Mike McCarthy: Cowboys 'don't have an effort issue'
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy doesn't believe a lack of effort is the root of his team's problems following their drop to 1-3 on Sunday.
"I think you've got to be real careful when you start challenging professional athletes about effort, especially from a distance. We don't have an effort issue," McCarthy told the media Monday, according to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News.
McCarthy's Cowboys currently rank as one of the league's top offenses, but they have struggled mightily on the other side of the ball in his first year as Dallas' coach.
The Cowboys have allowed 146 points through their first four games - the most in franchise history.
Dallas allowed a franchise-record 307 rushing yards during a 49-38 defeat to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, and Sunday's contest also marked the third time this season the Cowboys allowed over 400 yards of total offense.
Despite the unit's shortcomings, McCarthy has expressed full confidence in defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and has made it clear the team doesn't plan on making any changes.
"Very high confidence in Mike Nolan. We're going to stay the course," the coach said, per USA Today's Jori Epstein. "We're on top of where we are."
Cowboys Executive VP Stephon Jones has repeated a similar sentiment, stating he still believes in the team and its coaching staff.
"We just have to be better. We’ve got to go to work. Now’s not the time to think about things like that. I’m very convicted about this staff. I’m very convicted about this team," Jones said, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota.
Dallas will take on the New York Giants in Week 5.