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06 January 2025

Dallas Cowboys End Disappointing 2024 Season With Questions Ahead

Following numerous injuries and coaching struggles, the Cowboys face uncertain future as offseason begins.

The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL season ended with heavy hearts and fewer victories than anticipated, finishing at 7-10 and out of playoff contention. A franchise once known for its prowess found itself grappling with injuries, coaching decisions, and disappointing performances on the field. Amidst the wreckage of hopes, there were highlights and rising stars, but they were overshadowed by the overall disappointment.

One of the glaring reasons for the Cowboys' lack of success was the loss of star Quarterback Dak Prescott, along with veteran players Trevon Diggs and DeMarcus Lawrence, all of whom ended up on injured reserve. This compounded the already mounting issues faced throughout the regular season. "I won't wish this on anybody," said edge rusher Micah Parsons, reflecting on the team's unfortunate turn of events after their devastating loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on December 9, which left the Cowboys at 5-8 and with dim playoff aspirations.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy shouldered much of the blame for the season's difficulties. Despite the team’s talent, many fans questioned the efficiency of McCarthy’s play-calling and whether he can guide this group to success. The Cowboys' offense took significant steps backward from the previous year's performances. "The No. 1 thing when I look back on the quick eval of our season, offensively, we haven't taken care of the football well enough," McCarthy stated, addressing the alarming rate of turnovers which culminated to 28 for the season.

Despite the disappointments, some players emerged, such as Micah Parsons, who continued to exhibit his dedication to the game. Known for his work ethic and raw talent, Parsons recorded impressive statistics even during the Cowboy’s less favorable moments. He managed to put up solid numbers, including two and half sacks against the Washington Commanders, showcasing his relentless energy even as the team struggled.

Meanwhile, Prescott's performance before his injury was disconcerting as it struggled under pressure. His rhythm with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb faltered, which led to missed opportunities and turnovers. Prescott ended his season with eight interceptions across eight games, contrasting sharply with his previous year where he had only nine throughout the entire regular season. "You can't even put [the December 9 loss] in words, bro," lamented Parsons post-game, articulately capturing the essence of the dreadful season.

The season's challenges continued to manifest on the defensive side as well. Following the hiring of Mike Zimmer, the Cowboys' defense, once revered for its stability, faltered. Early on, the team struggled against the run, illustrated by the 44-19 drubbing they received from the New Orleans Saints. Zimmer’s scheme took longer to embrace, and injuries to key players like Parsons only exacerbated issues. Jerry Jones admitted, "I probably got a little out over my skis, thinking we could just plug those guys in,” showcasing the owner’s awareness of the struggles faced by rookie linemen and defensive strategies lacking formation.

The Cowboys’ tough losses highlighted broader concerns about the coaching staff’s future. Following the season’s end, speculation swirled around McCarthy’s job security and whether he would return to the sideline next season. Jerry Jones maintained composure and patience, but Cowboys fans worried about the time it could take for decisive actions. With rival franchises already making headway with coaching interviews, immediate actions may be necessary to avoid falling behind.

Despite the gloomy outlook, there were some bright spots during the season for Dallas. Players like Deuce Vaughn and Trey Lance shone amid the shadows, as both had explosive moments when finally included meaningfully. Vaughn thrived with his opportunity, showcasing his speed and skill acquired from stellar college performances, racking up significant yardage with each carry. Similarly, Lance, when called upon, made noticeable impacts, reminding fans of the excitement an agile quarterback can bring to the field.

With the rosters expected to undergo changes this offseason, the Cowboys face tough decisions moving forward. The clock ticks not only on the players but also on coaching contracts as next steps loom large. Jones must weigh whether to reaffirm McCarthy’s position, strengthen the roster build, or even seek new leadership altogether to revive the franchise’s longtime aspirations for Super Bowl glory.

Though the Cowboys possess promising talent on their roster, whether they can meld those pieces under the right direction remains to be seen. Frustration may echo throughout the organization, but hope still clings as they begin to piece together answers from the tumultuous 2024 season, seeking to emerge stronger and more competitive when next season dawns.