FRISCO, Texas - Football season is getting closer and closer.
The Cowboys are set to depart for training camp in less a month. That's when we'll get the first up-close look at Brian Schottenheimer's first season with this revised roster and coaching staff. When we get to Oxnard, that's when we'll start to get some real answers about this 2025 Cowboys team.
But what are the questions? We've compiled our annual list of pressing questions that need answers heading into the regular season. The staff writers, consisting of Patrik Walker, Tommy Yarrish, Nick Eatman, Mickey Spagnola, Kyle Youmans and Kurt Daniels, weigh in on some of the pressing issues.
Today, we conclude this series with the biggest question of all: Will these changes that include new head coach Brian Schottenheimer help the Cowboys get back to the playoffs and compete for a championship?
1) Have they done enough to become contenders?
Tommy: I don't think so. I also don't think they're very far away from being in that spot either. When you look at the stars the Cowboys have on the roster as well as their 22 starters when healthy, they've got as much top-end talent as anyone in the league. What they're still building is depth to support that, and I think Dallas is still a few pieces away at spots like defensive tackle and running back for me to consider them contenders for a championship. I think they did a better job of addressing depth in free agency this offseason compared to years past, but I still think there's work to do both on the roster and of course on the field in order to get over the playoff hump and get back to the Super Bowl.
Mickey: Contending for what? A winning record? A playoff berth? The NFC East title? Those should be the immediate goals from a team riddled with injuries last year and finishing with a 7-10 record, only their second losing season in nine years. Plus, take into account a new head coach/offensive administrator. Nearly an entirely new coaching staff. This offense very well might be prolific. Defensively the Cowboys must prove healthy, what with the likes of Sam Williams, Trevon Diggs, Caelen Carson, rookie Shavon Revel, Josh Butler and DeMarvion Overshown all trying to return from 2024 season-ending injuries, along with last year's rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland finally fully healthy after his stint on injured reserve. If they receive favorable return results, this defense, led by Micah Parsons (assuming he returns from his now hold-in) and the likes of DaRon Bland and Kenneth Murray and Dante Fowler and Solomon Thomas, could be good enough to contend for the aforementioned goals.
Kyle: Usually, I'd say the term "contenders" is conditional to the situation. Is the expectation to "contend" within the division? The NFC? For a Super Bowl? But this year, they all run together. With the Eagles and Commanders coming off the season they just had, the Cowboys will need to be ready to contend with anyone.
I believe their close, but not there yet. This was a good offseason. Adding George Pickens should help the offense tremendously. Adding depth at multiple defensive positions will be a huge asset later in the year. And re-vamping the offensive line with young talent is very exciting to see. There are just too many questions in key spots like defensive tackle, cornerback, and running back for me to stand on the table and proclaim this as one of the top teams in the league. Can they contend for the division and make a push for the playoffs? Absolutely. But there needs to be a bevy of things to go right for that to happen.
Patrik: They've done enough to compete in the suddenly brutal NFC East. That much I'm convinced of by looking at their offseason moves and acquisitions 鈥 players and coaches alike. Sure, the jury is out on what Schottenheimer will look like in his first season as an NFL head coach and playcaller, but the staff he's constructed is filled to the brim with heralded football minds who have players bought in completely, and that now includes George Pickens. If the Cowboys can figure out the RB equation, get great play from their very young, but talented offensive line, stop the run and sort through some real concerns within the CB rotation, sure, they can be contenders but, heading into training camp, those unanswered questions force me into a hard stop at the "contender" label. I have them playing at least one game in January, but it's too early to know if they'll go on a postseason run.
Kurt: Contenders for the playoffs? Yes. Contenders to raise the Lombardi Trophy? Well, never say never. Remember, the disappointment of last season was largely caused by the number of injuries the team suffered, primarily losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott. If Dallas had been healthier in 2024, I think slipping into the playoffs as a wild-card seed was definitely possible, which is an outlook the team again faces this year. If the Cowboys can stay healthy, they can take second in the division and vie for a postseason berth. If they can't, another hard-luck campaign lies ahead. Now, as far as loftier heights, the real problem is the defending champs are looming as the Eagles are still considered one of the top teams in the NFL. Right now, I don't think Dallas can topple their NFC East rivals for the division crown. Of course, no one expected the 1975 Cowboys to reach the Super Bowl, and the 1992 squad was still seen as being at least a season away before they made history, so you just never know. This year's team will contend, but to what extent remains to be seen.
