As the Dallas Cowboys entered Week 17, they were riding high on a 4-1 run, despite the increasingly slim chances of making the playoffs. During this stretch, one of the major reasons the team was being celebrated was the resilience they displayed. Mike McCarthy’s squad was proving to be a tough, determined group, refusing to give up despite the odds stacked against them. The players’ grit, their ability to fight hard no matter what, was a narrative that gained plenty of admiration from both fans and analysts alike.

However, on Sunday, the Cowboys faced the Philadelphia Eagles in a 41-7 loss that sent the narrative crashing in the opposite direction. What had been a story of resilience suddenly turned into a debate on whether or not the Cowboys had quit. A dominant defeat like that inevitably leads to questions about the team’s commitment, effort, and overall fight, especially when a playoff berth is out of reach and morale is low.

Yet, one of the Cowboys’ standout players, left guard Tyler Smith, quickly shut down this line of thinking with a clear and strong postgame message. Addressing reporters in the locker room, Smith spoke from the heart, delivering an impassioned defense of his teammates. “It’s extremely hard (to lose this way),” Smith acknowledged, reflecting the frustration and disappointment felt by everyone in the locker room. “But one thing I can definitely say is nobody on our sideline quit—not one person threw in a towel, folded, started pointing fingers, or any of that. So I can definitely say our guys are just one of a kind. We’re going to come in, we’re going to work.”

At face value, Smith’s words could easily be dismissed as typical player talk—what you’d expect to hear after a tough loss. However, given the context surrounding the Cowboys’ current situation, these comments are bound to be examined more closely. The looming question of Mike McCarthy’s future as head coach hangs over the franchise, and with just one more game left in 2024, the decision on his future will soon come to a head. The final outcome of the season could ultimately determine whether McCarthy is retained or replaced.

Smith’s message—while not directly referencing McCarthy—can be interpreted as support for the entire coaching staff. For the last month, Cowboys players have been vocal in backing McCarthy despite the team’s struggles, and though Smith didn’t single out the head coach, his remarks suggest a collective effort from the team. If the players want McCarthy to be re-signed for another season, which, at this point, feels like a 50-50 proposition, they’ll need to deliver a strong performance in Week 18. A solid finish to the year, particularly against a division rival like the Washington Commanders, would give the team a positive note to end on as owner Jerry Jones ponders his next move.

Smith wasn’t shying away from the reality of the loss, but his focus on the future was evident. “The result wasn’t nearly what we wanted today,” he said, acknowledging the disappointment that came with the defeat. “But at the end of the day, we’ve got one more opportunity next week. That’s all we can focus on, so that’s all we’ve got to do.”

In many ways, Smith’s words reflect the mindset the Cowboys need to carry into the final game of the season. The loss to the Eagles was undeniably tough, but the team has one final shot to turn things around and show that they are a resilient group with potential moving forward. The outcome of Week 18 might not change their playoff fate, but it could shape the future of the team and its leadership. For now, the Cowboys are focused on closing out the season with as much fight and determination as they’ve shown all year—because, as Smith said, it’s all they can do.