"We dem boys!" is starting to sound like "who are these guys?"

The Cowboys: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Jason Garrett
Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Jason Garrett coaching on the sidelines.

The Week Six game between the Cowboys and the Jets was like most football games; there was the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. The end result left a bad taste in the mouth of every Cowboys' fan, but there were other takeaways from this sad loss in East Rutherford.

The Good

The defensive front seven is playing very well. Guys like Demarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn were able to get some pressure on Sam Darnold. Quinn added two sacks Sunday, bringing his season total to five.

Kicker Brett Maher made two key field goals from 50 and 62-yards in the first half. The 62-yarder as time expired in the first half tied a Cowboys record that Maher had set himself last season. However, he did miss a 40-yard field goal in the third quarter. Those three points could have propelled the Cowboys to a victory, but Maher still performed admirably this game. Ezekiel Elliot added another 100 yards to his season total, but took a pounding every time he touched the ball. This has to be a wake-up call for the Cowboys. For a team supposed to be contending for a Super Bowl, the Cowboys could find themselves sitting at home come playoff time.

The bad

The Cowboys defensive secondary has been bend don't break for too long, and on Sunday they finally broke in half. Sam Darnold and the Jet's offense were able to figure them out early, and took full advantage of their soft coverage. Jets receiver Robby Anderson had the play of the game when he torched the Cowboys backfield for a 92-yard touchdown reception. Both defensive backs Jeff Heath and Chidobe Awuzie could not keep Anderson and the Jets receivers in front of them all game.

The ugly

With tackles Tyrone Smith and La'El Collins inactive for the game, the Jet's defensive coordinator was able to come up with multiple rush packages to disrupt the Cowboys' depleted offensive line. Under constant duress, Prescott struggled through poor throws, short throws, and a barrage of body blows. He did find some rhythm in the second half, but it felt more like a Blake Bortles garbage time performance than Dak and the Cowboys electric offense that was on full display weeks1-3. What also didn't help was the horrendous play-calling. On 4th and 2 on the seven-yard line, Garrett called for a QB run option instead of handing the ball off to Elliot, or settling for an easy field goal. Of course, it failed and on the very next play, Darnold threw his 92-yard bomb to Anderson putting the Jets up 14-6. One more time, the Cowboys and Garrett heavily underestimated his opponent.

While the season is not doomed with the loss to the Jets, the Cowboys certainly missed a golden opportunity. Next up, the Cowboys run face first into division rival Philadelphia Eagles, who are also 3-3 and coming off a tough loss.

The season may not be over for the Cowboys, but unless he starts learning from his mistakes, Jason Garrett won't be allowed to waste all this talent for much longer.


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Where do the Texans go from here?Composite Getty Image.

Coming off a disappointing loss to the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs, we examine what went wrong for the Texans, and how they can improve the team this offseason.

Once again the offensive line was the weak link on the team, and according to PFF had their worst performance of the season versus KC, posting a 44.9 pass blocking grade.

Right tackle Blake Fisher struggled the most, recording a 33.7 pass blocking grade. But it wasn't all on him, when he was given help from tight ends and running backs, it didn't make much of a difference. In some ways, attempting to chip pass rushers made things worse for Fisher. The help he was expecting didn't deliver, which caught him off guard.

Clearly the team missed tight end Cade Stover (broken collarbone), as Dalton Schultz was forced into more pass blocking situations where he failed repeatedly and looked like he had no interest in being physical.

Another area of concern was special teams. Kicker Kaimi Fairbairn was a big reason the Texans lost the game, shrinking in clutch situations and further proving he's a significantly worse kicker when he's not in the cozy temperature-controlled confines of NRG.

Considering the outlook in the AFC for the foreseeable future, trusting Fairbairn to perform in Buffalo, Baltimore, or Kansas City in January seems foolish.

But it's hard to believe Houston will move on from Fairbairn due to his contract. And the same goes for Schultz. One way the Texans can minimize Fairbairn's struggles would be to secure a bye in the playoffs next year, and avoid going on the road in the divisional round.

Looking for positives

Despite the loss, the Texans top players graded out well against KC, according to PFF.

Highest graded Texans

NIco Collins 85.5

CJ Stroud 85.3

Will Anderson 81.9

Danielle Hunter 80.8

Laremy Tunsil 75.9

Henry To'oTo'o 74.6

Final thoughts

Anyone with eyes knows that the Texans have to upgrade the offensive line next season. But next on the list has to be the receiving corps. At this point, you can't count on Tank Dell being healthy next season. Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III have been unable to get open in the NFL. So, should the team consider re-signing Stefon Diggs, who's also recovering from a serious knee injury and well into his thirties? That's a big no for me personally.

Hopefully the Texans prioritize youth and spend one of their first two picks on a receiver. A dynamic pass-catching tight end that can actually block should also be considered.

Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap breaks it all down!

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