I've ranked all post-merger seasons, from 1970 to 2021 based on this weighed formula:
50% Record as compared to all teams that season.
If 13-3 was the best record that season, then they are ranked #1 in that category. However, If the Cowboys went 13-3 and two other teams went 14-2, they would be ranked #3 in that category
10% Team rank that season in points scored.
10% Team rank that season in offensive yardage
10% Team rank that season in defense points permitted
10% Team rank that season in defense yards permitted
10% Team rank that season in takeaway/turnover ratio
I've also notated the years with symbols for the seasons in which the Cowboys went deep into the playoffs and at least participated in the NFC Championship game.
(^) Played in NFC Championship game but lost
(+) Won the NFC championship and lost Super Bowl
(*) Super Bowl Champions
So here is the list:
1 _ 1971*
2 _ 1977*
3 _ 1992*
4 _ 1978+
5 _ 1993*
6 _ 1994^
7 _ 1995*
8 _ 2021
9 _ 2007
10 _ 2016
11 _ 1973^
12 _ 1981^
13 _ 1980^
14 _ 1970+
15 _ 2014
16 _ 2009
17 _ 1976
18 _ 1983
19 _ 1982^
20 _ 1979
21 _ 1975+
22 _ 1998
23 _ 1972^
24 _ 1996
25 _ 2003
26 _ 1991
27 _ 2006
28 _ 1974
29 _ 2018
30 _ 1999
31 _ 1985
32 _ 2019
33 _ 1984
34 _ 2017
35 _ 2011
36 _ 2005
37 _ 2008
38 _ 2013
39 _ 2012
40 _ 1987
41 _ 1986
42 _ 2010
43 _ 1990
44 _ 1997
45 _ 2020
46 _ 2004
47 _ 2001
48 _ 2000
49 _ 2002
50 _ 2015
51 _ 1988
52 _ 1989
1971 was the best all round season for the Cowboys. They were ranked #1 in won/loss record, points scored, and offensive yardage, #2 in takeaway/turnover ratio, #3 in defensive yardage, and #7 in defensive points. When ranking every team's season, they are tied for #10 with the 1975 Vikings.
One thing that you will notice is that 11 of the cowboys best 14 seasons went deep into the playoffs. The only ones that didn't were the three most recent.
Also, we can see where last season ranks among all Cowboys seasons as the 8th best. Again, we are talking about the quality of the regular season.
Believe me, here have been numerous occasions in which other teams had great regular seasons only to fall short in the postseason. The Cowboys are nowhere near the extreme cases.
Having said that, we can see that some of these 21st century Cowboys teams were just as strong and talented in the regular season as some Cowboys Super Bowl teams.
I'm pleased to say that the very strongest Cowboys teams capitalized and went on to the Super Bowl. The only team in the top 7 that didn't was the 1994 version.
It's also true that the Cowboys were "kingslayers'. Many of the teams that were the best in the regular seasons were stopped short of winning it all by the Cowboys including the 1973 Rams, 1975 Vikings, and 1995 49ers.
