The Dallas Cowboys hired Mike McCarthy to get the franchise to the next level after years of frustration and relative stagnation under Jason Garrett.
Instead, McCarthy has overseen something of a train wreck.
The Cowboys' 3-9 start is their worst through the first 12 games of a season since 1989, when Jimmy Johnson was preparing to spark a dynasty.
Despite this, McCarthy thinks the team will be better and learn from the adversity going forward:
“I do believe that we will be much better from this experience and all this adversity is happening for a reason, and from adversity and negative experiences, obviously you have a great opportunity to learn and increase your instincts and your awareness. And I feel that our program and our team will be better for this moving forward. It can't happen quick enough.”
There is no question injuries have had a massive impact on Dallas' struggles.
Dak Prescott's season-ending ankle injury was a big blow, but it is becoming clearer the Cowboys are going to have to take the offensive line into account.
Longtime center Travis Frederick retired prior to the start of the year, and Tyron has dealt with persistent injuries and knocks in recent years. La'el Collins has also had multiple serious injuries.
Meanwhile, the defense has been a train wreck. Dallas' ongoing extension talks with Prescott–and plans to pay him a massive sum–essentially made the club resigned to allowing Bryon Jones and a host of secondary players leave town. The secondary has struggled as a result, though fairly underwhelming performances from guys like DeMarcus Lawrence have also played a role.
The Cowboys might need some significant changes in personnel and front-office philosophy going forward, but McCarthy thinks the pain of this season will motivate his team.
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