The Cowboys haven’t had back-to-back losing seasons in over 20 years. Keeping that streak alive — unlike the 30-year championship berth drought that’s hung over their heads — is something the Cowboys would like to do on Sunday when they take on the New York Giants.
In the eyes of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a win on Sunday would do more than simply prevent a second-straight losing season.
“I’m going to call it a winning record even if it’s even,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) on Friday.
Jones laughed because an 8-8-1 record would actually give the Cowboys a .500 season for the fourth time since 2011. The comment, while clearly in jest, was representative of something the Cowboys have been adamant about all week. They want to beat the Giants in a game that’s not meaningless for them.
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Here are five final thoughts before the Cowboys’ season finale.
Don’t make this game actually significant
Jones also said on Friday that he’s surprised the last two seasons didn’t include a trip to the playoffs like the previous three did. He said the postseason was the expectation after they signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year extension that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL in terms of annual average value.
Prescott is vital to the Cowboys’ future — enough so that Jones said they can’t be timid this offseason when they build around Prescott.
Which is why I highly recommend that the Cowboys get Prescott out of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants as quickly as they can. I know, I know: players are paid to play, and Prescott is one of the most competitive of the bunch. Brian Schottenheimer has said multiple times this week that Prescott will start Sunday’s game. Schottenheimer also indicated that the duration of Prescott’s playing time can be changed at his discretion.
The Cowboys have been adamant that winning on Sunday is important. Having Prescott healthy for a full off-season is more important.
Big (day for) Blue?
Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue has been one of the most talked about players on the Cowboys this season, whether it was because of the intrigue that came with his draft pick, the blisters he suffered in practice while wearing new Louis Vuitton-style cleats, or the fact that he hasn’t been active since late October. Schottenheimer hasn’t minced words when it comes to his rookie running back, saying multiple times that he’s needed to earn his place back on the field.
It appears Blue will have the chance to not only play on Sunday in the season finale, but potentially start. The Cowboys ruled out starting running back Javonte Williams and backup Malik Davis due to injury. Hunter Luepke is a reliable ball carrier, but he also has fullback duties for the Cowboys. Fellow rookie Phil Mafah and practice squad running back Isreal Abanikanda are other candidates for carries on Sunday.
Blue looks to be the most likely benefactor of the opportunity. And after an up-and-down season, Sunday’s game gives him a chance to head into his first NFL off-season on a high note.
Schottenheimer, when asked about Blue and other potential newer players, says it’s their job to maximize their chances.
How much does it matter?
When it comes to evaluating a Cowboys’ defense that’s given up more points this season than any other, Jones has been adamant this week that it’s not all on one person. Specifically, he’s said that in relation to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and discussions about potentially moving on from him after one season.
Discussions externally have been going on for weeks regarding Eberflus’ status. The Cowboys have said they would wait until after the season to make a decision on Eberflus. It makes you wonder: does Sunday’s game have any bearing on whether he stays or goes? Schottenheimer said this week that evaluating players and coaches will involve looking at the full body of work this season. In theory, that would include Sunday.
We’ll see if Eberflus’ defense can end this season on a high note — and whether that has any influence over his future in Dallas.
A new target emerges
For so many years, the Cowboys were chasing a dominant interior defensive tackle. Like Captain Ahab searching for his whale, it frustratingly eluded them. They seem to have figured that out with the additions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark to go along with Osa Odighizuwa.
Could a new whale be on the horizon?
The Cowboys have a need at corner heading into the off-season. They waived Trevon Diggs this week. DaRon Bland is dealing with a foot injury for the second time in two seasons that could require surgery. Rookie third round pick Shavon Revel has had an up-and-down first year after starting the season late due to injury.
All three of them won’t play on Sunday. Instead, the Cowboys could start second-year corner Caelen Carson, undrafted rookie Trikweze Bridges, and Reddy Steward in the slot. The Cowboys could also activate Josh Butler, who played well in limited action last year before tearing his ACL.
Those players will have a chance to make a positive impression heading into the off-season. Still, a looming need at cornerback is on the horizon. It’s also a position that’s not easily fixable. The last time the Cowboys drafted a corner in the first round was Byron Jones in 2015 — could they do so again in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Speaking of the draft
Good news: because of their tie with the Packers earlier this season, the Cowboys likely won’t need to worry about tiebreakers when it comes to their draft order. There is a chance for some movement this weekend, however. Currently the Cowboys have the 14th overall pick in the NFL Draft. They also have the pick from the Packers in the Micah Parsons trade, though that pick won’t be solidified until after Green Bay is eliminated from the postseason.
If the Cowboys lose on Sunday, their pick could move as high as 11. If they win, it could fall as low as 19th. Below is a list of games Cowboys fans should be following on Sunday if they care about where the Cowboys could fall in the draft order. Teams with their record listed are relevant to the Cowboys, who currently sit at 7-8-1
Dolphins (7-9) vs. Patriots
Saints vs. Falcons (7-9)
Panthers (8-8) vs. Buccaneers (7-9)
Lions (8-8) vs. Bears
Baltimore (8-8) vs. Pittsburgh
Packers vs. Vikings (8-8)
Indianapolis (8-8) vs. Houston
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