Super Bowl LVIII is here, and it’s going to be a showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. With the 49ers representing the NFC, it marks another season that the Dallas Cowboys didn’t make it to the big game.
The Cowboys’ playoff push as a whole came out disappointing, falling in major-upset fashion to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round. Recently, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence opened up about the loss — what did he have to say?
DeMarcus Lawrence Talks About Cowboys’ Devastating Loss
Despite going 12-5 and securing the NFC’s second seed, the Cowboys fell to the seventh-seed Packers 48-32. For the Packers, the win was the first time a seventh-seed had won a playoff game.
“We was just burned out, man,” said Lawrence on ESPN’s First Take. “Long season, team dominantly healthy through the season. The legs get tired.”
.@TankLawrence on why the Cowboys aren't in the Super Bowl: pic.twitter.com/nwMU6x6rPX
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 8, 2024
He did, however, also give props to Green Bay and their game plan against the Cowboys. “You gotta give hats off the Green Bay, man. They came out with a great game plan,” said Lawrence. “They jumped on us fast, and that’s how it happened.”
On the season, the Cowboys had the fifth-ranked defense in total yards. They allowed just 299.7 yards per game and 36 touchdowns on the season. However, the Packers’ offense had no issues. Quarterback Jordan Love completed 16 of 21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.
In addition to Love, running back Aaron Jones had 21 rushing attempts for 118 yards and three more scores. As a whole, the Packers scored six offensive touchdowns and had 415 total yards.
The Cowboys also had some offensive issues that held them back. Coming into the postseason, the Cowboys had the fifth-ranked offense in the NFL, averaging 371.6 yards per game and scoring 57 touchdowns.
However, despite a successful regular season, Dallas scored just seven points in the first half, and quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown. Prescott was 41 of 60 for 403 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The second half was better for the Cowboys, with them scoring 25 points. Yet, it wasn’t enough to make a comeback, especially with the Packers still scoring consistently. Fourteen of the Cowboys’ points came inside the final six minutes of the game.
MORE: Will Dan Quinn’s Departure Set Back the Cowboys’ Defense?
For Lawrence, he had a down year in 2023. Playing in all 17 games, he compiled 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He’s spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Cowboys, totaling 436 tackles, 93 tackles for loss, 58.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles and two interceptions. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!