Mike McCarthy reacts to Cowboys' failure to stop Bills, running back James Cook
The Dallas Cowboys had an abysmal night offensively and defensively in the 31-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Missing starting veteran Johnathan Hankins at defensive tackle, the team played with rookie Mazi Smith. Although the first-rounder out of Michigan notched his first NFL sack against Bills QB Josh Allen, it was the only highlight from the defensive line in Buffalo.
Bills running back James Cook had success around the edges and through the gaps on his way to a career-high 179 rushing yards.
“They got on our edge a bunch,” head coach Mike McCarthy said postgame. “I know [defensive coordinator Dan Quinn] and the guys were very impressed throughout the week. They performed that way. They broke contain, they broke tackles, they won the bend-back battle. They were better at it today.”
The lack of stopping power was apparent for Dallas, as was the inability to cope with the physicality Buffalo brought to the field on Sunday. Despite dominant performances over the last two weeks, the Cowboys once again sputtered against a talented opponent on the road. Things won’t get easier for the defense in Week 16, either. The Miami Dolphins have two running backs capable of gashing defenses for chunk yardage with Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane.
“We gotta be better,” McCarthy said. “They ran the ball way too effectively. Our run defense needs to do much better, without a question.”
Cook cooks Cowboys defense
Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons was baffled by his team’s performance after the game. He gave props to Cook, however, for exposing the team’s weakness.
“Just thought (Cook) did a great job of being patient,” Parsons said. “He was explosive, making people miss. He’s been a good back all year. He did a lot of great things tonight.”
Parsons finished the loss with two tackles on the stat sheet. The Cowboys defensive line made first contact with Cook at or behind the line of scrimmage just once on his 25 carries. After the game, the former Georgia running back took to social media to bask in the victory.
“I work my tail off every day,” Cook said postgame. “So the confidence level is gonna come in practice. Once you want to practice hard, and do the things right, it’s a confidence booster and it’s gonna show on Sundays.”
As the Dallas Cowboys move on to Miami, the Bills now prepare for a road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. They’ll play on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.