Right now, there are positive vibes flowing through The Star as Brian Schottenheimer's Dallas Cowboys vision is becoming clear to see.
But as we know, it doesn't take too much for those vibes to be replaced with negative ones. Yes, we are early in the offseason, and everyone looks like a Pro Bowler, so when the regular season rolls around, we will get to see the truest version of Schottenheimer's Cowboys.
However, with everything seemingly rolling smoothly, the roster appears to be in good shape for the regular season. Dak Prescott and the offense have been upgraded, and so too has the defense.
Expectations for Dallas in 2025 vary from playoffs to missing out altogether. But if the Cowboys are to return to the postseason, what is one thing that simply can't happen?
Of all the bad things that could transpire, I offer this as what some might call the worst-case scenario, and I write this with fingers, toes, and anything else you can think of crossed.
Prescott goes down again.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Having not missed a single game in his first four seasons, of Dak's next five years, he's only played a full year twice.
We saw last season how quickly things unraveled when Prescott tore part of his hamstring off the bone, and for Schottenheimer, he has to keep Dak on the field.
No longer the running threat he once was, Dak can now hopefully lean on a run game that was non-existent last season, plus he has George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb as his go-to weapons.
When Dak is healthy, Dallas is a playoff team. It is that simple. So, keeping him upright and out of the treatment room is crucial to any success the Cowboys hope to have in 2025.
He is approaching his 32nd birthday, so Dak is no spring chicken, but losing him again as the franchise did last season is nightmare fuel. For now, and the future, because that could be thrown into question as well.
So, my friends, knock on wood, cross your fingers and toes that Mr. Prescott stays on the field.
Because Dallas' success depends on it.