'24 Preview: Dallas Cowboys

All Access Football previews the 2024 Dallas Cowboys. All Access. All Football. All The Time.

Aug 15, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XXXIX | 2024 Preview: Dallas Cowboys

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NFC EAST || 2023 Record: 12-5 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 12

Team Brass

Owner: Jerry Jones || General Manager: Will McClay || Head Coach: Mike McCarthy || Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer || Defensive Coordinator: Mike Zimmer || Special Teams: John Fassel

2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (12 of 32)

Offense Rankings

Total Offense: 371.5 (5th) || Passing: 258.6 (3rd) || Rushing: 112.9 (14th) || Points: 29.9 (1st) || Sacked: 40 (T-12th) || 3rd Down: 48.3% (2nd)

Defense Rankings

Total Defense: 299.7 (5th) || Passing: 187.4 (5th) || Rushing: 112.4 (16th) || Points Allowed: 18.5 (5th) || Sacks: 46 (T-13th) || Turnover Differential: 10 (T-5th)

Top 10 Franchise Players

LB Micah Parsons (photo credit: Dallas Cowboys)
WR CeeDee Lamb
OG Zack Martin
QB Dak Prescott
DE DeMarcus Lawrence
CB Trevon Diggs
OG Tyler Smith
CB DaRon Bland
K Brandon Aubrey
P Bryan Anger

Key Additions

RB Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) || RB Royce Freeman (Rams) || LB Eric Kendricks (Chargers)

Key Losses

RB Tony Pollard (Titans) || WR Michael Gallup (Raiders) || TE Sean McKeon (Lions) || LT Tyron Smith (Jets) || C Tyler Biadasz (Commanders) || DE Dorance Armstrong (Commanders) || DE Dante Fowler Jr (Commanders) || DT Neville Gallimore (Dolphins) || DT Jonathan Hankins (Seahawks) || LB Leighton Vander Esch || CB Stephon Gilmore || CB Noah Igbinoghene (Commanders) || S Jayron Kearse

Breakout Players

WR Jalen Tolbert - The Cowboys failed to add any significant playmakers during the offseason, which means a greater role for Tolbert, as he enters the critical year three of his development at wide receiver. He became a go-to target for Dak Prescott as last season wore on. With Brandin Cooks entering the final year of his contract and Cee Dee Lamb seeking a new long-term deal, there's a tremendous opportunity for Tolbert to show his worth.

DT Mazi Smith - Dallas will need for Smith to play up to his first round billing should they wish to shore up the middle of their defense. With both Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore departing via free agency, Smith will be thrust into a vital role after a disappointing rookie campaign …

LB Damone Clark - The third-year pro is one to watch, as he has grown into a team leader and made 109 tackles a year ago.

2024 NFL Draft Class

Bigger doesn’t necessarily always guarantee to be better. Dallas certainly added the beef with offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, along with Marshawn Kneeland (a combined 911 pounds) on defense but patience will be needed. The Cowboys have a lot of moving parts on the offensive line that they’ll need to mesh, while Kneeland takes a major step up in level of competition. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: Medium Level Impact