FRISCO — Perhaps the bye week was not the reprieve the Dallas Cowboys needed after a 47-9 bludgeoning Sunday afternoon. Rather than the focus of a new opponent, or no focus given the team is not competing this weekend, Dallas remains the talk of the league because of their tumult in the first six weeks.
Jerry Jones' radio fit did not help the cause and has instead drawn in more concern about where the team stands nearly midway through the season.
Now, most teams possessing a 3-3 record would not have such a stench of negativity around them. However, the Cowboys team wreaks of it amid their bye week.
Injuries have played a part certainly. Losses of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks in just the last few weeks have hindered the team's prospects. But even with those players present, the quality opponents on their schedule have boat raced them now three times in their home stadium.
Those performances leave the nasty taste and provide an answer as to why conversation around the team has seeped so low this week. Notorious Cowboys hater Stephen A. Smith even put on a facade of concern for "America's Team."
Wednesday, he addressed their situation as worse than the New York Jets on ESPN's First Take.
“There's no question that it's worse in Dallas. It’s so bad in Dallas, it’s hard for me to laugh. And you know how much I love laughing about those Cowboys.”
Certainly the seasoned on-camera pro has mastered his Cowboys' criticism routine, adding in a twist here that deviates from usual meaningless vitriol. Does he make a point with his comparison?
Those who have not realized the "all in" campaign was doomed from the start may feel the current shock of this Dallas disappointment. The lack of offseason moves, the lame-duck coach and the idle activity on the trade market reflects the complacency with where the team is at.
As for the Jets, they have crawled miles to satisfy Aaron Rodgers, now trading for receiver Davante Adams, but sit in a 2-4 hole. Their situation and that of the Cowboys differs a great deal.
Looking at the Cowboys specifically, those who still hold out hope for this team will have to watch a near incapable group make significant turnarounds to become a playoff contender. Either Dallas pulls off such a miracle, or arrives at the eventual "blow it up" destination.
