Even though Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy had to have his appendix removed earlier in the week, he was determined not to miss the team’s big game on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The sixty-year-old coach fulfilled his promise, as was to be expected. That choice paid off handsomely, as McCarthy created a brilliant game plan that led to a 33–13 victory over Dallas’ bitter rival.
Following the game, McCarthy discussed how the week had affected him and expressed gratitude to coordinators John “Bones” Fassel, Brian Schottenheimer, and Dan Quinn for running the show without him.
McCarthy said, “No problems at all, really, I just wanted to do my part.” “As usual, I just wanted to make sure that I was ready. Since we’re all creatures of habit and it’s been a long year, I was a little anxious about it today. You know, you have these typical weeks with seven days, and sometimes you miss time.
“The coaches did a great job, and we didn’t miss a beat and I think we demonstrated that tonight.”
It never occurred to those close to McCarthy to question his status. “You think that tough Irishman is gonna miss this game?” Quinn even posed the question to the reporters. shortly after McCarthy’s health issues were made public.
McCarthy and the “Boys” needed a statement victory over the reigning NFC champions after such a difficult week on a personal level.
“It’s all about the win,” stated McCarthy. “Winning is always the goal, but in order to succeed here, you have to get better in the closing stages. December is the time to be playing your best football.
“I think we got off to a great start tonight.”
*Yes, after having an appendectomy in the middle of the week, the Dallas Cowboys expected coach Mike McCarthy to recover miraculously. Of course, they’re hoping that legendary radio host Brad Sham will return to the booth after missing the game the previous week and spending the weekend in the hospital.
And McCarthy stated, “I’m ready to go,” during the pregame on 105.3 The Fan, so everything is good there. Everything is well. The way we operate will remain unchanged. Everything is as it is.
To be honest, though, all they really need for Sunday night’s NFC East game at AT&T Stadium against the Philadelphia Eagles is for Dak Prescott to be Dak Prescott.
A testament to the progress made in modern medicine is the fact that my mother spent a week in the hospital in 1975 after developing acute appendicitis. McCarthy underwent the identical procedure on Wednesday morning, was discharged in the afternoon, and is anticipated to be sidelined for four days.
