A season of decline: how the Dallas Cowboys fell into a losing streak
In short: After three consecutive seasons with a 12–5 record, the Dallas Cowboys faced a jarring reversal in 2024. Struggling at home and plagued by injuries to star quarterback Dak Prescott, the team plummeted to a 7–10 finish, marking their first losing season since 2020 and ending a long era of stability.
The 2024 campaign was a season of significant regression for the Dallas Cowboys. For the previous three years, the franchise had maintained a consistent 12–5 record, but that momentum vanished in 2024. The team's struggles were most evident at home, where they finished with a 2–7 record, their worst home performance since 2015. This was a stark contrast to the previous year, when the Cowboys were undefeated at home during the regular season. This decline was punctuated by a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, which prevented them from matching their previous success. Furthermore, the team was eliminated from NFC East contention after a Week 14 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Key injuries and roster changes fundamentally altered the team's trajectory. The loss of offensive tackle Tyron Smith, who signed with the New York Jets, left a void in the line, while quarterback Dak Prescott's season ended prematurely following surgery for a partial tendon avulsion. This injury occurred during a game against the Ravens, where the team suffered a narrow 28–25 loss. The roster also saw the return of running back Ezekiel Elliott, who signed a one-year deal in April. Additionally, the team faced a significant defensive change when Mike Zimmer was brought in to replace Dan Quinn.
The season also marked a significant coaching transition. It was the fifth and final year of head coach Mike McCarthy's tenure in Dallas. Following the team's 7–10 finish, McCarthy's contract expired, and the club announced he would not return after failing to reach an extension. On January 24, 2025, Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was promoted to the head coaching role, signaling a new era for the franchise. The season's end was marked by a heavy 41–7 defeat to Philadelphia in Week 17. This result contributed to the franchise's first losing season in four years.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2024 Dallas Cowboys season
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