Jake Ferguson Takes Blame for Dallas Cowboys Loss, But Earns Coach's Praise

Jake Ferguson Takes Blame for Dallas Cowboys Loss, But Earns Coach's Praise

The Dallas Cowboys’ passing offense has been a bit of an adventure through eight games led by quarterback Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who are keying the new "Texas Coast Offense.''

Since the Week 7 bye, receiver Lamb has put up nearly 350 receiving yards in the three games, rekindling the connection he has with Prescott and getting his way after expressing frustration with his targets.

And where else is help coming from? Tight end Jake Ferguson has made significant strides in his second professional season and is Dallas’ second-best target right now while quickly becoming one of Prescott’s preferred weapons. ...

And while also taking blame for a key mistake in last week's 28-23 loss at Philadelphia.

Ferguson getting tackled after a catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

"I put that one on me, honestly," Ferguson said after a loss that dropped Dallas to 5-3. "The play before was a delay of game. I just couldn't hear ...''

.@dallascowboys it comes down to the details. Have to score from the +1. One side is picture perfect; one side doesnt get it done. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/c3lURsV3cw

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 6, 2023

Ferguson was supposed to "rub'' a defender as he crossed paths with teammate Luke Schoonmaker, who would've been wide-open had Ferguson done it right.

Instead, a controversial call negated the Dak-to-Schoon late-game TD, and Ferguson feels responsible.

"I've got to know in that situation what kind of play we're going to call,'' he said, "what we're thinking."

Meanwhile, though, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy is full of praise for Ferguson's growth.

“You can just see that in the changes he’s made to his body and then this opportunity now as a starter,” McCarthy said. “He’s getting better and better each week and the connection between him and Dak has really grown.”

Ferguson’s strong offseason helped him bring a new level of physicality and durability to his game. He’s on track to blow past last season’s snap count (480) and is only getting stronger as the season progresses.

He has 32 catches for 328 yards and three scores so far this year, and it’s worth mentioning that Week 9’s loss to Philadelphia saw him generate season-highs in targets (10) and yards (91). Although Prescott opted to look elsewhere on a late fourth-down incompletion, it’s clear a rapport has developed between the two.

“I think that kind of goes off Dak and I’s relationship and what we're trying to build and keep striving for," Ferguson said. "But it also goes back to our scheme and what Schotty (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) and coach McCarthy are kind of putting into our heads.''