​The Cowboys’ offense drove the team forward in 2025, outpacing the defense and special teams to finish second in both total offense and passing yards per game. They also ranked among the top five in points scored and total yardage, with their rushing yards per game staying in the top ten. The defense underwent a full rebuild after being among the league’s worst units, while the loss of special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel dealt a further blow to the special teams. Yet this doesn’t mean the offense can rest. There are clear, concrete areas where the Cowboys must improve if they want to contend in 2026, even with the defensive and special-teams upgrades. To push to the next level, they must sharpen their opening drives, create more explosive running plays, and convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — NOVEMBER 23, 2025. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer surveys the field in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. The scene captures a team in transition, trying to bridge last year’s strong offensive output with a more consistently high-impact start to games.
Dallas has long been known for starting slowly, a problem that typically reflected a porous defense and not a high-powered offense. The team didn’t notch a first-possession score until a field goal in Week 5 against the Jets. In the opening four weeks, the Cowboys bounced between a turnover on downs, a fumble, and multiple three-and-outs. It wasn’t until Week 7 against Washington that they delivered an opening-drive touchdown. The season ended with six turnovers on opening drives, four three-and-outs, three field goals, and four touchdowns. There’s reason for cautious optimism, though: in Weeks 15 through 17, the offense produced three touchdowns, suggesting the unit may be beginning to figure things out. The coaching staff, now in its second year together, has likely devoted substantial effort to refining scripted opening plays, even though the core roster remains unchanged.
Running back Jaydon Blue stood out as a potential game-changer, especially if he can grow into a trusted workhorse. The offense’s ability to improve its run game will hinge on the development of the young offensive line and the precision of game planning. Dallas ranked 27th in explosive rushing last season, averaging only 6.2% of plays that produced an explosive gain. Javonte Williams showed bursts with 26 rushes over 10 yards, but just six over 20 yards and only a single run beyond 40 yards. If Blue can average around 10 touches per game, with five to eight carries that routinely threaten defenses and produce substantial runs, he could be the catalyst needed to ignite more explosive plays. There isn’t another back on the roster with his playmaking potential, so Blue’s maturation and the coaching staff’s ability to design run schemes around him will be crucial. A more productive run game would not only boost the offense’s overall efficiency but also help balance the attack and keep defenses honest.
The offensive staff must continue to refine both personnel usage and play design to maximize opportunities. While the talent level remains strong, sustained improvement hinges on more efficient opening drives, frequent big runs, and red-zone efficiency translating into touchdowns. If the Cowboys can execute consistently in these areas, their impressive production in other phases can be harnessed to propel them into genuine contention in 2026.