ARLINGTON, Texas — Just over two months ago, the mood around the Dallas Cowboys was electric. Dak Prescott had fresh ink on a record-breaking contract, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history—a staggering four years for $240 million, with $231 million guaranteed. Hopes were sky-high following a triumphant season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

But those hopes took a sharp dive.

Now, Prescott is potentially facing season-ending surgery to repair a partial avulsion of his right hamstring, which has left the Cowboys reeling. He is set to see a specialist in New York, and if surgery is deemed necessary, the recovery time could stretch to three months, leaving the team scrambling to fill the void.

The Cowboys faced their first game without Prescott against the Philadelphia Eagles, and it was a disheartening 34-6 defeat. Backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance struggled to make an impact, passing for a mere 66 yards combined and handing off five turnovers. Owner Jerry Jones noted the troubling trend, pointing out that even when Prescott was on the field, the team’s performance wasn't up to par. "So, I’m just saying we weren’t playing well with Dak — at all," he stated, hinting at a broader issue beyond just the quarterback situation.

Historically, the Cowboys have found themselves in similar predicaments. In 2015, injuries to Tony Romo led to a disastrous 4-12 season, where the team experienced five consecutive home losses. They tried various backup options without significant success, which foreshadows the present complications.

Currently, Rush and Lance are stepping into critical roles. Rush, 31, who has proved himself as a competent backup with a 5-2 record, will need to find some magic amidst the chaos. In contrast, Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, has yet to showcase the promise that made him a top pick, leaving his future in Dallas clouded with uncertainty.

Despite a lackluster performance against the Eagles, in which he completed only 4 of 6 passes, Lance did express a sense of understanding regarding the offense after a full offseason of training. Amidst the uncertainty, fans and experts wonder if he could emerge as a viable backup for Prescott for years to come or if he could provide a compensatory pick should he excel in the latter half of the season.

As the Cowboys grapple with their quarterback situation, head coach Mike McCarthy also faces scrutiny. His employment future remains uncertain, with many questions circulating about whether he can keep this team motivated going forward. In a season that appears to be spiraling into despair, it will be a challenge for McCarthy to instill pride and ensure that key players are not lost to apathy.

As the Cowboys navigate through yet another possible lost season, both fans and the organization await critical decisions regarding the management, coaching, and the potential of their roster. With eight games still ahead in the season, Dallas must reevaluate its objectives and find a way to rally without their star quarterback.

The big question remains: Can the Cowboys confront these challenges head-on, or are they staring at another disappointing season like in 2015? Only time will tell as they forge ahead in a league full of unpredictability and fierce competition.