The 2017 Dallas Cowboys schedule marked a pivotal season for a franchise chasing consistent playoff contention under new head coach Jason Garrett. This year featured marquee matchups against NFC rivals and critical division games that shaped the narrative around Dak Prescott's emergence and the team's long-term trajectory.
Understanding the full context of wins, losses, and key milestones requires both narrative analysis and a clear data overview. The following sections break down the season's structure, performance trends, and lasting implications for Cowboys fans.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 10, 2017 | New York Giants | W 19-3 | AT&T Stadium |
| 2 | Sep 17, 2017 | at Washington Redskins | L 21-31 | FedExField |
| 3 | Sep 24, 2017 | at New Orleans Saints | L 17-36 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome |
| 16 | Dec 24, 2017 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 17-33 | Lincoln Financial Field |
| 17 | Dec 31, 2017 | Washington Redskins | W 31-21 | AT&T Stadium |
Season Structure And Key Matchups
Breaking down the 2017 Dallas Cowboys schedule reveals a mix of early divisional tests and high-profile primetime games. The NFC East rivalry with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins created consistent attention, while road games at New Orleans and Philadelphia tested depth and resilience.
Balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent, the Cowboys entered the season aiming to improve on past inconsistencies. Each week carried implications for draft positioning, playoff seeding, and long-term organizational confidence. The structure of the schedule demanded both strong starts and late-season execution.
Offensive Performance Trends
Offensive production in 2017 showcased flashes of brilliance amid inconsistency. Dak Prescott displayed arm talent and improvisational ability, yet the unit struggled with red-zone efficiency and third-down conversions at times. High-powered moments were often offset by stalled drives that shifted momentum in close contests.
Analyzing the Dallas Cowboys schedule through an offensive lens highlights critical games where scoring surged or stalled. Matchups against secondary-heavy defenses revealed both explosive play potential and areas needing refinement in route execution and protection schemes.
Defensive Turning Points
The defense provided crucial contributions throughout the 2017 campaign, swinging close contests through turnovers and timely sacks. Standout performances against division rivals often set the tone early, allowing the team to control field position and limit big plays. Depth and adaptability were tested across a grueling sixteen-game slate.
Examining specific weeks in the 2017 Dallas Cowboys schedule illustrates how defensive adjustments reshaped game plans. Success against mobile quarterbacks and disciplined coverage in the red zone became defining characteristics of the season’s more competitive matches.
Playoff Implications And Final Record
Entering the final stretch of the regular season, the Cowboys balanced hope for a high playoff seed with the reality of inconsistent execution. Close losses to strong opponents and missed opportunities against weaker teams underscored the fine line between postseason success and elimination. The final record reflected progress but also highlighted gaps in consistency and experience.
Key divisional games in the latter part of the schedule directly influenced postseason positioning, as every win and loss affected tiebreakers and perceived momentum. Understanding these dynamics helps contextualize strategic decisions and long-term franchise planning beyond any single season.
Key Takeaways And Recommendations
- Balance veteran leadership with emerging talent to maintain consistency.
- Strengthen red-zone efficiency and third-down conversion rates.
- Leverage defensive versatility to create turnovers in crucial moments.
- Prepare depth for injuries with adaptable schemes and cross-training.
- Focus on late-season execution to improve playoff seeding opportunities.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the Cowboys perform in their opening week of the 2017 season?
The Dallas Cowboys started the 2017 season with a convincing 19-3 home victory against the New York Giants, establishing early control in a divisional matchup at AT&T Stadium.
What were the results of their key division games during the year?
The Cowboys split their NFC East division slate, securing notable wins while facing tough challenges against the Redskins and Saints, which significantly shaped their playoff positioning.
Did Dak Prescott have standout performances in specific weeks?
Prescott delivered several high-impact outings, particularly in games decided by narrow margins, showcasing his potential to dominate in critical moments despite inconsistent team support.
How did late-season injuries affect the Cowboys' playoff chances?
Injuries to key defenders and offensive contributors down the stretch forced adjustments that altered momentum, contributing to mixed results in the final weeks and influencing postseason seeding.