They are in the midst of a five-game losing streak, their longest losing streak since the 2015 season. That was the year before Dallas drafted running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott. One of the biggest things that has gone wrong for the Cowboys has been the depth of their defensive line, particularly at their edge rusher position. The team let Dorance Armstrong (three years, $33 million) and Dante Fowler Jr. (one year, $3.25 million) walk in free agency, and both followed former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders where he was hired as head coach. The Cowboys’ thinking was that 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams, and 2024 second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland would fill their shoes behind four-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence and three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons.
Williams ended up tearing his ACL in training camp, and Kneeland returned to the Cowboys’ tour Wednesday as a limited participant after missing Dallas’ last five games with a meniscus injury in his knee. Lawrence remains on injured reserve with a foot injury he suffered in Week 4 with the New York Giants and is part of why the Cowboys’ scoring defense went from fifth-best in 2023 (18.5 points per game allowed) to second worst in 2024 (29.3 points per game allowed). McCarthy hopes the best for his former players, except when he faces them in Week 12 on Sunday and in Week 18. Fowler’s eight and a half sacks this season rank fourth most in the NFL this season. and is on pace to eclipse his career-high sack total of 11.5 set five years ago with the Los Angeles Rams.
“Those guys took advantage of an opportunity they felt they needed to take advantage of,” McCarthy said of Armstrong and Fowler on Wednesday. “Everyone’s situation is different. I’m proud of those guys. They’re playing very well. Dante is off the charts. DA is very consistent in the way he plays. The video I’ve seen of him, I’ve loved it.” I am very impressed. That’s how this game works. The financial component changes teams every year. That’s why it’s always a big challenge. I’m happy they have a great opportunity, and I hope they play. like shit on Sunday.”
