## Jerry Jones: Cowboys ‘Devastated’ by Blocked Punt Blunder in Loss vs. Bengals
### Cowboys’ Loss Leaves a Sour Taste
The Dallas Cowboys suffered a disheartening 20-17 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, with a costly blunder proving to be the deciding factor. A blocked punt in the fourth quarter handed the Bengals the game-winning field goal, leaving the Cowboys “devastated,” according to team owner Jerry Jones.
### Blocked Punt Costly
With the game tied at 17-17 and just over four minutes remaining, the Cowboys faced a fourth-and-11 at their own 38-yard line. Instead of attempting a field goal, head coach Mike McCarthy opted to go for it, hoping to gain a first down and keep the drive alive.
However, the Bengals’ defense executed a perfectly timed block, with defensive tackle Josh Tupou bursting through the line and getting a hand on the punt. The ball was recovered by the Bengals at the Cowboys’ 16-yard line, setting up a game-winning 33-yard field goal by Evan McPherson.
### McCarthy Defends Decision
After the game, McCarthy defended his decision to go for it on fourth down. “We had a play that we thought was going to get us the first down,” he said. “It didn’t happen, and that’s on us.”
However, many fans and pundits questioned the decision, arguing that a field goal would have been the safer option. With 4:09 remaining on the clock, the Cowboys would still have had plenty of time to get the ball back and tie the game.
### Jones Expresses Disappointment
Jones, who is known for his outspoken nature, didn’t mince words when asked about the blocked punt. “We’re devastated,” he said. “We had a chance to win the game, and we didn’t get it done. That’s on us.”
Jones also expressed frustration with the team’s overall performance, particularly in the second half. “We didn’t play well enough in the second half,” he said. “We made too many mistakes, and it cost us the game.”
### Cowboys’ Struggles Continue
The loss to the Bengals marks the Cowboys’ third consecutive defeat, dropping them to 1-3 on the season. The team has struggled offensively, with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing for just one touchdown in the last two games.
The Cowboys’ defense has also been inconsistent, allowing opponents to score 20 or more points in three of their four games.
### Outlook for the Cowboys
The Cowboys face a tough upcoming schedule, with games against the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders in the next three weeks. If they want to turn their season around, they will need to improve their execution and find a way to generate more offense.
### Conclusion
The Cowboys’ loss to the Bengals was a disappointing setback, with the blocked punt blunder proving to be the deciding factor. Jerry Jones expressed his frustration with the team’s performance and called on them to improve in the coming weeks. The Cowboys will need to regroup quickly if they want to salvage their season and make a run at the playoffs.