Previewing the 2026 Dallas Cowboys on The Athletic Football Show

The upcoming NFL season is generating plenty of buzz, especially around the 2026 Dallas Cowboys. The Athletic Football Show recently previewed the team in depth, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and key players to watch. This blog post explores those insights and offers a look at what fans can expect from the Cowboys this season.

Dallas Cowboys 2026 Season Overview

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with high expectations. Their roster is loaded with talent, and the coaching staff is determined to guide the team toward success.

The Athletic Football Show’s preview examines the team’s potential and focuses on the different factors that could shape its season.

Key Players to Watch

One of the most exciting parts of the Cowboys’ 2026 season is the group of players expected to make an impact. Here are several of the standout athletes:

• Dak Prescott: The experienced quarterback returns healthier than ever and is ready to lead the offense with his skill and leadership.
• Ezekiel Elliott: The star running back remains a powerful presence and gives the team a dependable ground game.
• CeeDee Lamb: Lamb’s agility and reliable hands make him a vital part of the Cowboys’ offensive plans.
• Micah Parsons: On defense, Parsons brings versatility and strong tackling ability that could make a major difference.

Strengths of the Dallas Cowboys

The Athletic Football Show points to several strengths that could help the Cowboys put together a successful season:

Offensive Firepower

The Cowboys have one of the league’s most potent offenses. With Prescott leading the way, Elliott supplying the running game, and a talented group of receivers around them, the team can score quickly and efficiently.

The offensive line also brings strength and cohesion. That protection gives Prescott the time he needs to run the offense effectively.

Defensive Improvements

The Cowboys’ defense has faced criticism in the past, but the unit has made significant improvements. The team added a new defensive coordinator and made strategic offseason moves to strengthen the lineup.

Parsons, in particular, could become a game-changer. His intensity and skill give the defense an edge.

Challenges and Weaknesses

Despite those strengths, the Cowboys still face several challenges. The Athletic Football Show identifies areas that could slow their progress:

Injury Concerns

Injuries have hurt the Cowboys in previous seasons, so keeping key players healthy will be critical. The team will closely monitor Prescott’s recovery from past injuries and must keep its star players fit throughout the year.

Consistency Issues

Consistency has remained a recurring problem for the Cowboys. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but sustaining a high level of play from week to week is still difficult.

The coaching staff will need to address that issue if the team hopes to maintain success over the long haul.

Coaching and Strategy

The coaching staff will play a major role in the Cowboys’ potential success. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his coordinators have developed a broad strategy that aims to maximize the team’s strengths while addressing its weaknesses.

Offensive Strategy

Under McCarthy, the Cowboys’ offense emphasizes versatility and adaptability. The playbook is built around Prescott’s passing ability while still featuring a strong running game led by Elliott.

Play-action and deep passes should keep opposing defenses off balance. At least, that’s the idea.

Defensive Strategy

On defense, the team is emphasizing aggression and creating turnovers. The new defensive coordinator has installed schemes that take advantage of the speed and agility of players such as Parsons.

The goal is to disrupt opposing offenses and create more takeaway opportunities. Those extra possessions could give the Cowboys’ offense more chances to score.

Season Predictions

Based on the insights from The Athletic Football Show, the Dallas Cowboys could emerge as one of the NFL’s top contenders this season. If they stay healthy and play with consistency, they have a strong chance to make a deep playoff run.