Cowboys penalty problem might cut their season short again

The Dallas Cowboys have put themselves in a spot nobody thought was coming after the season’s first week.

They sit 8-3, the fifth seed in the playoffs, and only two games back from leading the best division in football, but one problem has traveled into this season with them and may cost them a game when it matters most.

Penalties. Dallas committed the most in football in 2021 and had 127 for 1103 yards. This season they are right on track to have that number again. They are currently second only behind the Broncos for the most in football. They have committed 83 for 626 yards, including 13 for 86 yards in their win on Thanksgiving day.

It still irks me that this team finds ways to extend a drive for an opposing offense after a third down stop or put themselves behind the sticks on first or second down when on offense.

I understand that players aren’t going out there and thinking, “I am going to hold them this play.” Sometimes you get caught in the wrong spot, a player sells it very well, etc.

Nonetheless, come playoff time, having this many in a game will cost them against the 49ers, Bucs, or whoever they match up with.