Every NFL team's most devastating loss of all time

Every NFL team’s most devastating loss of all time

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after taking a sack in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA – DECEMBER 28: Defensive end Chris Clemons #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs back a fumble recovery for a touchdown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys on December 28, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 44-6. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys: Week 17, 2008 vs Philadelphia Eagles

There have been several playoff losses that could be in this spot, but the added context around this loss for Dallas elevates it to the worst in franchise history.

The Cowboys were well on their way to winning the NFC East in 2008. Dallas was 8-4 going into the final month of the season, before two out of their next three games, including the final game ever at Texas Stadium. This set up a winner-take-all game in Philadelphia against the Eagles, with the winner going to the playoffs. Dallas got absolutely destroyed.

The game started out slow with both teams exchanging field goals. Philadelphia then went on a tear in the second quarter.

Donovan McNabb ran for a touchdown and threw for two in the second quarter of the game. The Eagles would go on to win 44-6, outsourcing the Cowboys 31-3 in the first three quarters of the game.

In what looked to be a season that would have ended in a definite playoff berth for the Cowboys just a month earlier, they squandered it away down the stretch. Dallas finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs one year after going 13-3.

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