As NFL training camps get underway, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves once again in the spotlight, drawing considerable media attention. However, former New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel is skeptical about the early-season excitement surrounding the team.
Samuel took to social media to share his thoughts, posting a brief but pointed message: "This is the Cowboys' time of year." His comment serves as a reminder of the recurring narrative that envelops the Cowboys each summer—an abundance of optimism that often dissipates when the regular season begins.
The Cowboys' recent performance has added weight to Samuel's critique. After finishing the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-9-1 record, Dallas missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. This lack of postseason success has made Samuel's remarks particularly relevant, highlighting the disconnect between the team's offseason hype and its on-field results.
Few franchises in the NFL generate as much discussion during the offseason as the Cowboys. With highlight reels from training camp, player interviews, and roster predictions, the excitement surrounding America's Team is palpable. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb often find themselves at the center of this attention, as fans and analysts alike speculate on their potential impact for the upcoming season.
Prescott, who enjoyed a solid 2025 season, played all 17 games, completing 67.3% of his passes for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His performance earned him a fourth Pro Bowl selection and placed him sixth in Pro Football Network's QB Impact Rankings, trailing only notable quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford. Despite these individual accolades, the team's failure to reach the playoffs has overshadowed Prescott's achievements.
In light of the Cowboys' recent struggles, Prescott has acknowledged the pressure on the team heading into the 2026 season. Earlier this year, he stated, "It [expletive]. Definitely. But we’re pushing. That’s our goal. That’s a minimum." His comments reflect the high expectations placed on the Cowboys, emphasizing that merely reaching the playoffs is not enough; they must also aim for deeper postseason success.
With much of the offensive lineup returning and a revamped defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys have the opportunity to shift the narrative surrounding them. However, until they can translate their regular-season talent into meaningful playoff success, the skepticism surrounding the franchise will likely persist. As the season approaches, Dallas will have a chance to prove its critics wrong and redefine what this time of year truly means for them.
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