The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 season with a mix of confidence and unfinished business after a rollercoaster 2023 campaign. For the third year in a row, they achieved a 12-5 record, a level of consistency that solidified their standing among the NFC’s elite. They claimed the NFC East division title for the first time since 2021, marking their second division crown in three seasons. The three-way tie for first place in the NFC made their regular season even more impressive with fellow powerhouses the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions, all finishing with identical 12-5 records.
However, despite their regular-season success, the Cowboys were left to lick their wounds after a stunning collapse in the playoffs. Despite having one of the top-ranked offenses and defenses in the league, Dallas was unexpectedly dismantled by the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers in a 48-32 defeat during the Wild Card round.
The loss was a bitter reminder of their recent postseason struggles, despite making three consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since their dynasty years of the 1990s. The 2023 season had all the makings of a title run, but instead, it left Cowboys fans and players alike yearning for more.
Looking ahead, the 2024 season holds immense promise—and pressure. The team is determined to shake off the disappointment of last season’s early exit and prove they can compete for a championship. With their roster still stacked with talent and a renewed focus on breaking through in the postseason, the Cowboys are once again considered contenders. Entering the 2024 season, Dallas has Super Bowl NFL odds listed at +1800, showing their potential and the hurdles they face in chasing glory.
Week 13 Thriller Against Seattle
One of the most talked-about games of the Cowboys' season was the Week 13 shootout against the Seattle Seahawks on "Thursday Night Football." Dallas eked out a thrilling 41-35 win in a game filled with clutch moments.
Quarterback Dak Prescott was in his element, showcasing precision and poise under pressure. His standout play came when he shrugged off what seemed to be a sure sack and delivered a 17-yard completion to Jalen Tolbert, a crucial moment that energized the offense. This game also saw tight end Jake Ferguson score a pivotal touchdown late in the fourth quarter, locking eyes with Seattle’s Jamal Adams as if daring him to stop him—a moment that embodied Dallas' swagger that night.
CeeDee Lamb, too, had one of his best performances of the season, hauling in 12 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. His incredible ability to evade defenders on a 24-yard run further underscored his status as one of the league's most dynamic receivers.
On defense, Micah Parsons' game-winning pressure on Geno Smith in the dying moments sealed the victory, showing why he's considered one of the most dangerous pass-rushers in the NFL. This game was a defining moment that proved Dallas could perform in high-stakes situations.
DaRon Bland’s Historic Season
Cornerback DaRon Bland etched his name into the NFL record books in 2023 by setting a new single-season record for interception return touchdowns. Bland’s pick-six against the Washington Commanders in Week 12 marked his fifth of the season, breaking the previous NFL record of four.
Bland’s knack for reading quarterbacks and turning defense into instant offense was a game-changer for the Cowboys throughout the season. His standout play came in Week 7, when he intercepted the Rams' Matthew Stafford and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, a pivotal moment in a 43-20 rout.
Dak Prescott’s Redemption Arc
Dak Prescott's 2023 season was all about silencing critics and showcasing his resilience after a disappointing 2022 campaign. One of his finest performances came in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In this divisional clash, Prescott threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, and his connection with Brandin Cooks was particularly noteworthy. On one play, Prescott evaded pressure, rolled to his left, and fired a laser to Cooks for an 18-yard gain, setting up a game-winning field goal by Brandon Aubrey.
Although the Cowboys narrowly lost that game 28-23, Prescott's command of the offense and his ability to execute under pressure stood out.
Prescott continued his red-hot form in the subsequent weeks, most notably in the Seattle game as mentioned above and during the Cowboys’ Week 4 domination of the Patriots, where he completed 28 of 34 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns.
Brandon Aubrey’s Breakthrough Moment
The 2023 season also marked the arrival of rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey, who quickly became one of Dallas’ unsung heroes. Aubrey's most clutch moment came in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams when he drilled a 57-yard field goal, the longest of his young career, to give the Cowboys a commanding lead.
Defensive Dominance Led by Parsons
Once again, Micah Parsons was the anchor of the Cowboys' defense, terrorizing quarterbacks and disrupting offensive schemes. One of his best moments came in the Week 2 demolition of the New York Jets, where Parsons recorded three sacks and forced a fumble. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made life miserable for offensive lines, and his ability to change the momentum of a game was on full display throughout the season.
Parsons’ disruptive presence was particularly evident during the Cowboys' Week 13 win over Seattle. His late-game pressure on Geno Smith forced an errant throw, securing the Cowboys' victory.
Conclusion
The 2023 season for the Dallas Cowboys was filled with dramatic highs and key moments that underscored the team's talent on both sides. Whether it was Dak Prescott’s revitalized leadership, DaRon Bland’s record-setting performances, or Micah Parsons’ defensive masterclasses, the Cowboys continually found ways to win. With a playoff berth on the horizon, Cowboys fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what’s to come, as they aim to carry their regular-season momentum into a deep postseason run.
