Dez Bryant, a legend of the Cowboys, says the team needs to get outside of its comfort zone.

Dez Bryant is one of the most iconic figures in Dallas Cowboys history. His presence on the field was undeniable—his fierce competitiveness, playmaking ability, and emotional leadership earned him a permanent place in the Cowboys’ lore. Over the course of his career, Bryant became a fan favorite, with his remarkable ability to make game-changing plays and electrify the crowd. He was one of the key pieces of the Cowboys’ offense during some of their most successful seasons in the 2010s, particularly in 2014, when he led the league in touchdowns and was the focal point of a potent passing attack.

However, after his departure from Dallas in 2017, Bryant’s voice has remained a powerful one in the world of Cowboys football. As a former player, he offers unique insight into the team’s current struggles and opportunities. In a recent interview, Bryant stated that the Cowboys, under the current regime, have fallen into a pattern of playing it safe and need to “get outside of their comfort zone” if they want to win the ultimate prize—the Super Bowl.

This bold statement from Bryant is both a call to action and a reminder that the Cowboys’ legacy of success cannot continue unless the franchise breaks free from the constraints of past practices. In this article, we will dive deep into what Dez Bryant means by “getting outside of their comfort zone,” analyze the current state of the Cowboys, and explore how Dallas can embrace change to finally reach their championship goals.

The Cowboys’ Comfort Zone: Stagnation and Predictability

For years, the Dallas Cowboys have been a team that has seemingly been on the brink of greatness, yet they have never quite been able to break through to the next level. Under the ownership of Jerry Jones and the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have shown flashes of brilliance but have often fallen short in key moments, particularly during the postseason.

Bryant’s comments about the Cowboys needing to get out of their comfort zone are rooted in the frustration many fans and analysts share about the team’s inability to fully capitalize on its potential. On paper, the Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Quarterback Dak Prescott is a proven leader, running back Tony Pollard is a dynamic playmaker, and wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and rookie Jalen Tolbert have the ability to take over games. The defense, led by Micah Parsons, has been one of the most feared units in the league in recent years, with players like Trevon Diggs and Demarcus Lawrence adding to the defensive firepower.

Yet, despite this wealth of talent, the Cowboys have consistently underperformed when it matters most. They have been unable to advance past the Divisional Round of the playoffs since 1995, and their postseason performances have often been marked by mistakes, missed opportunities, and a lack of offensive creativity. Part of the issue is that the Cowboys have too often played a conservative style of football—one that prioritizes staying within the confines of traditional strategies and predictable schemes. This predictable approach has led to failures in critical games, especially against high-pressure playoff opponents.

Dez Bryant’s call to get out of the comfort zone is essentially a demand for the Cowboys to stop playing it safe. It’s a recognition that the current trajectory is not enough and that the team needs to evolve, take risks, and make bold decisions if they are to reach their championship aspirations.

Breaking the Comfort Zone: Offensive Innovation and Aggressiveness

The most obvious area in which the Cowboys need to break free from their comfort zone is their offensive playcalling and scheme. The Cowboys’ offense has been largely reliant on traditional, ball-control strategies. They have often leaned heavily on the running game, with Ezekiel Elliott serving as the focal point of their attack for many years, and have frequently struggled to open up the passing game.

However, the landscape of the NFL has changed. The most successful teams in recent years—like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams—have embraced a more aggressive and unpredictable style of offense. They rely on the arm of their quarterbacks, the creativity of their offensive coordinators, and the ability to create mismatches all over the field. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have often stuck to a more conservative approach, one that has left them vulnerable to more aggressive defenses, particularly in the postseason.

The addition of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in 2019 brought a fresh perspective to the Cowboys’ playcalling. Moore was praised for his creativity, his ability to open up the passing game, and his willingness to take risks. Under his leadership, Dak Prescott had some of the best seasons of his career, and the Cowboys’ offense became one of the most high-powered in the league. However, the team’s playoff performances under Moore were lackluster, with the offense failing to execute when it counted the most.

Bryant’s comments suggest that the Cowboys need to push even further in terms of innovation. The team must stop relying on safe, predictable plays and instead create a system that keeps opposing defenses off balance. The Cowboys should be more willing to take deep shots, employ more motion and misdirection, and use Dak Prescott’s skill set to its fullest potential. Prescott is a versatile quarterback capable of making all the throws, and the Cowboys have the talent at receiver to stretch the field. To be successful in the modern NFL, Dallas needs to develop an offense that is capable of exploiting mismatches and scoring quickly.

Moreover, the team’s reliance on the running game with Tony Pollard as the centerpiece should not be abandoned, but it must be complemented by a passing attack that can make defenses respect both aspects of the offense. This balance will be crucial in high-stakes games, where defenses are more likely to be prepared for the run and will stack the box to contain Pollard. When that happens, Prescott must be able to exploit the passing game with confidence and precision.

Breaking the Comfort Zone: Defensive Aggression and Playmaking

While the Cowboys’ offense has been a focal point of criticism over the years, the defense has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent strengths in recent seasons. Led by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and spearheaded by players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys’ defense is among the most feared units in the league. Dallas has thrived on its ability to generate pressure, create turnovers, and disrupt opposing offenses.

However, even the Cowboys’ defense, which has been more aggressive than their offense in recent years, has room for improvement. Bryant’s comments about stepping outside the comfort zone also apply to how the defense operates. Despite the Cowboys’ strong defensive performances, there are times when the unit plays too conservatively, particularly in crucial situations like third downs and red-zone defense. The team has often been criticized for playing too much “prevent defense,” allowing opposing offenses to gain yards in a methodical, clock-draining fashion.

To truly reach the next level, the Cowboys’ defense must embrace even more aggressive tactics. This could mean dialing up more blitzes, bringing extra pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and creating more opportunities for turnovers. Parsons, in particular, should be used in a more versatile role, where he can be a game-changer not only as a pass rusher but also in coverage and in disrupting plays all over the field. The more varied and unpredictable the defense becomes, the more difficult it will be for opposing offenses to prepare.

Additionally, the Cowboys must work to improve their secondary. While Trevon Diggs has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, the rest of the secondary has shown inconsistencies, especially in big games. The team needs to invest in developing young cornerbacks and safeties who can step up in critical situations and cover opposing receivers in both man and zone schemes. If the Cowboys can tighten up their secondary play, they will be even more dangerous on defense, forcing opposing offenses into mistakes and creating more opportunities for their offense.

Breaking the Comfort Zone: Risk-Taking in Key Moments

Another key element to getting outside of their comfort zone is for the Cowboys to embrace a mindset of risk-taking in key moments, particularly in high-leverage situations. Historically, Dallas has been a team that plays it safe, especially in tight games and during playoff appearances. The team has often been reluctant to take aggressive risks—whether it’s going for it on fourth down, calling an unpredictable play, or putting the game in the hands of their most dynamic players.

Bryant’s message here is clear: The Cowboys cannot afford to be conservative in moments that matter. This is particularly true when it comes to playoff games, where every decision is magnified. In 2021, for example, the Cowboys were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the San Francisco 49ers in a game that featured several questionable decisions. The Cowboys failed to make adjustments, and conservative play-calling cost them opportunities in a close game.

The mindset shift Bryant is advocating for is one that encourages the Cowboys to trust their talent, embrace the unpredictability of the game, and take risks when necessary. Whether it’s a bold play call, a trick play, or a decision to go for it on fourth down in the red zone, the Cowboys must be willing to be aggressive in critical situations.

 The Path Forward for the Cowboys

Dez Bryant’s statement that the Cowboys need to get outside their comfort zone is both timely and necessary. It’s a call to action for a franchise that has too often played it safe, whether in terms of offensive strategy, defensive aggression, or decision-making in key moments. The talent is there—the Cowboys have the roster, the coaching staff, and the resources to compete for championships. What’s missing is a willingness to take risks, embrace innovation, and trust that their talent can lead them to glory.

For the Cowboys to take that next step, they must adopt a more aggressive and creative mindset on both sides of the

ball. They need to push the boundaries of traditional football and embrace the elements that have made the most successful teams of the modern era so dangerous. By doing so, they can break free from the shackles of past disappointments and finally turn their Super Bowl aspirations into reality.