Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci criticized his former team's effort and leadership following a 33-30 overtime defeat to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. Speaking on CBS Sports HQ, DiNucci described the loss as "embarrassing" and questioned what would be needed to reverse a pattern of disappointing performances.
Dallas held a 10-point advantage with 3:54 remaining in regulation and had led by as many as 14 points during the fourth quarter. The defeat marked the first time this century that the Cowboys had lost at home after holding that kind of fourth-quarter lead. They had won their previous 69 home games in that situation.
The result was Dallas' third loss in four weeks and extended its record against Arizona at AT&T Stadium to 0-5. The Cowboys reached overtime only after the Cardinals missed an extra point following their final touchdown. A successful kick would have put Arizona in position to win before the extra period.
Arizona's rally came with Gardner Minshew replacing Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Minshew gave the offense a lift, with running back Tyler Allgeier also contributing to the comeback. For Dallas, the defeat represented another setback in its pursuit of a division title, with that race still open.
DiNucci argued that the Cowboys' talent on both offense and defense had not translated into dependable performances. "They stink," he said. He also questioned the team's consistency and effort, saying the intensity displayed by offensive players could reveal whether Dallas was preparing to run or pass. Although he acknowledged his reluctance to challenge NFL players' effort, he said the Cowboys were falling short.
A change at head coach does not appear to be the response team owner Jerry Jones is considering. Jones indicated that dismissing Brian Schottenheimer during the season was not an option. DiNucci instead urged established players, naming Dak Prescott, Quinnen Williams and CeeDee Lamb, to take responsibility for changing the atmosphere inside the locker room and reassessing the team's approach.
DiNucci, who served as a Dallas backup quarterback in 2020 and 2021, also questioned whether the demands surrounding the franchise were affecting players. He recalled tours passing through the facility while he worked out on off days and visitors being allowed to observe workouts and meetings. In his view, the activity surrounding the Cowboys can make it difficult for players to separate football from off-field distractions.
Dallas will face the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles among its next four opponents as it seeks to recover from the loss. The Cowboys will have to wait longer for an extended break, with their bye scheduled for Week 14.
