If you’ve read any Dallas Cowboys content since the team’s season ended abruptly in the first round of the playoffs, you are aware of the general pessimism that surrounded the team following their lackluster performance against the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers, whom they were favored to win by seven points. This club had one of the simplest routes to the NFC Championship and NFC Championship expectations. But the flaws this team had been trying to hide all season finally showed up in the form of a defense that gave up 510 yards and six touchdowns, an offense that failed to synchronize until the very end, and yet another playoff performance in which they appeared woefully unprepared. A squad that has chosen to “run it back” under head coach Mike McCarthy in 2024 is unlikely to have much to cheer about.
It makes sense that unless the Dallas Cowboys organization can demonstrate that they are a postseason contender, the majority of Cowboys supporters won’t “buy in” and have faith in them. Nevertheless, after the smoke has cleared, Cowboys supporters do have a few things to look forward to in 2024.
1. Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown will make their injury comeback in 2024.
DeMarvion Overshown, a rookie linebacker, suffered an ACL tear during the Seattle Seahawks preseason game, ending his season. He was displaying his versatility in coverage during training camp prior to the injury, and he showed a lot of potential for a young rookie by making a couple of third down stops in the Jacksonville Jaguars preseason game. It was no secret throughout the 2023 season that the Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker situation was problematic. Following Leighton Vander Esch’s injury in Week 5, they made the decision to deploy safeties as a temporary fix. It proved to be an unworkable approach, even though it briefly appeared to assist. The Cowboys and Mike Zimmer, their new defensive coordinator, will need to pay close attention to the linebacker position come 2024. Fans of the Cowboys will be eager to watch Overshown and his return because there are still uncertainties around how Zimmer will use his linebackers, the return of Vander Esch, and the acquisition of new players.
In just the third week of the season, Trevon Diggs tore his ACL during the dreaded Thursday practice, and every Cowboys fan knows how devastating that loss was. In 2022, Diggs made his second appearance in the Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro in 2021. He also led the NFL in interceptions. It was beginning to appear as though he will make it to another Pro Bowl in 2023. He already has one interception, one forced fumble, and a PBU that resulted in a pick-six in just two games. Diggs’ return to this club in 2024 will be greatly anticipated, but what’s even more thrilling is that he will now be playing with DaRon Bland, another All-Pro, Pro Bowler, and leader in interceptions.
2. Adding a new player and putting Will McClay in charge
For his twenty-first season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, Will McClay has decided to remain with the team. Although McClay received approaches from a few teams regarding general manager positions, he finally chose to stay with this organization since he likes being here. He has been instrumental in the team’s development during his tenure in Dallas, and he has a strong track record of bringing in talent. The Cowboys had the most players selected as AP All-Pros this season with nine, and they have had 29 Pro Bowlers alone from 2020 to 2023. With 16 players set to hit free agency and the club concentrating on the 2024 draft, McClay will have his hands full trying to fill the gaps on this squad. Pay attention to additions at OL, RB, LB, and DT since these positions require work in order to improve the running game and stop the run.
3. Persistence with Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy
Despite being in his fourth season as head coach, Mike McCarthy will only be calling the plays and use his “Texas-Coast” play style in 2024. In order to better coordinate his footwork with the receivers’ timing and enhance pre-snap communication, McCarthy worked with Dak Prescott throughout the previous season. They appeared to be able to put it all together after a sluggish offensive start in the first few games. CeeDee Lamb topped the league in wide receiver scrimmage yards and receptions, while Prescott finished the season as the league’s top passer with passing yards and touchdowns. The Cowboys developed into a potent passing attack team with little assistance from the rushing game. McCarthy’s contract is not being extended, thus the 2024 campaign appears to be a “prove-it” year. McCarthy and Prescott will have an opportunity to “prove it” and build on their 2023 success as the season progresses, possibly with the aid of an enhanced running game.
Regarding Dak Prescott, it appears that he will probably receive a contract extension in the upcoming weeks, which could completely reset the quarterback market. Even though many may doubt the choice to prolong him given his subpar playoff performances after seven seasons, if you need some inspiration, here is a list of quarterbacks who won their first Super Bowl after eight seasons:
Peyton Manning in his ninth year
Brees, Drew (9th season)
13-year-old Matt Stafford
Elway John (15th season)
4. In Jake Ferguson, the Dallas Cowboys discovered a DAWG at tight end.
In his second season with the Cowboys, Jake Ferguson has swiftly risen to the top of the list of players beloved by the fans. He has developed into a dependable member of the offense and Prescott’s new safety net, racking up 71 grabs and 761 yards in 2023. One of the team’s defining plays, the “Dak-to-Ferg” seam pass is breathtaking to see. In addition to his impressive leaping over opponents, hard running after the catch, and improved blocking, Ferguson also brings a “don’t mess with me” mentality that many supporters believe this squad has been lacking for a long time. Week 13’s matchup with Seattle is a prime illustration of this. In addition to being entertaining to see, his tenacity was a major factor in the Cowboys’ victory in that particular game. The TE1 for the Dallas Cowboys has been found. Travis Kelce, one of the top tight ends in the NFL, was all praise for him and excited to watch him develop over the next few years. The year to wear the #87 jersey with pride is 2024.
5. A 2024 schedule honed through battle
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 schedule appears intimidating at first glance—almost like a nightmare. With the Philadelphia Eagles (twice), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers (again at home), Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns, they take on eight different 2023 playoff teams. Thus, how could this be anything to be excited about? At the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, it will be evident how the Dallas Cowboys compare among the NFL’s elite teams. This season will provide plenty of “measuring stick” games and chances for a squad that is sometimes chastised for not being able to play effectively against good teams to demonstrate that they can.
Undoubtedly, the 2024 season will be crucial. This squad has advanced to the postseason three times in a row, despite the fact that the scars from their early elimination in this year’s playoffs are still raw. The issue areas are obvious, therefore this offseason and as we approach the 2024 season, they can and should be rectified. It remains to be seen if this team can overcome this plateau and resolve problems.
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