Week 15 Victory Over Panthers
The Dallas Cowboys secured a crucial win against the Carolina Panthers with a score of 30-14. This victory improved their record to 6-8, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. Despite the win, the Cowboys’ chances of making the playoffs remain very slim. Before this game, the Cowboys had a playoff probability of just 0.2%, which slightly improved after their victory. The Panthers entered the game with a poor record of 3-10 but were showing signs of improvement and were favored to win against Dallas. The Cowboys have had a challenging season overall but have managed some wins, including divisional victories, keeping fans hopeful for postseason possibilities.
Current Draft Position
As the season progresses, the Cowboys find themselves in a unique position regarding the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. If the season ended today, the Cowboys would hold the 14th pick in the draft. This position is a result of their current record and the performances of other teams. The top five draft picks would include the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys’ focus remains on finishing the season strong, despite fan discussions about whether the team should have tanked to improve their draft position.
Player Performances and Injuries
Several key players have made significant contributions to the Cowboys’ recent performances. Carl Lawson, taking advantage of matchups due to attention on Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, recorded his fifth sack of the season against the Panthers. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer praised Lawson’s recent performance as his best game. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Lawrence remains unlikely to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a foot injury. He continues rehab and has not been activated from the reserve list since Week 5.
Injury Updates
Injuries have been a significant concern for the Cowboys this season. Trevon Diggs is recovering from knee surgery and is expected to return by the start of the 2025 season. He played through fluid in his knee before suffering a new cartilage injury. Rico Dowdle achieved career-high rushing yards for three consecutive games, rushing for 149 yards against the Panthers. He aims to reach over 1,000 rushing yards this season. Jalen Brooks scored his first NFL touchdown with a catch from Cooper Rush against the Panthers.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cowboys face a challenging schedule ahead, with their playoff hopes hinging on winning all remaining games and hoping for losses from other teams. Their best chance is to aim for the No. 7 spot currently held by the Washington Commanders. However, four teams stand in their way. For Dallas to make it to the playoffs, they need to win all remaining games and hope for losses from the Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Even if these conditions are met, other teams like the Rams or Seahawks would also need to falter for Dallas’s playoff hopes to materialize.
Micah Parsons Trade Rumors
In other news, the Cowboys have opened the possibility of trading star linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons has responded to this potential trade scenario, indicating his understanding of the business side of the NFL. Despite a recent victory over the Panthers, the Cowboys’ chances of making the playoffs are slim. Stephen Jones, CEO of the Dallas Cowboys, mentioned in an interview that while they are committed to players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, they will consider all options regarding Parsons. Jones emphasized that letting go of a player like Parsons is not typical for successful teams and expressed love for him as a player.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys continue their season, they remain focused on overcoming challenges and improving their standings. The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round on Thursday, April 24. The Cowboys are considering potential draft targets, including a playmaking wide receiver as a potential first pick. With the season nearing its end, the Cowboys aim to finish strong and keep their playoff hopes alive, despite the odds stacked against them.
