The Dallas Cowboys put on perhaps one of their worst showings on both sides of the ball in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium.
The offense couldn't get rolling, was stopped twice on fourth down, and had multiple fumbles, both of which were lost, coupled with the defense transforming Jacoby Brissett into a Pro Bowler at times, especially in the first half (15 of 22 for 158 yards and a touchdown in the first half) as he filled in nicely for Kyler Murray.
All in all, it was a horror show for the Cowboys, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer knows where it all went wrong.
"I think this game came down to three things," Schottenheimer said. "The giveaway, takeaway battle, which we were not very good, loose with the ball all day, minus three, you're never going to win games being minus three, the last one doesn't count for Dak on fourth and forever.
"Then situational football. We weren't able to sustain enough drives because we weren't good on third down, and they did a good job, converted some third-and-longs."
More: Cowboys' Jerry Jones 'leaning towards' trade after Cardinals embarrassment
Cowboys horrific on third down vs. Cardinals
At one point in the first half, the Cardinals were seven of nine on third down as the defense, which forced several third-and-longs, couldn't get off the field. Also, the offense was just as bad, going 5-for-12 on third down, and that was essentially the game.
The Cardinals were able to put together long, sustained drives by picking up third downs, and Dallas saw itself constantly shoot itself in the foot with multiple turnover on downs, drops, and fumbles to make the mountain to climb impossible.
It was a poor night all around for the Cowboys, and now the bye week comes at perhaps the perfect time because something has to change here.
What that is, I don't know, but what I do know is that the defense can't continue to go along in this manner.
More Cowboys news:
Cowboys could look into pass rush help from Titans ahead of NFL trade deadline
Cowboys trade rumors from Ian Rapoport reveal deadline focus, edge rusher options
Cowboys predicted to pull off deadline trade for $13 million edge rusher
Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson trade rumors give Cowboys, 49ers, Eagles glimmer of hope | Sporting News