HENDERSON, Nev. — The concepts of “commitment to excellence” and “just win, baby” have long defined the ethos of the Raiders, who triumphed with a hard-hitting approach that earned them three Super Bowl victories while polarizing opinions across the NFL landscape. The Cowboys, self-designated as “America’s Team,” achieved a similarly powerful status, boasting five Vince Lombardi Trophies and a bold swagger that drew legions of fans, though it also left others feeling disconnected. The Miami Dolphins, while not as widely followed, showcased their potential for greatness in the early 1970s, achieving an undefeated season and remaining competitive throughout the 1980s.
However, these storied franchises are now significantly removed from their peak years. It’s been over two decades since the Raiders last competed in the Super Bowl, while the Cowboys have gone 29 years, and the Dolphins have not seen this high-stakes contest for 40 years. Dallas’ last Super Bowl was also its last championship, while the Raiders’ most recent title came 41 years ago, with the Dolphins waiting a full 51 years between championships. Currently, all three teams seem far from reversing their fortunes.
This pattern of underachievement continued this season, culminating in the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl with a decisive 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. As they look ahead, both Las Vegas and Dallas are set to start next season with new head coaches, while the future for Miami’s coach, Mike McDaniel, remains uncertain after a marked decline in performance in 2024. “The objective is consistently to secure playoff victories and strive for Super Bowl triumphs, and that focus won’t waver,” remarked Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, expressing disappointment over the recent season. He emphasized the lessons learned and his optimism as they prepare for the challenges of 2025.
The Pittsburgh Steelers serve as a beacon of hope, having navigated similar struggles over the years. After clinching four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s, the Steelers faced a 16-year wait before returning to the championship game and endured a 26-year drought for another title. Following a resurgence, they made three Super Bowl appearances and won two within six years. However, their journey back to the top has been challenging over the last 14 seasons, with no playoff victories since their AFC Championship Game appearance in 2016, culminating this season in five consecutive losses, including a swift playoff exit. “It’s tough to claim that we are closer after such a streak,” Steelers President Art Rooney II commented, stressing the importance of addressing their quarterback situation as a key component of their strategy moving forward.
The Raiders are undergoing a significant transition, with the addition of their fourth head coach since relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, recently hiring Pete Carroll. Owner Mark Davis has sought the counsel of Tom Brady, a minority owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion, in reshaping their coaching strategy as they strive to reclaim their championship legacy. Las Vegas enters the offseason with almost $100 million in salary-cap space, granting new general manager John Spytek the ability to address various needs on the team, particularly at the quarterback position.
In Dallas, owner Jerry Jones reflects on the Cowboys’ legendary roster of the 1990s, featuring icons like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, and has since been in pursuit of revival. Coach Mike McCarthy faced scrutiny after a disheartening defeat to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card playoffs, marking one of the low points in a long tenure for Jones as owner. With the reins of authority set to shift again, questions loom about whether Brian Schottenheimer can effectively lead the team moving forward. The Cowboys have relied heavily on just two starting quarterbacks, Tony Romo and Dak Prescott, since 2006, with Prescott facing scrutiny entering the first year of a new contract that will carry a hefty salary-cap hit.
The Dolphins displayed potential resurgence in 2023, finishing with an 11-6 record under McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, a decline in offensive production has raised questions regarding their strategies moving forward. McDaniel, known for his innovative play calling, faced challenges this past season and is scrutinized over the future of play-calling duties. Doubts also linger around whether Tagovailoa can be the long-term solution at quarterback, especially in light of his concussion issues. “We had lofty expectations this year,” Grier noted, urging a reframing of their approach in the future. “Injuries are a reality for all teams, but missing our quarterback for significant games made a measurable difference in our playoff viability.”
In this landscape, the determination remains for these franchises to regain their former glory, all while navigating the shifting dynamics of the modern NFL.
