The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season has taken a disappointing turn after a stretch of victories had fans dreaming of playoff success.
From Week 11 to Week 13, Dallas seemed unstoppable, stringing together wins that showcased their potential and fueled high expectations. But consecutive losses to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings abruptly derailed those hopes, leaving the franchise teetering on the edge of postseason elimination.
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Hall of Famer Michael Irvin didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with what he’s seen play out.
“When you see a team beat the reigning champions and other perennial powerhouses, you start to believe in their potential,” Irvin said on the “It Is What It Is” podcast. “Then you watch them lose to teams they should have handled, like Minnesota.
“How do you measure a team like that? They rise to the occasion when the odds are against them but falter when it’s expected they should succeed. It’s a straight pride issue, not a physical one. You need some Viagra, Cialis, whatever is out there. That’s my issue. It has to be about pride because the talent is clearly there.”
Irvin‘s critique focused squarely on quarterback Dak Prescott. While the Cowboys’ defense has finally begun to stabilize after early-season struggles, Prescott and the offense have failed to maintain consistency. According to Irvin, the quarterback possesses the skill set to elevate the team to elite status, but when the defense performs well, the offense often falters instead of building momentum.
Wins against top-tier teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles showed what Dallas is capable of, but inconsistent performances against less formidable opponents have undermined the team’s progress.
Inconsistency costs Dallas
The Cowboys’ struggles were on full display in Week 14 against Detroit. Even though Dallas out-gained the Lions 417-408 in total yardage, the offensive line’s protection breakdowns left Prescott exposed. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 376 yards, adding one touchdown but throwing two interceptions, while taking five sacks.
Week 15 against Minnesota offered little improvement. Prescott finished 23 of 38 for 294 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, taking two more sacks. This marked his third game of the season without a touchdown pass, and the Cowboys lost each time.
Irvin‘s frustration highlights a larger concern as Dallas has seemingly improved, but the offense hasn’t been able to perform when they’ve needed to the most.
As the season winds down, the Cowboys face mounting pressure to achieve offensive consistency. Irvin‘s candid assessment serves as a stark reminder that talent alone cannot carry a team.
