The ridiculous ending came after both sides exchanged miscues; from missed field goals to blocked punts to coverage breakdowns to bad penalty kicks, it was a clean play mistake.

For a Dallas defense that has been scorched of late, the early game showed promise, even if the Cowboys stumbled down the stretch.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously you feel good because you’re in a position to win the match if you get another stop, but the thing is you shouldn’t even get there,” Micah Parsons said on the official website of the team. “That’s the reality. We shouldn’t even hope they miss a field goal. … We should be able to end the game defensively, step off and kneel – not all kick returns and extras.” Points and all that nonsense.

“We should be able to finish the game.”

Ultimately, Dallas finished the game and moved to 4-7 on the season. With their next four games against teams with a losing record, the Cowboys could make things interesting, even if the playoffs seem like a pipe dream.

First they have to beat the New York Giants on Thanksgiving.

“Ending the losing streak is good, but what are you going to do in the coming weeks?” said Parsons. “You can do it once, but consistency, so do it again against the Giants.”