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So what’s next for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023?

By Russell S. Baxter

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 22: Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboys on the sideline before the NFC Divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 19-12. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 22: Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboys on the sideline before the NFC Divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 19-12. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys saw their season come to an end via a playoff loss to the 49ers. What does the future hold?

It’s somewhat hard to fathom that the Dallas Cowboys haven’t been to the NFC Championship Game, much less a Super Bowl, since winning at all in 1995. The club has made its share of postseason appearances, including the last two years in which the team finished with identical 12-5 records, In the wild card round, Mike McCarthy’s squad made somewhat-easy work of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (although kicker Brett Maher added some suspense).

For the second consecutive year, the Cowboys were sent home by the San Francisco 49ers. There’s already been one major change to Dallas’s coaching staff. Who knows what’s in store over the next few months?

What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?

Kellen Moore was relieved of his offensive coordinator responsibilities and quickly latched on with the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, McCarthy will take over the play-calling duties for a team that finished fourth in the league in scoring and 11th in total yards per game.

Dallas totaled 52 offensive touchdowns, 24 on the ground and 28 through the air, and ranked eighth in the NFL in rushing yards per contest (135.2). Dallas had a 1,000-yard rusher (Tony Pollard) and a 1,000-yard receiver (CeeDee Lamb), but…

Biggest Offseason Concern?

Quarterback Dak Prescott has had his ups and downs in recent seasons, with injuries part of the reason for his inconsistency. But for the most part, the seven-year quarterback has done a decent job of taking care of the football up until the second half of this season.

In his first five games in 2022, there were twice as many TD passes (8) as interceptions (4). In his last nine outings, including a pair of playoff affairs, Prescott threw for 20 scores but was picked off 13 times – three of those interceptions returned for touchdowns. All told, the struggling signal-caller committed 16 of Dallas’ 23 turnovers during their 12-5 campaign. His 15 interceptions in 12 regular-season outings was a career-high.

The last time the Cowboys reached the playoffs three consecutive years was more than 30 years ago. That run from 1991-96 included three Super Bowl titles and a combined 12-3 postseason record. Since then, Dallas owns a 4-11 playoff mark that dates back to 1998. It’s been a frustrating stretch for Jerry Jones’ club.

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