Mike Tomlin calls out Cowboys’ mentality after costly collapse against Cardinals

The Dallas Cowboys suffered one of their most painful defeats of the 2026 NFL season after blowing a 10-point lead against the Arizona Cardinals . Their 33-30 overtime loss on Sunday also drew sharp criticism from Mike Tomlin.

Speaking on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, the former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach questioned Dallas' mentality during the closing stages. Tomlin said the Cowboys lacked players willing to take responsibility when the game was on the line.

"I saw a bunch of blinkers," Tomlin said. "And what I mean by that, I say if you're a blinker, cut your eyelids off. What I mean is you gotta relish the thick moments. You gotta want to make the play as an individual and as a unit within a team."

Tomlin explained that Dallas needed individuals and units willing to make decisive plays. Instead, he saw a team that failed to respond when Arizona mounted its comeback.

"Watching the end of that game, I didn't see individuals or particular units that wanted to grab the bull by the horns and win the game," Tomlin said.

The Cowboys' defense struggled during the final minutes. However, Tomlin also questioned the offense's inability to take advantage of opportunities.

Mike Tomlin questions Cowboys' ability to finish games

Dallas had a short field after Arizona's unsuccessful onside kick late in regulation. However, the Cowboys failed to capitalize and went three-and-out in overtime.

"I see a team that doesn't have anybody that wants to be the unit to secure victory," Tomlin added. "They're blinkers. They gotta cut their eyelids off."

Tomlin thinks head coach Brian Schottenheimer must identify players willing to handle those pressure situations. He suggested changing responsibilities to give more opportunities to players who show that mentality.

"You gotta figure out who wants it, and you gotta shift your divisional labor to those that want it," Tomlin said. "And so knowledge of your team is a major component. But also, you got to challenge those guys individually and collectively. Tell them you're looking for that guy who wants to be it."

The collapse was particularly damaging because Dallas led by 14 points early in the fourth quarter. Arizona quarterback Gardner Minshew led a late touchdown drive, while kicker Chad Ryland eventually secured the victory with a 42-yard field goal.

The Cowboys finished with only 261 total yards, compared to Arizona's 467. Dak Prescott called the defeat one of the toughest losses he had experienced, saying, "No other words for it really, other than really, really disappointing, frustrating."

Dallas dropped to 3-5, leaving little room for further mistakes.