By Sunday 
Let’s get this out of the way: if you judged Jake Ferguson purely off his 2024 stat line, you probably missed the whole picture. Yes, the Dallas Cowboys’ tight end didn’t light up the scoreboard like he did in 2023. No, he didn’t hit another Pro Bowl. And yes, it felt like he vanished at times.
But here’s the truth: Ferguson wasn’t the issue—and now, he might just be the solution.
Blame the Hamstring, Not the Hands
While the numbers dipped, the reasons weren’t exactly a mystery. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott missed a big chunk of the season with a hamstring injury, and the offense never quite found its rhythm without him. Ferguson’s targets dropped by nearly 20 compared to the previous year, and suddenly the breakout TE looked more like a forgotten accessory in a sputtering offense.
But when Dak was on the field in 2023? Ferguson was a go-to weapon. He racked up 761 yards, snagged five touchdowns, and looked every bit the part of Dallas’ next great tight end.
So maybe it’s time we stop pretending he disappeared—he just got caught in the chaos.
2025: Bounce-Back Mode Activated
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently dropped a list of bounce-back candidates for the 2025 NFL season—and surprise, surprise—Jake Ferguson made the cut.
“With the Cowboys’ uninspiring running back group, expect Prescott to fire away through the air… Ferguson [could] get back into Pro Bowl form,” wrote Moton.
It makes sense. Dallas didn’t exactly load up on elite receiving talent this offseason, and their backfield isn’t striking fear into defenses either. If the offense leans pass-heavy, Ferguson is primed for a central role—and frankly, Cowboys fans should be rooting for it.
The Bigger Picture: Redemption Season in Dallas
Let’s not forget: the Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2024. For a team with Super Bowl talk (again), it was a gut punch. Now? The expectations are lower, the doubters are louder, and the room for excuses has shrunk.
That’s the kind of environment where players like Ferguson thrive.
He’s still just 26. He’s still one of the most athletic tight ends in the NFC. And with a healthy Dak and a chip on everyone’s shoulder, this could be the perfect storm for him to remind the league what he can do.
So… Was Jake Ferguson the Problem?
Not even close.
And if the Cowboys find themselves back in the postseason next January, don’t be surprised if it’s #87 dragging them across the goal line.
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