The Dallas Cowboys stand at a pivotal moment in their quest for championship glory. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb securing long-term contracts, the team has made significant strides. Their recent commanding victory over the Cleveland Browns has sparked conversations about their potential as serious contenders for the Super Bowl, a title they haven’t claimed in 29 years.
Is this the year the Cowboys can finally break through? This question will be further explored this Sunday as they face the New Orleans Saints, who also enjoyed a strong opening win, in their first home game at AT&T Stadium (1 p.m. ET on FOX).
1. Which Week 1 blowout win is more convincing — Cowboys or Saints?
Vacchiano: Without a doubt, the Cowboys. While the Browns are grappling with their own issues, the Cowboys have shown they are a formidable force. Despite the challenges they faced during the offseason, including injuries and roster changes, they still possess an elite quarterback in Dak Prescott, a top-tier receiver in CeeDee Lamb, and a defensive powerhouse in Micah Parsons. Their defensive lineup remains robust, and while the offensive line is still finding its footing, their performance on Sunday was promising.
This team has all the components of a contender, replicating their past three seasons of 12-5 records and playoff appearances.
2. Do Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s extensions support Jerry Jones’s “all-in” claim?
Helman: That’s what Jerry would love to hear, but the reality is more complex.
The Cowboys faced limited options in these negotiations. Allowing a top-five receiver like Lamb to leave would have been unthinkable. Prescott’s situation was more delicate; if he had entered free agency after the 2024 season, the Cowboys would have incurred a $40 million cap hit from his restructured deal. This scenario would have posed a significant financial burden, even if he were playing for another team.
Billionaires typically dislike unnecessary expenditures, and the thought of searching for a new franchise quarterback at 82 is likely unappealing to Jones.
While securing these contracts is a relief, it doesn’t resolve underlying issues within the team. The Cowboys showcased their strength in Week 1, but concerns linger about their secondary pass-catchers. With Jake Ferguson’s knee injury, the depth behind Lamb appears thin. The running back situation is also precarious, and the defensive front’s depth will be tested throughout the season.
In essence, going “all-in” should mean taking bold steps to enhance championship potential. While the Cowboys have secured their core players, it doesn’t equate to a full commitment to this season’s success.
Vacchiano: No argument here.
While the moves made may reduce skepticism about Jerry’s commitment, they fall short of being truly “all-in.” Most expected a more aggressive approach to free agency, where he would pursue players to bolster the current roster without concern for future implications. Instead, key free agents departed, and the Cowboys ignored the opportunity to sign top players from other teams.
The offseason left many wanting more, especially when it came to enhancing the running back position. The decision to re-sign 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott felt underwhelming, especially given the wealth of talent available in free agency.
3. How significant is the rushing attack for the Cowboys, and do they have the personnel to support it?
Vacchiano: This question is multifaceted. In today’s game, passing is increasingly dominant, yet a reliable rushing attack remains essential.
Last season, the Cowboys’ rushing attack ranked 15th in the league, led by Tony Pollard with 1,005 yards. While this was respectable, it lacked the consistency needed to secure crucial yards in tight situations.
4. Will Mike McCarthy retain his position as head coach after this season?
Helman: Yes, he likely will.
The perception of Jerry Jones as an impulsive decision-maker is outdated. Historically, he has shown reluctance to make changes without substantial cause. Since firing Wade Phillips in 2010, he has only made one coaching change, allowing Jason Garrett nearly a decade to lead.
McCarthy brings stability that has been absent for years. The Cowboys have made consecutive playoff appearances under his leadership, a feat not achieved since 2006-07.
There isn’t a strict benchmark for McCarthy this season. A playoff appearance and improved performance compared to last year should suffice for him to keep his job.
Vacchiano: I agree with Dave. Many assume Jones is quick to lose patience, but his history suggests otherwise. Over the past 22 seasons, he has only employed four different head coaches, showing a preference for stability.
While speculation about Bill Belichick’s potential hiring looms, it’s unlikely Jones will disrupt the current setup if the team continues to perform well. McCarthy’s system aligns with Prescott’s strengths, making a coaching change counterproductive.
The lack of a contract extension for McCarthy may just be Jones’s way of keeping the pressure on, as he generally dislikes upheaval. As long as the Cowboys make the playoffs, McCarthy’s position seems secure.
5. When should the Cowboys make Micah Parsons the highest-paid defender in the NFL?
Vacchiano: Ideally, before it becomes a distraction. While contract negotiations can be manageable, they can escalate quickly.
The Cowboys should take lessons from the Prescott and Lamb deals and secure Parsons before any financial complications arise. Currently, his contract extends to the end of 2025, with a $21.3 million cap number next year.
While this amount is reasonable for an elite player, it could be more effectively allocated through a long-term deal. The Cowboys are projected to have limited cap space next offseason, making it strategic to negotiate with Parsons before free agency opens next March.
Imagine the potential of an extra $15 million in cap space for the Cowboys to enhance their roster. Such a move could shift perceptions about Jerry Jones’s commitment to winning.
Helman: History suggests Parsons will likely sign a lucrative extension next August, following a typical holdout. The Cowboys have shown a pattern of being hesitant to pay top market prices for elite players.
Parsons is among the NFL’s finest defenders, and his impact is undeniable. His performance against the Browns showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
