I have both hope and doubts. It's ok to have both

[Bobhaze]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

 

[Rayman70]

It's a healthy balance of both. Nothing wrong with this mindset. I'm the same.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

I'm ready too, too much thinking and wondering what will happen, ready to see these guys on the field go to work, and put in overtime!!!!

 

[conner01]

It's a healthy balance of both. Nothing wrong with this mindset. I'm the same.

I think we all have that mindset. So many things can happen. But if we can for once stay healthy with key players I think the team can be pretty good. Not likely SB good but maybe playoffs good

 

[ShortRound]

We have a new coach, new players, I'm excited to see how it plays out.

No expectations... we start off with a doozy of a game though.

 

[GMO415]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

BULLETT!!!

I retired after more than 25 years as a crisis response subject matter expert for the largest city in California. In that time, I learned one fundamental truth: past behavior is one of the best predictors of future behavior.

That’s exactly why I remain skeptical of Jerry Jones and the direction of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ever since he fired Jimmy Johnson, Jerry has been on a relentless mission to prove that his football IQ is equal to—or greater than—Jimmy’s. And for decades, we’ve watched him try to validate that theory. Just look at the track record: the hiring of Dave Campo, then a decade of Jason Garrett. These weren’t just coaching decisions—they were ego decisions.

When I look at Jerry’s behavior, I see the textbook signs of narcissism. And if you’ve ever had to navigate life around a narcissist, you know that their happiness and validation always come first. The needs and desires of others—including millions of loyal fans—are simply not a priority.

This isn’t about the Cowboys being unlucky or "cursed." This is about a man who refuses self-reflection. A man who cannot—and will not—relinquish control long enough to hire a strong, competent head coach who might actually lead the team to another Super Bowl. Because if someone else wins it, that victory wouldn’t belong to Jerry.

So yes, I’m skeptical. Not because I enjoy being critical—but because I’ve seen this pattern before, and I know exactly how it ends.

 

[Praxit]

BULLETT!!!

I retired after more than 25 years as a crisis response subject matter expert for the largest city in California. In that time, I learned one fundamental truth: past behavior is one of the best predictors of future behavior.

That’s exactly why I remain skeptical of Jerry Jones and the direction of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ever since he fired Jimmy Johnson, Jerry has been on a relentless mission to prove that his football IQ is equal to—or greater than—Jimmy’s. And for decades, we’ve watched him try to validate that theory. Just look at the track record: the hiring of Dave Campo, then a decade of Jason Garrett. These weren’t just coaching decisions—they were ego decisions.

When I look at Jerry’s behavior, I see the textbook signs of narcissism. And if you’ve ever had to navigate life around a narcissist, you know that their happiness and validation always come first. The needs and desires of others—including millions of loyal fans—are simply not a priority.

This isn’t about the Cowboys being unlucky or "cursed." This is about a man who refuses self-reflection. A man who cannot—and will not—relinquish control long enough to hire a strong, competent head coach who might actually lead the team to another Super Bowl. Because if someone else wins it, that victory wouldn’t belong to Jerry.

So yes, I’m skeptical. Not because I enjoy being critical—but because I’ve seen this pattern before, and I know exactly how it ends.

..bad luck is also real ..

 

[KJJ]

Every year at this time we have both hopes and doubts.

 

[CATCH17]

I kinda know what we are.

We’re about where Washington is.

We should be fighting for 2nd in the division.

Injuries can change all that but on paper Dallas has a much better team than they started out with in FA.

I don’t see a team that can carry Dak when he goes cold. It still looks like the team is way too Dak dependent for my liking.

Corner is an issue too but the pass rush should be elite.

 

[Bobhaze]

BULLETT!!!

I retired after more than 25 years as a crisis response subject matter expert for the largest city in California. In that time, I learned one fundamental truth: past behavior is one of the best predictors of future behavior.

That’s exactly why I remain skeptical of Jerry Jones and the direction of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ever since he fired Jimmy Johnson, Jerry has been on a relentless mission to prove that his football IQ is equal to—or greater than—Jimmy’s. And for decades, we’ve watched him try to validate that theory. Just look at the track record: the hiring of Dave Campo, then a decade of Jason Garrett. These weren’t just coaching decisions—they were ego decisions.

When I look at Jerry’s behavior, I see the textbook signs of narcissism. And if you’ve ever had to navigate life around a narcissist, you know that their happiness and validation always come first. The needs and desires of others—including millions of loyal fans—are simply not a priority.

This isn’t about the Cowboys being unlucky or "cursed." This is about a man who refuses self-reflection. A man who cannot—and will not—relinquish control long enough to hire a strong, competent head coach who might actually lead the team to another Super Bowl. Because if someone else wins it, that victory wouldn’t belong to Jerry.

So yes, I’m skeptical. Not because I enjoy being critical—but because I’ve seen this pattern before, and I know exactly how it ends.

My motto for the last decade as a Cowboys fan: “I will believe it when it happens.”

I think we’ve had a decent off-season and I'm hoping for a good 2025 season. But as I said in another thread about this season “feeling different”…I won’t feel different until this season IS different from the last 30 years.

 

[rambo2]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

The offseason was excellent. The foundation has been set. We are getting younger and better.

 

[rambo2]

I think we all have that mindset. So many things can happen. But if we can for once stay healthy with key players I think the team can be pretty good. Not likely SB good but maybe playoffs good

Exciting to watch and see who will be successful. The bottom line is getting younger and showing improvement.

 

[rambo2]

BULLETT!!!

I retired after more than 25 years as a crisis response subject matter expert for the largest city in California. In that time, I learned one fundamental truth: past behavior is one of the best predictors of future behavior.

That’s exactly why I remain skeptical of Jerry Jones and the direction of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ever since he fired Jimmy Johnson, Jerry has been on a relentless mission to prove that his football IQ is equal to—or greater than—Jimmy’s. And for decades, we’ve watched him try to validate that theory. Just look at the track record: the hiring of Dave Campo, then a decade of Jason Garrett. These weren’t just coaching decisions—they were ego decisions.

When I look at Jerry’s behavior, I see the textbook signs of narcissism. And if you’ve ever had to navigate life around a narcissist, you know that their happiness and validation always come first. The needs and desires of others—including millions of loyal fans—are simply not a priority.

This isn’t about the Cowboys being unlucky or "cursed." This is about a man who refuses self-reflection. A man who cannot—and will not—relinquish control long enough to hire a strong, competent head coach who might actually lead the team to another Super Bowl. Because if someone else wins it, that victory wouldn’t belong to Jerry.

So yes, I’m skeptical. Not because I enjoy being critical—but because I’ve seen this pattern before, and I know exactly how it ends.

They made some very good moves this offseason. There are very good vibes going on at the Star in Frisco.

 

[rambo2]

My motto for the last decade as a Cowboys fan: “I will believe it when it happens.”

I think we’ve had a decent off-season and I'm hoping for a good 2025 season. But as I said in another thread about this season “feeling different”…I won’t feel different until this season IS different from the last 30 years.

How will you feel if they win the division this season?

 

[Ranching]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

Normally off season is a great time, full of hope, team and relationship building, being undefeated, etc. But that's if your a player of coach....for fans, it sucks! Lol

 

[rambo2]

Normally off season is a great time, full of hope, team and relationship building, being undefeated, etc. But that's if your a player of coach....for fans, it sucks! Lol

Some good things are going on. This is the most positive that I haver seen the Star at Frisco at the beginning of OTAs.

 

[john van brocklin]

Three months into a pretty good 2025 Cowboys off-season, I have realized I have a combination of both hope and doubts. Like the beginning of every Cowboys season I sincerely hope they have a great year. There are some reasons for hope.

And like most Cowboys fans who have watched the last three decades in mind numbing frustration, it’s also hard to not also have some doubts too. Especially when realizing the architect and centerpiece of this organization remains fully in charge. And fully unaccountable along with his DNA fortunate offspring.

So I have BOTH - hope and doubts.

Now I believe like most fans here on this forum that the Cowboys have had a pretty good off-season so far. Last off-season ended up being a kamikaze mission by Jerry, so anything would be better than that. But there are several good things about this off-season so far.

So until the real bullets fly in real games that matter beginning in September, I will remain both hopeful and skeptical.

For those fellow fans here who have nothing but good feelings about the coming year, as well as those who also have serious doubts about the coming season because of the past, I understand how you both feel. We should all allow each other some latitude around here to believe either.

This is my least favorite time of the football calendar. Honestly, I’m tired of the off-season and the endless speculation about what it all means and the silly arguments that take place . Only the regular season and (hopefully) playoffs will determine how good this off-season really was.

I’m so ready to see this regular season begin! Go Cowboys!

I am a burned out skeptic.
Our run defense is putrid.
We have an unproven HC.
I am expecting 7 and 10,
And that's if Dak can start
All 17 games, which is not likely.

 

[rambo2]

I am a burned out skeptic.
Our run defense is putrid.
We have an unproven HC.
I am expecting 7 and 10,
And that's if Dak can start
All 17 games, which is not

There are some good things going on. They have built a good foundation. I expect a winning season. I like what they are doing.

 

[Bobhaze]

How will you feel if they win the division this season?

Shocked then happy.

 

[Bobhaze]

I am a burned out skeptic.
Our run defense is putrid.
We have an unproven HC.
I am expecting 7 and 10,
And that's if Dak can start
All 17 games, which is not likely.

I don’t blame you John. I am skeptical about this defense for sure. Until they prove otherwise, this team and its coaches are unproven. A good off-season isn’t the same as proving it during the real games that matter.

As I said I’m hopeful but with realistic doubts.