When Julian Edelman stepped onto the FOX NFL Sunday set on Monday, November 24, 2025, he didn’t just offer analysis—he dropped a bombshell. The former New England Patriots star, now a sharp-tongued analyst, declared the Dallas Cowboys have a swagger the NFL hasn’t witnessed in over a decade. It wasn’t just praise—it was a rebuttal. Edelman was responding directly to fellow analyst Charles Woodson, who’d dismissed the NFC East as "a bit of a circus." Edelman’s counter? "The Cowboys have a confidence right now that we haven’t seen in years."
The Offense That Can’t Be Ignored
Edelman didn’t hold back when detailing why Dallas is dangerous. Through seven games, the Dallas Cowboys lead the entire NFL in total yards per game (390.6), passing yards (268.4), and points per game (31.7). But what’s more telling? They’re doing it without the usual headlines. While CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens dominate social media chatter, Edelman pointed to Jake Ferguson, the 25-year-old tight end with 42 catches and five touchdowns—fifth-best in the league. "We never talk about him," Edelman said. "But he’s the engine."
And then there’s Dak Prescott. At 32, he’s playing with a poise that borders on historic. His 68.4% completion rate, 1,879 yards, and seven touchdowns through seven games have turned doubters into believers. "He’s playing MVP football," Edelman insisted. "Not just good. Not just efficient. MVP." The Cowboys’ offense isn’t just scoring—it’s controlling games, moving the chains, and keeping defenses on their heels. They’ve racked up 2,734 total offensive yards. That’s not luck. That’s execution.
The Defense That’s Still a Work in Progress
But here’s the twist: Dallas’s defense is the worst in the league. By the numbers, they’re surrendering 401.6 yards per game—the highest in the NFL—and have given up 2,811 total yards. Last week, they allowed 22 points to the Washington Commanders, a game they won 28-22 largely because their offense carried them. Edelman didn’t brush it off. "Yes, the defense has been struggling," he admitted. "But a lot of that was garbage time. Defense always gets better as the season goes on. I expect them to continue to improve."
That’s not just optimism—it’s history. In 2018, the Cowboys finished 28th in defense and still made the playoffs. In 2021, they ranked 29th and reached the NFC Championship. Edelman knows this. He’s seen it before. The Cowboys don’t need a perfect defense. They just need one that doesn’t blow leads. And with coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offense lighting up scoreboards, even a mediocre defense can win games.
The Rivalry That Matters Now
The stakes couldn’t be higher. On Sunday, November 24, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles—a team with a 5-2 record and the top spot in the NFC East. But Edelman sees through the record. "Philadelphia’s identity is all over the place," he said. "We know what the Cowboys are—they can score."
That’s the difference. The Eagles have struggled with consistency—three one-score wins, two blowout losses. The Cowboys? They’ve won two games by 17+ points and lost two by 14+. But they’ve never lost a game where they scored 30+. That’s a pattern. That’s identity.
And then there’s Jerry Jones. The 82-year-old owner who still runs the team like a CEO of a tech startup—hiring Schottenheimer after a decade with Seattle, trusting Prescott to carry the load, letting Ferguson thrive in the shadows. Edelman called him the "ringmaster." And in a division full of chaos, Jones is the one holding the reins.
What’s Next?
Win this game, and the Cowboys take sole possession of first place. Lose, and they’re tied with the Eagles, still in the hunt but with momentum slipping. Six games remain. The schedule doesn’t get easier—Baltimore, Green Bay, Kansas City. But Edelman’s point stands: this isn’t about defense. It’s about offense. And right now, no offense in the NFC is more dangerous.
For fans who remember the 2016 Cowboys—the team that started 5-0 and collapsed—it’s tempting to be wary. But this feels different. The offense isn’t riding luck. Prescott isn’t forcing throws. Ferguson isn’t a surprise. They’ve built something. And Edelman, the three-time Super Bowl winner who knows what championship teams look like, is saying it out loud: Dallas isn’t just back. They’re coming for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Julian Edelman’s opinion on the Cowboys so significant?
Edelman isn’t just any analyst—he’s a three-time Super Bowl champion with deep ties to the Patriots’ dynasty, known for his sharp, no-nonsense evaluations. His praise for Dallas carries weight because he’s seen elite offenses firsthand and knows what separates contenders from pretenders. When he says "we haven’t seen this confidence in years," he’s comparing it to the 2007 Patriots, 2016 Steelers, and other title-caliber teams.
How does Jake Ferguson compare to other NFL tight ends this season?
Through seven games, Ferguson’s 42 receptions and five touchdowns rank fifth in the NFL among all players—tied with elite receivers like Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill. Among tight ends, only Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews have more touchdowns, and only Kelce has more catches. Ferguson’s efficiency (11.6 yards per catch) and red-zone reliability make him a critical piece of Dallas’s offense, even if he flies under the radar.
Is the Cowboys’ defense really that bad, or is it just bad timing?
The numbers are undeniable: 401.6 yards allowed per game is the worst in the NFL. But 13 of their 22 points allowed to Washington came in the final 10 minutes, after the game was decided. Their red-zone defense has improved from 68% to 58% since Week 3, and they’ve forced 11 turnovers in the last four games—up from just four in the first three. It’s not fixed, but it’s trending upward.
What does Brian Schottenheimer’s system do differently for Dak Prescott?
Schottenheimer’s offense uses more motion, pre-snap shifts, and tight end-heavy formations—something Prescott thrived under in Seattle. Unlike previous schemes that relied on deep shots, this one emphasizes quick releases, rhythm throws, and exploiting mismatches. Prescott’s average time to throw has dropped from 2.8 seconds to 2.2, and his completion rate on throws under 10 yards has jumped to 84%. It’s not flashy—it’s effective.
Why is this Cowboys-Eagles game so pivotal for the NFC East?
The winner takes sole possession of first place with six games left. The Eagles have been inconsistent, while the Cowboys have shown they can beat anyone when their offense clicks. A Dallas win would shift the narrative from "Can they win close games?" to "Are they the division’s true threat?" A loss would keep Philadelphia on top but raise questions about whether they can sustain their early success.
What’s the historical context for Dallas making a late-season run?
The Cowboys have made the playoffs in five of the last eight seasons despite finishing with losing records in three of them. In 2018, they were 5-5 at midseason and finished 10-6. In 2021, they were 4-4 and ended up 12-5. History suggests that when their offense is clicking and their defense shows signs of improvement—as it is now—they’re dangerous in December. Edelman isn’t just guessing. He’s betting on the pattern.
