There are few things a person can count on in this unpredictable world. One thing that can be expected is the Dallas Cowboys losing early in the playoffs, usually in embarrassing fashion. That won't happen this year, because Dallas won't be making the postseason.
Why The Cowboys Won't Make The Playoffs
Dallas lost A LOT in the offseason, mainly on the defensive side of the ball. On top of their coordinator leaving for Washington, they lost Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, and Jonathan Hankins to free agency. Armstrong had 38 tackles and 7.5 sacks (2nd most on the team) in 2023. Hankins recorded 27 tackles with 3 sacks. Fowler only recorded 13 tackles but 4 of those were sacks. That is 53 tackles and 14.5 sacks that they need to replace. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, they have not really done much to fill those holes.
The Cowboys brought over linebacker Eric Kendricks from the Chargers. Kendricks recorded 117 tackles last season, but he is the only notable name they have signed on defense. They drafted Marshawn Kneeland, DE from Western Michigan, and Marist Liufau, LB Notre Dame. Those players will be asked to play an important role on the biggest stage in the NFL in their rookie years.
America's team didn't lose as many names on offense, but those who left will be difficult to replace. The biggest departure was left tackle Tyron Smith. That is a huge blow to the offensive line. Smith was one of the best LTs in the league in 2023, only giving up one sack all season.
Dallas drafted Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma to replace Smith. Guyton was great for the Sooners last season but has some massive shoes to fill. There is a chance Dak Prescott could be under pressure a lot this year.
Tony Pollard also left in free agency. While Pollard wasn't great last season, he is much better than the current Dallas backfield. They will likely rely on Rico Dowdl and a returning Ezekiel Elliot to carry the load at running back. Neither was a full-time starter last season. They rushed for just over 1,000 yards and five touchdowns combined.
The Cowboys' schedule doesn't do them any favors, either. They will play nine games against teams who made the playoffs in 2023, with five of those coming in a seven-week stretch. That could spell disaster for Dallas. They went just 2-5 in games against teams that made the playoffs last year. If they trip up against good teams again this season, they could find themselves falling out of the NFC East discussion fast and fighting for a wildcard position.
Teams like the Rams, Packers, and Falcons all have their sights set on breakout seasons and could make life difficult for Dallas when clinching a playoff spot. Additionally, the Eagles aim to bounce back after their epic collapse in 2023. This, along with significant roster turnover, could mean an early trip to Cabo for the Cowboys. It's hard to believe that a team that appears weaker on paper compared to last season can succeed against a tougher schedule in 2024.
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