The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position halfway through the 2024 NFL season. After falling to the Atlanta Falcons 27-21 on Sunday, the Cowboys now sit at a disappointing 3-5. However, all hope is not lost for America’s Team. Despite the sluggish start, the Cowboys may still have a viable path to the playoffs through a competitive NFC East division.
Reasons for Optimism
While the Cowboys’ current record is certainly cause for concern, there are several factors that suggest a turnaround could be on the horizon:
Key Players Returning from Injury
The impending returns of Pro Bowl edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) should provide a significant boost to the Cowboys’ defense. Additionally, wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) are expected to return in the coming weeks, adding firepower on both sides of the ball.
Sometimes in this league it just takes one [win]. It takes one to get it going, to get that confidence back, to feel good, and rally from there.
– Dak Prescott, Cowboys Quarterback
Prescott’s Leadership
Quarterback Dak Prescott, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, remains optimistic about the team’s chances. His leadership and ability to rally the team could be crucial in turning the season around.
Upcoming Division Games
Perhaps most importantly, the Cowboys’ best path to the playoffs is through the NFC East. Dallas has a strong track record against division rivals in recent years:
- 11-2 record vs. Washington Commanders under Prescott
- 9-4 record vs. Philadelphia Eagles under Prescott
- 13 straight wins vs. New York Giants since 2016
With five divisional games remaining, including a pivotal matchup against the Eagles next week, the Cowboys control their own destiny in the NFC East race.
Historical Precedent
The Cowboys have overcome a 3-5 start to make the playoffs before. In 2018, Dallas turned a 3-5 record into a 10-6 finish, an NFC East title, and a playoff victory. While the circumstances were different, with the team acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper midseason, the precedent for a turnaround exists.
Areas for Improvement
To capitalize on their playoff opportunity, the Cowboys must address several issues that have plagued them thus far:
- Reducing pre-snap penalties and self-inflicted wounds
- Improving third-down efficiency on both sides of the ball
- Establishing a consistent running game to control tempo
- Generating more takeaways defensively
If the Cowboys can make strides in these areas and get healthy, they have the talent to make a run in the wide-open NFC East.
The Road Ahead
The Cowboys face a daunting three-game stretch against the Eagles, Texans, and Commanders, who have a combined 19-7 record. However, with two of those games coming against division rivals, Dallas has an opportunity to make up ground quickly in the NFC East race.
We’ve got a lot of division games coming up, and we’ve got to get one and get on a roll.
– Zack Martin, Cowboys Guard
While the road ahead is challenging, the Cowboys remain confident in their ability to turn the season around. With key players returning from injury and a renewed focus on execution, Dallas believes they can still achieve their goals.
The 2024 NFL season has been full of surprises, and the Cowboys’ resurgence could be the next twist in an unpredictable year. If Dallas can recapture the form that made them a preseason Super Bowl contender, a playoff berth through the NFC East is well within reach. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Cowboys can salvage their season or if 2024 will go down as a lost campaign for one of the league’s most storied franchises.
