Have the Cowboys improved enough to make the playoffs?

[Diehardblues]

Going into 2026 we are facing potentially 3 consecutive losing seasons . Which hasn’t happened since the Campo era 5-11 futility in consecutive seasons.

This of course would have followed 3 consecutive 12 win playoff seasons. Amazing how far we’ve fallen. It’s already cost one HC, will it cost another.

Is Shotty on the hot seat? Would 2 consecutive losing seasons spur on another HC change ?

No doubt we’ve improved our defensive roster. And hopefully a first time DC scheme will compliment a big turnover on defensive roster. I like our chances of finishing above .500. Playoffs IDK.

But it will still all hinge on offense having as big of year as 2025. And keeping Dak healthy. We wasted a full healthy season last year. Defense just needs to be closer to average than worst. And this is all assuming the rest of division and NFC hasn’t improved as well .

Will there be 7 teams in NFC better. Could be. Sea, SF, LA, Det, GB, Chi and Phi I’d argue all go in as more likely to get in. 9 or 10 wins might not be enough. Should be interesting. But much riding on not having another losing and non playoff season.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Yeah I'd argue that Shotty would be on the hot seat with another playoff miss. I'm not ready to pencil the Cowboys into the super bowl yet, but I like their playoff odds. While I still think they are quite thin in a few areas they have enough pieces where they should be able to win 10 games. It seems like a reasonable expectation to me.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Is Shotty on the hot seat?

Yes we have.

And is Schotty on the hot seat??????? Um, no.

 

[Diehardblues]

Yeah I'd argue that Shotty would be on the hot seat with another playoff miss. I'm not ready to pencil the Cowboys into the super bowl yet, but I like their playoff odds. While I still think they are quite thin in a few areas they have enough pieces where they should be able to win 10 games. It seems like a reasonable expectation to me.

When I look at schedule it has potentially a bunch of losses:
Sea, SF, LAR, GB, Hou, Balt ,Jax & Phi all playoff teams from 2025

There’s 8. And that’s assuming we can go to Indy and win, Split against Phi while sweeping Wash & NY .

We can probably win a couple against those playoff teams but also likely to be upset.

10 wins going to be tough.

 

[Praxit]

well, lets see. Offense was top #3 all year in 25'. Same offense is coming back, basically.

Playoff possibility? Checked>>>> >

Defense improved little late in 25'. Thanks to mid season trades. But no where near playoff caliber.

Defense for 26' New>>> DC, three quarters of the defense is revamped. Safe to say, we have new defense for 26'.

On paper, I'm going to say, YES! They will be good enough to compliment the offense and get into post season.

Reality say's, will have to wait until maybe 4-5 game to benchmark the possibility.

 

[Diehardblues]

Yes we have.

And is Schotty on the hot seat??????? Um, no.

Obviously not now but another losing or non playoff season. IDK??

 

[Praxit]

Yeah I'd argue that Shotty would be on the hot seat with another playoff miss. I'm not ready to pencil the Cowboys into the super bowl yet, but I like their playoff odds. While I still think they are quite thin in a few areas they have enough pieces where they should be able to win 10 games. It seems like a reasonable expectation to me.

..no, dont think so. I was surprised how good Shotty did first year. With abysmal defense ranked almost last, yet managed to win 7 games.

Offense showed lots ingenuity we hadnt seen in years. Im excited what he's bringing next few years.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Going into 2026 we are facing potentially 3 consecutive losing seasons . Which hasn’t happened since the Campo era 5-11 futility in consecutive seasons.

This of course would have followed 3 consecutive 12 win playoff seasons. Amazing how far we’ve fallen. It’s already cost one HC, will it cost another.

Is Shotty on the hot seat? Would 2 consecutive losing seasons spur on another HC change ?

No doubt we’ve improved our defensive roster. And hopefully a first time DC scheme will compliment a big turnover on defensive roster. I like our chances of finishing above .500. Playoffs IDK.

But it will still all hinge on offense having as big of year as 2025. And keeping Dak healthy. We wasted a full healthy season last year. Defense just needs to be closer to average than worst. And this is all assuming the rest of division and NFC hasn’t improved as well .

Will there be 7 teams in NFC better. Could be. Sea, SF, LA, Det, GB, Chi and Phi I’d argue all go in as more likely to get in. 9 or 10 wins might not be enough. Should be interesting. But much riding on not having another losing and non playoff season.

yes, they should. assuming offense continues to play at a high level.

are they championship ready? no, not as long as Jerry is the GM

 

[Jarntt]

If one of our guys proves to be a second starting caliber outside CB (not even necessarily a good one, just a serviceable one), I think we are a playoff team for sure if injuries do not derail our season. If we don't, I think we still could be but need more to break our way.

 

[nhcowboyfan]

I think Schotty will get at least 4 years - and he should unless the wheels fall completely off. Their record last year was more the fault of front office failures (not filling weak positions with quality free agents and the Parsons debacle) and a putrid defense.
To be fair to Eberflus, he was dealt a very bad hand. No Parsons and DLaw to begin the season; early injuries (Overshown and Revel); and players accustomed to schemes from the two previous DCs.
Let's hope that Parker can build a defense that at least gives us a fighting chance.

 

[75boyz]

Still don't like the edge, offball linebacker or offensive tackle positions personally.

Hoping against the Giants leaping the Cowboys and making them #3 in the division while fighting against the Eagles this year for the division title.

I'm thinking more another 7 win type season as the offense isn't quite able to repeat last year's numbers.

Jerry probably still keeps Shoddy though.

jmo

 

[Stash]

I find myself wondering if they might possibly be able to even improve on last year’s #2 yardage offense?

There were several new additions - players, coaches, schemes, etc.

Could they actually be better with another season to establish themselves?

 

[EGTuna]

No, but they could still make it because it’s impossible to predict

 

[DrewCarryMore]

I think it's all hypothetical. I love all the new additions including free agency and the draft but its going come down to getting these young guys to execute. It seems that we are hoping that these rookies can be immediate contributors and play a large role. As much as I love the CP hiring as well he also is a large question mark for me. Until I start to see the actual product produce on the field it's hard to say they have improved enough to make the playoffs. Fortunately if our offense shows up like it did last year we don't need to be massively improved but just enough.

 

[rambo2]

When I look at schedule it has potentially a bunch of losses:
Sea, SF, LAR, GB, Hou, Balt ,Jax & Phi all playoff teams from 2025

There’s 8. And that’s assuming we can go to Indy and win, Split against Phi while sweeping Wash & NY .

We can probably win a couple against those playoff teams but also likely to be upset.

10 wins going to be tough.

The Cowboys should be tough.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Schotty on the hot seat because he couldn’t make chicken salad out of chicken ****??? Laughable

How many coaches aren’t on the hot seat after missing the playoffs their first two years?

 

[shabazz]

Schotty on the hot seat because he couldn’t make chicken salad out of chicken ****??? Laughable

Uberpuss took the hit for that dumpster fire of a roster that our GM gave him.

 

[smoker]

Yeah most likely

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

They've clearly improved on paper. Does that mean they'll make the playoffs? No one can say for certain.

 

[johneric8]

At some point, our Boys will be the best team again in the league, and as far fetched as it may sound, this could very well be our year. Offense is ridiculous right now and will be better, and defense may be really good as well... Shotty is loved by players and has helped with the culture, he is the best we've had so far, and Christian Parker seems legit... I feel good about us having a chance.