As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the excitement is tempered by a series of pressing questions that could define their trajectory. With a new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, at the helm and a roster in transition, the Cowboys face challenges on both sides of the ball that will test their championship aspirations.
1. Can the Offensive Line Hold Up?
One of the most glaring concerns entering the season is the state of Dallas’s offensive line. Once considered a team strength, the unit now faces uncertainty after the retirement of future Hall of Famer Zack Martin. The Cowboys have plugged in rookie Tyler Booker and signed Robert Jones for depth, but the line still looks vulnerable. Pro Football Focus ranks Dallas’s offensive line in the bottom third of the NFL for 2025, citing rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton’s 49.4 PFF grade last year as a major red flag. Guyton ranked 73rd at his position, and with young players like Booker and center Cooper Beebe starting, the line’s ability to protect quarterback Dak Prescott and open running lanes remains a question.
2. Will the Linebacker Corps Improve?
Defensively, the linebacker position is arguably the Cowboys’ biggest weakness. Eric Kendricks, who played well on a one-year deal, may not return, and DeMarvion Overshown, once seen as a future star, is sidelined indefinitely after a devastating knee injury. The team’s current linebacking group lacks a true playmaker, with rookie Marist Liufau expected to start but still unproven in a complex defense. The Cowboys need to address this through free agency or the draft, with veteran Robert Spillane mentioned as a potential target. Without improvement here, Dallas risks being exposed against both the run and pass.
3. Can Dak Prescott Lead the Team to Success?
Dak Prescott enters 2025 under significant pressure. Recovering from right hamstring avulsion surgery, his health and performance are critical. Prescott has a strong track record against divisional rivals, boasting a 9-4 record against the Eagles and a 13-game winning streak against the Giants, which could bode well for the Cowboys’ early season. Yet, the offensive line’s struggles mean Prescott will face more pressure and sacks, an issue that plagued him last season when he was sacked 15 times in five games. His leadership and ability to stay healthy will be pivotal in determining Dallas’s success.
4. Can the Defense Maintain Its Edge?
While the linebackers are a concern, the Cowboys’ secondary and defensive front still hold promise. The defense finished last season ranked in the top five for points allowed, and players like Micah Parsons continue to be disruptive forces. However, injuries loom large, especially in the secondary, where cornerbacks are coming off major knee injuries. The team’s ability to keep key defenders healthy and integrate new additions will be tested, especially given a tough schedule featuring multiple playoff teams in the latter half of the season.
5. How Will the Cowboys Handle a Grueling Schedule?
Dallas faces one of the NFL’s toughest schedules in 2025, tied for the fifth-hardest based on opponents’ previous records. The Cowboys open with back-to-back division games against the Eagles and Giants, setting an early tone. The second half of the season is even more daunting, with six of their last eight games against playoff teams, including the Chiefs, Eagles, and Vikings. This stretch will test the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to avoid injuries.
Cowboys fans remain cautiously optimistic. Many acknowledge the infusion of youth and talent but worry about the team’s ability to consistently perform. As one fan noted, “If Tyler Booker can emerge as a reliable player this year, I would consider that a success,” highlighting the hope pinned on the young offensive line. Meanwhile, the pressure on Prescott and the defense to step up is palpable. The Cowboys have the talent to contend, but their success will hinge on answering these key questions and navigating a challenging schedule.
In the words of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, “We have to prove ourselves every day. It’s about growth, consistency, and playing with heart.” This season, Dallas’s ability to do just that will determine whether they can reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite.
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