10-7 record. That could be just enough to secure a spot in the playoffs. At this point, the team's success must come one week at a time.

It wouldn't be unheard of for the Cowboys to finish the season strong with a 7-4 record. Last year, Dallas' final 11 games resulted in an 8-3 record. The circumstances are different, but the outcome is within reach.

First and foremost, the team must be healthy. Relying on fourth-string players leaves the roster lacking in talent and consistency. That consistency is needed to prevent giving up the chunk plays that have been eating away at them.

The offense lacks discipline, often jumping a snap early resulting in false starts or getting caught holding. They must clean up the penalty issues. They are forcing too many third and long situations.

The offensive line must play better in all parts of the game, especially at the tackle positions. Quarterback Dak Prescott needs time to find open receivers since they haven't created separation themselves.

The team must address many issues despite owner Jerry Jones thinking otherwise. The season is salvageable, but it's a steep uphill battle. With a loss expected against the 49ers in Week 8, we'll have to wait until Week 9 against the underperforming Atlanta Falcons to see if things get turned around.

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