Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy gives interesting take on Greg Zuerlein's struggles

Heading into a playoff matchup against San Fransico, the Dallas Cowboys are having issues on special teams. Placekicker Greg Zuerlein has been an issue on both field goals and extra-point attempts.

Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy has been getting weekly questions about Zuerlein’s problems. On Monday, he was asked again after another miss against the Philadelphia Eagles. McCarthy’s response was an interesting one, saying the kicker is a “pro from every angle.”

If anything, you have to watch that he doesn’t do too much,” McCarthy said when discussing Zuerlein’s preparation. “I have great confidence in him. He’ll be ready to go Sunday.”

Zuerlein has now missed at least one kick in three of the last four games. The streakiness has been going on all season, starting with a miss field goal against Tampa Bay in the season opener.

Special teams coordinator John Fossel has stuck by his kicker’s side all year as well. Dallas has decided they are going to ride with Zuerlein, no matter how bad the situation gets. Going into the playoffs, McCarthy will continue to get questions over it, especially if it results in a loss.

Dallas Cowboys DC delivers epic response about the playoffs

Mike McCarthy took a risk at defensive coordinator after his first season in charge, firing Mike Nolan. He decided to hire Dan Quinn, who had recently been fired by the Atlanta Falcons.

When asked about coaching in the playoffs again, Quinn gave an epic, passionate response. You can tell the defensive coordinator is ready to play on Sunday against the 49ers.

“I’m damn fired up,” Quinn said emphatically. “You kidding me? I’m ready to go.”

Quinn, who served as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach for five seasons prior to joining Mike McCarthy’s staff in Dallas, led the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 2016, where they famously blew a 28-3 halftime lead over the New England Patriots.

The following year, Quinn’s third year at the helm, he led the Falcons to a 10-6 record, but Atlanta lost in the divisional round of the 2017 playoffs. He hasn’t been to the playoffs since then, and now that the Cowboys are on their way to the franchise’s first NFL playoff matchup since 2018, Quinn couldn’t be more excited.

The Cowboys have been completely different on defense thanks to Quinn. Drafting linebacker Micah Parsons has significantly helped as well, forcing turnovers nearly on a weekly basis.