John Fassel’s special teams unit has shown mental lapses throughout the season

The Cowboys special teams unit made a critical mistake against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night… something that has become all too common.

The Dallas Cowboys were unable to continue their winning streak on Monday night, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals 27-20. While the Cowboys were considered underdogs by Vegas heading into the game, Dallas found themselves in a real position to win the game. With two minutes remaining in the game, they were set to receive the ball back, forcing a punt on 4th and 27.

With it being a tie game, all the Cowboys would need is a field goal to win. It appeared the Cowboys would be in great position for their field goal as linebacker Nick Vigil broke through the middle of the offensive line and blocked Cincy’s punt. All the team had to do was not touch the ball and they would start their offensive possession in great position. Then Amani Oruwariye attempted to pick it up and fumbled it, giving the Bengals the ball back.

When considering the Cowboys weaknesses, special teams is typically something fans would think of last. Brandon Aubrey has proven himself as arguably the best kicker in the league, proving himself a real weapon from 50+ yards. KaVontae Turpin is an All-Pro caliber kick and punt returner, with the ability to change field position at any given moment for the Cowboys. Even their punter Bryan Anger has proven himself consistent throughout his time in Dallas.

However, this is now the second week in a row the Cowboys had a mental lapse on special teams. In their victory against the Washington Commanders, safety Juanyeh Thomas just had to go down after recovering the onside kick and the game would have been over. Instead, he ran it into the endzone for the touchdown and kept it a one-possession game and giving the ball to the Washington offense. Fortunately for the Cowboys, that mistake didn’t cost them the game the way that their special teams mistake cost them the game on Monday night.

The Cowboys special teams has made several questionable fake-punt calls this season. On their own 38-yard line they went for it against the Atlanta Falcons, and it almost led to an interception.

Just two short weeks later, the Cowboys tried yet another fake punt. This time on their own 34-yard line against the Houston Texans. This attempt was also an utter failure.

While special teams coach John Fassel deserves credit for the development of Aubrey and Turpin as key special teams contributors, his unit has also been responsible for several mishaps this season. Something that directly reflects on coaching.