The Dallas Cowboys might not be getting much attention right now, but they’re positioned to be serious contenders once the NFC East race heats up later this year. Here’s why they could claim the division crown in Brian Schottenheimer’s debut season as head coach:
1. George Pickens boosts the passing game
Dak Prescott, healthy and back under center, is set up for success. Just two years ago, Prescott was an MVP runner-up with Schottenheimer as his offensive coordinator—someone who knows how to get the best out of him.
Now, Prescott has another weapon: George Pickens. The new wideout has been impressive in offseason practices and brings a big-play threat that should create more space for CeeDee Lamb and others like Jake Ferguson and Jalen Tolbert.
If Pickens delivers as expected, and Schottenheimer builds on the blueprint from the team’s explosive 2023 offense, Dallas could produce one of the most dynamic passing attacks in team history enough firepower to take the division.
2. The defense gels under Matt Eberflus
Matt Eberflus returns to Dallas as defensive coordinator with a strong reputation for building solid defenses. Though his stint as Bears head coach was rocky, his defensive units were consistently tough just as they were when he worked with the Colts.
Eberflus inherits talent like Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, and Trevon Diggs. His simpler defensive schemes may help this group find the cohesion they lacked under Mike Zimmer’s more complex system last season.
If they can recapture the sack and turnover magic that marked the Dan Quinn era, the Cowboys defense could be a difference-maker on the path to another division title.
3. Key rivals might not be as tough as expected
Dallas faces a brutal stretch late in the season, including matchups with the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Chargers, and Commanders. While many predict these will be uphill battles, circumstances could make a few of these games less daunting.
The Lions, for instance, lost both of their coordinators, and the Vikings are turning to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off a knee injury. The Chargers still seem to lack offensive playmakers and have moved on from Joey Bosa.
While none of these matchups will be easy, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Cowboys find more opportunities for wins in this stretch than most expect right now.
