Winslow Townson/Associated Press
The Dallas Cowboys go into the 2024 season under immense pressure to perform. After getting shellacked in the playoffs despite nabbing the 2-seed in the NFC, Jerry Jones didn’t do much in the offseason. This team is basically the same as many key players who have not signed long-term. This is a fascinating team in 2024. Here are three numbers to know going into the 2024 season.
The Obvious Dallas Cowboys Number To Know: 29
Years since the Cowboys have been to a conference championship
Sorry, Dallas Cowboys fans. It’s the number that gets added to every year. 1995 was the last time the franchise was in the final four. Since then, there have been only four other teams who haven’t reached a conference championship: the Texans, Browns, Dolphins, and Commanders. (This list included the Lions until their appearance this year). It’s not the company of teams the Cowboys want to be keeping. The opportunities have been there, and 2024 is another one.
The NFC is the weaker conference. Teams in the AFC have to get through Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, and many other All-Pro caliber players. The NFC has Brock Purdy, Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Jordan Love. While these are quality players, any NFL fan knows which route is preferred. The time is now to break this streak, or it could continue for a long time.
Dallas Cowboys: 3
Dak Prescott‘s franchise all-time passing yards rank
It’s easy to see why Dak Prescott gets a bad reputation as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. He has had many opportunities on the biggest stage and hasn’t performed. However, the criticism is getting ridiculous. Many playoff losses were not his fault. He also sits third all-time in passing yards. He is only 3,483 yards behind Troy Aikman for second all-time. Furthermore, he ranks second in touchdowns, fourth in wins, and has thrown less than 75 interceptions in his career.
It seems like this is the last year for Dak Prescott in a Dallas Cowboys uniform. They would be giving up one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history. I understand the frustrations of the fan base, but the grass isn’t always greener. Ultimately, what happens with Prescott depends on this season. If he can get them to a conference championship, I expect Jerry Jones to pony up the money.
137
Jerry Jones’s placement on the Forbes Billionaires List in 2024
Jerry Jones is one of the richest owners in the NFL. However, he has been stingy with paying players. We’ve seen historic contracts being given out this offseason. Detroit handed out multiple massive contracts to their top players. Philadelphia locked down their offensive weapons. Minnesota made Justin Jefferson the highest-paid wide receiver in league history. Jones is sitting on his hands while CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons remained unsigned to long-term deals.
Jones seems to be operating under the assumption that players will take a discount to play for the Dallas Cowboys. He seems to believe the aura of this historic franchise should factor in. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Players don’t care about the team’s history anymore. Players want to get paid. If a smaller market is paying more, they are happy to play there. Jerry Jones has the money, and it is ridiculous his star players are being left unsigned. The Dallas Cowboys cannot keep treating their players like this and expect to field a winning team.
As always, the Dallas Cowboys will be fun to watch in 2024. Whether you are cheering for them or against them, there is no denying they are a compelling watch.
