×
Dallas Cowboys Struggle Again, Playoff Picture Looks Bleak | Deadspin.com

Dallas Cowboys Struggle Again, Playoff Picture Looks Bleak | Deadspin.com

Sports news

There is plenty of time for the Dallas Cowboys to think about running out of time this week.

Dropping to 3-5-1 puts the Cowboys 11th in the NFC playoff standings — well outside the bracket — with only five teams beneath them. When the Cowboys woke up Tuesday mourning the Monday night loss to the Arizona Cardinals (3-5), they were closer to a top-10 draft pick than a postseason spot.

Spending the bye week with a self scout is normal and expected, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer won’t likely appreciate what he finds out about the men in the mirror.

At the moment, the Detroit Lions (5-3) are the last team in the NFC playoffs, a No. 7 seed that shows just how loaded the conference could be in a January conference tournament.

The Bears (4-4) are the first team out and already have a tiebreaker win over the Cowboys. Same goes for the Minnesota Vikings (4-4). Arizona (3-5) beat Dallas on Monday, expects starter Kyler Murray to be ready to play next week and has the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule even in the loaded NFC West.

At 2-4 in the conference, the Cowboys strength of victory — an official tabulation by the league — is the lowest in the NFC (.231) outside of the Saints (1-8), who are at .222.

While the Cowboys rest this week and return to play the Raiders on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11, they also have matchups left with the Vikings, Lions, Eagles, Chiefs and Chargers.

Schottenheimer did more harm than good Monday with head-scratching play-calling in the red zone that gave off the appearance he was more concerned with fooling counterpart Jonathan Gannon than pulling the right play. He might’ve been better off pulling play calls out of a hat.

Sacks — five allowed — and turnovers (three) doomed Dallas on Monday.

Their inability to get to quarterback Jacoby Brissett meant the Cardinals had all the time they needed to spread the ball around and function offensively even with a QB2 at the helm and a band of third-team running backs (James Conner and Trey Benson are on IR) sharing the load in the backfield.

Even if the Cowboys beat the Raiders, an 11-day run playing the Eagles (Nov. 23), Chiefs (Nov. 27) and Lions (Dec. 4) might as well be auditions for the Fat Lady, because it’ll pretty much be all over in Dallas by then.

A Christmas Day game against the Commanders? The regular-season finale against the Giants? Both are of interest only for draft position.

Source link
#Dallas #Cowboys #Struggle #Playoff #Picture #Bleak #Deadspin.com

Related Posts

Deadspin | Hector Herrera, Dynamo deal another shutout loss to Orlando City Apr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night. Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early. It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland. Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season. Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected. Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless. In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless. Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away. It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark. Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #CityApr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night.

Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early.

It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland.

Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season.

Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected.


Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless.

In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless.

Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away.

It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark.

Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #City">Deadspin | Hector Herrera, Dynamo deal another shutout loss to Orlando City Apr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night. Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early. It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland. Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season. Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected. Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless. In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless. Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away. It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark. Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #City

Formula One’s governing body has ​hailed drivers for their ‘invaluable’ input ahead of a teams meeting on ‌Monday that will put forward proposed rule changes to ​improve racing.

The sport has undergone the biggest change in ⁠decades on the chassis and engine with new power units that are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.

Drivers have, however, complained about ‌the impact on racing and raised safety concerns from having to ease off the throttle early and coast ‌into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the ‌battery.

International ⁠Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social ⁠media on Sunday that there had been “constructive and collaborative discussion” between the governing body and drivers ahead of the meeting with team principals and F1 stakeholders.

“The ​drivers have provided invaluable input ‌on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing.”

Ben Sulayem said a series of meetings had also been ‌held with technical representatives of teams and engine manufacturers ​to discuss proposed changes.

“Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,” ⁠he added.

“Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-Vote.”

Mercedes driver George Russell, ‌a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), told reporters last week that the relationship between the drivers and FIA was “probably the closest” it had been in years and the governing body understood what needed to be done.

“There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA, and everybody is aligned with what ‌we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I think the two headline points are flat-out ​qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.”

Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed heavily in ⁠Japan last month in an incident that sparked calls for the ⁠FIA to make safety-related changes.

Bearman’s car hit the barriers with a force of 50G after approaching and swerving to ‌avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine with a 50-kph difference in speed between the cars as one deployed an electrical power boost ​while the other was low on battery and lacked power.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Formula #FIA #hails #invaluable #input #drivers #ahead #rules #meeting">Formula One — FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting Formula One’s governing body has ​hailed drivers for their ‘invaluable’ input ahead of a teams meeting on ‌Monday that will put forward proposed rule changes to ​improve racing.The sport has undergone the biggest change in ⁠decades on the chassis and engine with new power units that are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.Drivers have, however, complained about ‌the impact on racing and raised safety concerns from having to ease off the throttle early and coast ‌into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the ‌battery.International ⁠Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social ⁠media on Sunday that there had been “constructive and collaborative discussion” between the governing body and drivers ahead of the meeting with team principals and F1 stakeholders.“The ​drivers have provided invaluable input ‌on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing.”Ben Sulayem said a series of meetings had also been ‌held with technical representatives of teams and engine manufacturers ​to discuss proposed changes.“Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,” ⁠he added.“Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-Vote.”Mercedes driver George Russell, ‌a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), told reporters last week that the relationship between the drivers and FIA was “probably the closest” it had been in years and the governing body understood what needed to be done.“There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA, and everybody is aligned with what ‌we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I think the two headline points are flat-out ​qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.”Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed heavily in ⁠Japan last month in an incident that sparked calls for the ⁠FIA to make safety-related changes.Bearman’s car hit the barriers with a force of 50G after approaching and swerving to ‌avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine with a 50-kph difference in speed between the cars as one deployed an electrical power boost ​while the other was low on battery and lacked power.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Formula #FIA #hails #invaluable #input #drivers #ahead #rules #meeting

Deadspin | Cincinnati rallies late to force eventful draw vs. Fire Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson (12) (center) heads the ball clear away from Chicago Fire FC midfielder Dje D’avilla (42) during the first half of an MLS match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images FC Cincinnati scored twice in the final 15 minutes of regulation to earn a 3-3 draw against the visiting Chicago Fire Saturday evening. Hugo Cuypers found the net twice for Chicago, extending his team lead to six goals on the season. But Cincinnati (2-4-2, 8 points) used goals in the 79th and 86th minutes to end the Fire’s (4-2-2, 14 points) three-match MLS winning streak. The match was a battle, with 41 total shots, 16 shots on goal, 20 combined fouls and seven combined yellow cards. After a scoreless 25 minutes to start, both teams heated up offensively, combining for three goals in the next 20 minutes plus stoppage time. Cuypers got the scoring, connecting on a right-footed shot with assists from Philip Zinckernagel and Jack Elliott to give the Fire a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. In the 42nd minute, Cincinnati striker Tom Barlow tied the match when the rebound of Chris Brady’s save of Bryan Ramirez’s shot fell to his feet at the edge of the 6-yard box. It looked like that 1-1 tie would hold going into halftime, but Cincinnati’s Samuel Gidi picked up a costly foul on Cuypers in the third minute of stoppage time. Zinckernagel took advantage with a right-footed penalty shot that got past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano and gave the Fire a 2-1 lead. Things went from bad to worse for Cincinnati three minutes into the second half when Cuypers scored again to increase the Fire’s lead to 3-1. Just when time was starting to dwindle, Cincinnati roared back. Evander, who scored 18 goals a season ago, notched his first goal of the season in the 79th minute on a penalty kick set up by Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s foul of Gerardo Valenzuela on his run into the box. Cincinnati then leveled in the 86th minute on an own goal from Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla directly off an Evander free kick. Despite an extended 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time, neither team could find the net, with Brady making his eighth save to keep the game level. Celentano finished with three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cincinnati #rallies #late #force #eventful #draw #FireApr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson (12) (center) heads the ball clear away from Chicago Fire FC midfielder Dje D’avilla (42) during the first half of an MLS match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

FC Cincinnati scored twice in the final 15 minutes of regulation to earn a 3-3 draw against the visiting Chicago Fire Saturday evening.

Hugo Cuypers found the net twice for Chicago, extending his team lead to six goals on the season. But Cincinnati (2-4-2, 8 points) used goals in the 79th and 86th minutes to end the Fire’s (4-2-2, 14 points) three-match MLS winning streak.

The match was a battle, with 41 total shots, 16 shots on goal, 20 combined fouls and seven combined yellow cards.

After a scoreless 25 minutes to start, both teams heated up offensively, combining for three goals in the next 20 minutes plus stoppage time.

Cuypers got the scoring, connecting on a right-footed shot with assists from Philip Zinckernagel and Jack Elliott to give the Fire a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute.

In the 42nd minute, Cincinnati striker Tom Barlow tied the match when the rebound of Chris Brady’s save of Bryan Ramirez’s shot fell to his feet at the edge of the 6-yard box.


It looked like that 1-1 tie would hold going into halftime, but Cincinnati’s Samuel Gidi picked up a costly foul on Cuypers in the third minute of stoppage time. Zinckernagel took advantage with a right-footed penalty shot that got past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano and gave the Fire a 2-1 lead.

Things went from bad to worse for Cincinnati three minutes into the second half when Cuypers scored again to increase the Fire’s lead to 3-1.

Just when time was starting to dwindle, Cincinnati roared back. Evander, who scored 18 goals a season ago, notched his first goal of the season in the 79th minute on a penalty kick set up by Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s foul of Gerardo Valenzuela on his run into the box.

Cincinnati then leveled in the 86th minute on an own goal from Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla directly off an Evander free kick.

Despite an extended 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time, neither team could find the net, with Brady making his eighth save to keep the game level.

Celentano finished with three saves.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cincinnati #rallies #late #force #eventful #draw #Fire">Deadspin | Cincinnati rallies late to force eventful draw vs. Fire Apr 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson (12) (center) heads the ball clear away from Chicago Fire FC midfielder Dje D’avilla (42) during the first half of an MLS match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images FC Cincinnati scored twice in the final 15 minutes of regulation to earn a 3-3 draw against the visiting Chicago Fire Saturday evening. Hugo Cuypers found the net twice for Chicago, extending his team lead to six goals on the season. But Cincinnati (2-4-2, 8 points) used goals in the 79th and 86th minutes to end the Fire’s (4-2-2, 14 points) three-match MLS winning streak. The match was a battle, with 41 total shots, 16 shots on goal, 20 combined fouls and seven combined yellow cards. After a scoreless 25 minutes to start, both teams heated up offensively, combining for three goals in the next 20 minutes plus stoppage time. Cuypers got the scoring, connecting on a right-footed shot with assists from Philip Zinckernagel and Jack Elliott to give the Fire a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. In the 42nd minute, Cincinnati striker Tom Barlow tied the match when the rebound of Chris Brady’s save of Bryan Ramirez’s shot fell to his feet at the edge of the 6-yard box. It looked like that 1-1 tie would hold going into halftime, but Cincinnati’s Samuel Gidi picked up a costly foul on Cuypers in the third minute of stoppage time. Zinckernagel took advantage with a right-footed penalty shot that got past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano and gave the Fire a 2-1 lead. Things went from bad to worse for Cincinnati three minutes into the second half when Cuypers scored again to increase the Fire’s lead to 3-1. Just when time was starting to dwindle, Cincinnati roared back. Evander, who scored 18 goals a season ago, notched his first goal of the season in the 79th minute on a penalty kick set up by Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s foul of Gerardo Valenzuela on his run into the box. Cincinnati then leveled in the 86th minute on an own goal from Chicago’s Dje D’Avilla directly off an Evander free kick. Despite an extended 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time, neither team could find the net, with Brady making his eighth save to keep the game level. Celentano finished with three saves. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cincinnati #rallies #late #force #eventful #draw #Fire

Post Comment