It’s the first day of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 training camp in Oxnard. That implies it’s time for another installment of my excessively optimistic season forecasts. My coworker Mario Herrera Jr. expressed outrage yesterday over USA Today’s projection that Dallas would finish 8-9 and in second place in the NFC East.
He’s currently responding to that outcry with his counterprediction post. He seems to be targeting at least ten, if not twelve, victories.
I projected the NFC East teams’ 2024 finishes back in April, before the draft. With a 9-8 record and doubts about making the playoffs, I also had Dallas in second place in the NFC East.
I completed a preview of the forthcoming season, week by week, after the draft and schedule were released. I included my pick for that game at the conclusion of every post.
I had Dallas at 8 or 9 after all was said and done.
What caused the drop?
Cowboys’ Free Agency, Unimpressive Draft
In April, Dallas’ drafting left me feeling let down. I believe it will be one of the poorest classes of this century, excluding Cooper Beebe.
The Cowboys will regret passing on Xavier Worthy in the first round (the Chiefs appeared to believe he was worth a first-round choice) and a running back in the second.
It was still possible for them to select Beebe in the third round and a different offensive tackle in the fifth.
That may have put my projection back into the double-digit win column and addressed the three areas of greatest need. However, they didn’t. We’ll have to wait and see if that fall plan becomes beneficial for them.
Furthermore, Dallas did not help themselves in free agency.
Without a doubt, they have lost more talent than they have acquired. The signing of Eric Kendricks was the only exclusion.
They at least addressed the enormous void left by middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s retirement. But they continued to overlook other guys that they should have utilized. mostly as a result of the mess the salary cap has caused. The Cowboys’ 2024 Schedule: Wins & Losses
Herrera correctly noted that the USA Today article did not provide a detailed explanation of their methodology for arriving at the 8-9 record.
I’ve listed the games the Cowboys will win and lose in 2024, week by week, below:
Week 1: Loss (0-1) away to Cleveland
Week 2: Victory (1-1) at New Orleans
Week 3: Loss (1-2) vs. Baltimore
Week 4: Victory (2-2) against NY Giants
Week 5: Loss (2-3) away to Pittsburgh
Week 6: Loss (2-4) vs. Detroit
Week 7: Farewell
Week 8: Loss (2-5) at San Francisco
Week 9: Victory (3-5) @ Atlanta
Week 10: Loss (3-6) vs. Philadelphia
Week 11: Loss (3-7) vs. Houston
Week 12: Victory (4-7) away at Washington
Week 13: Victory (5-7) vs. NY Giants
Week 14: Loss (5-8) vs. Cincinnati
Week 15: Victory at Carolina (6-8)
Week 16: Victory (7-8) vs. Tampa Bay
Week 17: Loss (7-9) away to Philadelphia
Week 18: Victory (8-9) vs. Washington Once more, this is posted with the understanding that there is still training camp to go through, potential trades, free agency signings, and injuries to be resolved.
You can be confident that Shane Taylor, one of my colleagues, and Herrera believe I’ve gone insane. As of the last time I heard, Inside The Star was investigating whether the 25th Amendment existed.
Intelligence or Madness?
To be honest, I might be misinterpreting the tea leaves. As things now stand on the roster, I don’t believe I am. Particularly considering the turbulence the team is unpacking when they get to camp.
The contracts of the top three players are at odds.
When the team’s jet departed for California, CeeDee Lamb reportedly stayed home. He reportedly won’t appear until he signs a new deal as well.
Dak Prescott is asking for an extension that would cost around $60 million annually. In light of Patrick Mahomes’ $45 million annual salary, this is an absurd request.
In addition, Micah Parsons is searching for an extension—both on and off his podcast—that could act as a diversion. One that he was recently called out on by a teammate.
Mix in injury comebacks, concerns about the offensive and defensive lines, and a lackluster running back room. and a head coach who has three consecutive 12–5 seasons without having his contract extended.
I simply don’t think this club is ready for a successful year, much less a championship run.
The situation might resolve itself during the following two weeks. The Cowboys might all of a sudden click as a unit and get it together. Over the years, I have witnessed it occur.
However, as camp opens right now?
In 2024, I see an 8–9 squad that will not make the playoffs.
In July 2025, I envision a totally altered roster and a coaching staff arriving in Oxnard.
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