Thoughts on the 2024 Dallas Cowboys

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Lance vs Washington

Coming into the year I was not overly optimistic. After getting a thorough beat-down by the Packers in the playoffs, I was hoping for some type of change/boost to the roster, but all off-season it was evident that was not happening, despite being “All In” from the Cowboys, minus the Zeke signing. I’ll be honest and say that Zeke was amazing his first couple of years with Dallas; however, after that first contract he definitely saw declines year after year. BUT that’s not his fault, it’s the Cowboys for choosing to pay a running back after their first contract to top market value. With that said, I am NOT those people who thought Pollard was THE guy. Pollard benefitted greatly from Zeke and vice versa. But 2024 Zeke had no juice left in his legs and that should’ve been evident last year with New England.

Rico Dowdle

With that said, Rico getting 1,000 yards is fantastic. I love seeing guys that show up and put in the work until it’s finally their turn and when they get it, maximize their opportunities. Is he a top 10 RB in the league, no, he’s not going to bring fear to opposing defenses. But he suited up this year and was able to put together a 1,000 yard season and not many other guys in the league are able to say that. My biggest gripe was for all the complaining McCarthy had against Kellen Moore for not running the ball enough (hey look what happened to Barkley with Kellen Moore calling plays), McCarthy refused to run the ball until Rush took over because he knew that Rush is a limited passer. THAT is unspeakable for a coach and terrible play-calling. As a sports player, it’s so frustrating to see people always talk about the X’s and O’s when sometimes its as simple as just doing the very basic things. Like run the ball, or hit the open 3-point shooter. And when it starts to work decide, “Hey, let’s get cute and start to do 3 on 1 basketball or exotic run/short packages”. That’s how you win games people! It’s not about being the most exotic or dynamic offense/defense, it’s about keeping the game simple and executing and far too many times that did not happen in 2024. Look no further than the Chiefs to see them barely getting W’s with probably one of Malhomes worst years statistically, yet they’ll finish with only 1 or 2 loses (week 18 pending).

My biggest disappointment of the season were Dallas Cowboys fans expecting some type of turn around at the end of the season when they won 4 out of 5 games. While I don’t fault the players for wanting to win (you play the game to win), realistically the best outcome was for them to lose and get a top 5-10 draft pick. Instead, they’ll be picking in the middle and my biggest prayer is that they draft someone based on best available player versus need. Historically, that has always been their best draft classes (see Micah Parsons, Ceedee Lamb, Zach Martin, etc). It’s when they draft for “need” that they always end up in a bad spot (i.e. Mazi Smith, Taco Charlton, Tyler Guyton, etc). Rush was never going to win them a Super Bowl. I’m sorry but anyone who is willing to die on that hill needs to get a reality check along with a mental evaluation. Rush just isn’t that dude that can lift them above other teams (see last two games against Eagles). While I don’t think Dak is that dude either, at Dak’s best he is a top 10 QB. At Rush’s best he is a serviceable backup that will win games with a simplified game plan. That’s fine and there’s a time and place for that but to expect him to take that and win a Super Bowl is extremely naive and very little precedent without a top 5 defense or running game to back it up, which this season they did not have.

Parsons and Daniels

Are they a player or two away from a deep playoff run next year? Contrary to what EVERYONE is saying, I actually do think they are. Prescott, Lamb, Parsons, Diggs and Bland is a very solid core and IF all healthy, will get you 10-12 wins. Overshown was showing some crazy playmaking ability until the injury so it’s hard to know what they’ll get out of him moving forward (more likely a 2026 candidate for comeback player of the year). And Diggs was just never right in 2024 so if he comes back to close to his previous torn ACL injury, they have two turnover machine corners. Plus Mariast looks really solid at linebacker and I think he’ll take the next step next year. He has some pop to his tackles and always finds a way to create/force a turnover. Just like Micah Parsons changed the outlook of the defense when he came, I truly believe if they can hit on this draft pick they could easily take back the NFC East title. Will they win the Super Bowl? This will depend on who is the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. If it’s still McCarthy, that is a big fat NO. Unfortunately, Harbaugh is not an option so I’d lean towards Vrabel. Dallas needs a coach who is no nonsense and doesn’t get killed on bad penalties like false start, offsides, holding, etc.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier that 2024 is almost over. I’m glad I didn’t spend too much time invested this year and got to spend it with my son. Here’s to the off-season and hopes that this team makes some changes at HC and drafts a difference maker.

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