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Seven years since 1995, it’s been the same song with an identical meaning. The predictions and the early season NFL top-five seedings all have been part of the hype, yet disappointing—still, the Cowboys labor towards the mark.
1995 was the last time the Cowboys won the highest honor, defeating the Steelers 26-17 in Super Bowl XXX. Dallas won back-to-back Super Bowls in ‘93 and ‘94, XXVII (52-17) and XXVIII (30-13) against the Bills.
The club looks to clear its thoughts of the previous two seasons, which ended similarly. In 2021, Dallas lost to the 49ers, 19-12, in the NFC Divisional Playoff. San Francisco scored on back-to-back drives while Dak Prescott threw two costly interceptions.
The Cowboys failed to advance in its last seven trips to the Division round of the playoffs. Including (1996) Panthers 26, Cowboys 17, (2007) Giants 21, Cowboys 17, (2009) Minnesota 34-3, (2014) Packers 26, Cowboys 21, (2016) Packers 34 Cowboys 31, (2018) Rams 30, Cowboys 22,
Part of the focus will start up front. The offensive line will look to hold its blocks for two to three seconds as it protects Prescott, who will aim to get rid of the ball sooner while surveying the surrounding area.
With a watchful eye, fourth-year coach Mike McCarthy hopes to improve on a pair of 12-5 seasons. Limiting mistakes, not allowing opposing offenses to execute lengthy drives while its defense handles the task.
McCarthy added seven new coaches last February, hoping to steer the Cowboys back to where it landed in 1995. Mike Solari will coach the offensive line, which will work on giving Prescott time in the pocket. Jeff Blasko steps up to the running game coordinator and running back coach, while Scott Tolzien is the quarterback coach.
Ten-year veteran receiver Brandon Cooks will help relieve pressure with his speed. Cooks have played for a few teams, including the Patriots, Saints, and the Texans. Now teaming up with Dallas eases one part of the missing puzzle, hoping to keep its dream alive for an NFC Championship and a super bowl berth. With CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup in the mix, Cooks can stretch the field, forcing secondary’s to eliminate double coverage.
Hopes are high in Arlington as Dallas expects to be a super bowl contender. The most popular team in the NFL is not alone. According to the oddsmakers in Las Vegas, the Cowboys have the fifth-best odds of appearing in the big game.
Dallas will have more at stake than its reputation when the season starts. Player expectations and avoiding the injury bug, to mention a couple. Still, it’s early, but the Cowboys are looking to stay up late.
Rookies and veterans will report to the Cowboys training camp on July 25th at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California.
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