Mark Eckel insider exclusive: Why are the Dallas Cowboys struggling in 2024?

When it comes to insider knowledge in the NFL, few can match the depth and insight of Mark Eckel.

Much like the famous phrase “When EF Hutton talks, people listen,” when Mark Eckel writes, you need to pay attention. Eckel’s weekly Rant Sports stories are a must-read for anyone serious about understanding the intricacies of the league.

With direct access to coaches, scouts, and front office personnel, he brings readers the kind of information that goes beyond the surface, offering a glimpse into the strategies and decisions shaping the game.

Each week, Eckel will dive into the latest trends and emerging talent across the NFL, revealing what coaches are saying about their teams and how front offices are planning for the future. From scouting reports on up-and-coming players to behind-the-scenes insights on trade talks and draft strategies, his analysis is invaluable for fans and analysts alike.

Eckel’s unique perspective allows him to dissect the nuances of player performances and coaching decisions, making his commentary essential reading for anyone wanting to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. Don’t miss his latest piece as he dishes out the inside scoop that could change the way you view the NFL.

Why are the Dallas Cowboys struggling in 2024?

Despite their troubles in the postseason, the Dallas Cowboys have won 36 regular-season games the past three years under head coach Mike McCarthy.

If that 12-wins a year trend is going to continue this season the Cowboys, currently 3-4, are going to have to go 9-1 over their last 10 games. That’s probably not going to happen.

So what did happen?

According to an assistant coach with knowledge of the Cowboys who requested anonymity so he could speak openly, the Cowboys suffered a major loss this offseason and wasn’t a player.

“Dan Quinn,’’ the coach said, referring to the former Cowboys defensive coordinator, now the head coach in Washington. “I know they’re having problems on both sides of the ball, but just look at the defense. Yeah, there have been some injuries, too. But if you’re asking me (I was), the Cowboys really miss Quinn. It’s not their fault he left. He had a chance to be a head coach again. Who wouldn’t take that? But to me that’s the big difference in the Cowboys this year.’’

The numbers certainly bear that out. 

Under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, Dallas is allowing 28.3 points per game, the second highest average in the league. And have allowed 44 points in a game twice in seven games. The Cowboys are allowing 154 rushing yards a game, 30th in the league Their third-down defense is the worst in the league allowing teams to convert at a 69.4 percent rate. They are also allowing 8.5 yards on third downs, 30th in the league and quarterbacks average a rating of 100.4 against them.

None of that is very good.

In fact, it’s really bad.

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Last year in Quinn’s final year as defensive coordinator before being hired away by Washington. Dallas allowed 18.5 points per game (almost a 10-point difference). And it didn’t allow more than 31 in any game, and only 30 once until the Packers put up 48 in the playoffs. The Cowboys allowed108 rushing yards per game (46 yards a game difference). The third-down defense was allowing a conversion rate of 37 percent. 

Also the Cowboys recorded 46 sacks and 26 turnovers last year under Quinn. This year through seven games they have 16 sacks (a pace for 38 for the season) and five turnovers (a pace for 12 for the season). 

“I don’t want to criticize (Zimmer),’’ the coach said of the former Minnesota Vikings head coach. “He’s been around. He’s had his moments. But I don’t know. He’s not Quinn. I think the Dallas players would tell you the same thing if they could.’’