Cowboys news: Dan Quinn cites “unfinished business” for coming back to Dallas defense this year

         Dan Quinn addresses HC buzz, three two-point tries – Nick Harris, DallasCowboys.com

Head coaching speculations are swirling around the DC once more.

It is well known that Dan Quinn declined head coaching opportunities the previous offseason in order to stay on as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for at least one more season. Today, he provided some insight into the decision-making process behind that decision as well as his approach to the potential for those opportunities to arise again this coming offseason.

Quinn stated, “I think it’s important to know how to compartmentalize.” “Fortunately, any preparation you would do for that is done over the summer months in that particular place. I would be more than willing to talk about that right away if and when that time comes. Separating oneself these days is not too difficult. To be honest, I wanted to come back here because of the guys I get to coach, so I’m not going to let that opportunity pass by.

“I had unresolved business with these men, and I didn’t want to see anybody else train them. I knew I had unresolved business with them because of it, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to follow through as much as possible. I really do feel that way once more. Staying here now makes compartmentalization simple. It’s not as complicated as you may assume because I already reside in that area.”

A Cowboys’ win, an Eagles’ loss, and a happy Monday Morning Quarterback – Richard Paolinelli, Inside The Star

The NFC East hasn’t had a repeat winner in 18 years, and the Cowboys are in great position to extend that streak with a win on Sunday.

Dan Campbell, the former Cowboys’ tight end and current Lions Head Coach, was gambling like he was using stolen money on Saturday.

He went for it on fourth down three times, converting twice. He ran a fake punt in the first half from his own 28.

That gamble failed to produce points when a fourth-and-four pass fell incomplete seven plays later.

Then came the final sequence of plays with 23 seconds left.

Campbell went for the win, got it, and had it erased by a penalty. With the ball back at the seven, he had a chance to go for the tie.

He kept the offense out there, had an incomplete pass, and got bailed out by a Micah Parsons offsides.

You’d think he’d figure the odds were against him, but with the ball at the three, he went for two.

And rolled snake eyes when Goff’s pass hit the turf at the one.

With a shot at the top seed in sight, I understand the aggression. Maybe, though, it was time to be more cautious there in light of the craziness of the first two plays?

On Saturday, there were other coaches making equally perplexing choices as Campbell.

Dan Quinn’s explanation of what his defense was (supposedly) doing on that last drive would be fascinating to hear.

They played it safe, went soft, and came dangerously close to losing and missing out on winning the division.

Biggest Question Mark for Every NFL Team That Has Already Clinched a Playoff Berth – Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report

The Cowboys have plenty of reasons to be motivated playing for a playoff game at AT&T Stadium, where they’ve won 16 in a row.

Dallas Cowboys: Questionable Coaching

The Cowboys can claim the NFC East in Week 18 by beating the Washington Commanders. That would make Dallas a tough out, because the Cowboys have been a juggernaut when playing in Arlington.

The Cowboys haven’t been perfect, though, even at home. They narrowly escaped the Lions on Saturday, thanks to a controversial finish and despite Mike McCarthy’s poor late-game clock management.

McCarthy called a passing play late in the fourth quarter from the Lions’ 33-yard line. It fell incomplete, the Cowboys went on to kick a field goal, and Detroit got the ball back with 1:41 left to play. The Lions went on to score a touchdown, though their potential go-ahead two-point try was nullified when Taylor Decker was deemed ineligible.

His clock management has been scrutinized dating back to McCarthy’s days with the Packers, and it’s not the only reason to wonder if he can steer Dallas through a deep playoff run.

This season, McCarthy’s club has struggled to prepare for road games (3-5) and against good opponents; Dallas has a 3-4 record against teams that are currently above.500. Dallas, which entered Sunday ranked second in the NFL with 113 penalties, has also struggled with mistakes.

The Cowboys will probably need to play flawless football in close games against elite teams in order to win a Super Bowl, and they won’t get a home playoff game unless they win the division in Week 18.

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