Offseason Questions for the Dallas Cowboys: 2024 to 2025

As we step into the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are looking forward to the 2025 season with hopes of returning to the playoffs. With key players recovering and the team focused on refining areas of improvement, let’s dive into some crucial questions that will shape the future of the Cowboys as they prepare for next year. From offensive strategies to defensive improvements, these questions could determine whether the Cowboys can bounce back stronger than ever.

1. Can the Cowboys Improve Offensively on Early Downs?

The success of any offense often hinges on how well they perform on first and second downs. For the Cowboys, these plays have been a mixed bag. In 2024, the team ran the ball 191 times on first down, ranking 26th in the NFL. They gained 705 yards, averaging only 3.69 yards per carry. However, the Cowboys were much more successful in the passing game on first down, throwing 235 passes for 1,557 yards at an average of 6.63 yards per play.

When it comes to second and six scenarios, the Cowboys struggled. Despite rushing 12 times for 29 yards, they averaged only 2.42 yards per carry in these situations, converting just two first downs. On 21 passing attempts in these scenarios, they gained only 34 yards, which was the worst in the league.

The team’s lack of success on second and six situations highlights an area of concern that needs attention. However, they were much more effective on third and four plays, with a league-leading 219 yards and an average of 12.88 yards per play. A key takeaway from these stats is the need to improve on setting up manageable third downs. In 2024, the Cowboys converted 66.19% of third and manageable situations, compared to 59% in 2023. Improving early-down efficiency will be crucial for the offense moving forward.

2. Can the Defense Build Off a Strong Finish to the 2024 Season?

The Cowboys’ defense showed significant improvement as the season progressed, particularly in the latter half of 2024. Credit is due to defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who played a pivotal role in fine-tuning the defense. The return of Micah Parsons also provided a major boost to the unit.

Despite these improvements, the Cowboys’ defense still left much to be desired in several areas. While they ranked second in the league in sacks per pass attempt (10.16%) and 9th in third-down conversion defense (36.59%), their overall yardage allowed was concerning. The Cowboys gave up 355.2 yards per game (28th in the NFL) and allowed 5.77 yards per play (29th). They also struggled to stop the run, allowing 137.1 yards per game on the ground, ranking 29th. To top it off, they were the worst in the league in red zone defense, allowing scores on 75% of opponent opportunities, and were also porous in goal-to-go situations.

With key players returning, especially Parsons, the defense must focus on eliminating these weaknesses. Better run defense and improving red zone performance will be vital if the Cowboys are to return to their dominant form and make a serious playoff push in 2025.

3. Will 2025 Be the Year of the Bounce Back for the Cowboys?

Injuries were a constant storyline for the Cowboys in 2024, and 2025 could very well be the year of redemption for several key players. Dak Prescott, in particular, is looking to bounce back after a rough stretch early in the season. Before a hamstring injury cut his season short, Prescott threw eight interceptions in his first nine games, a sharp contrast to his stellar 2023 performance as an MVP runner-up. If Prescott can return to form, the entire offense will likely follow suit.

Players like Jake Ferguson and Jonathan Mingo are also hoping for bounce-back seasons. Ferguson, in particular, struggled with drops and inconsistency, finishing with just 59 receptions for 494 yards and no touchdowns. Mingo, traded to the Cowboys midseason, had only five receptions for 46 yards. Meanwhile, the offensive line, especially Tyler Smith at left tackle, will aim to improve after facing penalty issues, injuries, and protection concerns in 2024.

On the defensive side, the return of Sam Williams could provide a boost to the pass rush opposite Parsons. Williams tallied 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons, and his return could be a game-changer. In the secondary, Caelen Carson will need to improve after a challenging rookie season, but he possesses the skills to become an asset in the Cowboys’ defense.

While not all players need to have a complete turnaround for the Cowboys to succeed, these bounce-back seasons from key players could be the key to getting the team back in playoff contention. If Prescott and others return to their previous levels of play, the Cowboys could very well find themselves in the postseason once again.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2025

As the Cowboys look ahead to 2025, they face several important questions regarding their offensive and defensive strategies. If they can improve their early-down success, build off a strong defensive finish, and get key players back to their peak form, there’s a strong chance the Cowboys will make a deep playoff run. The offseason will be a critical time for reflection and preparation, and the answers to these questions could shape the team’s success in the year to come.