Why former NFL Edge rusher believes the Dallas Cowboys are legitimate contenders in 2026
Could this finally be the Cowboys' year? One NFL analyst believes Dallas has everything it takes to end its 30-year Super Bowl drought.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the new season hoping to end a three-decade Super Bowl drought, backed by a revamped defense, a star-studded offense, and renewed confidence in Dak Prescott .
After finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs last season, Dallas enters the year healthy and with one of the deepest rosters in the NFC , making the Cowboys a legitimate contender to compete for the championship.
Expectations are sky-high, with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams, Jake Ferguson, Quinnen Williams, Demarvion Overshown , and Kenny Clark leading a team built to compete on both sides of the ball.
According to CBS analyst Leger Douzable , the Cowboys have everything they need to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first time since the 1995 season, largely because of their loaded offense.
“The Dallas Cowboys, I know every year people say, ‘This is our year!' This legitimately could be the year,” said Douzable.
“The offense is gonna be there. They literally retained everybody who was on offense, which is unheard of. They were able to do that.”
While Dallas' defense was its biggest weakness last season, the former NFL player believes the additions of Rashan Gary, Caleb Downs, and Malachi Lawrence , combined with the return of Quinnen Williams, could be enough to transform that unit.
“I really like what they have done. They refortified and revamped that defense, and just like the (Cincinnati) Bengals, we don't need you to be in the top five (on defense). We need you to be in the middle of the pack because your offense is explosive,” added Douzable, who played 10 seasons in the NFL.
The optimism is also shared by head coach Brian Schottenheimer , who has praised the roster’s overall depth and talent.
After missing the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, the Cowboys know there is little room for another disappointing campaign. The pressure is immense, and the expectations of a fan base that has waited 30 years to celebrate another championship have never been higher.
