FRISCO — The conversation around the Dallas Cowboys was overcast with pessimism before they faced the Washington Commanders Sunday afternoon. Taking a 34-26 win in that contest, some of that negativity disappeared for the time being.
Dallas snapped their five-game losing streak and while some narratives have darted to whether or not this team decides to tank, now the buzz moving toward the topic of Mike McCarthy's job status and potential extension. Jerry Jones openly discussed the possibility of McCarthy returning to Dallas beyond this season as he is on the final year of his original agreement with the team, insisting the idea isn't "crazy.''
"Crazy? I mean ... I really haven't talked about it all year, so I'm definitely not going to start on a short week and an important division game. But I'm not going to throw away positive vibes either, so keep 'em coming," he said. "That's all good. But, yeah, that's not something I'm really focused on."
Along with McCarthy, several other names have been rumored as potential suitors to lead the Cowboys after this season. As far as where the current head coach stands, there could be a number of different answers.
However, riding the "positive vibes" could be his most viable strategy as he closes the season. At 4-7, the odds remain against the Cowboys to get into the playoffs or come close to that point. But given their remaining schedule and the mentality on display Sunday, tanking may not fully come into frame either.
So with the Cowboys stuck in the middle of those two strategies, the best way for McCarthy to proceed is a strong finish. With the limitations of this roster that may not translate into a stark turnaround in the win column, but instead change the optics of what has been a down year.
