While the season already feels lost, there's still tons left that can be done here.
No, the Cowboys aren't going to be anywhere near as good as we all hoped when the season began, but that doesn't mean this season can't be viewed as a success or that there isn't a lot left to be gained from it.
Assuming the Steelers and Rams do their part, the Cowboys can win today and have a full game lead over everyone else in a terrible division. Being the leader or even the winner of the NFC East is nothing to brag about, but it would still get them to the playoffs.
While I don't have any faith in Nolan, I still believe in McCarthy and in Fassel despite how disappointing both of them have been thus far. I think they can coach, I just think they're trying too hard right now.
My point is, they have tons to still play for. So if this staff can take this team from a 1-3 start, a historically bad defense, and a shit load of injuries and still find a way to get 10 wins and even a playoff win? I'd consider that a successful season and a reason to believe that they might be able to make some real noise next year with the right changes.
You can build off what happens this year if you end it with good vibes.
But if they flop around all year and finish with 6 or 7 wins in this toilet bowl of a division, it's going to make me question a lot about this staff and if the Cowboys are simply doomed for as long as the Jones' remain as involved as they are.
This to me is the last opportunity to make something of this season. You lose this one, and I don't see these players ever regaining their confidence much like they never ever bounced back after that loss at the Jets last year.
It's put up or shut up time.