Why Jerry Jones Must Fire Jason Garrett for Causing Dallas Cowboys Loss

The Dallas Cowboys are 7-5, but should be 8-4. 

Instead of holding a crucial two-game lead over the division rival New York Giants, they hold only a one-game lead with two games remaining against the Giants.

The Cowboys are 3-1 over their last four, with the lone loss coming yesterday in Arizona. The Giants, meanwhile, are 0-4 in their last four.

Yesterday's loss rides solely on the shoulders of head coach Jason Garrett, as he inadvertently iced his own kicker.

Rookie kicker Dan Bailey had already booted four game-winning field goals this season for the Cowboys: twice against the Redskins and once against the 49ers and Dolphins.

Bailey, who made the first kick that did not count, then missed the second.

The Cowboys ultimately lost in overtime and now the season hinges on the Cowboys' games with the Giants.

And guess what? That doesn't bode well for Dallas.

The Cowboys have survived by the skin of their teeth for much of the season. Four game-winning field goals from their kicker should tell you all you need to know. 

And now, in the month of December, the Cowboys have to deal with Tony Romo's demons. 

Romo is great in November, but bad in December. The Cowboys' starting QB is 8-10 in December/January games and now has to take on a Giants team that should have beaten the undefeated Packers on Sunday.

There is a chance of the Cowboys losing the NFC East and still earning a wild-card berth, especially the way things are going in the NFC right now, but if they miss the playoffs by a game, there is good reason for Jerry Jones to consider the future of his head coach.

Garrett has not been great by any means—and neither have the Cowboys as a team, for that matter.

Dallas has failed to find postseason success for too long now. For Garrett to potentially "ice" the chance away in that manner—if the Cowboys should falter down the stretch—is inexcusable.

Jones has been awfully "kind" in regards to both Garrett and Romo so far, but if they continue to fall short, something has to change.

That change almost always starts with the head coach.