Dallas Cowboys penalties, especially pre-snap miscues, loom as a recurring hurdle in 2025. In the Rams game, illegal formation, illegal shift and offsides surfaced again, with Asim Richards lining up incorrectly at right tackle and drawing two flags. The coaching staff stressed stricter attention to alignment and pre-snap discipline, warning that free yards can’t be afforded in a league that prizes quick, efficient drives.

The piece notes Dallas’ true strengths—an aggressive pass rush that aims to force teams into passing downs—but cautions that the offense’ s exposed pass protection at tackle could magnify Prescott’s time in the pocket if pre-snap mistakes persist. With 2024 placing the Cowboys fifth-worst in pre-snap penalties, maintaining drive continuity is critical to avoid shooting themselves in the foot week after week.

Bottom line: pre-snap discipline is nonnegotiable in 2025. If Dallas tightens lines and minimizes early mistakes, the offense stays ahead of the chains and the defense’s blitz-heavy approach can stay unleashed. Without it, even a potent Dallas unit risks stalling drives and surrendering cheap yards to capable opponents.