Dallas Cowboys lose direction but search for answers before the season kicks off

The 2025 preseason has been anything but reassuring for the Dallas Cowboys. While it’s not time to hit the panic button, the team with the lone star has looked shaky in its first two outings. Losses to the Los Angeles Rams (31-21) and the Baltimore Ravens (31-13). Both games exposed cracks in the blueprint of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

As noted by Marca, the outlook for the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t promising even before the games, and now the results confirm it. The run defense has been porous, and the lack of depth across the roster is becoming a concern. Players like Mazi Smith, who arrived with high expectations, haven’t stepped up as impact contributors. The defensive line has looked vulnerable, and the backups haven’t shown enough to compete at a high level.

Some hope on the horizon

But it’s not all doom and gloom in Arlington. Rookie Tyler Booker, selected in the first round, is starting to show why he was chosen to fill the void left by Zack Martin. His performance at right guard has been one of the few bright spots amid the uncertainty. Linebacker Marist Liufau has also stood out for the Dallas Cowboys, showing instinct and aggression every time he’s on the field—something several outlets have highlighted.

Another storyline drawing attention for the Dallas Cowboys is the debut of quarterback Joe Milton. His performance was inconsistent, but he flashed moments of promise. In the backfield, competition is heating up between Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis, all fighting to claim a role in a group that still lacks a clear leader.

Offense in question?

The loss to the Ravens stung even more because of Cooper Rush’s return. The former Cowboys quarterback led Baltimore efficiently and clearly knew how to exploit his old team’s weaknesses. Without Dak Prescott in action, the Dallas Cowboys offense looked flat and out of sync. Raising concerns ahead of their season opener on September 4 against the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Catch up with our https://t.co/fiDTYirx1d staff as they run down Saturday night’s preseason action on First Word presented by @drpepper. pic.twitter.com/ButXzIStbL

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 17, 2025

With a tough schedule that includes early matchups against the Packers, Giants, and Jets, the Dallas Cowboys need urgent adjustments. Fans are hoping the team can rediscover its defensive identity and that young talent will solidify before the regular season puts them to the test.

Preseason doesn’t decide championships, but it does reveal trends. And for the Dallas Cowboys, those trends aren’t convincing yet. Is this just a temporary stumble—or the start of an uphill campaign?