Cowboys’ Dak Prescott expresses hope for team’s future as Eagles, Commanders surge in NFL

The NFC East’s Showcase in the 2024 NFL Season

The 2024 NFL season concluded with a thrilling finale, and the NFC East was at the heart of the action. In two of the final three games of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders represented the division on the biggest stages. The Eagles ultimately triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, capping off an impressive postseason run. Their veteran team, led by a formidable defense, proved too much for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. On the other hand, the Commanders, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, fell just short of their first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades. Despite the disappointing loss in the NFC Championship, Washington’s performance marked a significant step forward for a franchise looking to reclaim its place among the NFL elite.

Dallas Cowboys: Optimism Amid Adversity

While the Eagles and Commanders were stealing the headlines, the Dallas Cowboys were left to reflect on a season that fell short of expectations. Quarterback Dak Prescott, ever the leader, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete with the best of the NFC East. “I feel like we’ve competed with the Eagles and beat them for the most part when we’ve played them,” Prescott told reporters during an event for the Children’s Cancer Fund gala. However, he was quick to acknowledge the Eagles’ achievements, stating, “I don’t want to say, ‘Check the record,’ when the other guy is holding the trophy. Credit to them. They’ve earned it, and they deserve it by all means. But yeah, [we’re] very close.”

Prescott’s optimism comes despite a challenging 2024 season for the Cowboys, who were plagued by injuries. After a 12-5 playoff run in 2023, Dallas stumbled to a 7-10 record this year. The team’s struggles were evident in their matchups against the Eagles, who dominated both contests. Prescott himself missed both games due to a season-ending injury in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite these setbacks, Prescott remains bullish on the Cowboys’ chances moving forward. “Especially even watching the NFC Championship and those two teams — teams that we battle against each and every year a couple of times,” he added. “As I said, [I] feel confident that we’ve gotten the better part each and every time. But just seeing such a dominating fashion, credit to them. It’s our turn, and it’s on us.”

A New Era in Dallas: Coaching Changes and Uncertainty

As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, they do so under new leadership. Brian Schottenheimer, the former offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has taken over as head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy. The change at the helm comes amid a flurry of questions about the team’s roster and direction. One of the most prominent concerns is the status of star linebacker Micah Parsons, who has been the subject of trade rumors. Parsons, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense since his rookie season in 2021. His potential departure could leave a gaping hole in a unit that has already struggled with consistency.

The Cowboys’ offense, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after a lackluster 2024 campaign. Prescott’s injury was a significant factor in the team’s struggles, but even when healthy, the unit failed to reach the heights it achieved in previous seasons. The receiving corps, in particular, has been a point of contention. Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant, who played a key role in the team’s offenses during the 2010s, was blunt in his assessment of the current roster. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Bryant stated, “I don’t expect the ‘Boys to be good for the next couple years. You need good role players, you need more star players, especially in today’s NFL. Teams are loaded. You can’t have just one receiver. You got teams with three ones, two ones. The Cowboys only got one one. And the rest might be threes. I don’t see us getting better.” Bryant’s comments echo the sentiments of many Cowboys fans, who are growing increasingly impatient for a return to contention.

Roster Challenges and the Road Ahead

Bryant’s critique highlights one of the Cowboys’ biggest challenges: building a roster that can compete with the likes of the Eagles and other NFL powerhouses. While Dallas has a number of talented players, including Prescott, Parsons, and running back Tony Pollard, the depth and consistency of the roster are questionable. The defense, once a strength of the team, has regressed in recent years, and the loss of Parsons would only exacerbate those issues. On offense, the Cowboys’ inability to surround Prescott with elite playmakers has been a recurring theme. The team’s failure to invest in a top-tier wide receiver or tighten up the offensive line has left Prescott shouldering much of the burden.

The Cowboys’ performance in 2024 also raised questions about the team’s leadership and decision-making. McCarthy’s departure was largely seen as a necessary step, but the hiring of Schottenheimer has been met with skepticism by some. Schottenheimer’s track record as a play-caller and his ability to maximize Prescott’s talents will be under close scrutiny in 2025. Perhaps even more pressing, however, is the need for the Cowboys to address their roster shortcomings. Whether through free agency, the draft, or trades, Dallas must find a way to close the gap on the Eagles and Commanders if they hope to reclaim their place atop the NFC East.

Prescott’s Optimism vs. Bryant’s Pessimism

The conflicting perspectives of Prescott and Bryant serve as a microcosm of the Cowboys’ current state. On one hand, Prescott’s unwavering confidence and leadership are invaluable assets for a team looking to turn the corner. His ability to inspire his teammates and rally the fanbase cannot be understated. On the other hand, Bryant’s candid assessment of the roster serves as a harsh reality check. His comments underscore the challenges the Cowboys face in a league where talent and depth are paramount.

For the Cowboys to silence their doubters and prove Prescott right, they will need to address their roster issues and find a way to stay healthy. The addition of Schottenheimer to the coaching staff could prove to be a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. If he can unlock the full potential of the offense and help Prescott regain his MVP form, the Cowboys might just find themselves back in the mix. However, if the roster remains as it is, with too few stars and too many question marks, even Prescott’s optimism might not be enough to propel the team back to prominence.

The Road Ahead for America’s Team

As the Cowboys enter the 2025 season, they do so with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Prescott’s leadership and the arrival of Schottenheimer offer reasons for optimism, but the challenges ahead are undeniable. The NFC East is as competitive as ever, and the Cowboys will need to be at their best to challenge the Eagles and Commanders for the division crown.

Ultimately, the Cowboys’ success in 2025 will hinge on their ability to address their roster shortcomings and stay healthy. If they can do so, Prescott’s confidence may prove justified, and the team could find itself back in the postseason mix. However, if the status quo remains, the Cowboys may be in for another long season, and Bryant’s dire predictions could come to fruition. For now, “America’s Team” remains a work in progress, searching for the pieces to complete its puzzle and reclaim its place among the NFL elite.