The Cowboys' offense last season was elite, in part because it had to be, but if the numbers aren't as good, does that mean Dallas is a better team in 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys' offense in 2025 was one of the best in football, and that gives fans hope in 2026 that the team can amount to something special in 2026.
Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams were the prime movers for Brian Schottenheimer, as three of those four had career years in 2025.
But the offense was so good, in part, due to how bad the defense was, as Matt Eberflus' unit was the worst in the NFL.
Playing from behind and forced to win shootouts, the offensive numbers were inflated, but still, you can't turn your nose up at an offense that was in the top 10 for scoring, had a top 10 run game, and a quarterback who was in the MVP discussion for half the season.
But now we turn to 2026, and Chrisitan Parker takes over the defense.
With several signings this offseason, coupled with a draft that, for some, Dallas hit out of the park, there is a renewed sense of hope that the defense can drastically improve.
While the offense is still hoped to be as good as last season, Cowboys legend Troy Aikman offered a unique perspective on it in 2026 and how the defense can impact the offense...in a good way.
"Can the offense continue to play at the level they did last year? That's a big if," Aikman said on ESPN's GetUp. "It was one of Dak Prescott's best years, it was George Pickens' career year, Javonte Williams' career year, there was a lot that happened on the offensive side of the ball.
"If you're a Cowboys fan, you hope the offensive numbers don't look as good, because that would then mean that the defense is better and playing a much bigger role in the success of that team."
That is a fair statement from Troy, and if the Cowboys weren't forced to score nearly 30 every week, then the offensive numbers across the board wouldn't be as good as they were.
So, the hope, from Troy at least, is that the offense won't hit the heights of last season from a numbers perspective, because the defense should be able to keep some teams in check. Do not allow them to roam free and score at will.
Many point to the defensive improvement as a reason for hope in 2026, but that is predicated on the offense also pulling its weight as well.
And according to Aikman, if there is a drop-off in numbers, it might be for a good reason.