The Dallas Cowboys have just lost their third game over the last four weeks.
They could not overcome the Las Vegas Raiders who were on a losing streak of three games and fell 36-33 in overtime.
Even though the Cowboys failed to live up the expectations and made many avoidable mistakes, the game was decided by the referees.
28 penalties were called for total of 176 yards. This includes several crucial defensive pass interference calls which could have completely changed the momentum.
When Dak Prescott Cowboys QB was asked about the game, he called out the referees. However, he stated that the team should focus on what they can control.
“It’s obvious. They definitely affected the game,” Prescott said, per NBC Sports. “But we’ve got to self-reflect and keep the officials out of the game. One way or another, we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to be disciplined. We’ve got to focus on controlling what we can control. Obviously, they’re going to happen. Feel like we’re targeted a little bit, but in the same instance, yeah, we’ve got to be better on our end to try to keep them out of the game.”
The Cowboys are currently in their worst stretch and many are questioning if they are ready to make it to the playoffs.
Prescott, however, doesn’t seem to be too concerned about their drop and called out those who doubted them after such a strong start to the season.
“We’ll be OK. I’m sure there’s some people jumping off the bandwagon, but we know what we’re capable of,” Prescott told the media, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
This is similar to Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, describing the team’s recent troubles. The controversial businessman remains confident that his team will overcome the hump.
“You have to look forward. Yesterday is as dead as Napoleon. It’s gone,” Jones said, as quoted by Charean Williams. “And so we have to look at how to improve. The sky is not falling. When you look at the six games ahead that we have, the cavalry is coming. We’ve gotta take a deep breath and remember that this time of year is where you’re dealing with attrition. You’re normally dealing with a depleted situation in your personnel. Here we come with fresh legs.”
Cowboys expect their star receivers to return next week. Amari Cooper should be cleared following missing back-to back games with COVID-19. CeeDee Lamb should also clear the league’s concussion protocol.
They are able to win most of their games, including games against Washington Football Team and meetings with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.