Four stats that will determine if this team is better or not

[Bobhaze]

If we are truly a better, more competitive team in 2026, here are 4 simple statistical areas where we MUST show improvement. These hidden stats are often the difference between good teams, mediocre teams, and bad teams.

1. Score first. (Teams that score first in the NFL win 64% of the time)
2. Have the lead at halftime. (Teams leading at half win 75% of the time)
3. Have the lead going into 4th quarter. (Teams lead going into 4th qtr win 90% of time)
4. Getting defensive stops after scoring; OR not allowing opening drive points in either half. (Not allowing a score after we score OR not allowing a score to start both halves)

WHY is this important? Look at how we played the last two seasons in the above 4 areas:

• Scoring first- In 2024 and ‘25, the Cowboys had a collective record of 14-19-1. We scored first in only 16 of those 34 games. That MUST improve.
• Being ahead at half - In 2024, we trailed at the half 10 times, losing 9 of those games. In 2025, we also trailed at the half 10 times, losing 8, winning 1 (in OT) and tying the other. So in the last 34 games, we have trailed at the half 20 times, losing 17 of them and tie in one, and winning 2. Ouch!
• Leading going into the 4th qtr - In 2024 the Cowboys trailed at the end of the 3rd qtr 11 times, losing 10 of those games, and got outscored 82-28 in 3rd qtrs. In 2025 we also trailed 10 games after 3 qtrs, going 1-8-1 in those games. In the last 34 games, we have trailed going into the 4th qtr 21 times, going 2-18-1 in those games. Wow.
• We must improve defensively by not allowing the opponent to score on their first possessions at the beginning of the game and after halftime. Our defense allowed the opponent to score on their opening drive of the game and the first drive of the 2nd half nearly 60% of the time. Cut that down to about 20-25% and we are vastly improved.

So it’s pretty clear if we improve in the above four areas, this team will be vastly better than the two year record of 14-19-1. If not, another non-playoff year.

We will start learning about this team for real in about a week. Everything leading up to it is either hope or hype. The first game is only approximately 6% of the season so it will take a few games to see new patterns.

 

[slick325]

Great post, Bullet! Agreed on all counts.

 

[Praxit]

1.Defense
2.Defense
3.Defense
4.Offense

 

[Ring6]

Hitting Just one of those areas may be enough some weeks

 

[gtb1943]

there was a great line from a crusty old coach from the sixties back when you could be a lot more crude and not get in trouble

"Run the football up their butts and they have to get their hands dirty getting it out."

 

[Creeper]

If we are truly a better, more competitive team in 2026, here are 4 simple statistical areas where we MUST show improvement. These hidden stats are often the difference between good teams, mediocre teams, and bad teams.

1. Score first. (Teams that score first in the NFL win 64% of the time)
2. Have the lead at halftime. (Teams leading at half win 75% of the time)
3. Have the lead going into 4th quarter. (Teams lead going into 4th qtr win 90% of time)
4. Getting defensive stops after scoring; OR not allowing opening drive points in either half. (Not allowing a score after we score OR not allowing a score to start both halves)

WHY is this important? Look at how we played the last two seasons in the above 4 areas:

• Scoring first- In 2024 and ‘25, the Cowboys had a collective record of 14-19-1. We scored first in only 16 of those 34 games. That MUST improve.
• Being ahead at half - In 2024, we trailed at the half 10 times, losing 9 of those games. In 2025, we also trailed at the half 10 times, losing 8, winning 1 (in OT) and tying the other. So in the last 34 games, we have trailed at the half 20 times, losing 17 of them and tie in one, and winning 2. Ouch!
• Leading going into the 4th qtr - In 2024 the Cowboys trailed at the end of the 3rd qtr 11 times, losing 10 of those games, and got outscored 82-28 in 3rd qtrs. In 2025 we also trailed 10 games after 3 qtrs, going 1-8-1 in those games. In the last 34 games, we have trailed going into the 4th qtr 21 times, going 2-18-1 in those games. Wow.
• We must improve defensively by not allowing the opponent to score on their first possessions at the beginning of the game and after halftime. Our defense allowed the opponent to score on their opening drive of the game and the first drive of the 2nd half nearly 60% of the time. Cut that down to about 20-25% and we are vastly improved.

So it’s pretty clear if we improve in the above four areas, this team will be vastly better than the two year record of 14-19-1. If not, another non-playoff year.

We will start learning about this team for real in about a week. Everything leading up to it is either hope or hype. The first game is only approximately 6% of the season so it will take a few games to see new patterns.

If they have a defense that can stop their opponents offense they will score first most of the time.

If they have a defense that can stop their opponent's offense they will lead at halftime.

If they have a defense that can stop their opponents offense they will lead going into the 4th quarter.

If they have a defense that can stop their opponents offense they can get stop after they score.

In summary, if they have the same defense they had last year they are going nowhere. If the defense is improved the team will be greatly improved. This season is all about the defense.

 

[jazzcat22]

Which is why it is more important to receive the KO.
I remover a few years back. Many fans would go ballistic we did not start on defense. Knowing our defense sucked and would give up a score.

It is not all that important to receive the 2nd half KO.

Now if our Defesne becomes like the 85 Beads or the 2000 Ravens then yeah, maybe think that way.
But right now we have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
So improve on getting a TD opening drive.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Can't we just keep it simple and have the lead at the end of the game

 

[Vtwin]

Receiving the kickoff is only beneficial if you score on that drive.

The Cowboys scored on their opening drive 3 times in 2024 and 7 times in 2025.

 

[fivetwos]

The defense they were running out there in recent years proved to only be effective when playing with a lead. Night and day when Quinn was here.

That has to be over with.

 

[gtb1943]

Receiving the kickoff is only beneficial if you score on that drive.

The Cowboys scored on their opening drive 3 times in 2024 and 7 times in 2025.

League average is around one third or so scoring on opening drives
so we were above average in 2025 and below average in 2024

2025 Opening Drive Highlights

• • Fast Starts: The 49ers scored on their opening drive in all but one regular-season game.
  • Historical Pace: Their 76 opening-drive points marked the highest total by any NFL team since at least 2000.

 

[gtb1943]

The Seahawks last year only scored 4 times on their opening drive during the season and once in the playoffs

 

[Whyjerry]

If we are truly a better, more competitive team in 2026, here are 4 simple statistical areas where we MUST show improvement. These hidden stats are often the difference between good teams, mediocre teams, and bad teams.

1. Score first. (Teams that score first in the NFL win 64% of the time)
2. Have the lead at halftime. (Teams leading at half win 75% of the time)
3. Have the lead going into 4th quarter. (Teams lead going into 4th qtr win 90% of time)
4. Getting defensive stops after scoring; OR not allowing opening drive points in either half. (Not allowing a score after we score OR not allowing a score to start both halves)

WHY is this important? Look at how we played the last two seasons in the above 4 areas:

• Scoring first- In 2024 and ‘25, the Cowboys had a collective record of 14-19-1. We scored first in only 16 of those 34 games. That MUST improve.
• Being ahead at half - In 2024, we trailed at the half 10 times, losing 9 of those games. In 2025, we also trailed at the half 10 times, losing 8, winning 1 (in OT) and tying the other. So in the last 34 games, we have trailed at the half 20 times, losing 17 of them and tie in one, and winning 2. Ouch!
• Leading going into the 4th qtr - In 2024 the Cowboys trailed at the end of the 3rd qtr 11 times, losing 10 of those games, and got outscored 82-28 in 3rd qtrs. In 2025 we also trailed 10 games after 3 qtrs, going 1-8-1 in those games. In the last 34 games, we have trailed going into the 4th qtr 21 times, going 2-18-1 in those games. Wow.
• We must improve defensively by not allowing the opponent to score on their first possessions at the beginning of the game and after halftime. Our defense allowed the opponent to score on their opening drive of the game and the first drive of the 2nd half nearly 60% of the time. Cut that down to about 20-25% and we are vastly improved.

So it’s pretty clear if we improve in the above four areas, this team will be vastly better than the two year record of 14-19-1. If not, another non-playoff year.

We will start learning about this team for real in about a week. Everything leading up to it is either hope or hype. The first game is only approximately 6% of the season so it will take a few games to see new patterns.

I think 3rd downs are critical. Too many times the defense failed to stop drives. I also think Dallas needs to get sacks and turnovers. The CBs are suspect so they need to get pressure and get home. I will also expect pressure to come from the interior DL. Last one - limit the hits on Dak. The tackles scare me. They need to step up and keep him clean or else.

 

[Bobhaze]

Which is why it is more important to receive the KO.
I remover a few years back. Many fans would go ballistic we did not start on defense. Knowing our defense sucked and would give up a score.

It is not all that important to receive the 2nd half KO.

Now if our Defesne becomes like the 85 Beads or the 2000 Ravens then yeah, maybe think that way.
But right now we have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
So improve on getting a TD opening drive.

Whether kicking or receiving - doesn’t matter - your team’s goals right out the gate are

• Either score first (if receiving)
• Or get a stop if kicking, then score on your first possession.

That’s the simplest way to look at the start of every game.

 

[shabazz]

The Seahawks last year only scored 4 times on their opening drive during the season and once in the playoffs

Ah.....one of the many benefits of having a nasty D.

Seahawks #1 last season in lowest points against per game.

Those brothers were a great asset to they offense.

 

[Bobhaze]

Can't we just keep it simple and have the lead at the end of the game

That’s the simplest formula of all.

But I wanted to show that scoring first, leading at half, and even more, leading after 3 qtrs means you have a great chance to win.

In the 34 games we played the last two seasons, the Cowboys trailed going into the 4th quarter in 21 of those games. In those 21 games we trailed after 3 qtrs, we went 2-18-1. Speaks for itself.

 

[75boyz]

My gosh,
The never come from behind after trailing at halftime OR 3rd quarter stats are really bad.

Like hard to accept bad.
Pathetic.

Cheers to leading at the half and after 3 quarters then...
In '26...
I hope.

P.S.Does this mean it's safe to say Dallas is not a come from behind team?

 

[Ring6]

We may have been dead last in starting position too, any improvement would be appreciated

 

[erod]

There's only one stat. Wins and losses when it matters most.

 

[xwalker]

If we are truly a better, more competitive team in 2026, here are 4 simple statistical areas where we MUST show improvement. These hidden stats are often the difference between good teams, mediocre teams, and bad teams.

1. Score first. (Teams that score first in the NFL win 64% of the time)
2. Have the lead at halftime. (Teams leading at half win 75% of the time)
3. Have the lead going into 4th quarter. (Teams lead going into 4th qtr win 90% of time)
4. Getting defensive stops after scoring; OR not allowing opening drive points in either half. (Not allowing a score after we score OR not allowing a score to start both halves)

WHY is this important? Look at how we played the last two seasons in the above 4 areas:

• Scoring first- In 2024 and ‘25, the Cowboys had a collective record of 14-19-1. We scored first in only 16 of those 34 games. That MUST improve.
• Being ahead at half - In 2024, we trailed at the half 10 times, losing 9 of those games. In 2025, we also trailed at the half 10 times, losing 8, winning 1 (in OT) and tying the other. So in the last 34 games, we have trailed at the half 20 times, losing 17 of them and tie in one, and winning 2. Ouch!
• Leading going into the 4th qtr - In 2024 the Cowboys trailed at the end of the 3rd qtr 11 times, losing 10 of those games, and got outscored 82-28 in 3rd qtrs. In 2025 we also trailed 10 games after 3 qtrs, going 1-8-1 in those games. In the last 34 games, we have trailed going into the 4th qtr 21 times, going 2-18-1 in those games. Wow.
• We must improve defensively by not allowing the opponent to score on their first possessions at the beginning of the game and after halftime. Our defense allowed the opponent to score on their opening drive of the game and the first drive of the 2nd half nearly 60% of the time. Cut that down to about 20-25% and we are vastly improved.

So it’s pretty clear if we improve in the above four areas, this team will be vastly better than the two year record of 14-19-1. If not, another non-playoff year.

We will start learning about this team for real in about a week. Everything leading up to it is either hope or hype. The first game is only approximately 6% of the season so it will take a few games to see new patterns.

Point differential is my favorite stat...