The 2024 NFL schedule was released on Wednesday night, and Skip Bayless does not like what he is seeing for the Dallas Cowboys.
Bayless—a known Cowboys fan—has been very critical of his favorite team this offseason, castigating the club for being silent in free agency and not extending any of its major players.
Upon examining the schedule, Bayless doubled down on his assertion that Dallas will not be making the playoffs next season.
The Cowboys certainly have a tough schedule on tap, and it’s entirely possible that they could finish below .500 and miss the postseason.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Dallas has rattled off three straight 12-win campaigns.
For as much as people criticize the Cowboys for their lack of playoff success, they still manage to get there pretty regularly.
Plus, while Dallas did lose some pieces this offseason, such as offensive tackle Tyron Smith, running back Tony Pollard and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr., the primary pieces are still in place. Dak Prescott remains under center. CeeDee Lamb is at wide receiver. Micah Parsons is still leading the defense.
Not only that, but the Cowboys will be getting back top-flight cornerback Trevon Diggs, who missed almost all of last season with a torn ACL.
Of course, things could go wrong for Dallas in training camp. For example, there are rumors that Lamb could hold out if he doesn’t get a new contract. Lamb is preparing to enter the final year of his deal, and there has been no indication that the Cowboys have made any real progress with him in negotiations.
Then there is the whole situation with Prescott hanging over Dallas’ head.
Like Lamb, Prescott is getting set to enter the last year of his contract. He is apparently seeking $60 million annually, a price the Cowboys seem unwilling to pay. Dallas could very well allow Prescott to play out 2024 on a one-year deal, which could create some distractions in the locker room.
Still, the Cowboys are one of the most talented teams in the NFC. They are coming off of an NFC East division title, and while many like the Philadelphia Eagles to win the division next season, it’s important to remember that the Eagles were last seen losing six of their last seven games, which included getting routed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
We’ll see if Dallas can prove Skip Bayless wrong come September.
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