The Dallas Cowboys have once again flattered to deceive, losing out at the first stage of the playoffs following a stunning performance by the Packers.
Playing at home, where they have not lost in 15 games, and with a 12-5 record, it seemed fair accompli that Dallas would advance, but Green Bay had other ideas.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was as shocked as anyone and while he is not talking about his job on the line, it surely is, with owner Jerry Jones admitting the heat is on, prior to the game.
"I think the biggest thing is, you know, we’re disappointed," McCarthy told reporters. "I got a whole team in the locker room that’s hurting. I haven’t thought past the outcome of this game."
McCarthy has helped the Cowboys to three straight 12-5 seasons but has gone 1-and-out twice in that time span.
"I don’t think anybody saw this coming," McCarthy said. "You got to give Green Bay credit. They came in here hot. And this, you just saw on film over the past month. You know, they executed, and we didn’t. So, we didn’t get it done in any of the phases. We’re hurting, we’re disappointed, every man."
The Packers raced into 27-0 lead early doors and it was always going to be tough to haul Green Bay in after the poor start.
"I wouldn’t say we were we flat," McCarthy said. "There was energy. They made more plays than we did. The big play production; we were minus-three [in turnovers] at halftime. We just didn’t get the stops. Didn’t get it to a two-score game quick enough. So, you know the turnovers and all the things . . . like I said, we did not play to our capabilities."
It"s back to the drawing board for the Cowboys, and the likes of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will have to wait for next season to flex their playoff credentials.
