No one seriously expected the Dallas Cowboys to win on Sunday afternoon. Even with backup Kenny Pickett under center for the now 13-3 Eagles, Philadelphia was universally considered the far better team in this late season matchup. It was supposed to be an easy win for the Eagles.
With playoff hopes already eliminated, fans had different goals for their team in Week 17. Most truly appreciated the relentless effort the Cowboys had shown in recent weeks, but fans also wanted to see some long-term solutions. And in many areas, they got their wish.
Overall, the Cowboys looked good in their lopsided loss to Philadelphia. For as counterintuitive as that is to say, the players Dallas hoped would play well, generally did play well.
The players who played poorly, Cooper Rush and Andrew Booth just to name a couple, were players who were never supposed to be playing in the first place. They’re unlikely to return in 2025 and therefore inconsequential to the big picture.
Offensive line validity
Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
As a unit, the Cowboys offensive line started clicking late this season. There was concern it was a byproduct of poor competition rather than an indication they improved. Sunday didn’t show them dominate but it showed they can be starters in this league, and that the late season success witnessed wasn’t an illusion as some had feared.
For as dysfunctional as the musical chairs along the Cowboys offensive line has been, it has somehow worked for them. The Eagles, billed as a measuring stick game for the likes of Brock Hoffman, Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton, validated the Cowboys young unit. It’s a reason for optimism heading into the offseason.
Travelin’ Bland
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
In this day age many top flight cornerbacks prefer to play one role on the defense. They prefer to play either the right or the left and either inside or outside. Very few are willing to take on the challenges of traveling for the sake of matchups.
DaRon Bland has no problem traveling. Understaffed at the CB position, Mike Zimmer wanted his best CB on the Eagles best receiver as often as possible. His ambidextrous approach kept him matched up on A.J. Brown all afternoon, and for the most part, he did well. Forced to play on an island because safety help needed on Booth’s side, Bland kept Dallas in the game and solidified the former All Pro as a cornerstone on defense.
Dowdle for real
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Not many people believed in Rico Dowdle when the 2024 season began. He was widely expected to be the starter, but since he wasn’t overly accomplished or loaded with potential, expectations were modest. What Dowdle’s done in 2024 is show he’s not only a legit starting RB in this league, but a darn good one at that.
Dowdle’s speed, power and contact balance make him a valuable asset for Dallas. His pass protection and hands make him an every-down back. The 2025 free agent is going to start somewhere next season, but will it be Dallas?
WR progression
. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
One of the main goals this week was to see if any of the Cowboys young WRs could show out against this impressive Eagles secondary. Mission accomplished.
Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks and Jonathan Mingo each flashed big plays on Sunday. Tolbert, three receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown, was busy making the case he deserves to keep his WR3 spot next season. Brooks, one big jump ball catch for 12 yards, showed he’s someone who can make tough catches in big situations. And Mingo, a maligned trade deadline pickup in 2024, showed he can make critical catches if just given a catchable ball.
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Draft pick ramifications
. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The loss also protected the Cowboys from dropping up to three draft slots with a meaningless win. While this may sound like loser mentality it’s really just focusing on the bright side of a bad situation.
The 2025 NFL draft class is considered one of the weaker classes in years. The number of first round worthy picks could be as few as 14 this year. Dropping from 12 to 15 could mean the difference between a bona fide building block or just another rotational player.
