The Dallas Cowboys picked up their seventh win of the season on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders. Since Dallas had already been eliminated from playoff contention, a lot of fans were rooting for a loss in the name of moving up the NFL Draft board.
However, Brian Schottenheimer is adamant about finishing the season on a high note. Dak Prescott shares that sentiment, and the entire locker room seemingly has bought into that.
Thursday's performance was a microcosm of a maddening season: a lot of fireworks by the offense and a whole lot of ugly by the defense. Even with all the frustrations this season has delivered, franchise legend Emmitt Smith, who appeared on the Netflix broadcast mid-game, remains bullish on the Cowboys' future.
"For the first time in a long time, for me, I feel like we're heading in the right direction," Smith said, via The Athletic's Jon Machota.
Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith likes where Dallas is headed
At some point, the NFL will concede that the Cowboys will be a scary team next year. The offense is arguably the best in the league and will likely only get better with more continuity and as Brian Schottenheimer evolves in his second year as the team's play-caller.
The entire Cowboys offense is under contract for 2026, with the exception of George Pickens and Javonte Williams. Those are two major pieces, but Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants to keep both. For all of Jones’ shortcomings in free agency, he’s consistent when it comes to re-signing his own players
That the Cowboys might finish the year 8-8-1 while being handicapped by one of the worst defenses in franchise history is pretty darn impressive, don't you think?
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Their success next season will hinge on a strong draft, Jones bringing in some impact players from outside the building to improve the defense, and, most importantly, allowing Schottenheimer to hire his own defensive coordinator. That will be easier said than done with this front office, but Dallas doesn't need a top-10 defense to be a contender. Their offense is that good.
It's not like the front office will be starting from scratch.
Not only do the Cowboys have the best defensive tackle room in all of football, but DeMarvion Overshown will be two years removed from knee surgery. Rookies Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel Jr. have shown promise, and Jadeveon Clowney, the team's best defensive end this season, is a candidate to be re-signed.
It's admittedly hard to see the forest for the trees right now. The Cowboys are dead last in defensive EPA and passing touchdowns allowed, 31st in EPA per pass, and 30th in defensive success rate. Even with a competent DC, Dallas might improve five spots in those categories. Throw in some better personnel, and you might be talking about the 17th-20th best defense in the game.
That's all this offense needs to contend in the NFC.