A Season of Missed Opportunities: The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 Campaign and What’s Next
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 season with high hopes, but as the final whistle blew in their 23-19 loss to the Washington Commanders, those aspirations were dashed. The Cowboys had battled through an unpredictable season filled with injuries, roster questions, and disappointing play-calling. Despite some flashes of brilliance, including standout performances from key players like Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott, the Cowboys ultimately failed to make the playoffs. Their season ended with yet another gut-wrenching defeat, this time at the hands of a Commanders team that had nothing but pride to play for.
As the game wound down, Washington found themselves with the ball on the Cowboys’ 8-yard line, with just six seconds left. As a fan and journalist watching from the press box, I couldn’t help but wonder how the final moments would unfold. Would Marcus Mariota scramble for a game-winning score? Would Terry McLaurin be the one to make the play? Sure enough, with three seconds left, McLaurin caught the game-winning touchdown pass, sealing a loss for Dallas that would serve as the final blow to their season.
The painful reality was clear: the Cowboys were the better team on the day, and even across the full season, they were better than Washington in many ways. But in the end, the Commanders went to the playoffs, and the Cowboys did not. And as disappointing as it was, this outcome wasn’t entirely surprising, given the array of issues that have plagued the Cowboys this year.
The Playoff Miss: What Went Wrong?
A 7-10 record was a far cry from the Cowboys’ previous three seasons, each of which saw them win 12 games. The stark difference in performance raised questions about the team’s growth and leadership, both of which will be under scrutiny as the team moves into the offseason.
One of the major issues in 2024 was injuries. Key players like Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs went down for significant periods, and the team never quite recovered. Despite this, the Cowboys’ struggles went beyond just player availability. In truth, they were plagued by questionable roster moves, inconsistent coaching, and an offense that could never fully find its rhythm.
While the injuries certainly had a major impact on the Cowboys’ ability to execute their game plans, it was not the sole reason for their failure. In fact, despite the setbacks, the team still had a chance to make the playoffs on the final week of the season—and failed. The inconsistency in play-calling and decision-making throughout the year ultimately kept the Cowboys from capitalizing on their talent.
The Case for Mike McCarthy’s Future: Does He Stay or Go?
The biggest decision owner and general manager Jerry Jones faces now is whether to bring back head coach Mike McCarthy for another year. McCarthy’s contract is up, and while his tenure in Dallas has featured some solid seasons and consistent winning, it has yet to translate into postseason success. There are strong arguments for both keeping and replacing McCarthy.
On one hand, McCarthy has led the Cowboys to strong regular-season records, but there is a lack of playoff success to show for it. Despite boasting an incredibly talented roster, the Cowboys have struggled in key games under McCarthy’s leadership. The issue was particularly glaring this season, when the offense, under McCarthy’s guidance, looked stagnant at times.
Moreover, McCarthy’s decision-making in some critical moments, especially in the red zone, was a major issue. There were multiple occasions throughout the season where the team couldn’t convert on critical plays and “easy” opportunities. For instance, in the final game against Washington, the Cowboys’ play-calling inside the red zone was puzzling. Trey Lance was put in positions where he had to throw fade routes to Brandin Cooks and others, even though they weren’t ideal for high-pressure situations. The running game, which had been working well all season, was inexplicably abandoned at times, and there was no creative play-calling to take advantage of Lance’s mobility or Deuce Vaughn’s explosiveness. If McCarthy is to stay, these coaching flaws need to be addressed, particularly in terms of game planning and in-game adjustments.
On the other hand, continuity has its merits. McCarthy has consistently delivered winning seasons, and a coaching change could introduce more instability at a time when the team could use continuity. After all, he’s had to manage a roster full of new faces, shifting injuries, and an ever-changing game plan. Jerry Jones himself said that the lack of success this season cannot be entirely pinned on McCarthy, citing the challenges of dealing with injuries to key players.
Despite the calls for change, it’s also possible that McCarthy’s tenure could continue—though with some significant alterations. For instance, it’s likely that Mike McCarthy will remain in place, but there could be significant changes in the staff, especially on the offensive side. A change in play-calling responsibilities or a shift to a new offensive coordinator could go a long way in addressing the Cowboys’ struggles.
The Roster: Rebuild or Reload?
One way or another, change is inevitable for the Cowboys, especially when it comes to roster construction. 22 unrestricted free agents are currently on the roster, which gives the Cowboys an opportunity to revamp their lineup. While salary cap constraints are always a factor, there are opportunities to make impactful moves. Free agency and smart draft decisions must be the focus.
The Cowboys are a team that has traditionally been top-heavy, relying on standout performers at key positions but lacking depth. Over the past few years, their drafts have been solid, but the 2023 and 2024 draft classes left something to be desired in terms of depth, especially when compared to other teams in the league. In 2025, the Cowboys need to focus on finding value and depth in their draft picks, particularly in positions where they’ve struggled in recent years—such as wide receiver and offensive line.
In free agency, the Cowboys have the chance to make a splash. It’s unlikely they’ll re-sign all 22 of their free agents, and a few key departures might be inevitable. However, it’s time for Dallas to make a bold move in free agency to plug gaps on both sides of the ball. The pass rush, secondary, and offensive line should be focal points in the team’s quest to return to contender status. Adding proven talent could provide the Cowboys with the depth they’ve been lacking, which could prove pivotal in the team’s playoff aspirations next year.
Conclusion: The Cowboys’ Crossroads
As the 2024 season draws to a close, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crucial crossroads. With some tough decisions on the horizon—particularly regarding the future of Mike McCarthy—Dallas must quickly assess what went wrong and how they can move forward. Injuries, inconsistent play-calling, and roster challenges led to their early playoff exit, but change is on the horizon.
Whether McCarthy stays or the Cowboys opt for a new direction, the next steps for the franchise are clear: they must focus on improving the roster, making smarter moves in free agency and the draft, and finding the right leadership to take them back to the Super Bowl. The Cowboys are close, but a few key moves could be the difference between another season of disappointment and the team finally breaking through.
The rollercoaster ride that was the 2024 season is over. Now, the Cowboys need to learn from it, make the necessary adjustments, and find a way to turn their perennial promise into reality.
