Mike McCarthy names two biggest off-season priorities for Cowboys
Mike McCarthy took the podium on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine to talk to the press for the first since late January. The Dallas Cowboys' HC had plenty to say, including an announcement on Dak Prescott's recent surgery. Among other things, McCarthy discussed the Cowboys' top two priorities during the offseason. It's no surprise […]
Mike McCarthy took the podium on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine to talk to the press for the first since late January. The Dallas Cowboys' HC had plenty to say, including an announcement on Dak Prescott's recent surgery.
Among other things, McCarthy discussed the Cowboys' top two priorities during the offseason.
It's no surprise that No. 1 on the list had to do with cutting down on penalties. The Cowboys led the NFL with 141 penalties against in 2021, ten more than the second-worst team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
The team's discipline problem was perhaps the biggest reason why they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card as they had 14 penalties total in a one-possession loss. Several of which came in key moments and forced the Cowboys to face multiple third-and-longs on offense.
There's nothing more frustrating than drive-killing penalties, particularly in close games. It makes sense that it's the Cowboys' top priority heading into the offseason.
McCarthy's second priority is a more ambiguous one. "Being better at handling adversity." Although no one would disagree with such a goal, it isn't as clear-cut as the yellow flags issue.
The Dallas Cowboys were good in some areas when fighting adversity. Specifically, they were able to make up for key injuries across the roster. DeMarcus Lawrence's absence resulted in the unleashing of Micah Parsons as a pass rusher. Cedrick Wilson stepped up big while Michael Gallup was unavailable.
Even when Dak Prescott was inactive for the Minnesota Vikings game, the Cowboys got the upset win with Cooper Rush under center.
But there were two kinds of signature losses for the 2021 Cowboys that highlight how poorly they performed against adversity. 1) Those in which they were punched in the mouth and physically dominated like the 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos. And 2) those in which even though they were given opportunities, again and again, they let countless opportunities slip away. Losses to the Cardinals and the 49ers are the perfect examples of this.
The Dallas Cowboys will need to attack their woes against adversity on various fronts. Execution wise. Game planning wise. Even in-game management, when at times McCarthy's decision-making was far from optimal.
Maybe the coaching staff should take a long look in the mirror to figure out their own trends to avoid these adverse situations week in and week out.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
