Overview of the 2018 and 2019 Seasons
During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Dallas Cowboys navigated a transitional period under head coach Jason Garrett. In 2018, the team sought stability at quarterback and aimed to build on a playoff berth from the previous year. In 2019, questions around the roster—especially at wide receiver and offensive line—shaped the year. Both seasons featured a mix of strong divisional games and marquee nonconference matchups that defined the franchise’s trajectory in the NFC East.
2018 Season Schedule and Results
Schedule Structure and Notable Games
The 2018 schedule reflected the typical NFL mix of intraconference rivalry, division games, and selected nonconference opponents. Key division matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants stood out, as did the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys entered the season chasing consistency, particularly on offense, with attention on quarterback development and emerging receivers.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 9, 2018 | Atlanta Falcons | W 12–10 | AT&T Stadium |
| 2 | September 16, 2018 | at New York Giants | W 20–13 | MetLife Stadium |
| 6 | October 14, 2018 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 23–22 | Lincoln Financial Field |
| 10 | November 11, 2018 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 38–17 | AT&T Stadium |
| 18 | December 30, 2018 | at Washington Redskins | L 20–16 | FedExField |
2018 Season Standings and Outcomes
The Cowboys finished the 2018 regular season with a 10–6 record, securing a wild card spot. Their divisional play was competitive, but inconsistency on the road and late-game execution limited the postseason impact. The season highlighted the importance of a reliable quarterback and more consistent offensive line play heading into 2019.
2019 Season Schedule and Results
Schedule Structure and Notable Adjustments
In 2019, the Cowboys adjusted personnel and approach with an eye toward playoff contention. The schedule again featured a balanced mix of division rivals and marquee nonconference opponents. Early-season momentum was strong, yet midseason injuries and special-teams struggles revealed fragility. High-stakes games against division opponents and a challenging late-season stretch tested the depth of the roster.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8, 2019 | at New York Giants | W 35–17 | MetLife Stadium |
| 4 | September 29, 2019 | Philadelphia Eagles | W 37–10 | AT&T Stadium |
| 9 | November 3, 2019 | at Los Angeles Rams | L 30–28 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum |
| 12 | November 24, 2019 | Washington Football Team | W 41–16 | AT&T Stadium |
| 18 | December 29, 2019 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 22–17 | Lincoln Financial Field |
2019 Season Performance Summary
The 2019 Cowboys finished 8–8, missing the playoffs despite a strong start. The year underscored the need for depth on defense and more disciplined play-calling. Division games loomed large in the standings, and close losses to rivals revealed the thin margin for error within the competitive NFC East.
Comparative Season Analysis
A side-by-side view of the 2018 and 2019 campaigns highlights both continuity and change. While the team showed flashes of high-level play in both years, the consistency of performance and ability to close out close games remained points of development. The contrasting records reflect the impact of injuries, roster adjustments, and evolving offensive schemes.
| Season | Record | Playoff Result | Offensive Ranking | Defensive Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10–6 | Wild Card loss | 8th | 10th |
| 2019 | 8–8 | Did not qualify | 13th | 18th |
Printable Schedule Use Cases and Planning
A printable version of the 2018–2019 schedule is useful for tracking historical game patterns, organizing fantasy football retrospectives, or coordinating themed viewing events. When preparing a printable layout, ensure clear date formatting, opponent names, and venue indicators. Consider adding columns for time (local), broadcast network, and game notes to enhance usability for season reviews or highlight reels.
- Organize by week with alternating home/away icons for quick visual reference.
- Include division games in a highlighted block to emphasize rivalry importance.
- Add a summary row at the bottom to record final standings and key outcomes.
Key Takeaways and Legacy Context
The 2018–2019 stretch represents a pivotal era for the Dallas Cowboys as the franchise balanced present competitiveness with future-building. Strong starts followed by late-season stumbles illustrated both the potential and the shortcomings of the roster. For fans and analysts, these two seasons provide a clear case study in how roster development, coaching adjustments, and in-season health shape long-term success in a division as competitive as the NFC East.
Resources and Further Reading
For deeper insight, review official game recaps, injury reports, and end-of-season analyses from trusted media partners. Comparing box scores across the two years can clarify trends in offensive efficiency and defensive vulnerability. Fan forums and historical archives also offer perspective on how these seasons influenced subsequent roster decisions and draft strategies.