The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL, often polarizing fans and critics alike. With a storied history of Super Bowl championships and high-profile seasons, the Cowboys are always under the microscope. However, despite their success, the team has struggled to make it past the postseason in recent years, raising questions about whether they can make a true playoff push in 2025. After a strong start to the season, the big question is: Do the Cowboys have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this year?
The Current State of the Cowboys
Heading into 2025, the Dallas Cowboys were expected to contend for a deep playoff run. They have a talented roster, with standout players on both sides of the ball. On offense, quarterback Dak Prescott is still at the helm, with elite wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and a solid offensive line. On defense, the Cowboys boast one of the most formidable pass rushes in the league, led by Micah Parsons. Their defense has been known to wreak havoc, and with key pieces like cornerback Trevon Diggs in the mix, the Cowboys’ defense can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league.
However, despite their impressive roster, the Cowboys have experienced inconsistent play that has kept them from reaching their full potential. A promising season can often be marred by costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and a lack of cohesion in key moments. This inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel.
Offensive Struggles and Dak Prescott’s Decision-Making
Dak Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been prone to critical mistakes at key moments in games. While Prescott can light up the scoreboard with his arm, his turnovers have been a recurring issue. In 2024, he threw 13 interceptions, which put the team in vulnerable situations, and his decision-making in crucial moments has been questioned.
The Cowboys offense, on paper, is explosive, but they often stall when the game is on the line. Despite having one of the top receiving corps, including Lamb and Michael Gallup, and an established running back in Tony Pollard, the Cowboys seem to have trouble closing out games and scoring when it matters most. The offense must find more consistency, and Prescott needs to take more control in high-pressure situations for the Cowboys to take the next step.
Defensive Dominance but Inconsistencies
On defense, the Cowboys are elite. Micah Parsons is a game-changer, and the defensive line is arguably one of the best in the NFL. With veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence and emerging stars, they can apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, the secondary, led by Trevon Diggs, has the ability to lock down wide receivers, allowing the pass rush to do its work.
However, despite the talent on defense, the Cowboys have sometimes failed to perform in high-pressure moments, especially against teams with powerful offenses. In their 2024 season, the defense often struggled to hold leads, and there were games where they allowed late-game drives that sealed their fate. In the postseason, this can be especially damaging, as even the best defenses can be undone by a lack of execution when it matters most.
The NFC Landscape
The NFC remains competitive, and the Cowboys’ division, the NFC East, is especially challenging. The Philadelphia Eagles, their main rivals, have been a powerhouse in recent years and have consistently been one of the top teams in the conference. The Washington Commanders and the New York Giants are both improving, which means every divisional game will be a battle. To secure a playoff spot, the Cowboys need to win crucial divisional matchups while also maintaining strong performances against teams from other conferences.
In a stacked NFC, the Cowboys will need to perform at a high level week in and week out. While they have the talent to compete, they will need to be more consistent than they have been in recent years. The wild card spots will be up for grabs, and if the Cowboys can get hot and put together a winning streak, they have a shot at securing a playoff berth.
Can the Cowboys Make a Playoff Push?
The big question is whether the Dallas Cowboys can overcome their mental lapses and inconsistencies to make a playoff push in 2025. While the team has the talent to contend, it’s clear that their road to the playoffs won’t be easy. The key to their success will be minimizing turnovers, improving in high-pressure situations, and staying healthy. Additionally, the defense will need to continue its dominant form while closing out games and not allowing late-game heroics from opposing offenses.
Head coach Mike McCarthy’s ability to manage the team and make adjustments during critical moments will also be essential. His experience and leadership could be the difference in helping the Cowboys break through the postseason barrier.
In conclusion, while the Dallas Cowboys certainly have the potential to make the playoffs, they face significant challenges. They must address their offensive inconsistencies, ensure that Dak Prescott plays at a high level, and avoid defensive lapses in critical moments. If they can execute on all fronts and put together a complete team performance, they absolutely have a chance at making a playoff push in 2025. But whether they can take the next step remains to be seen—it’s up to them to prove they can rise to the occasion.
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