Cowboys Receive Unflattering Midseason Award After Defensive Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys have given their fans plenty of reasons to be frustrated during the first half of the 2026 NFL season. While the offense has shown it can produce at a high level, the defense has repeatedly struggled to finish games and prevent opponents from making late pushes.

That inconsistency was highlighted in Yahoo Sports’ NFL midseason awards, where writer Jay Busbee gave Dallas the “Class Clowns” distinction. The recognition was far from flattering, as Busbee took aim at the Cowboys’ inability to consistently get stops when games reach their closing stages.

At 4-5 entering Week 10, Dallas has experienced both sides of that problem. The team has been competitive in several games, but defensive breakdowns have made it difficult to turn strong stretches into complete performances.

Cowboys defense continues to be a major concern 

The biggest issue for Dallas has been its inability to consistently get off the field and close out games. The Cowboys have allowed opponents to stay within striking distance, even when the offense gives them enough production to build an advantage.

That was evident in the Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Dallas entered halftime with a 17-7 lead but allowed Indianapolis to make a second-half push before finally securing a 27-23 win. The Cowboys needed Caleb Downs’ first career interception on the Colts’ final possession to put the game away.

Although the defense made the necessary play at the end, the performance reinforced the inconsistency that has followed the unit throughout the season.

Dallas has also struggled to generate consistent pressure and create takeaways. Those shortcomings have put additional responsibility on the offense, which has often needed to produce points to keep the team competitive.

Offense has produced, but Dallas needs a complete team performance 

The Cowboys’ offensive production has been one of the few encouraging developments during a frustrating start to the season.

Dak Prescott continues to lead an offense capable of putting up significant yardage, while CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens give Dallas multiple options in the passing game. Against Indianapolis, Prescott threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, while Lamb recorded 195 receiving yards and a score.

However, offensive production has not always translated into comfortable victories. Turnovers and penalties have also created unnecessary obstacles, including Dallas’ two fumbles and 14 penalties for 153 yards against the Colts.

The Cowboys cannot expect the offense to consistently overcome mistakes while the defense struggles to protect leads. Both units need to become more reliable if Dallas hopes to make a postseason push.

Cowboys have an opportunity to change the narrative 

Dallas still has time to turn its season around, but the upcoming schedule will provide a significant test. The Cowboys face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, followed by several important games against NFC opponents.

The matchup with San Francisco is especially important because it gives Dallas an opportunity to measure itself against one of the conference’s top teams. The 49ers enter the week with a 7-1 record, making them a difficult opponent for a Cowboys team still searching for consistency.

The Yahoo Sports recognition is another reminder of how far Dallas has to go defensively. The Cowboys have shown flashes of improvement, particularly with young players such as Downs making an impact, but those moments need to become a regular part of their performance.