Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes on life support as Schottenheimer vows no tanking, spotlight on rookies
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position as the final weeks of the season approach. With only three games left on their schedule, the path to the postseason has become a daunting challenge; a single loss or a win by the Philadelphia Eagles will seal their fate. Despite the grim outlook, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear that the team’s focus will remain on winning. He emphatically stated that there will be no thoughts of tanking, underscoring a commitment to compete until the end.
Evaluating Future Talents
While the urgency to secure victories remains, Schottenheimer acknowledges the importance of building for the future. The coaching staff is keen on giving some of the team’s younger players increased playing time, providing an opportunity to evaluate their potential contributions in regular-season games. Among those under the spotlight are three rookies whose performances could shape the team’s strategy heading into the offseason.
Shemar James, Linebacker
One area of concern for the Cowboys has been their linebacker corps, a position that has struggled throughout the season. Shemar James, a rookie linebacker, has shown flashes of promise with 67 tackles and a forced fumble to his name. However, his playing time has dwindled, with a mere 22 snaps recorded in the recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings. As the season winds down, it is crucial for the Cowboys to increase James’ involvement in the final games, allowing him to further develop and demonstrate his capabilities on the field.
Alijah Clark, Safety
If linebacker has been a weak link, the safety position has arguably been even more troubling for Dallas. Malik Hooker has emerged as the highest-rated safety on the roster, yet he ranks just 57th out of 97 on Pro Football Focus. With Donovan Wilson and Markquese Bell trailing significantly in performance rankings, the Cowboys may look to the future. Undrafted free agent Alijah Clark, who has recorded 17 tackles this season, could be a candidate to step up. He gained attention for a remarkable special teams play where he forced a fumble against the Eagles. This performance warrants further evaluation in the base defense, presenting Clark with the chance to prove he can transition into a more significant role.
Malik Davis, Running Back
On the offensive side, the Cowboys face the challenge of balancing their running game. Javonte Williams has emerged as a standout, leading the team with 230 rushing attempts. However, the next closest running back, Malik Davis, has only 24 carries. Davis, an undrafted talent from Florida, has become a compelling story. With questions surrounding Jaydon Blue’s future in the lineup, evaluating Davis’s ability to handle an increased workload could be critical. If he can demonstrate that he can effectively contribute as a secondary back, it would afford the Cowboys the flexibility to enhance other positions while fostering confidence in their running game as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
As the Cowboys gear up for their Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the stakes are high. The team’s playoff hopes hang by a thread, but the focus remains steadfast on developing their younger talent. In the coming weeks, how these rookies perform could influence not only the outcome of the season but also the team’s direction in the years to come.
