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Cowboys Ex Dan Quinn Addresses What Went Wrong in Playoffs

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Adam Schultz | Last updated 3/4/24

Three consecutive 12-5 regular-season records and three consecutive poor playoff losses for the Dallas Cowboys mean that the team simply can't get over that postseason hump.

But ... why not?

“I don't know that,'' said Dan Quinn this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, "and I wish I did. Because part of the reason for going back there last year was to absolutely go for it in the biggest way.''

Quinn was asked, and is talking about, coming up short against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, a recent failure in which Dallas conceded 48 points at home.

And the "going back''? That's a reference to Quinn - then Dallas' defensive coordinator and now the new boss with the Washington Commanders - turning down job opportunities in previous offseasons to make another title push with the star.

And for that reason, especially?

"To come up short in that end, no doubt about that, that hurt and that left a mark,'' DQ said. "It leaves a scar.''

Well, it isn't Quinn's problem now, as that falls on the shoulders of new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

With the Cowboys having a talented roster, to the extent that some have Super Bowl hopes, translating regular season success to the postseason looms as job one this offseason.

Dallas could go 17-0 in the regular season and no one would bat an eye lid as they want to see what version of America's Team comes out when the lights are at their brightest.

Quinn didn't know why Dallas kept falling short, and perhaps Mike McCarthy doesn't, either. Maybe, having a fresh face in the room such as Zimmer can help shed a light on the team's issues.

But yes, it's going to haunt the Cowboys - and Quinn - for a while.

"I think as a competitor ... you keep getting back in the fight and you find the small edges and the small margins to do that, and I know that they will,'' he said of the Cowboys moving forward. "They've got a really strong and solid locker room. And if you have that part right first, that gives you a real chance to make your mark.''

Or to have failure make its mark on you.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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