The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season hoping to join the Super Bowl conversation, despite missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. One ESPN analyst believes that the Cowboys could have a legitimate chance if the defensive unit performs better than last year.

NFL Insider Adam Schefter believes that the Cowboys could become a “dangerous” team if the defensive overhaul made during the offseason delivers along with the already powerful offense. He explained on the Adam Schefter podcast on July 23.

“Well, here is a team that has enough talent again to make a deep playoff run, and everybody knows the Dallas Cowboys defense has been under fire and in question,” Schefter said. “What did the Dallas Cowboys do? They went out, and they dramatically upgraded their defense, which has to give people hope. It's not just coaches; it's players.”

Schefter believes that the offseason overhaul, beginning with the hiring of Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator to replace Matt Eberflus, was one of the major moves for the defense.

The Cowboys ranked near the bottom of the league (No. 30) in total defense last year (377 average yards) and at the bottom of the league in scoring defense for allowing 511 points.

“...New coaches, new players, and if this defense is as improved as Dallas thinks, then Dallas becomes dangerous for the 2026 season," Adam Schefter said during an episode of the Adam Schefter podcast on Spotify on July 23.

The Cowboys drafted safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence during the first round of the 2026 draft.

The team added linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the third round, and cornerback Devin Moore and defensive lineman LT Overton in the fourth round of the draft.

The Cowboys added safety Jalen Thompson through free agency, cornerback Cobie Durant, linebacker Dee Winters, and veteran pass rusher Rashan Gary to add more proven depth to the secondary and other key positions of the defense.

While Schefter gave a major vote of confidence to the Cowboys, NFL fans had mixed reactions to his projection for America's Team this year.

NFL fans split over Adam Schefter's Cowboys prediction

According to Schefter's X post on July 22, his projection for the Cowboys divided NFL fans, as some believe that this year could finally be the "Cowboys' year", while some were not buying his positivity for the team.

One fan sarcastically called out the franchise for repeating the same goals every year, though they do not reach the Super Bowl title.

"Every year it's 'this could be Dallas' year.' Here we go again," one fan commented.

Another fan gave a reality check to all as he seemed to believe that the team is overhyped.

"Every year the Cowboys look loaded on paper, and we all get hyped… then reality hits... At what point do we stop believing ‘this is the year’ and just accept they’re the most consistently overrated team in football?" another fan wrote.

One fan wrote that the Cowboys get the spotlight every year regardless of their season record.

"No matter the season, Dallas always finds a way to dominate headlines," one fan wrote

Another fan raised hopes that the Cowboys could perform better than last year, when they finished with a 7-9-1 record.

"Cowboys going to be way better than people think," another fan commented

One fan believes that the offensive unit of the team could lead the Cowboys into a deep postseason run.

"They're already dangerous w/QB1-RB1-WR1-2-TE1, and now the defense may just be as dangerous as well... here we f****** go now," one fan wrote.

Though Schefter's prediction has divided NFL fans, the Cowboys' revamped roster will determine whether the offseason overhaul was enough to return the Cowboys to playoff contention.

What are your thoughts on the performance of the Dallas Cowboys this season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Dallas Cowboys Community

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey