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Dak Prescott emerges as NFL MVP dark horse as Cowboys rebuild both sides of the ball for 2026
The Dallas Cowboys are aiming to rebound from a 7-9-1 season with a revamped defense and an explosive offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott is being touted as a dark horse candidate for NFL MVP as the team looks to reclaim the NFC East.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with a clear mandate: prove that last year's sub-.500 finish was an aberration. After a bizarre 7-9-1 campaign that ended without a playoff berth, the franchise has undergone a significant overhaul on both sides of the ball, and quarterback Dak Prescott is emerging as a dark horse candidate for NFL MVP.
Prescott delivered a stellar individual season in 2025, throwing for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns, ranking among the league's top passers. The offense was a powerhouse, featuring a dominant receiving corps. However, the defense was historically bad, allowing a staggering 511 points, the worst mark in the NFL. That disconnect between a top-10 scoring offense and the league's worst defense led to a series of shootout losses and cost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus his job after just one season.
Fixing the defensive disaster was the top priority from January through August. Dallas cleaned house on the defensive coaching staff, hiring 34-year-old Christian Parker from Philadelphia as their new coordinator. Parker, a defensive backs coach, is expected to implement a more aggressive, Vic Fangio-inspired scheme designed to eliminate big plays. The front office also prioritized bolstering the defense through free agency and the draft, selecting top safety and pass-rush talent in the early rounds and signing veteran edge rusher Von Miller, defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, and linebackers Chop Robinson and Kenneth Murray.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys have retained their explosive core. The team placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, pairing him with CeeDee Lamb to form one of the most dynamic receiver duos in football. With Javonte Williams leading the backfield and a solid offensive line giving Prescott time in the pocket, Dallas has the firepower to rank near the top of the league in total yardage and points once again. The team also re-signed star kicker Brandon Aubrey to a long-term deal.
The true wildcard for the Cowboys is the defense. Under Parker, the unit shifts toward a more aggressive scheme. With key draft additions filling secondary gaps alongside veteran pass rushers upfront, even a middle-of-the-pack defensive performance would drastically change Dallas' game-to-game outlook. The team parted ways with several depth pieces, including linebacker Logan Wilson, who retired, safety Juanyeh Thomas, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Sportsbooks have taken notice of the Cowboys' potential, setting their win total at 9.5 for the upcoming season. Analysts are bullish on the team's chances, suggesting they could win the NFC East and that Prescott could receive serious consideration for the MVP award. The combination of a high-powered offense and a potentially improved defense gives Dallas a sense of balance that was sorely missing last season.
For Cowboys fans, the hope is that the team has finally found equilibrium. With a stronger offensive line to protect Prescott and a revamped defensive line, the pieces appear to be in place for a significant turnaround. The pressure is on, but the roster makeup suggests that Dallas is ready to climb back into the NFC elite.
