Super Bowl Sunday looms just four days away, as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the battle for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. Even during this momentous week, the Dallas Cowboys—a franchise hungry to return to football’s biggest stage—remain a topic of conversation.
During Super Bowl media day, the Cowboys garnered attention when Chiefs owner Clark Hunt delivered notable praise for Dallas’s new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer. Dallas will hope for better results in 2025 under the rookie head coach, after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2020 following a 7-10 finish this past season.
Dallas’s return to playoff contention hinges on two critical factors: improving the roster in key areas and maintaining the health of their elite talent, which includes All-Pro players across offense, defense, and special teams.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport offered a compelling defense of the Cowboys’ roster and quarterback Dak Prescott during a recent appearance with DLLS Sports, suggesting that the team’s talent level remains among the NFL’s elite despite their playoff shortcomings.
“There are like 15 of the 22 starters who’d start on every team in the NFL,” Rapoport stated, pushing back against critics who have questioned the Cowboys’ roster construction. While acknowledging the team’s historical playoff struggles, the veteran insider suggested that success could quickly change the narrative surrounding the team.
“We can talk all about the history, and next year we’ll start, and God forbid they win a game or two, and it’ll be like, you know what, maybe these guys are onto something,” Rapoport explained. “Because again, they have talent. You can nitpick all you want.”
Rapoport specifically defended Prescott, who has faced intense scrutiny throughout his career in Dallas. “It’s like Dak Prescott is at the crosshairs all the time,” Rapoport noted. “He’s been an MVP candidate many times. Like that’s what it’s like.”
The Cowboys’ roster boasts several standout players who have consistently performed at a high level. Offensively, Prescott has proven himself as a capable and dynamic quarterback, consistently putting up impressive numbers and showing leadership on and off the field. The receiving corps, led by talented wideouts CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, provides Prescott with reliable targets to move the chains and make big plays.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have a formidable unit anchored by star pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Micah Parsons, who had a standout rookie season. The secondary, led by cornerback Trevon Diggs, has shown flashes of brilliance and the potential to become a lockdown unit.
Special teams also play a crucial role in the Cowboys’ success. Kicker Greg Zuerlein has a proven track record of making clutch kicks, while punter Bryan Anger consistently flips the field in favor of the Cowboys’ defense.
While the Cowboys have undoubtedly struggled in the playoffs in recent years, it is important to remember that success in the NFL is often cyclical. Teams go through ups and downs, and the Cowboys are no exception. With the right coaching, continued development of their young talent, and a bit of luck, the Cowboys have the potential to make a deep playoff run in the near future.
In conclusion, despite their recent playoff disappointments, the Dallas Cowboys possess a roster filled with elite talent across all facets of the game. The team’s success ultimately hinges on their ability to maximize this talent and overcome the challenges that come with competing in the highly competitive NFL. As the new season approaches, the Cowboys and their fans remain hopeful that this year will be the one where they finally break through and return to their former glory on football’s biggest stage.
