Cowboys Playoff Goals: How Would You Judge A 'Successful Season'?

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have had more hope and excitement attached to them than I can remember.

With Brian Schottenheimer's team in full flow ahead of Week 1 and Sunday night's opener at the Giants, with the defense undergoing a serious transformation both from a player and coaching perspective, what the Cowboys could do in 2026 has everyone dreaming.

We have heard the national media talk about the Super Bowl (because, of course, right?), while others think an NFC East title is in play.

And, yeah, there are some who think 2026 will be a dumpster fire.

In truth, we have no idea how the season will play out; the only ones who know that are the football gods. But you can't deny there is a different feeling about Dallas right now.

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Especially when we compare it to the last couple of seasons. There's actual hope that the team could be good. ... a dream that faded quickly enough last year when they finished 7-9-1.

So ...

Everyone has an idea of what this Cowboys team can achieve in 2026, but let me ask you this.

What does a successful season look like for Dallas?

Is it a division win and a return to the playoffs? Is it finishing second in the division yet still making the postseason? Is it winning a playoff game? Or, like some national media think, does it all have to be only about winning the Super Bowl?

For me, making the postseason is a good start. Do that, and coach Brian Schottenheimer shows that his plan is working. Improvement is being made.

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But I'd like to go a step farther:how about win a playoff game? 

The Cowboys' last playoff win came in 2023 against Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 31-14 beatdown.

So, it has been a little while since Dallas tasted a victory in the postseason. Also, the Cowboys have missed out on the playoffs altogether for the past two years.

Making the playoffs is a good start, but they can't stop there.

That has to be the first item ticked off the to-do list. Once Dallas is there, I'd like a playoff win.

Do that, and I think you can look back on the 2026 season and say it was a success.