Just One Thing Stopping Cowboys From ‘Next-Level’ Move Up originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Make no mistake about it, the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 weren’t very good.
But there were reasons.
The blow-it-up concept with everyone not having any job security on the coaching staff, the lack of investment in the offseason, which was part of the blow-it-up plan, and then the injuries.
That, to me, was one of the biggest reasons for the poor 2024 season, and now, as we turn for 2025 and Brian Schottenheimer’s first crack at a head coaching job, will he be able to improve the team to be better than it was a year ago?
The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson thinks so, if one thing happens.
“A healthier roster, improved offensive line and the deep threat of Pickens are all positives for an offense that could get to the next level,” Robinson writes. “Matt Eberflus might return the defense to a strength, or at least slow the run (Dallas allowed 137.1 rush yards per game, 29th), and Micah Parsons should sign a record-setting extension. But even if everything goes right, they’ll still need a run game.”
Everything feels like it is trending in the right direction, but as was the case last offseason, the run game is again the center of attention.
Miles Sanders, Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Deuce Vaughn, and Phil Mafah make up the room. On paper, that is better than Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle 12 months ago.
But games aren’t won on paper.
The Cowboys’ coaching hires of Klayton Adams (offensive coordinator) and Conor Riley (offensive line coach), both of whom have skins on the wall developing good run games, will be tasked with creating a good one in Dallas.
Do that, and who knows, this offense might be scary good in 2025.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.