With all the Micah Parsons drama seemingly over in Dallas, what can we expect from this rookie head coach, and a team that just traded away its’ best defensive player? Does new head coach Brian Schottenheimer have a legitimate chance to take his Dallas Cowboys back to the NFL Playoffs?
Dallas dealt Parsons alone to their conference rival, the Green Bay Packers, in exchange for Green Bay’s first round draft selections in the next two NFL drafts, a move that has been both criticized and celebrated by NFL critics.
Losing a superstar pass rusher is certainly going to leave a hole in Dallas roster, and some critics have speculated that the loss of Parsons may cause serious problems for the Cowboys in 2025. Parsons has recorded double-digit sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL, a feat that has only been accomplished by Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, and Dwight Freeney.
Much of the mainstream media has been quick to dismiss the Cowboys chances this year, especially after the media circus, and eventual departure, of Micah Parsons. However, with a solid draft, a few key trades, and some solid free agent signings, the Cowboys have quietly and significantly improved their roster.
Cowboys Make Big Additions Quietly In 2024 Offseason
Notable offseason acquisitions included (WR) George Pickens (via trade with Pittburgh) and the latest addition of (DT) Kenny Clark (via trade with Green Bay.) Pickens gives the entire offense a significant boost, and takes coverage and pressure off of perennial Pro-Bowler CeeDee Lamb, and gives Dak Prescott another serious deep threat. Clark provides them with a proven, run-stopping, Pro Bowl defensive tackle – something the team has badly needed for several years.
Can Schottenheimer change the losing culture in Dallas? With the Cowboys trading away a well-documented locker room problem in Micah Parsons, that door is open. Which players step up inside the Cowboys locker room will go a long way in determining the success of this team. The Coach has laid the groundwork, but without leadership and accountability in the locker room, it will likely end in familiar frustration.
A fresh approach, on both sides of the ball, has been sorely needed in Big D. The Jason Garrett years, followed by the Mike McCarthy era have not provided much of a different approach, and certainly did not yield any successful outcomes.
Years of watching the Cowboys jump to a lead, only to slowly give the lead away through a “bend, don’t break” defensive approach, and an inability to stay aggressive on offense, has left many fans frustrated. When behind, the Cowboys inability to stop the run has allowed the opposition to rather easily run the clock out on the hapless Cowboys.
Renewed Positivity Bodes Well For Rookie Coach Heading Into 2025 Season Opener
Schottenheimer has brought a renewed positivity and a fresh offensive playbook. His addition of Matt Eberflus, as Defensive Coordinator, should bring a more aggressive approach on the defensive side of the ball. All things Schottenheimer point to improved play-calling on the field. His positive approach in practice appears to have created a better atmosphere all around. Schottenheimer’s game management and in-game decision making are left to be seen, but I expect to see a major improvement there as well.
At the end of the day, I do not see the Dallas Cowboys challenging the Philadephia Eagles for the NFC East, but everything I’ve seen so far leads me to believe Dallas could easily contend for a Wild Card spot in the NFC.
If Dallas can get a few leaders to step up in the locker room, I envision a much improved team on the field. This won’t be a “shock the world” type season, but I think it will absolutely allow Dallas’ long sufffering fan base to finally see a beacon of hope on the horizon.
