What the Dallas Cowboys Must Do to Stay in the Playoffs

As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys face crucial games ahead in their pursuit of a playoff berth. Despite being a talented team, the Cowboys need to make several adjustments and key decisions to ensure their continued success and secure a spot in the postseason. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, staying competitive in a highly competitive NFC is no easy task. Here are the areas the Dallas Cowboys must focus on to remain in the playoff race.

1. Consistency on Offense

One of the primary challenges for the Cowboys has been maintaining offensive consistency. While quarterback Dak Prescott has shown his ability to lead the offense effectively, his performance has occasionally been erratic. The Cowboys need Prescott to be more consistent in his decision-making and accuracy, especially during high-pressure situations. They must reduce turnovers, as mistakes can quickly swing momentum in close games.

Additionally, the Cowboys need to balance their offense by continuing to rely on the running game, led by star back Tony Pollard. Pollard is a dynamic back, but the Cowboys need to create more opportunities for him to break out by improving their offensive line play. The line has struggled at times, and with stronger push up front, Pollard can have the room to showcase his skills. A strong ground game will not only keep defenses honest but will also relieve pressure from Prescott, who has often been forced to take on too much responsibility in critical moments.

The emergence of a second reliable receiving option behind CeeDee Lamb is also vital. Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks have shown flashes, but the Cowboys need more from them in terms of consistency and playmaking ability. More diverse offensive weapons will keep defenses on their heels and allow Prescott to spread the ball around.

2. Dominating Defense

The Cowboys’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, has been one of the team’s strengths. The defensive line, featuring stars like Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and an emerging talent in Osa Odighizuwa, is among the best in the NFL. The defense has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses with relentless pressure, but they must continue to be aggressive and stay disciplined in their pass rush. Parsons, in particular, must remain healthy and be a consistent force, as his ability to affect the game is a game-changer.

In the secondary, cornerback Trevon Diggs’ playmaking ability can flip the game in the Cowboys’ favor. However, the Cowboys must improve their pass coverage and make fewer mistakes, as they have been prone to giving up big plays. Safety play, particularly from Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, will be crucial to prevent long passes and ensure opponents don’t get easy touchdowns. This unit must also continue to generate takeaways, as turnovers can be the difference in tight playoff games.

3. Special Teams Play

While often overlooked, special teams can be a deciding factor in close games, especially in the playoffs. The Cowboys need to ensure that their special teams unit remains solid, with kicker Brandon Aubrey maintaining his accuracy on field goals and extra points. Punter Bryan Anger must also consistently pin opponents deep and avoid giving opposing offenses favorable field position. In the return game, the Cowboys have to find someone who can consistently flip the field with explosive returns to put their offense in favorable positions.

4. Coaching and Adjustments

Head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff must make timely adjustments throughout games. Too often in the past, the Cowboys have failed to adapt quickly enough, especially in close games where momentum shifts dramatically. McCarthy needs to ensure that his team does not become complacent and that they stay aggressive, especially when playing against teams that are highly competitive. The ability to make adjustments at halftime, particularly on offense, will be key in ensuring the Cowboys can maintain control in tight matchups.

Additionally, the Cowboys need to avoid injuries. Depth is a concern, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. Having key players like Prescott, Pollard, Parsons, and Diggs healthy and playing at a high level will be paramount for playoff success.

5. Win Key Divisional Games

The NFC East is a tough division with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants competing for playoff spots. The Cowboys must perform well in divisional games, particularly against their direct competition like the Eagles and Washington Commanders. These games can have significant tiebreaker implications and will be a measuring stick for where the Cowboys stand in the NFC playoff race.

The Dallas Cowboys have the talent and potential to make a deep playoff run, but they must continue to work on consistency, improve their offense, and ensure their defense remains one of the best in the league. Special teams, coaching, and avoiding injuries will be essential to their chances of success. With critical games ahead, the Cowboys must stay focused and execute at a high level to stay in the playoff hunt and, ultimately, pursue the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl.