Brett's Cowboys Corner

As the Cowboys gear up to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, Dallas will reflect on itself after a disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions. Coach Schottenheimer was honest, saying the team didn’t have their best day overall.

“Were we tired — I don’t know, maybe. We had to play a lot of games but, at the end of the day, I believe in this group of young men. I believe in the fact that we are an energetic group.” Schottenheimer told the media.

They’ve consistently dug themselves into early holes by getting outplayed in the first quarter. Through 13 games, Dallas has been outscored 109–49 in the first frame, and it’s a trend they’re determined to correct before kickoff against Minnesota.

The Cowboys are in need of finding their rhythm quicker, and getting off to a faster start on Sunday Night Football.

On the other sideline, J.J. McCarthy will lead the Minnesota Vikings into AT&T Stadium. Although it has been an overall disappointing season for the Vikings.

McCarthy was recently cleared from concussion protocol and suited up in a dominant Week 14 performance, completing 16-of-23 passes for three touchdowns in a 31–0 shutout victory over the Commanders.

The Cowboys’ pass defense has allowed 255.2 passing yards per game this season, the most in the NFL. McCarthy is coming off a career high for passer rating, 129.2.

J.J. McCarthy has broken the 200-yard passing mark just once in his career, when he threw for 248 yards in Week 10 against the Ravens.

Overall, the Cowboys will have to control only what’s ahead of them as they look to finish this season strong.