Forget all the noise about the Dallas Cowboys finally ending their Super Bowl drought this year. Veteran journalist and self-proclaimed Cowboys superfan Skip Bayless is hitting the brakes hard on that hype train, predicting a shockingly mediocre 9-8 season for the team. This isn’t just some casual take; Bayless is sick of watching his beloved team fall short year after year.
All the Hype, None of the Reality?
The Cowboys are absolutely one of the most talked about teams heading into the 2026 NFL season, and for good reason. They completely missed the playoffs last year, but after what many called a “great offseason,” a lot of folks started believing they could snap that brutal 30-year Super Bowl drought. You have to admit, their offense last season, with Dak Prescott, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb leading the charge, was exciting enough to make you think they were among the league’s best. The problem? Their defense was just as bad, giving up a ridiculous 30.1 points per game. Owner Jerry Jones swore he’d revamp that unit, and they went out and brought in some serious talent: Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and Von Miller. They even drafted Ohio State player Caleb Downs. With those kinds of additions, it felt like the Cowboys had to be contenders, right?
A Delusional Fan’s Breaking Point
But here’s the kicker: Skip Bayless, a guy who has literally covered this team since their glory days in the 1990s and has been the most “delusional Cowboys fan in the history,” isn’t buying it. He’s seen this movie before. Since their last Super Bowl appearance in 1996, the team has flashed promise in plenty of offseasons, only to crash and burn. Last season was more of the same, and Bayless is done with it. “I am not buying this hype,” he declared on The Gridiron. “I am sick and I am tired of driving the bandwagon over the cliff year after year after year…” Former NFL player Aqib Talib even pushed back, questioning Bayless’s loyalty, but Skip fired back, “I dare you to go find a bigger Cowboys fan that I am.” He can’t even remember “more preseason hype” about his Cowboys than what he’s seen recently. His prediction is stark: a generous 9-8, with the Eagles easily running away with the NFC East at 12-5. Last year, Bayless actually predicted the Cowboys would finish 12-5, only to watch their leaky defense ruin their playoff hopes. Now, after firing Matt Eberflus and bringing in Christian Parker, some defensive improvements are already visible, but apparently not enough for Skip.
The Cowboys kick off their season this Sunday against the Giants. It’s their first real shot to start proving analysts, and even their most dedicated fans like Bayless, dead wrong about this year’s potential.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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