Cowboys' Mike McCarthy Says Red-Zone Offense Must Improve After Loss to Cardinals

For the first time in three weeks, the Dallas Cowboys looked vulnerable in their 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium.

It was the Cowboys' talented offense in particular that struggled throughout the afternoon, not being able to get much going as they scored just one touchdown despite getting to the red zone five times.

Coach Mike McCarthy knows they have to do a better job of taking advantage of those types of opportunities.

"We're not executing obviously the way we'd like to," McCarthy said postgame. "I've got to do a better job. It starts with me. … We need to do a better job in the red zone."

While they were arguably the most dominant team in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys haven't exactly been the best when it comes to the red zone thus far.

Aside from its 40-0 demolition of the New York Giants in the season opener, Dallas has gone just 3-of-11 in the red zone this season.

Not exactly a great reflection on McCarthy, who took over the play calling duties this year after former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore decided to part ways with the organization.

Another bad sign for the Cowboys was that quarterback Dak Prescott threw his first interception of the season against the Cardinals. Not exactly what Dallas wants to see after he led the league in interceptions in 2022 with 15.

Dallas is clearly an elite football team on both sides of the ball but their potential inability to punch the ball in in scoring positions could derail their season when it matters the most.

The Cowboys will be looking to bounce back in a big way when they take on a stingy New England Patriots' defense next week.