As the Dallas Cowboys approach the conclusion of their regular season, recent struggles on both sides of the ball in their final games are casting a long shadow over their future in the NFC East. With the Eagles and Giants showing clear signs of improvement, and Washington’s competitive edge emerging under new leadership, the Cowboys’ path to success in a rapidly-evolving division looks increasingly difficult. The looming question is whether Dallas can adapt and evolve to remain a perennial contender in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.
The Cowboys entered the season with high expectations. After a promising 2022 campaign that saw them make the playoffs, many analysts pegged Dallas as one of the NFC’s top teams. However, the team has faced significant struggles in the final stretch of the 2023 season, particularly in high-pressure situations. Losses in key games, inconsistent performances on both offense and defense, and issues in the coaching staff’s game management have highlighted serious areas of concern.
The NFC East Power Shift
For years, the NFC East was often viewed as one of the NFL’s weaker divisions, with inconsistent performances and years of parity. However, in recent seasons, this has changed dramatically. The Philadelphia Eagles, after a period of rebuilding, emerged as one of the NFL’s elite teams, reaching the Super Bowl in 2023 and solidifying themselves as a powerhouse. Their potent offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, and a defense that boasts one of the league’s most feared pass rushes, have made them the division’s team to beat.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants have steadily improved under head coach Brian Daboll. While they are not yet on par with the Eagles, they have shown significant growth, particularly in their offensive line play and quarterback play from Daniel Jones. The Giants’ ability to draft and develop talent has positioned them as a team that, if given the right pieces, could soon challenge the Cowboys for supremacy in the NFC East.
Even Washington, traditionally seen as the division’s doormat, has experienced an uptick in competitiveness. With Ron Rivera at the helm and a strong defense led by standout pass rusher Montez Sweat, Washington has kept games close and proven they are not a team to overlook. The Commanders’ rebuild, albeit still in progress, has shown promise, and the potential for them to surprise in the coming years is very real.
The emergence of these teams signals a significant shift in the NFC East’s power structure. The Cowboys, who have traditionally been the division’s standard-bearer, are now facing much stiffer competition than they’ve encountered in recent years.
Dallas’ Issues Exposed
The Cowboys’ final stretch of games is offering a clear warning: unless changes are made, their future in the NFC East will not be as dominant as it once seemed. One of the most glaring issues has been the inconsistency of their offense. While Dak Prescott remains a solid quarterback, his recent turnover problems have placed added pressure on the team. Prescott’s inability to consistently deliver in high-stakes moments has been evident, and opposing defenses are learning to exploit the Cowboys’ offensive line struggles.
In addition, the Cowboys have struggled to establish a consistent run game, which has hurt their overall offensive balance. Ezekiel Elliott, once the cornerstone of their offense, is now with the Patriots, and Tony Pollard, though talented, has not been able to fully replicate Elliott’s production as a lead back. Without a reliable running game, Dallas’ passing attack has become one-dimensional, allowing opposing defenses to focus their efforts on limiting Prescott’s aerial assault.
On the defensive side, while the Cowboys remain strong in several key areas, they have struggled against elite offenses, particularly when it comes to stopping the run. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s unit, once regarded as one of the league’s best, has not been as dominant in recent weeks. With key players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs still performing at a high level, the defensive line’s inability to pressure quarterbacks consistently and their vulnerability in the secondary has been concerning.
Coaching and Game Management Concerns
Another factor contributing to Dallas’ recent struggles is questions surrounding head coach Mike McCarthy’s game management. The Cowboys have repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of tight games, whether it’s due to poor clock management, questionable play calls, or missed opportunities. McCarthy’s conservative approach in key moments has often left the team in difficult situations. In a division that is becoming more competitive, the Cowboys can’t afford to lose games due to coaching miscues or missed opportunities.
Looking Ahead: The Cowboys’ Road to Recovery
To maintain their competitive edge in the NFC East, the Cowboys will need to make several adjustments moving forward. First, they must solidify their offensive line. Without a consistent offensive front, it’s difficult for any quarterback to succeed, and Dallas’ inability to protect Prescott in key moments has been a major issue this season. Whether through the draft or free agency, upgrading the offensive line must be a top priority.
The Cowboys will also need to address their running back situation. Pollard is a valuable asset, but they need a true complement to his skill set. A dynamic, physical back who can take pressure off Pollard and provide a change-of-pace element would be beneficial in keeping opposing defenses off balance.
Additionally, improvements in the secondary and defensive line are necessary. Although Dallas has talent, particularly in players like Parsons and Diggs, they need more depth and consistency across the board to compete with teams like the Eagles and Giants, who boast potent offenses.
Finally, McCarthy will need to prove that he can make better in-game decisions, particularly in critical moments. In a division as competitive as the NFC East is becoming, every detail counts, and poor coaching decisions could be the difference between a division title and a missed playoff berth.
Conclusion
The Cowboys’ struggles in the final stretch of the 2023 season should serve as a wake-up call for the team and its fans. With the NFC East becoming more competitive each year, the Cowboys must take proactive steps to address their weaknesses if they want to remain contenders in the years to come. As the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders continue to rise, the window for the Cowboys to maintain their supremacy in the division is closing quickly. How they address their issues in the offseason will determine whether they can continue to compete at the top of the NFC East or fall behind as the division’s balance of power shifts.
