Hidden stats that will likely decide our improvement in 2026

[Bobhaze]

It’s no secret that the 2026 season will hinge in large part on the expected improvement of our historically bad defense the last two seasons. For the second year in a row and for the 16th time in the last 26 seasons, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs.

We obviously have a lot of areas for improvement. Besides the glaringly obvious key stat improvements needed this year (like yards per play, points per game, turnovers per game, etc) we have some lesser known but equally critical improvements needed to make the playoffs in 2026.

So what are those hidden stats?

• Be the team who scores first - WHY? In the NFL, teams who score first win 64% of the time. 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.
• Be the team ahead at halftime - WHY? Teams leading at the half win 75% of the time. 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.
• Have the lead going into the 4th qtr - WHY? Teams leading at the end of 3 qtrs win 90% of the time! 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.
• Based on the above stats, we MUST improve scoring on offense in the 1st and 3rd qtrs. Our scoring by qtr numbers - our worst scoring qtr was the first quarter (avg only 4.5 pts) and the best was the 2nd qtr (avg 10.5 pts) We sucked to start games and also sucked immediately after halftime. This is where we must improve.
• 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.

From a big picture standpoint, the first thing that jumps out to me is how we start games on both sides of the ball. Falling behind early puts instant pressure on the offense but conversely, getting a lead early gives us a very realistic chance to win games.

If the defense can just stop giving up opening drive TDs and a scoring drive TDs right after halftime, we will have an immediate chance to turn this around.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Is there any mystery who one of the best members is in the CZ?

I submit the above post as proof. Great job Bob!!!!!!

 

[Bobhaze]

Is there any mystery who one of the best members is in the CZ?

I submit the above post as proof. Great job Bob!!!!!!

Thank you Big Dog.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

You need to put this one right on the head coach, if the team is flat at kickoff and at halftime it's an intensity/focus issue. Why the hell are we waiting to get punched first. We could definitely use a more focused and aggressive mindset.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Haze you're a legend, if they had a lounge wall of Fame you'd be in it hands down

 

[gtb1943]

We have started slow virtually the entire last decade

and our D is the same way

To me the single most important stat on both sides of the ball is third down conversions

 

[Bobhaze]

Haze you're a legend, if they had a lounge wall of Fame you'd be in it hands down

Coogs much appreciated.

 

[dupree89]

thank you bob

 

[Praxit]

..good post, Bullet. Interesting stats for sure.

I dont always get good feeling when Dallas goes into halftime losing. Surely the 4th quarter.

Worst feeling though, is when you know your D E F E N S E ...is getting scored upon every opportunity.

Sure hope, Parker changes that.

 

[Bobhaze]

You need to put this one right on the head coach, if the team is flat at kickoff and at halftime it's an intensity/focus issue. Why the hell are we waiting to get punched first. We could definitely use a more aggressive mindset.

And it’s been a problem over multiple HCs here. Coming out flat is a calling card of the Cowboys for far too long.

 

[DarkVader33]

Haze you're a legend, if they had a lounge wall of Fame you'd be in it hands down

Are you still aspiring to be a Mod? This won’t help you. Lol

 

[Praxit]

You need to put this one right on the head coach, if the team is flat at kickoff and at halftime it's an intensity/focus issue. Why the hell are we waiting to get punched first. We could definitely use a more focused and aggressive mindset.

..last year, Shotty gave me good feeling, with focus issues. Much better than McCarthy.

Hopefully, it continues to improve.

 

[JoeKing]

It’s no secret that the 2026 season will hinge in large part on the expected improvement of our historically bad defense the last two seasons. For the second year in a row and for the 16th time in the last 26 seasons, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs.

We obviously have a lot of areas for improvement. Besides the glaringly obvious key stat improvements needed this year (like yards per play, points per game, turnovers per game, etc) we have some lesser known but equally critical improvements needed to make the playoffs in 2026.

So what are those hidden stats?

• Be the team who scores first - WHY? In the NFL, teams who score first win 64% of the time. 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.
• Be the team ahead at halftime - WHY? Teams leading at the half win 75% of the time. 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.
• Have the lead going into the 4th qtr - WHY? Teams leading at the end of 3 qtrs win 90% of the time! 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.
• Based on the above stats, we MUST improve scoring on offense in the 1st and 3rd qtrs. Our scoring by qtr numbers - our worst scoring qtr was the first quarter (avg only 4.5 pts) and the best was the 2nd qtr (avg 10.5 pts) We sucked to start games and also sucked immediately after halftime. This is where we must improve.
• 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.

From a big picture standpoint, the first thing that jumps out to me is how we start games on both sides of the ball. Falling behind early puts instant pressure on the offense but conversely, getting a lead early gives us a very realistic chance to win games.

If the defense can just stop giving up opening drive TDs and a scoring drive TDs right after halftime, we will have an immediate chance to turn this around.

Bob, you ought to be out of breath after that spill. The only stat that matters is having the more points when the 4th quarter clock expires. That's all that need be said. You're wasting your breath with all that other minutia.

 

[Kwyn]

It’s no secret that the 2026 season will hinge in large part on the expected improvement of our historically bad defense the last two seasons. For the second year in a row and for the 16th time in the last 26 seasons, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs.

We obviously have a lot of areas for improvement. Besides the glaringly obvious key stat improvements needed this year (like yards per play, points per game, turnovers per game, etc) we have some lesser known but equally critical improvements needed to make the playoffs in 2026.

So what are those hidden stats?

• Be the team who scores first - WHY? In the NFL, teams who score first win 64% of the time. 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.
• Be the team ahead at halftime - WHY? Teams leading at the half win 75% of the time. 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.
• Have the lead going into the 4th qtr - WHY? Teams leading at the end of 3 qtrs win 90% of the time! 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.
• Based on the above stats, we MUST improve scoring on offense in the 1st and 3rd qtrs. Our scoring by qtr numbers - our worst scoring qtr was the first quarter (avg only 4.5 pts) and the best was the 2nd qtr (avg 10.5 pts) We sucked to start games and also sucked immediately after halftime. This is where we must improve.
• 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.

From a big picture standpoint, the first thing that jumps out to me is how we start games on both sides of the ball. Falling behind early puts instant pressure on the offense but conversely, getting a lead early gives us a very realistic chance to win games.

If the defense can just stop giving up opening drive TDs and a scoring drive TDs right after halftime, we will have an immediate chance to turn this around.

Great post Bob. Thanks

 

[Cowboys5217]

You need to put this one right on the head coach, if the team is flat at kickoff and at halftime it's an intensity/focus issue. Why the hell are we waiting to get punched first. We could definitely use a more focused and aggressive mindset.

It's on Jerry and his lack of accountability. That has permeated the whole culture of the franchise. That's why we are a slow starting team, and a bad playoff team. Nobody really cares, because the guy who should care more than anyone is happy with his 30+ year drought, and thinks he's doing a good job.

 

[Bobhaze]

It's on Jerry and his lack of accountability. That has permeated the whole culture of the franchise. That's why we are a slow starting team, and a bad playoff team. Nobody really cares, because the guy who should care more than anyone is happy with his 30+ year drought, and thinks he's doing a good job.

Well you’re right about the past. I’m anxious to see if the new players, new DC, new scheme, etc will change anything.

History says otherwise but I’m always hoping. What else do we have? I mean Jerry gonna be Jerry. Can we overcome him and his son? That’s the question every year.

 

[jazzcat22]

Good stats Bob. I guess the one anomaly was the 21 point deficit against the Eagles last year.

But yes, they need much better starts on both sides of the ball. And be consistent at it.

 

[MarcusRock]

Is there any mystery who one of the best members is in the CZ?

I didn't post anything yet but your anticipation skills are on point. Thanks.

 

[Rockport]

It’s no secret that the 2026 season will hinge in large part on the expected improvement of our historically bad defense the last two seasons. For the second year in a row and for the 16th time in the last 26 seasons, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs.

We obviously have a lot of areas for improvement. Besides the glaringly obvious key stat improvements needed this year (like yards per play, points per game, turnovers per game, etc) we have some lesser known but equally critical improvements needed to make the playoffs in 2026.

So what are those hidden stats?

• Be the team who scores first - WHY? In the NFL, teams who score first win 64% of the time. 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.
• Be the team ahead at halftime - WHY? Teams leading at the half win 75% of the time. 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.
• Have the lead going into the 4th qtr - WHY? Teams leading at the end of 3 qtrs win 90% of the time! 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.
• Based on the above stats, we MUST improve scoring on offense in the 1st and 3rd qtrs. Our scoring by qtr numbers - our worst scoring qtr was the first quarter (avg only 4.5 pts) and the best was the 2nd qtr (avg 10.5 pts) We sucked to start games and also sucked immediately after halftime. This is where we must improve.
• 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.

From a big picture standpoint, the first thing that jumps out to me is how we start games on both sides of the ball. Falling behind early puts instant pressure on the offense but conversely, getting a lead early gives us a very realistic chance to win games.

If the defense can just stop giving up opening drive TDs and a scoring drive TDs right after halftime, we will have an immediate chance to turn this around.

Good coaching and good players and the stats will follow.

 

[Bobhaze]

Good stats Bob. I guess the one anomaly was the 21 point deficit against the Eagles last year.

But yes, they need much better starts on both sides of the ball. And be consistent at it.

I know it sounds over-simplified but having a good start to both halves is huge. The Cowboys have been awful starting games and starting the second half of games.

When we understand that teams leading at the half win 75% of the time and win 90% of the time when leading after 3 quarters, it becomes crystal clear.

In 2024 and 2025, we were behind in 20 of 34 games at the half. Worse, in the last two seasons, we trailed going into the 4th qtr 21 times.