Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland carries the ball after an interception for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys might be closer to Super Bowl contention than we think

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Matt Galatzan | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 4:53 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys surprised everyone on Sunday afternoon, when they dismantled the Washington Commanders 44-22 at AT&T Stadium.

Not only did the Cowboys offense once again have a dominant performance in just about every facet, but for seemingly the first time this season, the defense also came to play, holding the Commanders' running backs to 67 yards on 18 carries combined, and holding the quarterbacks to a combined 205 yards through the air.

The 341 total yards surrendered was also the lowest total they have given up since the season opener vs. the Eagles.

Now, some believe that the Cowboys are just a piece or two away on defense from becoming true Super Bowl contenders.

Super Bowl Contending Dallas Cowboys?

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

"I might be drinking the Kool-Aid right now, but after watching the Cowboys-Commanders game, I’m starting to believe the Cowboys are just one or two key defensive pieces away from being true contenders—and they have the draft capital to make it happen this year," Taylor Lewan of Bussin With The Boys said. "Just my Wednesday thoughts. I reserve the right to change my mind at any time."

Of course, acquiring those pieces could be easier said than done, and it would require Dallas to be aggressive at the trade deadline, which hasn't always been the case historically.

That said, rumors about players like Maxx Crosby have once again begun to make their rounds, leading some to believe that move - despite its drawbacks and unlikely nature of their usual preference for acquiring talent via trade - could be back on the table.

Then there is also the idea of trading for a less heralded but productive player like Logan Wilson from Cincinnati as well.

Not to mention, getting DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel back from injury could also potentially play a major role in improving the defense falling into that category as well.

In other words, the Cowboys could be closer than we thought, and being a Super Bowl threat could be as simple as making a singular trade, and getting a couple of key players healthy.