Jerry Jones addresses Mike McCarthy's job security following Cowboys playoff loss to San Francisco
The Dallas Cowboys made it a step further this season than last season but the end result was the same – a one-score loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and madness on the final drive of the game. Cowboys team owner and general manager Jerry Jones addressed the media following the team’s second-round playoff exit on Sunday night and specifically responded to questions about head coach Mike McCarthy’s job status.
“No, no, not at all,” Jones said about whether he’s changed his mind about McCarthy staying in Dallas. “The decision for… Our kicker was exonerated with his field goal, in my mind, I’m proud of him. This is very sickening to not win tonight.”
It was a somber scene for the Cowboys as players streamed into the locker room. Cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Jayron Kearse were two of the last players in and their dejection was clear.
Despite the 19-12 loss on the road, Mike McCarthy managed to lead the team to two back-to-back 12-win regular seasons and won the Cowboys’ first road playoff game in 30 years. He’ll have to wait another year to try to break the Cowboys’ NFC championship drought.
Alas, now, it’s back to the drawing board for Jones and McCarthy. Part of the early offseason could include a defensive coordinator search as Dan Quinn’s side impressed once again amid his head coach interviews.
Cowboys’ season ends with wild final play
With six seconds left and on their own 24-yard line, the Cowboys were going to have to get creative to tie their NFC Divisional Game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, they got more creative than anyone was probably anticipating with the formation they drew up for their final play.
With three players wide out left and four players wide out right, it was running back Ezekiel Elliott who snapped the final ball to Dak Prescott. In the end, Elliott was laid out in pass protection by Azeez Al-Shaair. 49ers defender Jimmie Ward then tackled Kavontae Turpin to end the game and the Cowboy’s season.
Dallas had to start changing the game plan amid Prescott’s two-interception first half, Brett Maher’s initial missed extra point and Tony Pollard‘s first-half exit. Still, their defense hung on enough to give the Cowboys a chance late. In their final two possessions, though, they went three-and-out and then had six plays get them just to the 32-yard line to end the game.