Stephen A. Smith demands Jerry Jones hire Rex Ryan to save the doomed Cowboys

S tephen A. Smith is not the biggest fan of the Dallas Cowboys , but even their latest collapse has prompted him to offer Jerry Jones a solution as the pundit wants Rex Ryan as the new defensive coordinator to fix a unit that has repeatedly let the team down. Dallas ’ 33-30 overtime defeat to the Cardinals left the Cowboys 3-5 and further behind the New York Giants in the NFC East as a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter disappeared as Arizona scored late to force overtime and then kicked the winning field goal.

The loss the situation at a Dallas team whose season is slipping away as the Cowboys led by 14 points early in the fourth quarter and looked to be in control, but Gardner Minshew inspired four consecutive scoring possessions to bring the lowly NFC West side level. Running back Tyler Allgeier was central to the turnaround, finishing with 147 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards and his 63-yard touchdown run sparked Arizona ’s comeback, whilst Michael Wilson also caught eight passes for 111 yards, including the game-tying catch. And Smith made his proposal on ESPN’s First Take on Monday, arguing that Ryan should leave his television role and return to the NFL as the Cowboys ’ defensive coordinator following another damaging performance under Christian Parker , who appears to be lacking answers. “He should be the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and come to the rescue for America’s team,” Smith said on First Take as he also urged Jones to contact ESPN immediately, arguing Ryan could make a difference with only four days to prepare for the next game.

Is Ryan a viable candidate for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys?

Chad Ryland missed the extra point after Wilson ’s touchdown, giving Dallas a reprieve, but the Cowboys could not take advantage in overtime and after both teams initially went three-and-out, Arizona moved into range and their kicker converted a 42-yard field goal. Ryan brings a high-profile name and extensive experience, but his time away from coaching is significant as he has not been an NFL head coach since 2015 and has not served as a defensive coordinator since departing the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 to move into broadcasting. Smith ’s suggestion, though, is not an indication that Dallas is preparing to make a change as the Cowboys already have Parker directing the defense, and Jones has not announced plans to replace him even in the wake of growing frustration around the team. Quarterback Dak Prescott has resisted pinning the defeat on one individual, insisting responsibility belongs to everyone involved rejecting the easy and cowardly approach of blaming one person, but it’s hard to ignore the growing pressure as the unit has not stepped up even after bringing aboard Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers . The 4-2 Giants sit ahead of Dallas in the NFC East , while the Cowboys ’ 3-5 record leaves them needing a sustained run to get back into the playoff picture as their next opportunity comes against the Indianapolis Colts on November 8. With the defense under scrutiny and the season reaching a critical point, calls for changes are likely to continue and a failure to beat a Colts team that is having a fire sale could represent the tipping point for the Cowboys owner.