Many had similar sentiments after the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins were steamrolled out of the NFL playoffs during wild-card weekend.
The way of thinking was obvious because it’s clear the Cowboys and Dolphins are stuck as playoff pretenders and probably won’t be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the foreseeable future until they make drastic changes.
For Dallas, that could mean a change at head coach, especially with Bill Belichick available after parting ways with the New England Patriots after six Super Bowls titles in 24 seasons. Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys were crushed by the Green Bay Packers for another quick postseason exit, giving team owner Jerry Jones plenty to contemplate.
Over in Miami, the Dolphins might need an upgrade at quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa delivered his latest disappointing performance during the 26–7 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But the Detroit Lions and Packers proved that patience with quarterbacks occasionally pays off with postseason success. Green Bay made Jordan Love wait his turn behind Aaron Rodgers, and the Lions didn’t give up on Jared Goff after the Los Angeles Rams did.
After an eventful wild-card round, there were many narratives to examine for this week’s “Fact or Fiction.”
Manzano’s view: Fact
First of all, McCarthy should receive plenty of credit for turning the Cowboys into a perennial contender in the NFC East, and he improved the offense during his first season as the offensive play-caller. But as my colleague Conor Orr pointed out, Jones has made it virtually impossible for coaches to live up to the high expectations in Dallas unless it ends with a Super Bowl title. There is, however, one available coach who doesn’t mind lofty goals and constant pressure. Jones needs to at least make a run at Belichick, who could help the Cowboys win postseason games and at least advance to an NFC title game for the first time in three decades.
Dak Prescott made a strong statement in support of McCarthy after the Cowboys’ ugly wild-card loss to the Packers. But he might change his tune if Jones lands the future Hall of Famer. Also, if Jones whiffs on Belichick, he can turn to Mike Vrabel or maybe join the Jim Harbaugh sweepstakes. Also, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin might be available via trade.
Again, McCarthy has done a fine job, but the Jones family isn’t searching solely for NFC East titles, and there are too many excellent coaches available to not at least explore options.
