Dallas Cowboys 2024 Preview

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a strong 2023 season where they posted a 12-5 record, but expectations for 2024 have dipped slightly, with a win total projection set at 10.5. This drop in expectations might stem from lingering concerns about the Cowboys’ postseason struggles.

The regular season success is almost expected at this point, but the real question is: Can they finally break through in the playoffs?

Let’s dive into the key insights and what to expect from the Cowboys this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Cowboys have been a regular-season powerhouse, finishing first in points per game and fifth in yards per game last season. However, their inability to translate that into playoff success has been a constant source of frustration. With a few roster changes and a strong core returning, Dallas is looking to maintain their dominance while aiming for postseason glory.

Offensive Changes

Dak Prescott’s Leadership:

Elite Regular Season Performance: Dak Prescott was on fire in 2023, leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and finishing with a 105.9 passer rating. He threw for over 265 yards per game and was an MVP candidate. For the Cowboys to hit their ceiling in 2024, Prescott needs to maintain this level of play while reducing his nine interceptions from last year.
Key Targets Returning:
- CeeDee Lamb: Lamb was Prescott’s go-to receiver, racking up an impressive 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He remains one of the league’s top wideouts and will be crucial to the Cowboys’ success.
- Jake Ferguson: The tight end emerged as Prescott’s second-favorite target, hauling in over 70 catches for 750 yards and five touchdowns. Ferguson’s role in the offense is expected to expand even more this season.
- Brandon Cooks: Cooks contributed 650 yards and eight touchdowns last season and will look to build on that in 2024. His deep-threat ability adds another dimension to the Cowboys’ passing attack.
Running Back Situation:
- Ezekiel Elliott’s Return: Zeke is back, but his production has been on the decline, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry last season. He did, however, surpass 900 scrimmage yards and caught over 50 passes. The Cowboys also added Royce Freeman, who averaged 4.1 yards per carry as a backup with the Rams.
- Tony Pollard’s Departure: Losing Pollard is a significant blow. He was a dual-threat back with over 1,000 rushing yards and 50 catches in 2023. The running game may take a step back without him.
Offensive Line Adjustments:
- New Starters: The Cowboys have new faces at left tackle and center, with Tyler Smith moving to left tackle and rookie Brock Hoffman likely taking over at center. These changes could impact both the run game and Prescott’s protection.

Defensive Adjustments

Elite Pass Defense:

Top Secondary: Despite losing Trevon Diggs for most of the 2023 season, the Cowboys still held opposing quarterbacks to an 80.8 passer rating, the fourth-lowest in the NFL. DaRon Bland stepped up in a big way, leading the league with nine interceptions and setting an NFL record with five pick-sixes.
Diggs’ Return: With Diggs back in the lineup, the Cowboys’ secondary is expected to be even more formidable. They did part ways with veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but Diggs’ return should offset that loss.
Safety Play: Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson anchor the safety positions, both coming off strong seasons. Hooker allowed a passer rating of just 78.5, while Wilson recorded two interceptions and 88 tackles.

Pass Rush Potential:

Micah Parsons: Parsons led the NFL in pressure rate last season and is one of the league’s premier defensive players. However, the Cowboys’ overall pass rush didn’t live up to its potential, finishing just 13th in sacks despite blitzing at the seventh-highest rate.
Defensive Line Depth: The Cowboys lost Dorance Armstrong (8.5 sacks) and Dante Fowler (4 sacks), leaving a void in their pass rush. Demarcus Lawrence remains a key figure up front, but more production will be needed from the supporting cast, including second-round pick defensive end Mazi Smith.

Linebacker Changes:

Eric Kendricks Addition: With Leighton Vander Esch retiring, the Cowboys brought in Eric Kendricks, who had over 115 tackles and 3.5 sacks with the Chargers last season. He’ll pair with Deone Clark, who impressed with 109 tackles in 2023.

Special Teams Stability:

Kavonte Turpin and Brandon Aubrey: Turpin has been a dynamic returner, and Aubrey had a stellar rookie season as a kicker, making 49 of 52 field goal attempts. The Cowboys’ special teams unit remains one of the best in the league.

Season Outlook

The Cowboys have a high ceiling, but the potential for regression is also real. Their win total floor and ceiling reflect the volatility that comes with some of the changes on the roster:

Win Total Floor: 9 Wins

Why? The Cowboys’ schedule is challenging, and the offensive line adjustments, along with the loss of key defensive contributors, could lead to some struggles. If the run game falters without Pollard and the pass rush doesn’t improve, a step back to 9-8 is possible.

Win Total Ceiling: 13 Wins

Why? If Dak Prescott continues his elite play, CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson shine, and the defense remains among the league’s best with the return of Diggs, the Cowboys could easily exceed expectations and push for a top seed in the NFC.

Final Thoughts

The Dallas Cowboys are a team with championship potential, but there are enough question marks to keep fans cautiously optimistic. Dak Prescott’s performance, the effectiveness of the retooled offensive line, and the pass rush will be critical to the team’s success. If they can navigate these uncertainties, 2024 could finally be the year the Cowboys make a deep playoff run.

Key Points Recap

Dak Prescott is coming off an MVP-caliber season but needs to cut down on turnovers.
CeeDee Lamb remains a top-tier receiver, with Jake Ferguson and Brandon Cooks as key contributors.
The running game could take a step back without Tony Pollard, putting more pressure on the passing attack.
The offensive line has new starters at left tackle and center, which could impact both the run game and pass protection.
The secondary is elite, especially with Trevon Diggs returning from injury.
The pass rush needs to improve, with Micah Parsons leading the way but needing more support from the defensive line.
Eric Kendricks steps in at linebacker, replacing the retired Leighton Vander Esch.
Special teams are solid, with standout performances from Kavonte Turpin and Brandon Aubrey.

Cowboys fans, buckle up—2024 could be a thrilling ride, but how far the team goes will depend on how well they can address their key challenges.

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