Can Cowboys improve on these key offensive shortcomings in 2026?

The Cowboys‘ offense carried the defense and special teams units in 2025, finishing second in both total offense and passing yards per game. They were a top-five unit in points scored and yards, and even their rushing yards per-game average was top-10. The defense underwent a complete overhaul after being one of the worst in the league, and special teams also took a significant hit with the loss of special teams coach John “Bones” Fassel.

This doesn’t mean the team can sit on its hands offensively. They had a major drop-off in specific areas they need to improve on to become a contender in 2026, even with improvements on defense and special teams. To truly take the next step, the Cowboys must get better at opening drives, creating explosive runs, and scoring touchdowns in the red zone.

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The Cowboys were a notoriously poor-starting team. That’s expected on a defense so porous, but not on a high-powered offense. The team didn’t score a first-possession point until a field goal in Week 5 versus the New York Jets. In the first four weeks, they had a turnover on downs, a fumble, and went three-and-out twice. They didn’t score an opening drive touchdown until Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. Dallas ended the season with six turnovers on opening drives; they went three-and-out four times, scored three field goals, and four touchdowns. The hope is that the offense has started to figure some things out, with three of their four touchdowns in Weeks 15, 16, and 17. Their scripted plays to open games have to be more effective, and a coaching staff going into their second year has hopefully put in a lot of effort into that area. Not much personnel can help, with the same roster returning.

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As much as Dallas can better their run game with an improved young offensive line and better game planning, this area could really break down to how much can Jaydon Blue be trusted to carry the ball and how well he produces. The Cowboys were 27th in the league last season with only 6.2% explosive runs per play. Javonte Williams had 26 rushes over 10 yards but only six explosive runs over 20 yards and only a single run over 40 yards. Blue needs to be able to receive 10 touches a game, at least five to eight rushes, and break some significant runs. No other running backs on the roster have his game-breaking ability. If Blue has matured and the coaches have a solid game plan for him, his presence could improve this area alone.

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The Dallas offense was terrific overall, aside from their early mishaps and red-zone struggles. The team got in the red zone plenty, top five in red-zone attempts per game. Getting to that area was a bright spot, but their play once inside the 20 needs work. They were 16th in touchdown percentage at just under 57%, 20th in overall red zone scoring, and 25th in the percentage of red zone drives that ended in a turnover or a missed field goal. This has to be a significant area of improvement. The team had too many turnovers, especially on downs. The fix can come from Flournoy being a top-three receiving option from Week 1, the addition of Jaydon Blue as an explosive rusher, and more experience with the offensive game plan and play-calling. The experience and continuity gained in 2025 will hopefully lead to better execution in the red zone.

You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast