And there you have it. The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season is likely over after the 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. We can put to bed any rational thoughts about making the postseason this year and start looking to the future, even if there is still half of the 2024 season. the regular season to be played this year.

This game against the Falcons was another poor overall performance for the Cowboys if you just look at where things currently stand. However, if you look at it with the future in mind, there is actually some good we can take from this loss. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the good, bad and ugly after Dallas’ Week 9 loss.

THE GOOD – The 2025 NFL Draft season is starting early

Get ready, because the 2025 mock drafts for the Cowboys will be popping up quite regularly as their chances of making the playoffs diminish after the 27-21 loss to the Falcons. This team really has nothing to play for the rest of the season other than picking as high as possible in the 2025 NFL Draft. The higher the choice, the better the player. This may be the only thing worth keeping track of for the rest of the year. It now looks like they will be a shoo-in to end up with a Top 10 selection.

THE BAD – Not until mid 2024

There’s still half of the 2024 NFL regular season to be played, but for the Cowboys it feels like it’s already over. Yes, they still have to play out the rest of their schedule this year, but there’s little hope they can turn things around to make the playoffs. That means things will likely get worse as the season progresses, making it even harder to keep an eye on this team from week to week. That’s especially true if they decide to finish the year strong, which will only hurt their draft position in the 2025 NFL Draft.

THE UGLY – Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury

Normally, the thought of Dak Prescott being sidelined for any length of time would be detrimental to the team’s success week in and week out. However, 2024 is not a normal season for the Cowboys. This year was bad from the start and it hasn’t really gotten better over time. What Prescott’s injury does, however, is open the door for the Cowboys brass to start evaluating younger players with the future in mind. The ability to evaluate some backups who could have starting potential could be invaluable in the draft/free agency. CeeDee Lamb’s injury could also be an issue to keep an eye on,