Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci delivered a scathing assessment of his old team after their 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium in Week 8. The defeat dropped the Cowboys to 0-5 all-time against the Cardinals in their home venue and marked the first time this century Dallas has lost a home game after leading by 14 points in the fourth quarter, having won the previous 69 such contests.
DiNucci calls loss 'embarrassing'
Speaking on CBS Sports HQ, DiNucci did not hold back. "This was absolutely embarrassing today," he said. "They stink. I'm lost for words, honestly. They have so much talent on both sides of the ball, and year after year, week after week, all we see is just letdowns from them." The Cowboys held a 10-point lead with 3:54 remaining in regulation but allowed the Cardinals to rally, aided by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and running back Tyler Allgeier. A missed extra point by Arizona gave Dallas a second chance in overtime, but they could not capitalize.
Questions of effort and culture
DiNucci questioned the team's effort and consistency. "When you turn on the tape week in and week out... the effort is not there for the Cowboys. You never know what team you're getting week in and week out," he said. He also pointed to off-field distractions, noting that tours run through the facility on off days, making it hard for players to compartmentalize. DiNucci urged veteran leaders like Dak Prescott, Quinnen Williams, and CeeDee Lamb to take control of the locker room and change the culture.
No coaching change imminent
Team owner Jerry Jones has indicated that firing head coach Brian Schottenheimer mid-season is not under consideration. With upcoming games against the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles before a Week 14 bye, the Cowboys face a critical stretch to salvage their season.
