Nobody talks about special teams until it costs you a game. For the Cowboys in 2025, it cost them at least two.
The kicking game: The Cowboys kicker converted 78.6% of field goals in 2025, ranking 27th in the NFL. He missed 6 field goals, including 3 from inside 45 yards — kicks that NFL kickers make at an 87% rate league-wide. Source: Pro Football Reference.
Two of those missed kicks came in one-score losses. Make those kicks and the Cowboys are 10-7 instead of 8-9.
Punt coverage: Dallas allowed 11.8 yards per punt return against, 5th-worst in the league. Three punt returns went for 30-plus yards. The coverage unit was undisciplined in lane integrity throughout the season.
Kick return: With the NFL's new kickoff rules, return yardage has become more important. Dallas averaged 21.3 yards per kickoff return, 22nd in the league. Below average starting field position on returns.
The coaching factor: Special teams coordinator turnover has been an issue. Dallas has had 3 different ST coordinators in 4 years. Continuity matters for a unit that relies on precision and discipline.
The fix:
- Invest in a reliable kicker — either through free agency or draft
- Commit to a special teams coordinator for more than one season
- Keep core special teams players on the 53-man roster even if they are not starters on offense or defense
Sources:
- Pro Football Reference — kicking stats and return averages
- Football Outsiders — special teams DVOA
- ESPN — game-by-game results for referenced losses
The new kickoff rules have made kick return more important than it has been in a decade. Dallas needs to invest in a dynamic returner. CeeDee should not be fielding kicks.