At last, the Cowboys acknowledged that they aspire to be more like the Eagles.
The Dallas Cowboys have long been considered one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, boasting a rich history of success, from their multiple Super Bowl championships to their legendary players like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Despite the franchise’s legendary status, the Cowboys have often been seen as a team stuck in a state of mediocrity in recent years, struggling to maintain consistent success in the playoffs and coming up short when it matters most.
Meanwhile, across the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as a model of sustained success. Their strong leadership, team-building strategies, and ability to develop both star players and unheralded contributors have made them one of the most dominant forces in the NFL today. Over the past several seasons, the Eagles have successfully rebuilt their roster, combining key veterans with emerging talent to build a Super Bowl-caliber team.
For the first time in a long while, the Dallas Cowboys have openly acknowledged that they aspire to be more like the Philadelphia Eagles. This revelation marks a significant shift in how the Cowboys view their identity and their future direction. In this article, we will explore why this acknowledgment is so crucial, how the Cowboys can emulate the Eagles’ success, and what the future might look like if Dallas follows through on this ambition.
The Eagles’ Formula: A Blueprint for Success
To understand why the Cowboys might be looking to the Eagles for inspiration, it’s important to take a closer look at the blueprint the Eagles have used to achieve success.
Leadership Stability
One of the most notable aspects of the Eagles’ success has been their leadership stability. Head coach Nick Sirianni has quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in the NFL, and his ability to adapt to his players’ strengths and weaknesses has allowed the Eagles to remain a top-tier team in both the NFC East and the league overall. Sirianni’s leadership style, focusing on building relationships with players while emphasizing accountability, is a trait that the Cowboys could benefit from as they search for consistent success.
Meanwhile, the Eagles’ front office, led by General Manager Howie Roseman, has also played a crucial role in their success. Roseman has consistently made shrewd decisions in the draft and free agency, assembling a well-rounded and talented roster. His ability to find hidden gems, such as standout contributors in later rounds of the draft or undrafted free agents, has been a major factor in the Eagles’ success. This resourcefulness in roster-building is something the Cowboys must replicate if they are to contend year after year.
Roster Construction: The Power of Depth
Another element that has set the Eagles apart is the depth of their roster. While the Cowboys have certainly had their share of elite players, particularly on defense with Micah Parsons and in the offensive backfield with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Eagles have managed to build a roster that is deep in all phases of the game.
Perhaps the most evident example of this depth is the Eagles’ ability to maintain a dominant offensive line. Over the past several years, Philadelphia has invested heavily in their line, ensuring they have multiple capable starters who can step in and perform when needed. Similarly, their defense is built to withstand injuries and still perform at a high level. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ dynamic quarterback, has benefitted from strong offensive line play and a balanced attack, which has allowed him to become an MVP-caliber player.
The Cowboys, while boasting individual stars like Parsons, have often struggled to build depth at key positions. Injuries have also been an issue in recent years, with the team often seeing significant drops in performance when star players are unavailable. The Eagles have been able to build consistent depth through smart drafting and strategic free-agent signings, ensuring that even when the inevitable injuries occur, the team can continue to perform at a high level.
Quarterback Development and System Fit
A major reason why the Eagles have been able to make the leap into Super Bowl contention is their development of quarterback Jalen Hurts. While Hurts was initially viewed as a developmental project after being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Eagles’ coaching staff and front office saw the potential in Hurts’ skill set and worked tirelessly to develop him into a top-tier quarterback. Under the leadership of Sirianni, Hurts has become one of the most effective quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl and earning MVP consideration in the process.
This success in quarterback development is something the Cowboys can draw inspiration from, particularly in regard to Dak Prescott. While Prescott has shown flashes of greatness during his career, he has also struggled at times to perform at an elite level in big games. If the Cowboys want to achieve sustained success, they will need to ensure that Prescott is put in a system that maximizes his strengths and minimizes his weaknesses. Taking a page out of the Eagles’ book in terms of quarterback development could help Prescott take the next step in his career and elevate the Cowboys to championship contention.
A Focus on Offensive and Defensive Balance
One of the Eagles’ greatest strengths in recent years has been their ability to maintain a balance between offense and defense. The Eagles’ offense, led by Hurts, has been high-powered, combining a potent passing game with a strong running attack. The defense, anchored by players like Fletcher Cox and Darius Slay, has been dominant, particularly in the front seven. The Eagles have excelled at controlling both sides of the ball, allowing them to stay competitive in all areas of the game.
For the Cowboys, this balance has often been skewed toward one side. In recent years, their defense has been one of the league’s best, but their offense has been inconsistent. With Prescott’s talents and weapons like Lamb and Pollard, the Cowboys have the potential to be an elite offensive team, but they must find a way to integrate that offensive power with their already-impressive defense. By focusing on a more well-rounded approach, similar to what the Eagles have done, the Cowboys can position themselves for sustained success.
Why the Cowboys Are Looking to the Eagles for Inspiration
The Cowboys’ admission that they want to model themselves after the Eagles is not just a passing comment; it signals a significant shift in the way the franchise is approaching its future. The Cowboys have a wealth of talent, but they have often lacked the consistency and depth that championship-caliber teams like the Eagles possess. By acknowledging the Eagles’ success, the Cowboys are signaling that they are aware of the areas in which they need to improve, and they are determined to learn from one of the best-run organizations in the NFL.
This acknowledgment is also a sign that the Cowboys are beginning to realize that their traditional approach—centered around flashy signings, big-name players, and a reliance on individual brilliance—might not be enough to achieve sustained success. Instead, the team must focus on building a more balanced, cohesive unit that can thrive in both the regular season and the playoffs. This could mean prioritizing depth in key positions, improving their offensive and defensive line play, and focusing on developing players to fit into a long-term system rather than relying solely on star power.
What the Cowboys Need to Do to Model Themselves After the Eagles
For the Cowboys to follow the Eagles’ blueprint and achieve the kind of sustained success that has eluded them in recent years, they will need to make some key adjustments.
- Invest in Depth and Consistency – The Cowboys will need to build depth at crucial positions, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and having capable backups can make a huge difference.
- Focus on Development – Like the Eagles with Hurts, the Cowboys must ensure that Prescott continues to develop and improve. This may involve adjusting the offensive system to better suit his strengths, and focusing on consistency in his decision-making and execution.
- Create a Balanced Team – The Cowboys will need to strike a better balance between offense and defense. While their defense is strong, they must improve their offensive consistency, particularly in big games. A more balanced, team-oriented approach can help them compete with the best teams in the NFC.
- Emphasize Leadership and Culture – The Eagles’ success has been built on a strong organizational culture, led by a committed coaching staff. The Cowboys must continue to foster a culture of accountability, where players are held to high standards and encouraged to develop both as individuals and teammates.n.
