Last week, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones credited the work McCarthy, backup quarterback Cooper Rush and a makeshift offensive line have done while keeping the hopes of finishing above .500 alive, even if the playoffs have officially become out of reach for the franchise for the first time since 2020.

The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season has been nothing but a rollercoaster with way more downs than ups through 17 weeks of play. Just a week ago, Dallas (7-9) celebrated a 26-24 upset victory over the then-NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite being eliminated from postseason contention.