The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season is now over. Just like in most of the games down the back end of the season, the club played hard and fought with valiant effort, but they weren’t good enough to seal the deal.
Leading 19-16 late, Dallas had Washington in fourth-and-one outside of field-goal range. With the Commanders scoreboard watching in their quest to lock up the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs, backup QB Marcus Mariota kept the ball on a read option, moving past rookie LB Marist Liufau for the easy first down. Safety Malik Hooker was fooled on the play, watching the running back get stuffed, and allowed Mariota to run deep into Dallas territory. Two plays later, with just six seconds on the clock, Mariota found Terry McLaurin in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
Mariota came in relief of starting Jayden Daniels. The rookie wasn’t injured, but was sacked four times in the first half and Washington’s offense wasn’t doing much with him under center.
The 23-19 win was Washington’s 12th win on the season, Dallas’ win total each of the last three seasons. The loss dropped Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys to 7-10 on the year. Now the offeason begins for Dallas with the biggest question being whether or not McCarthy will return for a six year at the helm.
Owner Jerry Jones has been supportive of McCarthy despite the disappointing season, but has made no indication towards extending an offer after the coaches contracts all expire in the next week or so. McCarthy could even eschew a contract and sign elsewhere, as he is under no obligation to return if offered.
Once the coaching staff is settled, the team will then move on to in-house free agents, external free agents and the 2025 NFL draft.