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

[Diehardblues]

And thats the only reason he went total defense in this years draft.

He didn’t really need any top picks on offense in key positions . He resigned them in FA.

Going defense in draft was out of necessity not strategy. But with our offense even with historically bad defense wasn’t hitting rock bottom.

Even last year if we beat GB we are in playoffs. Given we try to win finale against NY. That’s not close to hitting rock bottom.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

He’s not willing to risk hitting rock bottom.

I guess it depends on the definition of "rock bottom". If we compare it to....Cleveland? Or...our own historic legacy.

 

[JonesBoys]

I think they will be a solid team that makes the playoffs but they are a tier under the Rams and Seahawks. Now if they make a trade for Crosby that puts them on that level to get to the Super Bowl against those teams. If they stand pat then it’s another wild card win and out in the division round IMO. You are close Jerrah, pull the trigger do not stand pat and be just good enough.

 

[zrinkill]

And New England went from 3-14 to 14-3. Last in their division to winning it.

The same prognosticators sure never saw that coming either.

 

[Rayman70]

In the great state of Missouri, their saying is "The show me" state. I need to be shown before I believe it. Not taking the cheese just yet.

 

[J-man]

I chose option 2, somewhat confident they will make the playoffs. But I was debating between 1 &2. Barring any major injuries, I think this team will make the playoffs. If (that's a big IF) the defense evolves as quickly as I think it can, I believe they can contend for a championship.

 

[Diehardblues]

I guess it depends on the definition of "rock bottom". If we compare it to....Cleveland? Or...our own historic legacy.

For Jethro Id describe Rock Bottom
as not “ remaining interesting and relevant “ or “ hanging around the rim “ which are his words and immediate goals enabling him to continue his ways.

Besides all of that my bigger concern and what I can’t get past is what Bobhaze refers to and what has held this franchise back from more success for 3 decades now.

And while we see some better decision making this offseason which we have seen similarly before this era rebuilding back to playoff caliber teams we seem eager to dismiss who’s still running Cowboys Football.

It actually would probably better serve us to hit Rock Bottom like Cleveland, etc. Which in most NFL cities brings about change at the top in front office providing a real opportunity for progress.

 

[Diehardblues]

It’s amazing that all of a sudden with a sounder approach to rebuilding our defense that many fans believe we’ve turned a new leaf now with Jethro. Which must mean no more interference , meddling and undermining moving forward.

Who in the hell actually believes that?

I understand everyone is desperate to get back into the playoffs. And I’m not saying we won’t . It’s very likely. We have done that numerous times this era.

But to believe these better decisions this draft, etc means all of a sudden we don’t still have a dysfunctionally ran franchise with an owner still at age 83 playing out his dream as a football guy.

While we will see some improvements this season on defense translating to better results, we’ve seen these type of improvements before this era regaining playoff caliber teams. But we haven’t rid ourselves of the core problem which has burdened our franchise now all of these years. And until we do we will continue to have the greatest obstacle to overcome.

 

[Gangsta Spanksta]

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.

Talent isn't the problem. The problem is getting that talent focused in the playoffs. It might be more about if this coaching staff and team leaders can do that.

 

[Diehardblues]

Talent isn't the problem. The problem is getting that talent focused in the playoffs. It might be more about if this coaching staff and team leaders can do that.

Talent on defense was a huge part of the problem last year. But your point about coaching presents a much larger gorilla in the room.

Let’s assume we do have a playoff caliber team and it appears they have enough talent to go deeper in playoffs or even miss playoffs will our HC be on the hot seat?

If we believe we have a playoff caliber team then that pressure has to be there .

 

[john van brocklin]

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 just can’t get excited
I have lost all faith in a Jerry GM’ed team.
He has created a culture here that is not conducive to a long playoff run.

This teams ceiling is making the playoffs
That’s it.

I guess everyone will be excited by an improved defense, but that unit has nowhere to go but up.

Meanwhile Jerry has no accountability for the putrid defense he put on the field last year.

 

[Bobhaze]

It’s amazing that all of a sudden with a sounder approach to rebuilding our defense that many fans believe we’ve turned a new leaf now with Jethro. Which must mean no more interference , meddling and undermining moving forward.

Who in the hell actually believes that?

I understand everyone is desperate to get back into the playoffs. And I’m not saying we won’t . It’s very likely. We have done that numerous times this era.

But to believe these better decisions this draft, etc means all of a sudden we don’t still have a dysfunctionally ran franchise with an owner still at age 83 playing out his dream as a football guy.

While we will see some improvements this season on defense translating to better results, we’ve seen these type of improvements before this era regaining playoff caliber teams. But we haven’t rid ourselves of the core problem which has burdened our franchise now all of these years. And until we do we will continue to have the greatest obstacle to overcome.

Greg, I support and understand your opinions you have posted on this topic. And I also completely support and understand any fan who “believes” and is super excited about the Cowboys in the upcoming year as well.

We all have favorite flavors of ice cream and the reasons why.

The fact that all opinions Cowboys fans have on this site regarding our favorite team are welcome is exactly what makes this place rock. As long as we respect each other’s multiple voices, we don’t have to agree to make this place enjoyable.

Thanks for being one of the most loyal and long standing Cowboys fans here. You’ve probably seen as many or more Cowboys games than anyone here.

Here’s to what we all hope is a great season.

 

[john van brocklin]

It’s amazing that all of a sudden with a sounder approach to rebuilding our defense that many fans believe we’ve turned a new leaf now with Jethro. Which must mean no more interference , meddling and undermining moving forward.

Who in the hell actually believes that?

I understand everyone is desperate to get back into the playoffs. And I’m not saying we won’t . It’s very likely. We have done that numerous times this era.

But to believe these better decisions this draft, etc means all of a sudden we don’t still have a dysfunctionally ran franchise with an owner still at age 83 playing out his dream as a football guy.

While we will see some improvements this season on defense translating to better results, we’ve seen these type of improvements before this era regaining playoff caliber teams. But we haven’t rid ourselves of the core problem which has burdened our franchise now all of these years. And until we do we will continue to have the greatest obstacle to overcome.

You deserve 100 likes for that post.
Exactly how I feel , but you expressed it much better than I.
It’s nice to have a kindred spirit on this site.

 

[Gambit]

I still don't think with the current t players at offensive tackle and edge, that they can passblock protect their own QB or sack the opponent QB good enough over an entire season in order to net a playoff run.

I think they lack the horses to pass protect and sack the opponent QB.

jmo

Im more concerned with depth at tackle at this point.

But Dak has shown he can play at top levels with lesser play at tackles.

 

[Gambit]

Besides Downs i dont see any difference maker right now that we aquired during the offseason.

Durant? Thompson? Gary?

Thats just 3. I guess you'd have to define difference maker. Id add coaches to that list Dixon and BT specifically.

The defense has been overhauled. A couple of pieces could help sure, but last year Reddy and Bridges played a lot of snaps at CB now we have Durant and Revel battling for 1 and 2 spot.

 

[kskboys]

You deserve 100 likes for that post.
Exactly how I feel , but you expressed it much better than I.
It’s nice to have a kindred spirit on this site.

If you're a kindred spirit w/ Greg, you're gonna hafta get tested!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kskboys]

Durant? Thompson? Gary?

Thats just 3. I guess you'd have to define difference maker. Id add coaches to that list Dixon and BT specifically.

The defense has been overhauled. A couple of pieces could help sure, but last year Reddy and Bridges played a lot of snaps at CB now we have Durant and Revel battling for 1 and 2 spot.

And solid players can be real difference makers, like Ogboner and Winters. Locke is a factor, as is Bullard.

 

[ArtClink]

The ceiling is playing in a wild card game, provided Dak is healthy. The defense will be better for sure and I'm excited at the additions on that side of the ball.

 

[Diehardblues]

You deserve 100 likes for that post.
Exactly how I feel , but you expressed it much better than I.
It’s nice to have a kindred spirit on this site.

I appreciate . Everyone gravitates to opinions they agree with.

I’m always looking forward to the upcoming football season . It’s my favorite time of year. I’ve planned my life around attending and watching Cowboys games for 7 decades now.

We all are rooting for a great season.

 

[SpaceCowboy99]

Yeah without him you wouldn’t be a playoff team

You are right, we would be Superbowl champions. Romo would have led the team that year or another drafted QB would have taken us there by now .