**It’s Not Time to Panic for the Cowboys… But the Outlook Is Not Very Encouraging Ahead of the Start of the NFL Season**
As the NFL season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a familiar yet unsettling position—a team with undeniable talent but lingering questions that cast doubt on their ability to contend for a championship. While it may be premature to hit the panic button, the early signs are far from reassuring. From roster concerns to coaching decisions and the ever-present pressure of high expectations, the Cowboys enter this season with more uncertainty than optimism.
### **Roster Concerns: Key Departures and Lack of Impact Additions**
One of the biggest issues facing the Cowboys this offseason has been their inability to retain or replace key contributors. The offensive line, once the backbone of this team, has seen significant turnover. The departure of Tyron Smith, a stalwart at left tackle for over a decade, leaves a massive void. While first-round pick Tyler Guyton has potential, relying on a rookie to protect Dak Prescott’s blindside is a risky proposition. The interior line also remains a question mark, with Tyler Biadasz’s exit leaving a hole at center.
Defensively, the losses are just as concerning. Leighton Vander Esch’s retirement leaves the linebacker corps thin, and the failure to add a proven run-stopper could haunt this team against physical offenses. The secondary, despite the presence of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, still lacks a true shutdown corner capable of neutralizing elite receivers. The pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, remains a strength, but if teams can double-team Parsons consistently, will the rest of the defensive line generate enough pressure?
The most puzzling decision—or lack thereof—was the Cowboys’ approach to the running back position. After letting Tony Pollard walk in free agency, they did little to replace him, instead relying on Ezekiel Elliott’s return and unproven backs like Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. Elliott, while a fan favorite, is no longer the workhorse he once was, and the lack of a dynamic rushing attack could make this offense one-dimensional.
### **Dak Prescott’s Contract Situation: A Lingering Distraction**
Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his contract, and the lack of an extension at this stage is concerning. While the Cowboys have insisted they want to keep him long-term, the delay in negotiations suggests either hesitation from the front office or a disagreement over financial terms. Prescott is coming off a strong statistical season, but his playoff struggles (2-5 record in his career) continue to fuel doubts about whether he can lead this team to a Super Bowl.
If Prescott plays the season without an extension, every game will be scrutinized under the microscope of his future. A slow start could lead to mounting pressure, while a strong season might price him out of Dallas’ comfort zone. Either way, the uncertainty at the most important position in football is far from ideal for a team with championship aspirations.
### **Mike McCarthy’s Hot Seat and Coaching Questions**
Mike McCarthy is entering his fifth season as the Cowboys’ head coach, and despite three straight 12-win seasons, his job security feels shaky. The reason? Playoff failures. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys have consistently underperformed in the postseason, including embarrassing losses to the 49ers and Packers. Jerry Jones has been vocal about his expectations for a deep playoff run, and if the Cowboys stumble early, McCarthy could be on the chopping block.
Another concern is the coaching staff turnover. Dan Quinn’s departure to Washington leaves the defense in the hands of Mike Zimmer, a respected coordinator but one who hasn’t been a play-caller since 2021. Will Zimmer’s scheme maximize the talents of Parsons and Diggs, or will there be an adjustment period? On offense, McCarthy taking over play-calling duties last season yielded mixed results—will the unit find consistency, or will Prescott be forced to carry too much of the load?
### **The NFC East: A Tougher Path Than Expected**
The Cowboys’ road to the playoffs won’t be easy. The NFC East is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in football. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite their late-season collapse in 2023, remain a formidable opponent with a stacked roster. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders may not be elite, but both have made significant improvements and could play spoiler.
Beyond the division, the NFC is loaded with contenders. The 49ers, Lions, Packers, and Rams all look strong, meaning the Cowboys will have little margin for error in securing playoff positioning. A slow start could force them into must-win scenarios late in the year, something this team has struggled with in recent memory.
### **Reasons for Hope (But Not Much)**
It’s not all doom and gloom. The Cowboys still have one of the most talented rosters in the league. CeeDee Lamb is a bona fide superstar, and if Prescott plays at an MVP level, this offense can be explosive. The defense, despite its questions, has playmakers at every level. And let’s not forget—this team has been a regular-season juggernaut under McCarthy, so writing them off entirely would be foolish.
However, the lack of urgency in addressing key weaknesses is troubling. The front office’s conservative approach in free agency and the draft suggests they believe the current roster is good enough—a dangerous assumption in a league where standing still often means falling behind.
### **Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes**
The Cowboys don’t need to panic—yet. But if they stumble out of the gate, the concerns that are currently simmering could boil over quickly. The offensive line’s reliability, the running game’s effectiveness, the defense’s ability to stop the run, and Prescott’s contract situation are all variables that could swing this season in either direction.
For a franchise that hasn’t reached the NFC Championship Game in nearly 30 years, patience is wearing thin. Another early playoff exit—or worse, missing the postseason altogether—could lead to major changes. The Cowboys have the talent to compete, but unless they address their glaring issues soon, this season could end in familiar disappointment.
The outlook isn’t encouraging, but in the NFL, things can change quickly. The question is: Will the Cowboys be the ones forcing that change, or will they once again be left wondering what went wrong?
