Mike McCarthy Reveals His Motivating Message To Cowboys Players
11/14/2024 04:07 PM
At 3-6 on the season and firmly on the hot seat regarding his future, things are looking grim for Mike McCarthy in Dallas.
The Cowboys have lost four games in a row, and now will be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott for the rest of the season. Dallas' next two games are against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans on Monday night and the NFC East's top team, the Philadelphia. Nevertheless, McCarthy is trying to remain positive despite the daunting task ahead.
The veteran head coach spoke with reporters Thursday about his message to his players.
"I'm never gonna try to be somebody else," McCarthy said, via Pro Football Talk. "I think it's important for all of us to operate in that phase, because we were all brought here for a reason. We've done good things together. So we need to continue to work and stay convicted to that commitment. So if anything, these moments really confirm who you are, why you're here. That's the way I look at it.
"I think this is an incredible opportunity for this football team, what's in front of us. To be into this valley of adversity, to come out of this would be a great story. There's a ton of work, and the only work we're really focused on is beating the Houston Texans, but this is a great opportunity for us, and I tell these guys repeatedly, just enjoy this. This is something you can really learn from for the rest of your life."
After going 6-10 in his first year in Dallas in 2020, McCarthy led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons. However, the team's record in playoff games during that stretch was just 1-3.
At this point, even getting back into the wild card hunt would be a major accomplishment for Dallas. The team's offense has had issues all year long even when Prescott was healthy; that seems unlikely to change now that journeyman Cooper Rush is leading the unit.
If things continue down this path, the Cowboys will have their first losing season in four years and just their second campaign under .500 since 2011.
Oh, and McCarthy will be looking for a new job in January.
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