2019 Dallas Cowboys season | |
---|---|
Owner | Jerry Jones |
General manager | Jerry Jones |
Head coach | Jason Garrett |
Home field | AT&T Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 8–8 |
Division place | 2nd NFC East |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | 6
|
AP All-Pros | 1
|
Uniform | |
The 2019 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 60th in the National Football League (NFL), their 11th playing home games at AT&T Stadium and their ninth and final season under head coach Jason Garrett. It also marked the return of tight end Jason Witten, who retired in 2018 and spent a year as the color analyst for Monday Night Football. Wide receiver Cole Beasley, who was the second-longest tenured player on the roster, left the team in the offseason and signed with the Bills.
Despite being 6–4 by Week 11 and leading the NFC East, the Cowboys suffered a late-season collapse, losing four of the last six games for a final record of 8-8. The Cowboys failed to improve on their 10–6 record from the previous season after a 26–15 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. A week later, they became unable to tie that record with a 31–24 loss to the Chicago Bears. A Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was the turning point of their season, as they squandered a chance to become the first team in the NFC East to defend its division title since the Eagles did so from 2001 to 2004. The Eagles proceeded to win in Week 17 against the Giants, ensuring Philadelphia would be the 2019 NFC East champions, as well as ending the Cowboys' season.
Head coach Jason Garrett's contract was not renewed by Jerry Jones after expiration. [1]
Position | Player | Age | 2018 team | Contract |
---|---|---|---|---|
WR | Randall Cobb | 29 | Green Bay Packers | 1 year, $5 million |
TE | Jason Witten | 37 | Did not play | 1 year, $4.5 million |
DE | Kerry Hyder | 28 | Detroit Lions | 1 year, $1 million |
DT | Christian Covington | 26 | Houston Texans | 1 year, $2.5 million |
Position | Player | Age | Contract |
---|---|---|---|
FB | Jamize Olawale | 30 | 3 years, $5.4 million |
WR | Tavon Austin | 29 | 1 year, $1.75 million |
OT | Cameron Fleming | 27 | 2 years, $7.5 million |
DE | DeMarcus Lawrence | 27 | 5 years, $105 million |
DT | Daniel Ross | 26 | 1 year, $645,000 |
OLB | Justin March | 26 | 1 year, $720,000 |
FS | Darian Thompson | 26 | 1 year, $720,000 |
LS | L. P. Ladouceur | 38 | 1 year, $1.03 million |
Position | Player | Age | 2018 team | Contract | Traded away |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DE | Robert Quinn | 29 | Miami Dolphins | 1 year, $8 million | 2020 6th-round pick (John Penisini) |
Position | Player | Age | 2019 team |
---|---|---|---|
RB | Rod Smith | 27 | Oakland Raiders |
WR | Cole Beasley | 30 | Buffalo Bills |
WR | Allen Hurns | 28 | Miami Dolphins |
WR | Terrance Williams | 30 | Joined XFL |
TE | Rico Gathers | 25 | Unsigned |
TE | Geoff Swaim | 26 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
OT/OG | Parker Ehinger | 27 | Baltimore Ravens |
OG | Marcus Martin | 26 | Unsigned |
DE | Taco Charlton | 25 | Miami Dolphins |
DE | Datone Jones | 29 | Unsigned |
DT | David Irving | 26 | Retired |
DT | Caraun Reid | 28 | Arizona Cardinals |
OLB | Damien Wilson | 26 | Kansas City Chiefs |
FS | Marqueston Huff | 27 | Joined XFL |
K | Brett Maher | 30 | Unsigned |
2019 Dallas Cowboys draft | |||||
Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 59 | Trysten Hill | DT | Central Florida | |
3 | 90 | Connor McGovern | OG | Penn St | |
4 | 128 | Tony Pollard * | RB | Memphis | |
5 | 158 | Michael Jackson | CB | Miami (FL) | |
5 | 165 | Joe Jackson | DE | Miami (FL) | |
6 | 213 | Donovan Wilson | S | Texas A&M | |
7 | 218 | Mike Weber | RB | Ohio State | |
7 | 241 | Jalen Jelks | DE | Oregon | |
Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career |
Notes
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
On March 21, the exhibition matchup between the Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams was officially announced for Saturday, August 17, at Aloha Stadium just outside of Honolulu, Hawaii, with the Rams serving as the home team. [2]
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
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1 | August 10 | at San Francisco 49ers | L 9–17 | 0–1 | Levi's Stadium | Recap |
2 | August 17 | at Los Angeles Rams | W 14–10 | 1–1 | Aloha Stadium (Honolulu) | Recap |
3 | August 24 | Houston Texans | W 34–0 | 2–1 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
4 | August 29 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 15–17 | 2–2 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
The Cowboys' 2019 schedule was announced on April 17.
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | NFL.com recap |
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1 | September 8 | New York Giants | W 35–17 | 1–0 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
2 | September 15 | at Washington Redskins | W 31–21 | 2–0 | FedExField | Recap |
3 | September 22 | Miami Dolphins | W 31–6 | 3–0 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
4 | September 29 | at New Orleans Saints | L 10–12 | 3–1 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | Recap |
5 | October 6 | Green Bay Packers | L 24–34 | 3–2 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
6 | October 13 | at New York Jets | L 22–24 | 3–3 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
7 | October 20 | Philadelphia Eagles | W 37–10 | 4–3 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
8 | Bye | |||||
9 | November 4 | at New York Giants | W 37–18 | 5–3 | MetLife Stadium | Recap |
10 | November 10 | Minnesota Vikings | L 24–28 | 5–4 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
11 | November 17 | at Detroit Lions | W 35–27 | 6–4 | Ford Field | Recap |
12 | November 24 | at New England Patriots | L 9–13 | 6–5 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
13 | November 28 | Buffalo Bills | L 15–26 | 6–6 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
14 | December 5 | at Chicago Bears | L 24–31 | 6–7 | Soldier Field | Recap |
15 | December 15 | Los Angeles Rams | W 44–21 | 7–7 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
16 | December 22 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 9–17 | 7–8 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
17 | December 29 | Washington Redskins | W 47–16 | 8–8 | AT&T Stadium | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Giants | 7 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
Cowboys | 7 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 35 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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In the season opener, the Cowboys scored in 5 consecutive drives, the longest streak in Cowboys history, despite Evan Engram scoring a touchdown first in this game. After that, it was all Dallas the rest of the way. The win allowed the Cowboys to start 1-0.
Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones would end up playing the remainder of the game for Eli Manning when Manning was removed from the game due to a coaching decision made by head coach Pat Shurmur. This would be Manning's last game he played against the Cowboys, as he did not play in their second game in MetLife Stadium due to Jones being the starter since week 3 of the season.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
Redskins | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
Game information | ||
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The game started with Montae Nicholson obtaining an interception, which would allow the Redskins to score the next drive. The Cowboys responded with a touchdown pass to Devin Smith to tie the game at 7-7. They would claim the lead, via a touchdown pass to veteran tight end Jason Witten before halftime. The Redskins would respond back after another touchdown scored by the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott would run for a first down to clinch the game, allowing the Cowboys to run out the clock. The game ended with Dak Prescott and Elliott rushing for 180 combined yards. This win would improve the Cowboys to 2-0.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Dolphins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Cowboys | 10 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 31 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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As historic Vegas favorites (22 points), both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard obtained 100+ rushing yards in one game. The game started with a missed field goal from the Dolphins. The Cowboys also denied the Dolphins a touchdown when DeMarcus Lawrence recovered a fumble at the Dallas 7-yard line. After this, it was all Dallas the rest of the way. This win improved the Cowboys to 3-0.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
Saints | 0 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
at Mercedes-Benz, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information | ||
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The game would be neck-to-neck all the way. Chidobe Awuzie and the Cowboys recorded their first interception of the season. Despite a strong defense and allowing no touchdowns, they would drop to 3-1 with the loss. This game practically mimicked the previous year's game between these two teams in Dallas where it was mainly a defensive battle.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Packers | 14 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 34 |
Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 10 | 14 | 24 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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In a highly anticipated matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a testament of the Cowboys-Packers rivalry, the Cowboys struggled mightily. Looking to defeat the Packers whom they have not beaten at home since 2007, the first drive resulted in an interception, which the Packers returned the interception for 37 yards without scoring. The Cowboys recovered from a 28 point deficit, but the Packers would prove excessive to overcome, and for the first time since the Divisional Round from 2018, they would allow 30+ points. This loss dropped the Cowboys to 3-2.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 0 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 22 |
Jets | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 24 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Game information | ||
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The Cowboys traveled to Metlife Stadium to take on Sam Darnold, who had just recovered from mono and the Jets in one of their two trips to East Rutherford, New Jersey. They looked to defeat the Jets, whom they have not beaten since 2007.
The Jets would score a 92-yard touchdown in one of the worst defensive plays by the Cowboys. The Cowboys attempted to rally, but while attempting a two-point conversion that would tie the game and send it to overtime, the pass was incomplete. The loss dropped them to 3-3, and their streak of losing three games against the Jets continued.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Eagles | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
Cowboys | 14 | 13 | 0 | 10 | 37 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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The Cowboys dominated the entire game and returned to their winning ways. One of the first plays was a forced fumble on Carson Wentz, which Dallas recovered. Tavon Austin would give the Cowboys the first scoring drive shortly afterwards. Brett Maher kicked a 63-yard field goal to break his old record of 62, which was also during a game at home against the Eagles. The Cowboys would put their 3-game losing streak to an end as the Cowboys would improve to 4-3.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 3 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 37 |
Giants | 3 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Game information | ||
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Despite a first pass attempt being an interception and the Giants having a lead by 9 points, the Cowboys dominated the rest of the game. Ezekiel Elliott made his first appearance at MetLife Stadium since his rookie season and would run for 139 yards on 23 carries. The game is famous for a black cat appearing during the game. This would delay the game for several minutes. The Jourdan Lewis fumble recovery sealed the game as it was returned for a touchdown while the Cowboys led 30-18 to put them up 37-18 and improve to 5-3 with the win.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vikings | 14 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 28 |
Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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The contest was competitive the entire night. The Cowboys would start by falling behind after two touchdowns were scored by the Vikings. Later, the Cowboys fought back and grabbed the lead late. This wouldn't last long as the Vikings ran away with another touchdown scoring drive. The Cowboys responded with a field goal to make it 28–24. Luck ran out after Dak Prescott's Hail Mary pass was intercepted in the fading seconds, sealing the Cowboys' loss. This loss dropped the Cowboys to 5-4.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 3 | 21 | 3 | 8 | 35 |
Lions | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 27 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Game information | ||
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On the first handoff to Ezekiel Elliott, the fumble was recovered by the Lions, that way the Lions could score and take a 7-0 lead. The Cowboys would respond with a field goal by Brett Maher. Later on, the Cowboys would claim the lead and would not allow the Lions to lead again after Cowboys scored another touchdown. The game's biggest highlight was a catch by Michael Gallup, who would scoop the ball up after nearly dropping a pass. This win would improve them to 6-4.
Elliott's touchdown celebration of the “Dak Dance” became a meme and a trend for the rest of the 2019 NFL season.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
Patriots | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Game information | ||
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The Cowboys were held to three field goals the entire game. One of the lowlights included a blocked Chris Jones punt. The Patriots would score a touchdown the next drive. Despite a strong showing from the defense, the Cowboys would never lead. The Cowboys dropped to 6–5.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Bills | 0 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 26 |
Cowboys | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 15 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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Coming off a close loss at New England, the Cowboys returned home to take on the Bills. The Cowboys would score first when Dak Prescott threw a touchdown pass to Jason Witten. The Bills proceeded to score 26 straight points before giving up a touchdown with 4:01 left in the fourth quarter with the final score 26-15. This loss also ensures they would no longer exceed the win mark from the previous season.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 24 |
Bears | 0 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Game information | ||
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The game would begin with the Cowboys scoring first but they would struggle the remainder of the game. Mitchell Trubisky lead the Bears to a 31-14 lead. The Cowboys would later fight back but fell short. This loss dropped them to 6-7 and below .500 for the first time this season. Also with the loss, they would no longer be able to tie their 10-6 record from the previous season.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Rams | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
Cowboys | 7 | 21 | 3 | 13 | 44 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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Before the game started, there was an error on a coin toss, which the officials misunderstood, which Dak Prescott actually said "kick" when he intended to say "defer". The Cowboys afterwards dominated and led the entire game. It was the first time since the Week 13 in 2018 that the Cowboys would defeat a team sitting with a minimum of .500 percentage of wins. The win by the Cowboys also improved them to 7-7.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cowboys | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
Eagles | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
Game information | ||
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The Cowboys were denied a chance to become the first NFC East team to repeat as division champions since the Eagles did so between 2001 and 2004.
The game began with the Eagles converting two third-downs and converting a 36-yard field goal. The Cowboys would allow the Eagles' offense to march down the field 63 yards over 7 plays. Dallas Goedert caught a 6-yard pass from Wentz to increase the Eagles' lead. The Cowboys drove to the Eagles' 23-yard line when they were trailing 17-9, in which the Cowboys attempted to tie the game. A pass to Michael Gallup was incomplete on a fourth down play, giving the ball back to the Eagles to run out the game clock. This loss dropped the Cowboys to 7-8.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Redskins | 0 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
Cowboys | 6 | 14 | 17 | 10 | 47 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information | ||
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Kai Forbath remained perfect in field goals as he converted each attempt for the third consecutive game. Jaylon Smith obtained his first interception in his career off quarterback Case Keenum, who started as emergency for Dwayne Haskins Jr. who injured his ankle the previous week. This would be the final game with head coach Jason Garrett as his contract expired and was not renewed. Despite the dominant win, the Cowboys' season ended after the Eagles defeated the Giants. [3] The Cowboys had needed the Eagles to lose to the Giants so they could clinch the NFC East and make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
NFC East | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(4) Philadelphia Eagles | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–1 | 7–5 | 385 | 354 | W4 |
Dallas Cowboys | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 5–1 | 7–5 | 434 | 321 | W1 |
New York Giants | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 341 | 451 | L1 |
Washington Redskins | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 0–6 | 2–10 | 266 | 435 | L4 |
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division leaders | |||||||||||
1 [a] | San Francisco 49ers | West | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .504 | .466 | W2 |
2 [a] [b] | Green Bay Packers | North | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 6–0 | 10–2 | .453 | .428 | W5 |
3 [a] [b] | New Orleans Saints | South | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .486 | .459 | W3 |
4 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .455 | .417 | W4 |
Wild Cards | |||||||||||
5 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .531 | .463 | L2 |
6 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 2–4 | 7–5 | .477 | .356 | L2 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
7 | Los Angeles Rams | West | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .535 | .438 | W1 |
8 [c] | Chicago Bears | North | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .508 | .383 | W1 |
9 [c] | Dallas Cowboys | East | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .479 | .316 | W1 |
10 [d] | Atlanta Falcons | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .545 | .518 | W4 |
11 [d] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .500 | .384 | L2 |
12 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 5 | 10 | 1 | .344 | 1–5 | 3–8–1 | .529 | .375 | L1 |
13 | Carolina Panthers | South | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 2–10 | .549 | .469 | L8 |
14 | New York Giants | East | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .473 | .281 | L1 |
15 | Detroit Lions | North | 3 | 12 | 1 | .219 | 0–6 | 2–9–1 | .506 | .375 | L9 |
16 | Washington Redskins | East | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 0–6 | 2–10 | .502 | .281 | L4 |
Tiebreakers [e] | |||||||||||
|
The 2003 Dallas Cowboys season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach Bill Parcells. For the first time since 1989, Emmitt Smith was not on the opening day roster, culminating with for the first time since 1987, neither Michael Irvin (1988-1999), Aikman (1989-2000) on the roster either. Coming off three consecutive 5–11 seasons, Dallas hired former New York Giants, New England Patriots, and New York Jets coach Bill Parcells. In a scheduling coincidence, the Cowboys faced all three said teams in the 2003 regular season. The team was vastly improved and posted a 10–6 record, clinching their first winning season since 1998 and clinching their first playoff berth since 1999. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs the team lost to the eventual NFC champion Carolina Panthers 29–10.
The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL), and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium. After falling to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Cowboys sought to defend their NFC East division title and contend for a Super Bowl Championship, particularly given that Super Bowl XLV would be played at Cowboys Stadium.
The 2011 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL), the third playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium and the first full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The team improved on their 6–10 record from 2010, but missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season due to their week 17 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
The 2012 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 53rd season National Football League (NFL), the fourth playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium and the second full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys matched their win total from 2011 but missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season after losing their final game for the second straight season, this time to the Washington Redskins. Their 8–8 record was remarkable because the Cowboys trailed at some point during every game.
The 2013 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 54th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at AT&T Stadium and the third full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished 8–8 for a third consecutive season, but missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season after losing their final game for the third straight season, this time to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 2013 season was the New Orleans Saints' 47th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 38th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It also marked the seventh season under head coach Sean Payton, who returned to the team after serving a one-year suspension for his involvement in the team's 2012 bounty scandal.
The 2014 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the sixth playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fourth full season under head coach Jason Garrett.
The 2015 Dallas Cowboys season was the franchise's 56th season in the National Football League (NFL), the seventh playing their home games at AT&T Stadium and the fifth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. The Cowboys finished the regular season at 4–12. It was the team's worst record since 1989, when they went 1–15, and the first time the Cowboys finished in last place in the NFC East since 2002.
The 2015 season was the New Orleans Saints' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 40th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their ninth under head coach Sean Payton. On November 16, 2015, the Saints hired Dennis Allen to replace fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, the Saints still missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Saints set a new league record for the most passing touchdowns allowed with 45.
The 2016 Green Bay Packers season was their 98th season overall, 96th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the 11th under head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite a 4–6 start to the season, the Green Bay Packers went on a 6-game winning streak to finish the regular season with a 10–6 record. The team clinched the NFC North for the fifth time in six years with their week 17 win over the Detroit Lions. They routed the fifth-seeded New York Giants 38–13 in the wild card round of the playoffs and defeated the top-seeded and heavily favored Dallas Cowboys 34–31 in the divisional round of the playoffs, but their season came to an end when they were beat by the second-seeded Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game 44–21.
The 2017 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 58th in the National Football League (NFL), their 29th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 9th playing their home games at AT&T Stadium, and their 7th full season under head coach Jason Garrett.
The 2018 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 59th in the National Football League (NFL), their 30th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, their 10th playing their home games at AT&T Stadium, and their eighth full season under head coach Jason Garrett. AT&T Stadium also became the first stadium venue to host the annual draft. For the first time since 2009, wide receiver Dez Bryant was not on the opening day roster, as he was released on April 13, 2018 and later signed with the New Orleans Saints on November 7, 2018. For the first time since 2002, tight end Jason Witten was not on the opening day roster, having announced his retirement on May 3, 2018. For the first time since 2010, kicker Dan Bailey was not on the opening day roster, as he was released on September 1, 2018.
The 2018 season was the Houston Texans' 17th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coach Bill O'Brien. This marked the first season since 2005 that Rick Smith would not be the general manager as he took a leave of absence for family reasons. Despite an 0–3 start, their first in a decade, the Texans surpassed their win total from the previous season with a Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins. They had a franchise record 9 consecutive wins that also broke the NFL record for most consecutive wins after starting 0–3. The streak ended with a Week 14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. With a Week 15 win over the New York Jets, the Texans clinched their first 10-win season under head coach Bill O’Brien, their first 10-win season since 2012 and their third 10-win season in franchise history.
The 2018 season was the New Orleans Saints' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 12th under head coach Sean Payton.
The 2020 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 61st in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Mike McCarthy. This was the first season since 2006 that Jason Garrett was not part of the coaching staff, as his contract expired on January 14, 2020. For the second time since 2002, tight end Jason Witten was not on the opening day roster, as he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2020. For the first time since 2012, center Travis Frederick was not on the opening day roster, as he announced his retirement on March 23, 2020.
The 2021 season was the Houston Texans' 20th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their only under head coach David Culley. For the first time since 2011, defensive end J. J. Watt was not on the roster, as he had signed with the Arizona Cardinals on March 5, 2021, reuniting him with former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals the season prior. It also was the first time since 2014 without former head coach Bill O'Brien, as he was fired just four games into the 2020 season when the Texans began 0–4.
The 2021 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 62nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 33rd under the ownership of Jerry Jones, and their 13th playing home games at AT&T Stadium.
The 2022 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 63rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under head coach Mike McCarthy.
The 2023 season was the Dallas Cowboys' 64th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 35th under the ownership of Jerry Jones, and their fourth under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys matched their 12–5 record from the previous two seasons and won the NFC East division for the first time since the 2021 season and the second time in three seasons. They ended up in a three-way tie with the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC at 12–5. However, they lost the conference tiebreaker to the 49ers but won the head to head tiebreaker over the Lions, giving them the second seed in the playoffs. Although the Cowboys lost to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, they clinched their third straight playoff berth before taking the field when the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, respectively. This marked the Cowboys' first run of three consecutive postseason appearances since appearing in six straight from 1991 to 1996.
The 2024 season is the Dallas Cowboys' 65th season in the National Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coach Mike McCarthy. This is their first season since 2020 without Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, as the Washington Commanders hired him to be their head coach. He was replaced in that role by former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who returned to the Cowboys after eighteen years. The Cowboys failed to improve upon their 12–5 record from the past three seasons following a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, and after suffering their sixth loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the following week, they are guaranteed to have their worst record since 2020.