Cowboys Reeling After Back-to-Back Losses, Face Critical Stretch to Salvage Playoff Hopes
The Dallas Cowboys are in a tough spot. After two straight losses, they’ve slipped out of the current NFC playoff picture, and with just three games left on the schedule, the margin for error is officially gone.
At one point this season, Dallas looked like a team rounding into dangerous form. Under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys found a rhythm in the middle of the year, stacking wins and building a case as either a Wild Card threat or even a contender for the NFC East crown. But that momentum has hit a wall - and hit it hard.
Losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings in consecutive weeks have not only derailed their playoff momentum, but also raised real questions about whether this team can regroup in time. Now, they’re heading into Week 16 with a must-win game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
And they’ll be doing it with some major changes on the defensive side of the ball.
Injury Shakeups in the Secondary
The Cowboys placed standout cornerback DaRon Bland on injured reserve with a foot injury - a significant blow to a defense that’s already been stretched thin. Bland had been a key piece in the secondary, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in coverage and playmaking ability.
In a bit of good news, Dallas activated Trevon Diggs, who returns to the roster at a crucial time. Diggs brings elite ball skills and can shift how opposing offenses approach the field. The team also elevated veteran corner Corey Ballentine for the upcoming matchup, giving them another experienced option as they try to patch together a secondary capable of slowing down Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ air attack.
A Roster Built to Win - But Running Out of Time
The frustrating part for Cowboys fans? This roster, on paper, still looks like one of the most talented in the league.
Dak Prescott is at the helm with a pair of dynamic wideouts in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, both capable of taking over a game. On the defensive side, Quinnen Williams anchors the front, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has emerged as a key contributor. There’s no shortage of playmakers - but the execution hasn’t matched the potential in recent weeks.
Their last win came on Thanksgiving Day, when they handled a Kansas City Chiefs team that was clearly out of sync. Since then, it’s been a different story.
The Road Ahead: Chargers, Commanders, Giants
The Cowboys’ final stretch features three games they can win - but they’ll need to actually do it.
It starts with the Chargers in Week 16, a team that’s been inconsistent but dangerous when Herbert is on his game. After that, Dallas closes out the regular season against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants - both division opponents, both capable of playing spoiler.
If the Cowboys want to get back into the postseason mix, it’s going to take more than talent. It’s going to take urgency, execution, and a defense that can hold up despite the injuries.
The clock is ticking. And for Dallas, the playoffs have effectively started now.