Once again, everything is being put on Dak Prescott's shoulders.
As the curtain closed on the Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season, which saw the franchise miss out on the playoffs for the second straight year, some think there isn't much to be hopeful about heading into 2026.
Granted, the fact that the Cowboys, after firing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, have been proactive in looking for his replacement, with four candidates being named (Jeff Ulbrich's request was denied).
So that's something. Dallas isn't sitting on its hands.
But what can give fans hope that the 2026 will be different to 2025?
"I point to Dak, and I think we saw what we can have,” Jerry Jones said. "I think I saw Dak at the best I've ever seen him this year, and that's saying a lot because he's played some great football around here."
Prescott earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod after throwing for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Dak finished second in the NFL in yards, fourth in touchdowns, 10th in passer rating (99.5) and fifth in QBR (70.6). There's no denying 2025 was one of the better seasons of Dak's career.
But what was the catalyst for Prescott playing at a Pro Bowl level for the majority of the season?
"First of all, we had him all year," Jerry added. "I know I've been criticized that we wasted having him all year. One of the reasons in my mind that we had him all year is I like the way that Brian [Schottenheimer] put a plan in for our offense that was a combination of addressing success and good offense, along with things that took him out of harm's way in some cases.
"So that worked very good, and you see the results that he had there."
But there is something more here - and it adds up to a lure as the Cowboys search for a new defensive coordinator.
Running a defense to complement Dak's work? Sure.
Being on "the big stage,'' as coaches call working for the Cowboys? Sure.
But the Joneses this week specifically mentioned three aspects of their defense - and its supposed "good bones'' that serve as drawing cards.
"You want this guy to have a vision for how he's going to use (Quinnen Williams), how he's going to use Kenny (Clark), because we've made big commitments there, how he's going to use Osa (Odighizuwa) and (Donovan Ezeirauku) at the end,'' Stephen said. "You got (DeMarvion) Overshown at linebacker, you got (DaRon) Bland, you want to see that vision and then the vision for how fast we can get two No. 1 picks (ready to play).''
So let's parse through this.
The two No. 1 picks aren't neccessarily going to be on defense. But the Quinnen-led D-line? Overshown leading the linebackers room? And trust that Bland can be a star in the secondary?
Those are the three components at play here.
As we turn for the offseason, Dak will once again have the hopes of Cowboys Nation resting on his shoulders yet again.
If George Pickens and Javonte Williams return, the offense, you could make the case, is set for 2026.
But that defense has to improve. The new man has a big job to do. And maybe he'll get it done with three or more "good bones.''