Getty Image / Stacy Revere
The Dallas Cowboys are still in great shape as we come down the stretch run of the NFL Regular Season after a 22-20 loss to the AFC East-leading Dolphins. They sit at 10-5, having already clinched a playoff spot in the NFC.
But, according to one NFL executive, the team is imploding after the close loss to the Dolphins, being described as a “front-running bunch”.
This according to a report in The Athletic by Mike Sando.
Opponents have long considered the Cowboys to be front-runners, which could play into the issues away from home. Dallas has covered the point spread nine times, including seven times at home. The Cowboys failed to cover the spread six times, with five of those on the road.
“I think their identity is what it is,” an exec with NFC East experience said. “A front-running bunch, and when they start off hot, they ride it, and when they have to go blow for blow, I think there is … imploding there.”
The Dallas Cowboys are probably the most-hated team in the NFL, so I’m sure plenty of you are wanting this to be true. Maybe it is true. Dallas has had plenty of blowout wins this year, but have not been great in close games or when they get behind early.
Their point differential is +165, second-best in the NFL behind the San Francisco 49ers. But, when trailing early, they’re not good at all, and have been blown out by San Francisco and Buffalo in those games this year. The Cowboys also couldn’t overcome an early deficit to the lowly Cardinals early in the season.
Just as troubling is the fact that they’re undefeated at home, but just 3-5 on the road. That also points to the team needing to be comfortable to play well. Right now, they’re likely to have to go on the road in the Wild Card Round, as the Eagles look likely to win the NFC East. Could the Cowboys be one-and-done in the playoffs once again?
If they are, I’m sure many of you will be thrilled.