Cowboys fans have a painful playoff memory because of Mark Andrews’ dropped pass.

The NFL playoffs are the ultimate proving ground for teams, players, and coaches alike. Every season, a new batch of unforgettable moments emerges, some celebrated by fans and others haunting the memories of supporters for years to come. For Dallas Cowboys fans, there’s one moment in particular that continues to sting to this day: the infamous dropped pass by tight end Mark Andrews. This moment has not only shaped the Cowboys’ playoff history but also become emblematic of the team’s struggles in critical situations during high-stakes games.

While the Dallas Cowboys have experienced many highs and lows over their storied history, their playoff performances, in particular, have been a source of deep frustration for fans. The franchise has long been considered one of the most talented teams in the NFL, yet their inability to consistently perform in the postseason has kept them from reaching the ultimate prize—the Super Bowl. In this article, we revisit the painful playoff memory involving Mark Andrews’ dropped pass, dissecting its significance, the emotions felt by Cowboys fans, and the broader impact it had on the franchise.

The Stage: The 2020 NFC Divisional Playoff Game

The Cowboys’ playoff runs have often been filled with promise, only to be derailed by a series of missteps or unfortunate circumstances. One such instance occurred during the 2020 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy, entered the game with high hopes after a 6-9 record and just one game remaining in the regular season. The team’s postseason outlook was still tenuous, but with a win in the final game of the regular season, Dallas would secure a Wild Card berth and keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.

The Ravens’ offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, was formidable, but the Cowboys’ defense had shown promise over the season’s final weeks. The matchup was seen as one where the Cowboys’ defense could potentially stymie Baltimore’s high-powered rushing attack. At the same time, the Cowboys’ offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and star running back Ezekiel Elliott, needed to capitalize on their opportunities and avoid turnovers. The stakes were high, and the Cowboys understood that a win would be a huge step toward breaking their playoff drought.

However, as is often the case with the Cowboys in the postseason, things did not go according to plan. The game started with both teams exchanging blows, and as the final seconds of the game ticked away, the Cowboys were still in the hunt, trailing by just one touchdown. The pressure was on for Dallas to make a final push, and the game was in their hands as they moved into the final minutes of regulation.

The Fateful Play: Mark Andrews’ Dropped Pass

With under two minutes left in the game, and the Cowboys needing a miracle to tie it up, quarterback Dak Prescott looked to his tight end, Mark Andrews, on a key fourth-and-10 play. Prescott had orchestrated a solid drive, but time was running out, and the margin for error was razor-thin. The ball was snapped, and Prescott dropped back to pass, looking for an open receiver. He spotted Andrews, who had a favorable matchup against the Ravens’ defense, and threw the ball in his direction.

What followed was a moment that would haunt Cowboys fans for years to come. Mark Andrews, a player who had been reliable throughout the season, dropped a catchable pass that could have extended the drive and kept Dallas’ hopes alive. The pass was perfectly thrown—on target and in stride—but Andrews was unable to secure the catch. As the ball hit the ground, so did the hopes of Cowboys fans who were watching in disbelief. The Ravens took over on downs, and with the Cowboys’ playoff dreams slipping away, the game ended in a crushing defeat.

The Emotional Fallout: A Moment of Pain for Cowboys Fans

For Cowboys fans, the memory of Mark Andrews’ dropped pass is a painful reminder of the team’s postseason shortcomings. Fans had watched the team fight valiantly throughout the game, believing that this could be the year they would overcome their playoff demons. Yet, in typical Cowboys fashion, the moment slipped away due to a crucial mistake at the worst possible time.

The drop was not just a missed opportunity; it was a metaphor for the Cowboys’ long-standing issues with performing in clutch moments. This play encapsulated the franchise’s struggles to close out games and execute when the stakes were highest. Mark Andrews’ drop, in many ways, became a symbol of all the “what-ifs” that have defined the Cowboys’ playoff failures over the years.

The aftermath of the game was filled with frustration and anger from Cowboys fans. The defeat stung not only because of the way the game ended but because it felt like the same story playing out yet again—another season, another opportunity lost. It was as though the Cowboys were perpetually haunted by their inability to perform when it mattered most. Andrews’ dropped pass was merely the latest in a long line of crushing playoff disappointments.

For fans who had followed the team through the highs and lows of the regular season, this moment felt like the culmination of all the struggles that had defined the Cowboys’ postseason history. They had seen this script before: a team full of promise, a chance to compete for a championship, only for everything to come crashing down in the final moments.

Mark Andrews’ Role in the Playoff Loss

While it was clear that the dropped pass was a pivotal moment in the game, it’s important to recognize that Mark Andrews was not the sole reason for the Cowboys’ loss. The team’s defense had been unable to stop Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense, particularly in the first half of the game. While the Cowboys’ offense had kept them in the game, it was ultimately the defense’s inability to contain Jackson’s dual-threat ability that put them in a position where they had to rely on a last-minute miracle.

However, the drop by Andrews remains the most painful memory for many fans because it came at a time when the team’s entire season hung in the balance. With just one play left, the Cowboys had one final opportunity to keep their playoff hopes alive. Andrews’ failure to catch the ball represented more than just a missed opportunity—it was the moment when it all fell apart.

The Impact on the Cowboys’ Future

The loss to the Ravens had lasting consequences for the Cowboys, both on and off the field. Following the defeat, the team entered a period of reflection and reassessment. Questions were raised about whether head coach Mike McCarthy was the right person to lead the team to a Super Bowl. There were also concerns about the roster, particularly the defense, which had once again failed to stop a mobile quarterback in a critical moment.

The Cowboys spent the following offseason making changes, trying to address the weaknesses that had become apparent during their playoff run. McCarthy’s job was not in jeopardy, but the pressure to succeed in the postseason continued to mount. The team’s front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, vowed to make the necessary adjustments to get the Cowboys back to the championship level.

Despite these changes, the 2021 and 2022 seasons saw the Cowboys fall short in similar fashion, though they made significant strides as an organization. The team’s offense became more dynamic, and the defense improved, particularly with the addition of superstar linebacker Micah Parsons. However, the mental scars from past playoff failures, including the infamous dropped pass by Mark Andrews, still lingered.

Cowboys fans, many of whom had been loyal to the team for decades, couldn’t help but wonder when the franchise would finally break its playoff curse. With each missed opportunity, the memory of Andrews’ drop became more vivid, a constant reminder of what could have been.

The Road to Redemption: Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys continue their quest for a Super Bowl, the lessons from the past remain fresh in their minds. For McCarthy and the team, the key to overcoming the psychological barriers that have plagued them in the postseason will be execution under pressure. The dropped pass by Andrews, painful as it was, served as a reminder of the fine margins between success and failure in high-stakes games.

In 2025, the Cowboys find themselves in another year of hopeful optimism. With the continued development of Dak Prescott and a defense that now boasts more playmakers, the team’s playoff hopes are as strong as ever. Yet, the memory of past playoff heartbreaks, including the dropped pass by Andrews, continues to fuel the desire for redemption.

For Cowboys fans, the pain of that moment has not completely faded, but it has also served as motivation. Every new season brings the hope that this time, the team will find a way to get over the hump and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas. Only time will tell if they can finally turn the page on their painful playoff history. The dropped pass may be in the past, but for Cowboys fans, it serves as a constant reminder of what could be if only the team can find a way to execute when it matters most.