Dallas Cowboys: 3 Takeaways vs. Seahawks in Week 16

The Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention by the Seattle Seahawks. Still, there was plenty to take away from the loss.

The offense of the Dallas Cowboys was supposed to take a step forward or even a step back into the success they had last season with Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the field in Week 16 from his six-game suspension. His return was expected to help Dak Prescott be a better quarterback and the entire offense be better as a whole.

Somebody forgot to tell the rest of the team because Prescott was rushed heavily all day due to an injury of Tyron Smith in the first quarter creeping back to the surface, and wide receivers such as Dez Bryant were unable to catch passes by the Cowboys’ second-year quarterback.

The Cowboys’ game plan did not seem to work well, they were mostly ineffective in performing in a must-win game and the result is they will not be making a trip to the NFC playoffs as the 21-12 loss sealed their elimination and effectively ended their season.

The defense of the Cowboys allowed just 14 of the 21 points scored by the Seahawks with one of the Seahawks touchdowns coming on an offensive turnover by the Cowboys — a pick six thrown by Prescott.

All in all, it was a forgettable day for the Cowboys and somewhat a mirror of how they entered the season. The Cowboys just were not the same team without Smith anchoring the offensive line this season, and his absence due to injuries showed just how valuable and important he is when on the field.

Here are three takeaways from the loss by the Cowboys against the Seahawks on Sunday.