Sticky: Poll: How confident are you about this team going into 2026?

[Diehardblues]

Just looking at our schedule alone with Ravens in Rio and @Texans, Packers and @Egirls there’s 4 potential losses before halfway mark without even knowing how improved NY and Wash are.

Then we have SF, @Sea, @LAR , Jags and Egirls again. Assuming Colts, Tennessee and Bucs aren’t improved.

Even if we are improved we have 8 games against playoff teams from last year. I wouldn’t be cashing any checks just yet. It’s a long season .

But I get why fans are excited. It’s football season. I’m excited too. We have upgraded our roster on defense. But many teams have upgraded their teams as well and many were already better teams.

 

[Chasing6]

Lol, you Sir are correct. I will lower my expectations to at least two wins per season.

I learned this a long time ago, to lower my expectations. I would rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

 

[Diehardblues]

I learned this a long time ago, to lower my expectations. I would rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

There’s nothing wrong with raising expectations. Predictions don’t have to be attached.

I think we all can acknowledge we have upgraded roster especially on defense.

And I think we all are looking forward to watch how it progresses and unfolds.

I think some fans want to say they saw it coming. We all do in a way but most of us will wait until we see it.

Believing is one thing. It doesn’t make them any wiser. In the end it’s all speculative.

We will all know soon enough if we’ve put together a serious playoff contender or more. I’d be more concerned if our QB can stay healthy which he hasn’t done in consecutive seasons since 2016-17. And why don’t we have a more seasoned veteran backup.

 

[JoeKing]

We can all agree the major problem was not the offense. So, fix the defense and this should be a playoff team. That's the theory being propagated to the fans. So, what has the Cowboys organization done to correct their course? From a player standpoint there are three things I can think of to right the course of the team. Two involve free agency; waive players that are a problem and add free agents that can contribute. The third course of action is draft well. As for the coaching staff, there has been serious adjustments in that area including letting go of our Defensive Coordinator and replacing him with Chistian Parker. This is the singular biggest step the Cowboys made this offseason. Working with Schotty, CP has hired a new defensive coaching staff and installed a new defensive scheme. New coaches, new players, what more can you ask for to fix a team. I think they have checked all the boxes to get back on course to the playoffs and be a Super Bowl contender?

 

[Stash]

NFL training camps and pre-season games are under way. And in Oxnard, there is certainly a more positive feel than in the last two seasons.

So here’s the big question: With the excitement of a new season, new defensive coordinator, an apparently good draft (so far), and some other key player acquisitions…how confident are you in the Cowboys going into the 2026 season? And tell us why you picked that answer.

Will this team meet its positive expectations, exceed them, or be what they’ve been lately?

I picked C as my answer. Although I like a lot of what I’m seeing early, hype is always strong in TC. I will wait until the real bullets fly before determining what this team probably is.

I’m in an unfamiliar place going into this season, one of overwhelming optimism. I am not used to being here, not for a long time.

I feel they’ve made one great decision after another since the disappointment of last season. Firing Eberflus and admitting your huge mistake was step one. There was no guarantee that the Joneses would admit their mistake, but they did.

From there they made the decision to hire Parker, and I feel that will prove to be brilliant. I think they struck gold with one of the best and brightest defensive coaches in the league. And his genius will lift up the entire defense.

He is the polar opposite of the old, tired, once-great, past-their-prime coordinators that the Joneses previously used. And that change in philosophy will pay huge dividends.

If the offense is as good as they were last year - and I think they can be better - even a competent defense can get you to the playoffs.

My concern would be facing the Rams or Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. I think they’re far and away the two best teams in the league right now.

And it’s a weird feeling, almost a frustration that other fans aren’t buying in. Part of me wants to say, if you’re not onboard now, stay off the bandwagon later this season. But then I remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

[Diehardblues]

I’m in an unfamiliar place going into this season, one of overwhelming optimism. I am not used to being here, not for a long time.

I feel they’ve made one great decision after another since the disappointment of last season. Firing Eberflus and admitting your huge mistake was step one. There was no guarantee that the Joneses would admit their mistake, but they did.

From there they made the decision to hire Parker, and I feel that will prove to be brilliant. I think they struck gold with one of the best and brightest defensive coaches in the league. And his genius will lift up the entire defense.

He is the polar opposite of the old, tired, once-great, past-their-prime coordinators that the Joneses previously used. And that change in philosophy will pay huge dividends.

If the offense is as good as they were last year - and I think they can be better - even a competent defense can get you to the playoffs.

My concern would be facing the Rams or Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. I think they’re far and away the two best teams in the league right now.

And it’s a weird feeling, almost a frustration that other fans aren’t buying in. Part of me wants to say, if you’re not onboard now, stay off the bandwagon later this season. But then I remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Buying into what? That we have upgraded our roster and improved our coaching staff. And should become a playoff contender. I think we all can agree.

That doesn’t mean we are a lock to be in the playoffs. Can you guarantee Prescott stays healthy for entire season. And how much has rest of division and conference upgraded their rosters and coaching staffs.

Last year our offense key starters went basically unscathed with injury. Is it realistic to expect that again.

A bunch of uncertainly to be claiming we are in the playoffs and talking championship game . This is where some of us pause with caution. We’ve seen this hype train before.

Anticipation and excitement for a new season with raised expectations is one thing. Attaching predictions with it before a snap has been made is quite another.

 

[Stash]

Buying into what? That we have upgraded our roster and improved our coaching staff. And should become a playoff contender. I think we all can agree.

That’s the thing, we can’t. I’ve seen plenty of people who are so jaded by past disappointments that they’re stuck there.

That doesn’t mean we are a lock to be in the playoffs. Can you guarantee Prescott stays healthy for entire season. And how much has rest of division and conference upgraded their rosters and coaching staffs.

No one can “guarantee” anything when it comes to injuries. All bets are off if that happens.

I don’t think the rest of the division has improved. If anything, I think Philadelphia and Washington have gotten worse.

Last year our offense key starters went basically unscathed with injury. Is it realistic to expect that again.

I seem to remember all but one of our offensive linemen missing multiple games.

A bunch of uncertainly to be claiming we are in the playoffs and talking championship game . This is where some of us pause with caution. We’ve seen this hype train before.

Anticipation and excitement for a new season with raised expectations is one thing. Attaching predictions with it before a snap has been made is quite another.

Yeah. That’s understandable. That’s why I mentioned it’s something I’m personally struggling with. I can’t reasonably expect everyone else to feel the way I do.

 

[Diehardblues]

“ overwhelming optimism “ is a scary term for a franchise which hasnt seen a championship game in 30 years. Not to mention coming off consecutive losing record and non playoff seasons .

This is why our fans are chastised from around the league. We are so desperate.
We always over hype our potential.

It’s not enough to be excited and hopeful we have made the right or at least better moves in offseason to take us back to the playoffs .

Off season including Free Agency, Draft and Training Camp is time of year to have renewed optimism but when I see “ overwhelming” I must respond . Much like responding to calls out that those who are not as “ bandwagon fans”.

Seems like a pretty normal stance after 3 decades of frustration and disappointment not to mention consecutive losing seasons with our dysfunctional ownership still hovering over to be cautiously excited pending all of the other contributing factors and unknown circumstances which can’t be answered with a long season ahead.

Go Cowboys!!

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

This team hasn't played one game yet. I'm always of the opinion let's see how they play after Thanksgiving and Down the stretch into the playoffs. I've seen this team get off to great starts in the past and then fold like a hot potato. I'm sorry. I probably won't even believe totally until after they win a divisional playoff game because we've been the top seed twice this century and choked. The Cowboys Don't deserve our confidence in them. If I'm wrong then I'm wrong and I'll be glad I am. Also have to see if Dak Quits having his panic attacks in big playoff games which I have doubts that he can. I think at least this year we should compete for a playoff spot which is a lot better than the last 2 years when I thought the season was over before it even began but this team has accomplished nothing so far.

 

[Diehardblues]

That’s the thing, we can’t. I’ve seen plenty of people who are so jaded by past disappointments that they’re stuck there.


No one can “guarantee” anything when it comes to injuries. All bets are off if that happens.

I don’t think the rest of the division has improved. If anything, I think Philadelphia and Washington have gotten worse.


I seem to remember all but one of our offensive linemen missing multiple games.


Yeah. That’s understandable. That’s why I mentioned it’s something I’m personally struggling with. I can’t reasonably expect everyone else to feel the way I do.

I was referring to key position injuries on offense .

I’m not sure until the season begins to unfold how we can make these determinations about our divisional and conference opponents. There’s always surprises each season.

I’m hopeful there aren’t 7 better teams in NFC. We shall see. Doesn’t mean we aren’t excited or optimistic about the season.

And yes, there are probably some fans who stay in the doldrums which I’d challenge as well. The answer is usually somewhere more in the middle. Thanks

 

[Diehardblues]

This team hasn't played one game yet. I'm always of the opinion let's see how they play after Thanksgiving and Down the stretch into the playoffs. I've seen this team get off to great starts in the past and then fold like a hot potato. I'm sorry. I probably won't even believe totally until after they win a divisional playoff game because we've been the top seed twice this century and choked. The Cowboys Don't deserve our confidence in them. If I'm wrong then I'm wrong and I'll be glad I am. Also have to see if Dak Quits having his panic attacks in big playoff games which I have doubts that he can. I think at least this year we should compete for a playoff spot which is a lot better than the last 2 years when I thought the season was over before it even began but this team has accomplished nothing so far.

No doubt building confidence is something that’s earned not hyped.

I’m anxious to see how this upgraded defensive roster and new DC develop.

There’s much to be excited about and cause for renewed optimism.

But reality doesn’t begin until after Labor Day.

I think we will begin buying into this team as it unfolds. Hey, if it makes you a bigger homer cause you believed without seeing. Ok lol

Go Cowboys!!

 

[Stash]

I was referring to key position injuries on offense .

Then I think you should use a different term.

I’m not sure until the season begins to unfold how we can make these determinations about our divisional and conference opponents. There’s always surprises each season.

Yes. Some for the better, some for the worse. I think Washington and Philadelphia got worse.

I’m hopeful there aren’t 7 better teams in NFC. We shall see. Doesn’t mean we aren’t excited or optimistic about the season.

In my opinion, I think there are only two that I’d consider to be outright better than the Cowboys right now - Seattle and the Rams.

And yes, there are probably some fans who stay in the doldrums which I’d challenge as well. The answer is usually somewhere more in the middle. Thanks

Thank you for the good conversation.

 

[kskboys]

I don’t make any assessments until the season begins. The rest is hype to me.

Evaluation and assessment are over rated until results come in. That’s what I’m interested in evaluating and assessing.

Not sure why we’d expect this team will make playoffs. How can we know there’s not 7 teams better in NFC? What if Dak goes down. Predictions come dime a dozen my friend . It’s a long season.

Then there's no reason to even be on this site if not to evaluate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you perceive E and A as a waste of time? Why would you not want to look at the players and think about how good they are and how they'll fit in? I actually don't understand your stance on this!!!!!!

 

[kskboys]

Then I think you should use a different term.


Yes. Some for the better, some for the worse. I think Washington and Philadelphia got worse.


In my opinion, I think there are only two that I’d consider to be outright better than the Cowboys right now - Seattle and the Rams.


Thank you for the good conversation.

Well said.

SEA is a good team, not a dominant team. Neither stood out from the pack, they were just a bit better.

 

[Diehardblues]

Then I think you should use a different term.


Yes. Some for the better, some for the worse. I think Washington and Philadelphia got worse.


In my opinion, I think there are only two that I’d consider to be outright better than the Cowboys right now - Seattle and the Rams.


Thank you for the good conversation.

I’ve always referred to them as “ key” positions or starters . Sorry if confusing or mislead you.

Im not sure without further evidence how we wouldn’t consider playoff teams like Phi and GB to be better teams. At least not yet.

I’d even consider non playoff teams from last year who have been more consistent playoff teams in recent years like Detroit and SF to be better coming out of the gates.

Not sure without seeing how our team performs we could place them ahead of any of these teams?

This could change of course . But I’d place Dallas maybe 7th going into season ahead of other playoff contenders like Minn, Tampa for example. . Which all means nothing and based on last years teams and performances which means nothing until this year begins to unfolds .

But generally about 70% playoff teams repeat. It’s all we have to go on until further evidence . It’s what we base the schedules coming out of the gate to be until this season is complete.

No doubt LAR and Sea appear to be cream of the crop but that could change as well . Too many intangibles for any of us to making these type of speculative assessment's and predictions. But that’s what we do in a fan forum

 

[Diehardblues]

Well said.

SEA is a good team, not a dominant team. Neither stood out from the pack, they were just a bit better.

Yea, I didnt think Sea was a great team either. Just shows how the NFC was for the taking last year .

And actually once Mahomes went down the league was wide open .

I thought Rams were cream of the crop in NFC but couldn’t close the deal for division or trip to SB.

And I thought Bills were best team with best QB standing in AFC.

Bills/ Rams would have been a great SB. Oh well, in one game elimination best team doesn’t always win.

Good news for Cowboys if we’d had a good defense last year we could have contended. Can’t wait to see how it develops.

Not sure if we should expect it to fully blossom this year or might it take a couple years for young talent to take charge.

And should we expect the offense to have as good of season? Can’t wait our offensive weapons stay healthy at QB, RB and WR. Not much on the bench if we lose QB or RB.

So I see how we could emerge. There’s always a team that makes huge strides from year to year .

Like we saw the Bears emerging. And Detroit a few years ago. We shall see.

 

[Diehardblues]

Then there's no reason to even be on this site if not to evaluate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you perceive E and A as a waste of time? Why would you not want to look at the players and think about how good they are and how they'll fit in? I actually don't understand your stance on this!!!!!!

I’m not a talent evaluator without seeing in action. Never played organized football or been a coach, etc . I’m not a combine type of fan. have to see action and results on the field before making evaluations and assessments.

We’ve seen too many times great athletes from college become bust or under achieving in NFL due to being in bad situations , bad teams or simply over hyped.

I’ve always admired fans like you who have that coaching eye. And I generally trust your view and have followed it for years.

I think you’re putting too much into my stance . I just need to see it for myself coach K

 

[kskboys]

I’ve always referred to them as “ key” positions or starters . Sorry if confusing or mislead you.

Im not sure without further evidence how we wouldn’t consider playoff teams like Phi and GB to be better teams. At least not yet.

I’d even consider non playoff teams from last year who have been more consistent playoff teams in recent years like Detroit and SF to be better coming out of the gates.

Not sure without seeing how our team performs we could place them ahead of any of these teams?

This could change of course . But I’d place Dallas maybe 7th going into season ahead of other playoff contenders like Minn, Tampa for example. . Which all means nothing and based on last years teams and performances which means nothing until this year begins to unfolds .

But generally about 70% playoff teams repeat. It’s all we have to go on until further evidence . It’s what we base the schedules coming out of the gate to be until this season is complete.

No doubt LAR and Sea appear to be cream of the crop but that could change as well . Too many intangibles for any of us to making these type of speculative assessment's and predictions. But that’s what we do in a fan forum

Easy peasy. Philly had a massive falloff last season as Hurts was bad and they'd let too many D players go which culminated in an 11-6 season. I'd ask the opposite question, why would you consider them to be better? The facts say they're not.

GB? team that lost their last 4 games and squeaked into the playoffs at 9-7-1? The team that we tied even before adding Q? Again, the opposite question. Why do you consider them good? They show all the signs of a team hovering around .500, especially considering how Love's inconsistencies keeps rearing their ugly heads.

No, that is not all we have to go on, not even close. Hey, if you don't want to E n A, I get it, that's fine. Some of us enjoy it, however.

 

[Stash]

I’ve always referred to them as “ key” positions or starters . Sorry if confusing or mislead you.

No problem. Thanks for clarifying.

Im not sure without further evidence how we wouldn’t consider playoff teams like Phi and GB to be better teams. At least not yet.

Despite a franchise worst defense, the Cowboys should have swept Philadelphia last year. And the Eagles traded away their best receiver and lost one of the best offensive line coaches in the league. I consider them worse, not better.

And the Packers lost their final 5 games of the season last year and have lost a bunch of players since then. I consider them worse as well.

I’d even consider non playoff teams from last year who have been more consistent playoff teams in recent years like Detroit and SF to be better coming out of the gates.

I think SF will fall off big time. Detroit should still be a playoff team but I’d like to play them with this year’s defense.

Not sure without seeing how our team performs we could place them ahead of any of these teams?

This could change of course . But I’d place Dallas maybe 7th going into season ahead of other playoff contenders like Minn, Tampa for example. . Which all means nothing and based on last years teams and performances which means nothing until this year begins to unfolds .

But generally about 70% playoff teams repeat. It’s all we have to go on until further evidence . It’s what we base the schedules coming out of the gate to be until this season is complete.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that neither of last year’s Super Bowl teams had made the playoffs the year before.

No doubt LAR and Sea appear to be cream of the crop but that could change as well . Too many intangibles for any of us to making these type of speculative assessment's and predictions. But that’s what we do in a fan forum

Yes. If we had to wait for everything to happen, we’d just be talking about history and the past. And there’s be a lot less conversation.

 

[kskboys]

I’m not a talent evaluator without seeing in action. Never played organized football or been a coach, etc . I’m not a combine type of fan. have to see action and results on the field before making evaluations and assessments.

We’ve seen too many times great athletes from college become bust or under achieving in NFL due to being in bad situations , bad teams or simply over hyped.

I’ve always admired fans like you who have that coaching eye. And I generally trust your view and have followed it for years.

I think you’re putting too much into my stance . I’m actually with closer to you than you think . I just need to see it for myself coach K

Fair enough. I turn to the scouting reports for info. They have much better eyes than all of us.

Thing is, you have to learn to read them. Look for the terms that dictate success or failure. For instance, if a player "takes poor angles", that generally means they have poor lateral agility, which is prolly the biggest indicator of failure in the NFL. Remember Villami Fehoko? Yup, poor lateral agility. That's why he didn't make it.

Jeff Heath, remember how on one play he'd blow the ball carrier up, and then the next look awkward and miss badly? Yup, poor lateral agility. If he got to the ball carrier before they had time to bust a move, he made the play.

I don't listen to hype. Remember the Mo Claiborne debacle? That was one of my first scouting report debacles. His scouting report read like a 3/4 round type player. They hype made zero sense, and most of the scouts thought he was a top 10 type. I mean, think about it, not real fast, not real agile. It's like, the scouts started talking him up and they all just fell in line. Made no sense. That was one of my first big lessons in trusting what I read and ignoring the hype.