Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A general view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The NFL season continues to unravel for the Dallas Cowboys, and former defensive end Marcus Spears believes the team’s disappointing 2026 campaign may already be over following another devastating loss.
Dallas suffered a heartbreaking 33-30 overtime defeat against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and falling to 3-5 on the season.
Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show on Monday, Spears delivered a blunt assessment of his former team’s chances moving forward.
“Yeah, it’s a wrap,” Spears said.
“Yeah, it’s a wrap.” After a rough loss to the Cardinals, Marcus Spears delivers his verdict on the Cowboys’ season 😬 (via @RichEisenShow) https://t.co/YvZPEAMERl
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 2, 2026
The former Cowboys defensive end pointed to several recurring problems that continue to prevent Dallas from finding consistency, including defensive breakdowns, an inability to stop the run and struggles against opposing blitzes.
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Spears questions Cowboys’ playoff chances
Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rolls out against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Spears, who spent eight seasons with Dallas between 2005 and 2012 before joining the Baltimore Ravens for the 2013 season, believes the team’s problems are becoming impossible to ignore.
He specifically highlighted the Cowboys’ inability to establish “flow and rhythm,” while criticizing their defensive struggles and failure to handle pressure.
“Can’t be a championship football team, we can’t talk about you being a playoff team… if nothing about your team is consistent,” Spears continued.
His comments reflect the growing frustration surrounding a Dallas team that entered the season with considerably higher expectations.
The latest defeat has also raised questions about head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s job security, particularly after the Cowboys surrendered a 14-point fourth-quarter advantage. The blown lead matched the largest fourth-quarter collapse in franchise history.
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Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott defend Schottenheimer
Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Despite the mounting criticism, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott have attempted to shield Schottenheimer from the scrutiny surrounding the organization.
Jones acknowledged that the entire team deserved criticism following Sunday’s disappointing result.
“It’s an indictment of the whole show,” Jones said after the game. “We did not play well enough to win that ball game.”
With their record now sitting at 3-5, the Cowboys are running out of opportunities to turn their season around.
Dallas will look to get back on track when it travels to face the Indianapolis Colts (2-6) in Week 9 on Sunday.
Another loss would only intensify the pressure on Schottenheimer and the entire Cowboys organization.