Team report cards have been made public by the NFLPA. What was the Dallas Cowboys’ rating among players?

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has made headlines with the release of its annual team report cards, which provide an inside look at how players across the league feel about their teams. These report cards are based on anonymous surveys filled out by current NFL players, giving a candid assessment of team management, facilities, training staff, and overall player experience. The survey allows players to give honest feedback about various aspects of their organization, from ownership to coaching, medical care, and treatment from the front office.

For fans, these report cards can be eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of their favorite teams from the perspective of the players themselves. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most prominent and successful franchises in the NFL, were no exception to this scrutiny. As one of the league’s most recognizable and high-profile teams, the Cowboys’ report card has attracted significant attention.

But what did the NFLPA survey reveal about the Cowboys? Were they a model franchise in the eyes of their players, or did they receive criticism in key areas? In this article, we will break down the findings of the Dallas Cowboys’ report card, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and explore the broader implications for the franchise going forward.

The Overall Rating: Cowboys’ Performance in the NFLPA Report Card

According to the NFLPA report card, the Dallas Cowboys received a solid, yet mixed, evaluation from their players. While the team earned positive marks in several categories, there were also areas where they fell short in comparison to other NFL teams.

In the report, the Cowboys were rated in the mid-tier among the 32 NFL teams, showing a blend of both positive and negative aspects in their overall assessment. Specifically, the Cowboys received a “B” grade overall, placing them in the upper half of the league in terms of overall player satisfaction.

However, it’s important to note that the “B” grade was not without context. While this grade places the Cowboys in a decent position in terms of how they are perceived, it also highlights that there are still notable areas for improvement. This mixed review is reflective of the team’s successes and shortcomings, giving a comprehensive picture of how the Cowboys are viewed by the players who suit up for them.

Strengths of the Dallas Cowboys According to the NFLPA

Several aspects of the Cowboys’ operations were praised by players, indicating that the franchise is doing things right in some key areas. Below are the most noteworthy strengths that stood out in the NFLPA’s report card:

1. Facilities: A Top-Tier Training Environment

One of the most significant strengths highlighted in the survey was the state-of-the-art facilities that the Cowboys provide for their players. The team’s training complex, The Star in Frisco, is widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL. This multi-million-dollar facility includes a fully equipped weight room, medical and rehabilitation centers, meeting rooms, and even a practice field. The Star is designed to provide players with all the tools they need to succeed, whether it’s for physical conditioning, injury rehabilitation, or film study.

Players from other teams have often mentioned the Cowboys’ facilities as an example of what an ideal NFL training complex should look like. The team’s commitment to providing world-class facilities contributes to an environment where players can maximize their potential. This is an area where the Cowboys consistently received high marks from their roster, indicating that they understand the importance of supporting players with the best possible resources.

2. Support Staff and Medical Care

Another strength that stood out in the NFLPA survey was the Cowboys’ support staff, particularly the medical and training staff. Players praised the team’s medical team for their thorough approach to player health and rehabilitation, ensuring that injured players receive the proper care to return to the field as quickly and safely as possible. The Cowboys are known for their commitment to maintaining players’ physical well-being, and this was reflected in the positive comments in the survey.

In addition, the team’s strong staff of trainers and support personnel who assist with recovery, nutrition, and overall health were highly regarded. While no team is immune from injuries, the Cowboys’ medical team received favorable feedback for their consistent attention to player health and proactive approach to injury prevention. This is a significant advantage, as players’ longevity and performance are heavily influenced by the quality of care they receive.

3. Strong Coaching Staff

The Cowboys’ coaching staff, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, also earned positive reviews from players. The coaching staff’s focus on player development and creating a competitive, professional environment was appreciated. McCarthy, who has a long track record as a Super Bowl-winning head coach, has been effective in fostering a culture of discipline and improvement within the organization.

While coaching can be a polarizing aspect of any team’s report card, the Cowboys’ staff received generally favorable marks from players. The team’s ability to develop young talent, paired with its emphasis on discipline and winning, has helped establish a strong sense of continuity and leadership under McCarthy’s guidance.

Weaknesses of the Dallas Cowboys According to the NFLPA

Despite the praise for several areas of operation, the Cowboys were not without their flaws in the eyes of their players. The NFLPA survey highlighted several areas where the team needs improvement. Below are the main weaknesses that stood out in the report card:

1. Communication and Management

While the Cowboys have made strides in recent years, communication within the organization was one area that received criticism. Players indicated that, at times, communication from the front office, especially the team’s leadership, could be improved. The Cowboys’ decision-making process, particularly regarding player personnel and roster management, was cited as an area of frustration for some players. This lack of transparency can create tension and lead to uncertainty among the team’s roster.

One of the most publicized examples of communication issues with the Cowboys came during the Ezekiel Elliott contract negotiations and the handling of quarterback Dak Prescott’s long-term deal. These instances highlighted a potential disconnect between the front office and players, which impacted the team’s overall cohesion.

2. Ownership and Front Office Decision-Making

The influence of owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office continues to be a point of contention for some players. While Jones is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential owners in sports, some players feel that the constant media attention and public scrutiny surrounding him can be distracting. Jones’ hands-on approach to team management and his desire for the Cowboys to be constantly in the public eye can sometimes create unnecessary pressure on players, as well as influence critical decisions related to team personnel.

The front office’s tendency to make high-profile moves, such as the signing of veteran players or high-risk trades, was also noted as an area that requires improvement. Players believe that the team’s management could benefit from a more strategic, long-term approach rather than a focus on short-term success.

3. Playoff Success and Team Expectations

The Cowboys’ inability to consistently perform in the postseason remains a major area of concern for players, and it’s often viewed as a direct reflection of the organization’s overall performance. While the Cowboys have maintained a high level of regular-season success under McCarthy, they have struggled to break through in the playoffs in recent seasons. This lack of postseason success has frustrated players who feel the team’s potential has not been fully realized.

The pressure to win a Super Bowl, combined with the constant media attention the Cowboys face as America’s Team, is a double-edged sword. While it brings exposure and excitement, it also creates an environment where expectations are high, and failure is amplified. Many players expressed that the team’s inability to deliver in the playoffs continues to be a hindrance to its success.

 The Dallas Cowboys’ Future Outlook

The NFLPA report card on the Dallas Cowboys revealed a team that is in relatively good shape in terms of facilities, player support, and coaching, but also highlighted areas that need attention, particularly in terms of communication and management. While the Cowboys’ roster and staff are generally viewed favorably, the consistent question marks about the team’s playoff performance and front-office decisions still remain a source of frustration for some players.

As the Cowboys move forward, it will be crucial for the franchise to address these concerns, especially in terms of improving communication between the front office and the players. Doing so could help build stronger relationships, improve player morale, and ultimately lead to greater success on the field. If the Cowboys can combine their strengths with a more cohesive organizational structure, they may be poised for a championship run in the near future.

In the end, the Cowboys’ report card is a mixed bag—there are plenty of positives, but also areas that need to be addressed to maximize the team’s potential. The offseason will be a critical time for the Cowboys to take these player insights into account as they work to build a more unified, successful organization.