“Dumb and Dumber” had just come out, a gallon of gas cost $1.15 on average, and TLC’s “Creep” was the number one single on the Billboard Hot
The Cowboys haven’t advanced past the first round of the conference playoffs and have only won five postseason games since that time. Over the course of eight seasons under Dak Prescott, Dallas has only managed two postseason victories, and since 2016, just two of its first-round selections have placed inside the top 20. This demonstrates the organization’s ongoing theme of being in a state of flux, having sufficient talent to make the playoffs but never being great enough to cause problems in January.
Currently, Jerry Jones and his associates are making every effort to carry on this legacy of mediocrity. They began by extending Prescott’s contract for $240 million over four years, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
According to Spotrac, Prescott’s cap hit in 2025 is projected to reach an astounding $89,882,647, which would account for over one-third of the Cowboys’ total cap. For background, according to Bookies, Patrick Mahomes is the first quarterback to have won two Super Bowls with a cap hit percentage of more than 13.1% since 1994.
Prescott’s massive contract not only puts Dallas at a disadvantage historically, but it also severely limits their capacity to address other need areas. This was made clear during their almost calm offseason of the previous summer, which was enhanced by the addition of linebacker Eric Kendricks, 32.
Following the departure of former Cowboy Tony Pollard to the Titans via free agency, Dallas’ most pressing need was a running back. However, owner Jerry Jones only signed Rico Dowdle again and brought back a disgraced Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys are worst in the NFL in terms of rushing yards per game as a result. Surprisingly, Dallas’ defense is another factor contributing to their poor 2024 start.
Following the departure of former Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer, Dallas’ new defensive coordinator, was expected to lead the team. But thus far, the defense hasn’t played up to standard, especially against the run. Dallas has allowed an outrageous 145.8 running yards per game, which is the seventh most in the league, according to Team Rankings. Their weak secondary has also occasionally looked questionable; they rank 19th in the NFL with a meager 209.5 receiving yards allowed per game.
These difficulties are exacerbated by the absence of important defensive players. Star DE DeMarcus Lawrence is on injured reserve, defensive end Sam Williams is out for the season due to an ACL tear, and all-pro linebacker Micah Parsons is out due to an ankle ailment. With Bland soon to return, maybe Dallas’ secondary can reach its peak again. Nevertheless, I don’t think that Parsons and Lawrence coming back will be enough to strengthen a defensive line that just let Derrick Henry rush for 151 yards on an average of six carries.
I’ll never lose up on the Cowboys, but all the indicators point to yet another poor postseason campaign. We still have enough passing ability to defeat weaker teams and, with any hope, sneak into the postseason. Our run game is nonexistent and our defense is below average, which will eventually be our downfall come playoff time this year. This year, and for many years to come, I see many more first-round exits.
