Welcome to NFL Thoughts, where we delve deeply into major narratives for the 2025 NFL season. Last week, we explored the San Francisco 49ers’ challenging 2024 season, their active offseason, and assessed the level of optimism for 2025. Today, our focus shifts to another NFC team, the Dallas Cowboys, who after years of success, struggled through a disappointing, injury-plagued 2024.
Jerry Jones has been directly involved in contract negotiations with key players, particularly cornerback Micah Parsons, similar to previous efforts with stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Parsons attended mandatory minicamps, and his return as a star pass rusher gives Dallas a more positive outlook for the offseason, despite ongoing contract talks that seem to be dragging on.
A major storyline this year is the elevation of Brian Schottenheimer to head coach. After considering several big names, the Cowboys promoted from within following Mike McCarthy’s departure, giving Schottenheimer his first head coaching role as well as resuming play-calling duties for the first time since 2020. This move represents a considerable leap for Schottenheimer, who faces tough scrutiny but deserves a fair chance.
Another critical question remains: Can Dallas compete again? From 2021 to 2023, with Prescott healthy, they were among the league’s top teams. Though Prescott’s health was a factor in the 7-10 2024 record, a deeper team-wide issue was evident as Dallas was 3-5 in games he started before injury. Whether those issues have been addressed is still uncertain.
Regarding Prescott’s performance, 2023 marked a peak where he finished second in MVP voting with 36 touchdown passes and a notably low interception rate. But in 2024, his accuracy and decision-making regressed, with a spike in interceptions and dropped completion rates despite a high volume of pass attempts and shotgun snaps. His struggles were more pronounced on standard dropbacks, with limited use of play-action plays.
Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy could bring improvement. His time as Seahawks offensive coordinator saw moderate usage of running plays and a focus on balanced attacks. Dallas inherits a backfield led by Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom struggled with yards per carry in recent seasons. The rookie Jadon Blue adds talent but also comes with concerns about ball security.
The receiving corps, which has faced criticism for lack of open targets, improved with the acquisition of George Pickens, a dynamic wideout known for creating separation and making contested catches. Prescott has praised Pickens, highlighting their complementary skill sets with CeeDee Lamb.
Protection for Prescott will be crucial, especially on his blindside. The Cowboys have promising young offensive linemen, including Tyler Smith and first-round pick Tyler Booker, but consistency and experience remain concerns. The development of rookie tackle Tyler Guyton, a raw but athletic player, will be key to solidifying the offensive line.
On defense, Dallas aims to return to its disruptive form. Under Dan Quinn from 2021-23, they excelled at forcing turnovers and applied aggressive schemes with smaller, faster players. The switch to Mike Zimmer in 2024 brought a more traditional approach, resulting in a significant drop in pass-rush effectiveness and defensive success, compounded by injuries to key players like Parsons.
Expectations rest heavily on Parsons, who after returning from injury delivered outstanding pressure numbers and sacks. Additional defensive talent is developing, with second-round picks and previously drafted players poised to contribute more in Zimmer’s system. However, the defense still faces stiff challenges and must avoid a repeat of the historically poor 2024 season.
Looking ahead, the biggest questions revolve around Prescott’s health and performance, the running game’s effectiveness, and defensive consistency. The competitive landscape in the NFC East remains tough with the Eagles and Commanders showing strength. While Dallas may no longer be the powerhouse that consistently recorded 12-win seasons, improvements on both sides of the ball and the addition of Pickens give them a shot at the playoffs. However, unresolved issues and “ifs” abound.
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Fan Take: This outlook is crucial for Cowboys fans and NFL watchers alike because Dak Prescott’s form and health, along with Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching impact, could redefine the NFC East’s power dynamics. The Cowboys’ return to competitiveness not only shapes playoff narratives but also brings excitement to the league’s evolving rivalries and storylines.
