How to Break the Cowboys Drought
February 1, 2021
It has been 25 seasons since the Dallas Cowboys have played in a Super Bowl or divisional championship. Here’s an interesting statistic; Tom Brady, who’s been playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for one season, has made more NFC Championship appearances than the Cowboys since 1997. It seems every year is frustrating and/or disappointing for Cowboys fans, such as myself. Every year, there is hype generated around the Cowboys because our roster looks good on paper and we think each year will be different than the last. This season was especially difficult for Cowboys fans, as the Cowboys finished the season 6-10. The Cowboys dealt with many significant injuries, most notably star quarterback Dak Prescott fracturing his ankle in Week 5 against the New York Giants. After the 2015 season when the Cowboys finished 4-12, they went on to draft current star running back Ezekiel Elliott, linebacker Jaylon Smith, and quarterback Dak Prescott. In the 2016 season, the Cowboys created a lot of hype as they finished the regular with an incredible 13-3 record. Rookies Prescott and Elliott led a Cowboys offense that was top 5 in total offense and 2nd in rushing offense. As rookies, Prescott won offensive rookie of the year and Elliott earned the NFL rushing title. However, this hope was flattened after a disappointing loss in the divisional round at home against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Since that season, Prescott’s numbers have improved while Elliott’s have declined, and the Cowboys have gone 9-7, 10-6, 8-8 and 6-10 with 1 playoff win. The biggest task for the Cowboys should be to emulate their offense from the 2016 season with Elliott at the head of the offense. A big step towards doing this would be to rebuild the offensive line that was almost unstoppable from the 2016 season. Another big uncertainty for the Cowboys is the future of Dak Prescott. Prescott has been gunning for a contract that would make him the highest paid quarterback. Until his injury, it seemed like contract negotiations would be resolved and Prescott would remain with the Cowboys. Now, there is some doubt Prescott will even return to the Cowboys. Domonique Foxworth, former NFL cornerback and current ESPN analyst, says the Cowboys “don’t respect or appreciate what Prescott has brought to them”. Going further into the team’s issues, Foxworth says the Cowboys defense “fails Prescott in the same way Deshaun Watson’s defenses have failed him.” In conclusion, Prescott is “too smart, talented, and amazing” for an “underachieving team”, according to Foxworth. Prescott will become a free agent this offseason unless the team agrees to a long-term deal. There are obviously teams that would be interested in Prescott if the team can’t agree to terms, most notably the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants/Jets, and the Washington Football Team. Therefore, in order for the Cowboys to find success again, the key goals should be to re-sign Prescott to a long term deal, rebuild the offensive line, and trade for and/or sign free agent cornerbacks and safeties to solidify the team overall. Defense has been another big problem for the Cowboys, finishing 23rd in total defense. With no notable players in the secondary, the Cowboys should target star safeties and cornerbacks in the draft and free agency to help on the defensive front. These goals will help the team, but management under owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy continue to be problems.