With the Dallas Cowboys sitting at 3-6, it’s time to acknowledge that this season is effectively over. Fans and analysts alike have seen enough to conclude that 2024 is not the year for Dallas. As the team turns its gaze to 2025, it’s crucial to prioritize the development of young players, bench veterans who aren’t adding much value, and start building a foundation for future success. Here’s a look at the players the Cowboys need to reconsider and where they might focus their efforts instead.
1. Quarterback Shift: Cooper Rush vs. Trey Lance
Cooper Rush’s outing against the Philadelphia Eagles highlighted his limitations as a starting quarterback. Completing only 45 passing yards and committing two fumbles, Rush struggled to push the ball downfield and often defaulted to check-downs. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s insistence on keeping Rush as the starter may stem from familiarity, but at this point, it may be time to give Trey Lance a chance. The unproven Lance offers a “mystery box” of potential, which might yield more upside than continuing with a veteran who is simply not meeting the demands of the position.
2. Wide Receiver Rotation: Reduce Jaylen Brooks’ Snaps
Jaylen Brooks, while a reliable presence on special teams, hasn’t shown the separation skills or athletic ability to make an impact as a receiver. While his size can be an asset, he’s struggled in contested catches and has failed to consistently find open space. The Cowboys have other young receivers who might benefit from extra reps. With the season lost, it may be worth experimenting with alternatives to see if another player can fill the depth role more effectively next season.
3. Offensive Line Evaluation: Terence Steele and Zack Martin
The right side of Dallas’s offensive line has been problematic this season. Terence Steele, after a strong start to his career, has seen a drop in his performance, particularly in pass protection, where he often struggles against elite defenders. It could be an opportune time to test different options at right tackle, potentially Amari Smith, or consider a plan to address Steele’s weaknesses over the next few games. While it may be challenging to bench a Hall of Fame talent like Zack Martin, giving younger players reps could serve as valuable preparation for a possible future without Martin.
4. Running Back Rethink: Moving Beyond Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott’s contributions have diminished, with just 3.2 yards per carry and costly red-zone fumbles. Dallas has leaned on Elliott for years, but continuing to play him when his production has dropped does little to advance the team’s goals. With Elliott unlikely to return next season, the Cowboys could benefit more from giving Hunter Luepke and Deuce Vaughn increased opportunities. Shifting the focus to these younger players would allow the Cowboys to evaluate their backfield depth and prepare for life beyond Elliott.
5. Secondary Changes: Evaluating Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson
Dallas’s safeties have underperformed this season, with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson both missing over 16% of their tackles. At a position where reliability is key, these inconsistencies have led to big plays for opposing offenses. Marquise Bell and Israel Mukuamu have shown flashes of potential, and with Wilson and Hooker struggling, now is the perfect time to see if younger players can be trusted to step up as the last line of defense.
6. Cornerback Experiment: Letting Kelvin Joseph Grow
Kelvin Joseph has had some promising moments but struggled to keep up with elite receivers. While he needs more experience, allowing him to continue in the starting lineup alongside Israel Mukuamu could benefit his development. Joseph will face learning curves, but giving him time now could help solidify his potential as a reliable starting corner in the future.
In shifting focus to the development of young talent, the Cowboys have an opportunity to better prepare for a more competitive 2025 season. It’s time to prioritize evaluation, growth, and fresh ideas over veteran familiarity, building a team ready to contend.
