Let me be honest with you—when I first sat down to think about how the Dallas Cowboys could actually win the Super Bowl this season, my mind drifted to a game I recently played called Visions of Mana. It’s a fantasy RPG, but not the kind that sticks with you. The characters are so detached from their own story, so uninterested in reflecting on the sacrifices made around them, that they feel like bystanders in their own lives. And that’s exactly what the Cowboys have felt like at times over the past two decades—a team full of talent, but one that seems strangely disconnected from the weight of its own legacy and the expectations placed upon it. If they want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year, they need to break that cycle of passivity and take control of their narrative.
First, let’s talk about the offense. Dak Prescott is coming off a statistically impressive year—he threw for over 4,500 yards and 36 touchdowns—but numbers alone don’t win championships. In Visions of Mana, the protagonists never stop to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, and similarly, the Cowboys’ offense has occasionally fallen into the trap of playing moment-to-moment without a cohesive, big-picture strategy. I’ve watched games where they’d dominate for three quarters, only to abandon the run game or force risky throws when it mattered most. That lack of introspection—failing to adjust, to learn from past mistakes—is what holds them back. This season, they need to lean into what works early and often: establish the run with Tony Pollard, use CeeDee Lamb in creative, high-percentage situations, and most importantly, protect leads with smart clock management. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often they overlook the fundamentals in favor of flashy, short-sighted plays.
Then there’s the defense. Micah Parsons is a generational talent—maybe the most explosive edge rusher I’ve seen since Lawrence Taylor—but even he can’t do it alone. Last season, the Cowboys’ defense ranked in the top five in sacks and takeaways, yet they struggled against elite quarterbacks in high-stakes moments. Why? Because, much like the characters in Visions of Mana, they sometimes operate as if they’re unaware of the bigger picture. They’ll generate pressure, but miss key tackles or blow coverage assignments at critical times. I remember the playoff loss to Green Bay—a game where they gave up 48 points and looked completely out of sync. It was a stark reminder that talent without situational awareness won’t cut it in January. To fix that, Dan Quinn (if he stays) or whoever takes over needs to instill a deeper level of preparation. They must study opponents’ tendencies in the red zone, communicate better pre-snap, and develop a killer instinct—the kind that shuts down drives when the game is on the line.
Special teams and coaching are the unsung heroes in any championship run, and here’s where the Cowboys can learn from their own history. Back in the 1990s, when they won three Super Bowls in four years, they had a clear identity—physical, disciplined, and clutch. Today? Sometimes it feels like they’re making it up as they go. Take Brandon Aubrey, for example. The guy was nearly perfect on field goals last year, hitting 36 out of 38 attempts. That’s a weapon, but are they using him strategically? In close games, field position and special teams execution can be the difference between winning and losing. And let’s not forget Mike McCarthy. I like the guy—he’s got a Super Bowl ring and knows how to manage a roster—but there have been moments where his play-calling felt predictable, almost as if he was stuck in a script. If the Cowboys want to go all the way, McCarthy needs to embrace adaptability. Throw in some trick plays, trust his players in key situations, and maybe take a page from Andy Reid’s book: innovate, don’t imitate.
Player health and depth are another piece of the puzzle. Last season, the Cowboys had around 14 players on injured reserve by December, including key contributors like Tyron Smith and Trevon Diggs. That’s not just bad luck—it’s a warning. In my opinion, they’ve been too reliant on their starters staying healthy, without building the kind of bench strength that teams like Kansas City or San Francisco pride themselves on. Look at the 49ers: even when they lose a star, the next man up is ready. The Cowboys? Not always. They need to invest more in their second-string, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary. And while we’re at it, let’s talk about the schedule. This year, they’ll face at least six playoff teams from last season, including the Ravens, Lions, and Bengals. That’s a brutal stretch, and if they don’t manage rotations and recovery, they could burn out by January.
But here’s what gives me hope: the Cowboys have all the pieces. They’ve got a franchise quarterback, a dynamic receiving corps, and a defense that can be dominant. What they’ve lacked—and what Visions of Mana’s characters never find—is that moment of self-realization, that willingness to confront their flaws and evolve. I’ve followed this team for years, and I truly believe that if they can develop a more reflective, long-term mindset—on and off the field—they can absolutely win it all. It won’t be easy, but football, like any great story, is about growth. The Cowboys don’t need to be perfect; they just need to be present, engaged, and hungry. And if they do that, I wouldn’t bet against them.