The Dallas Cowboys lost again. For those keeping track, that’s three straight. It wasn’t all that long ago when we were crossing our fingers that this team could fight its way back into playoff contention. Alas, those carrots are cooked. While the game teased us with the belief we might see something good, it eventually faded, and it was more of the same for this football team. Here are 10 thoughts on the Cowboys’ 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

1. It started as a shootout

In true Cowboys’ fashion, the game script started out as one might...

The Cowboys knew they’d likely be in this situation. After their last loss, Dak Prescott admitted their playoff odds were all but extinguished, even though Dallas wouldn’t be officially eliminated until Saturday. Prescott spoke about playing for pride and wanting to finish the season strong even if the postseason was no longer an option.

Perhaps they need a new goal to push for, because there wasn’t much to be proud of during a 34-17 loss to the Chargers.

Things started off positively, with the Cowboys getting the ball first. Looking to finally start fast on offense, Brian Schottenheimer got aggressive...

When I look at the history of the Dallas Cowboys, I’m reminded just how hard it is to separate good players from truly great ones and CeeDee Lamb and Michael Irvin are now in a league of their own.

Championships matter, iconic moments matter, but what about consistency over time? That’s where legends are made.

When it comes to wide receivers in Dallas, only two names have ever reached a benchmark that ties directly to sustained excellence. Those names are Micheal Irvin and CeeDee Lamb.

They are the only two receivers in Cowboys history [to record five consecutive seasons of...

Jerry Jones: Cowboys ‘underachieved’ in 2025 but bullish on future – Todd Archer, ESPN

The Cowboys owner is always selling.

But Jones does not believe that the Cowboys are far from making an extended postseason run.

“We’ve got a team that I think has got a top future, as far as next year’s concerned,” Jones said. “Starting with the offense, starting with that as we stand here tonight. And I think we’ve got the bones of a heck of a defense out there as well.

“And so, I think that as we do things...

We can finally lay the 2025 season to rest for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas’ season ended before they even had a chance to take the field for their 15th game of the season.

The Philadelphia Eagles attended to that Saturday evening, clinching the NFC East with a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders.

For the players and coaches, there are only two things remaining to play for. Pride and avoiding a second-consecutive losing season.

That particular calamity hasn’t befallen this franchise since the Dark Ages of the 2000, 2001, and 2002 seasons under Dave Campo, which all...

When an NFL season reaches the point that this one has for the Dallas Cowboys, ginning up some enthusiasm can be tough. Unless you are actively rooting against the team in hopes of getting a higher draft pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. At this point, that does give you something to latch on to when the game is on, but personally speaking, I get very conflicted in trying to root against Dallas. In the end, it just doesn’t sit right.

Anyway, there is no way around it, the Cowboys have two more games to play...

Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season is nearly complete, with only two more games on the slate before shifting focus to Week 17.

On Sunday Night Football, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, defending home field versus the second seed New England Patriots.

Monday Night Football will feature an inter-conference matchup between the playoff-hopeful Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers.

There were a handful of intriguing matchups filled with drama, and teams needing victories to keep their seasons alive.

When the day started, there were seven NFC teams already eliminated...

The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but they did so with something interesting happening along the offensive line. Tyler Smith played left tackle. We joke about the names along the offensive line so to be clear we are saying it again. Tyler Smith played left tackle, as in the normal starting left guard (just want to be clear here).

Following the loss, Brian Schottenheimer noted that Smith is going to stay at left tackle across the final two games of the regular season.

The Cowboys have a need at left tackle because Tyler Guyton (as...

The Dallas Cowboys entered the Week 16 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers with nothing to play for after the Philadelphia Eagles victory over the Washington Commanders officially eliminated them from the playoffs. While the Cowboys seem to make a effort, it was no surprise to see them lose 34-17 to the Chargers Sunday afternoon. We might see much of the same the final two games of the regular season.

Although it was a loss, the Cowboys did make the game somewhat entertaining Sunday afternoon. They were going toe-to-toe with the Chargers in the first half, but failed to get...

Officially the Dallas Cowboys are out of the playoffs, but for the team the show must go on. The Cowboys took to the field in what was the final home game of the season against the L.A. Chargers who were looking for another victory to keep up the pressure in the AFC West on the Denver Broncos. L.A. got the win with another poor Cowboys’ defensive effort, but what did social media have to say about the game?

Dallas get the ball and start off quick. George Pickens making a very hot start.

Injury update

Ryan Flournoy opens up the...

From a postseason perspective, the Dallas Cowboys saw any hopes of a miracle come to an end last night with the Philadelphia Eagles winning the NFC East. For some, that fact will make their Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers sweeter.

Losing 34-17, Dallas fell to 6-8-1 on the year, which improved their draft position while marking a new low for the team this season. It is the Cowboys’ third straight loss.

This was, once again, a loss that came at the hands of nearly all levels for Dallas. Offensively, the unit collapsed in the second half, and...

The Chargers won the toss and deferred which put the Cowboys offense on the field first.

It was a very methodical and efficient drive for the Cowboys to get things started. Across 10 plays they traveled 79 yards and cashed in with a touchdown where Dak Prescott and Ryan Flournoy hooked up.

SCORE: COWBOYS 7, CHARGERS 0 (Dak Prescott to Ryan Flournoy touchdown)

It was seriously as ideal of a drive as you could have envisioned. Given that it was the first drive Dallas had after being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention only twisted the knife.

Up next was the...