Trailing by just four points early in the second half, the Cowboys opted for a risky fake punt from their own 38-yard line. This decision significantly impacted their chances of staging a comeback.

Less than three minutes later, the Atlanta Falcons capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a touchdown after taking possession on the Cowboys’ side of the field, thanks to one of Kirk Cousins’ three touchdown passes.

Suddenly, the Cowboys found themselves down by two scores in a 27-21 defeat, raising concerns about their ability to turn their season around.

With a record of 3-5, this marks the first time since a four-game losing streak in 2020 that the Cowboys have lost three in a row.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott did not make the trip to Atlanta, and two other crucial players, Prescott and wide receiver DeeDee Lamb, exited the game due to injuries.

The team’s struggles were compounded by nine penalties for 55 yards, a source of frustration for head coach Mike McCarthy. He expressed the urgency of needing to secure a win. “We need to win a game,” McCarthy stated.

“I know what everybody wants to talk about long-term. We understand where we stand with five losses and what it will take. We’ve got to start winning.”

He also highlighted the team’s tendency for self-inflicted mistakes, including several pre-snap penalties that he deemed unacceptable.

The failed fake punt is seen as another error on the part of the Cowboys. Punter Bryan Anger’s pass was incomplete because C.J.

Godwin slipped during the fourth-and-2 attempt. This call was unexpected, especially considering the tight score, with the Falcons leading 14-10 and the field position being risky.

“The fake punt was a matchup we felt confident about going into the game,” McCarthy explained, adding that it was at this point the Falcons took a two-score lead.

McCarthy confirmed that Elliott’s absence from the trip was a “team discipline situation” and mentioned plans to reassess the situation on Monday. Prescott conveyed his desire to support Elliott during this tough period.

“It’s definitely a challenging situation for me, being as close as I am with him,” Prescott said.

“I want to help. It’s mutual decision for him not to travel, as he needs to focus on himself. We need to rally around him and be the teammates and brothers we are; good things will come from this.”

Prescott’s primary concern now is understanding the severity of his hamstring injury that kept him from playing in the fourth quarter. He noted,

“I felt a pull, something I’ve never experienced before.” An MRI is scheduled for Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

“It was tough to walk on it,” Prescott shared. “I know how crucial this game was for us. I wanted to be out there competing and fighting.”

He remains determined, stating, “It’ll take a lot for me not to play in next Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia.” Meanwhile, Lamb, who suffered a right shoulder injury, was able to return late in the game.

The Cowboys’ performance raises significant concerns about their direction this season.

With injuries and penalties plaguing the team, the upcoming games will be critical for their hopes of turning things around. McCarthy’s acknowledgment of the self-inflicted issues and the need for discipline highlights the urgency within the organization.

As they prepare for the next game, the Cowboys must find a way to address these challenges and regain their footing in a competitive season. The situation with Prescott and Elliott adds further complexity, as their contributions will be essential in upcoming matchups.

The team’s ability to respond to these setbacks will determine their trajectory as they strive to improve their record and salvage the season.