The quality of the Dallas Cowboys’ squad has declined compared to 2023, and this has become evident on the field. The team, led by executive vice president and CEO Jerry Jones, had hoped to continue its success of 12 regular-season wins from the past three seasons. However, their aspirations were quickly thwarted at the start of the 2024 season, as they endured three consecutive home defeats and now hold a disappointing 3-4 record, aligning with analysts’ predictions of their struggles.
Despite having several high-profile players, including CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s highest-paid players, and Micah Parsons, who is set to sign an extension next season, the overall quality of the roster has regressed. This decline diminishes their chances of competing for a Super Bowl title.
The warning signs appeared during the offseason when the team failed to make significant moves in free agency, relying instead on the draft. Unfortunately, the draft picks have not filled the necessary gaps, leading to underwhelming performances.
During the offseason, Jerry Jones cautioned the media, stating, “we have to do more with less,” highlighting the repercussions of the team’s poor management.
Stephen Jones, the team’s second-in-command, commented on the 53-man roster’s quality in a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan, expressing that he didn’t foresee the level of issues the team is experiencing given their current record. “This team is made up of a lot of the same players that have won 12 games over the last three seasons,” he remarked. “Right now, we’re just going through adversity. We’ve had more injuries than our fair share this year, at least on the defensive side of the ball.”
However, he failed to acknowledge the loss of key veterans from last year, who significantly contributed to the team’s success, nor the inability to replace them effectively. The absence of names like Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, and others is increasingly noticeable.
Tyron Smith
A future Hall of Famer, Smith’s absence was justified due to his injury history, yet his replacement, Tyler Guyton, has struggled. The rookie has underperformed as a left tackle, accumulating penalties and failing to protect the quarterback adequately, affecting the offensive line’s overall performance.
Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore played a crucial role in 2023, stepping in for the injured Trevon Diggs. His absence this year left the Cowboys relying on fifth-round rookie Caelen Carson, who was thrust into a starting role due to injuries. This shift has weakened the cornerback position, and Trevon Diggs has struggled, contributing to defensive vulnerabilities.
Jonathan Hankins
Hankins was a partial solution to the team’s issues against the run but was not re-signed, allowing Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, to take his place, though he has not lived up to expectations.
Tony Pollard
The Cowboys opted not to give Pollard a multi-year contract, which led him to join the Titans. The team’s current running back committee, including Rico Dowdle and a returning Zeke Elliott, has not produced effective results, resulting in the Cowboys being the least effective team in running the ball.
Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr
The absence of these key defensive line players is significantly felt, impacting the team’s ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
