Can you even believe the Dallas Cowboys haven’t sniffed the playoffs since the 2023 season? It feels like ages, right? But hold up, because Dak Prescott and the gang are seriously trying to flip the script this year. ESPN just dropped their ranking of the NFL’s most-watchable teams for the upcoming season, and Dallas clocked in at a surprising No. 6. Yeah, you read that right. Ben Solak over at ESPN gave them the nod, judging teams by how much pure excitement they’ll bring to your screen. After what we saw last year, that’s a wild jump.
Last Season’s Defense Was Flat-Out Embarrassing
Let’s be real, watching the Cowboys last season was not a pleasant experience. In fact, Solak didn’t mince words, saying their defense was so bad “an at-home viewer endured second-hand embarrassment through the television screen.” Ouch. And the numbers don’t lie. Dallas was dead last in EPA per drive with a brutal minus-0.86. They also coughed up 2.88 points allowed per drive and gave up an insane 13.4% explosive play rate. That’s just rough, and it’s why seeing them at No. 6 on a watchability list hits differently.
Jerry Jones Went All In, And Dak’s Offense Is Primed For Shootouts
So, what’s changed? Jerry Jones apparently got serious this offseason. He loaded up on talent, especially on defense, making moves that sound like they came straight out of a fantasy league draft. He traded for Rashan Gary, the fierce edge rusher from the Green Bay Packers, and snagged safety Jalen Thompson from the Arizona Cardinals. Those aren’t small tweaks.
The vibe for this season’s defense? Solak thinks it’ll be “good enough to not shame The Star but still poor enough that opposing offenses can put up points and force shootouts.” Translation: we’re gonna see some high-scoring games, baby! And why wouldn’t we, with one of the league’s “most dangerous passing attacks” returning in full force? That means George Pickens, who Solak calls “one of the league’s most watchable receivers,” is back to making highlight reels. Dak Prescott himself was sixth in EPA per dropback last season, and when he was slinging it to Pickens or CeeDee Lamb, he posted a monster QBR of 90.9 and a 14.5% explosive pass rate. That’s pure fire.
The talent is clearly there. Now, with a revamped defense that might actually hold its own a bit, the Cowboys could finally deliver on that promise. Get ready, because it looks like we’re in for some wild rides on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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