5 Cowboys who deserve blame for ugly Christmas Eve loss vs Dolphins

1 & 2. Hunter Luepke/Tony Pollard

Cowboys fans have been calling for Hunter Luepke to get more touches, especially in short-yardage situations.

For whatever reason, Luepke's number was called early and often on Sunday. While Lupeke came through on his first few carries, Mike McCarthy dipped into the well one too many times after Tony Pollard was stuffed short on what looked to be a surefire touchdown in the first quarter.

Getting back to Luepke, the undrafted free agent fumbled a handoff -- that Dak Prescott put on his jersey number -- on the goal line and the Dolphins recovered. It was a devastating end to a perfect opening drive for the Cowboys. The fumble was charged to Prescott, but Lupeke flat out muffed the handoff. The rookie was hungry for a TD, but made the cardinal sin of taking off without the football.

None of that happens, though, if Pollard scores on the previous play. Credit to Deshon Elliott for an incredible tackle, but Pollard cut right into the Dolphins safety. Look at this picture and try to explain how Pollard doesn't score.

Brutal. So, so brutal.

Pollard's been highly disappointing deep in the red zone this season. With Pollard struggling and the moment proving to big for Lupeke, maybe Rico Dowdle will get some more opportunities around the goal line going forward.

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