They are known as ‘America’s team’, which is ironic considering everyone who doesn’t support them hates them!
But what does the upcoming season look like for ‘Dem Boys’?
Strength
Over the past few seasons, the Cowboys have had the most explosive offence, highlighted by finishing top of the league in points scored and yards gained last season. The Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott combination has been a favourite of Cowboys fans and adding in young star CeeDee Lamb makes for a fun group.
Weakness
Despite the defence improving significantly from the previous season thanks to rookie Micah Parsons and a second-year jump from Trevon Diggs, there is still a big weakness in this unit.
Dallas were 29th in the NFL for scoring percentage conceded per possession. The Cowboys caused the most turnovers in the NFL, but if they weren’t forcing turnovers, they were getting scored on which was exposed by the elite offensive teams.
Player to watch
Running back Ezekiel Elliott has been a fan favourite since being drafted with the fourth pick in the 2016 NFL draft, but injuries have plagued his last two campaigns. It was revealed he played through a PCL tear last season, a factor the lead to his lowest yards per game average in his career. I think ‘Zeke’ has one more big statistical year left in him before handing the starting job to Tony Pollard.
Who’s under pressure?
After trading Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, the spotlight has turned to CeeDee Lamb who has been electric to start his career. But with Michael Gallup, James Washington, and Jalen Tolbert all unable to practice over the summer with injury, the weight of the passing offence is going to be directly on CeeDee’s shoulders. Can he overcome being shadowed and double teamed or will the attention significantly affect his production?
Projection
The Cowboys got worse over the off-season which is never a good sign. They gave up Amari Cooper and La’el Collins for nothing in trades, lost Randy Gregory to the Broncos in free agency and without seeing anyone play, reached the furthest in round 1 of the draft. Can this high-powered offence remain high powered without some key pieces? I’m just a bit worried but they have owned the NFC East in recent memory.
Win-loss: 10-7
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
Without spoiling the Philadelphia piece, I am very high on them this season and think they can dethrone the Cowboys!
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
The Cowboys have lost a lot of players this offseason (nearly 20 have walked out of the club!) and the incoming players aren't names to energise the fans (Dante Fowler isn't the player he was, and has never lived up to being the 3rd overall pick in 2015). I actually think that the Cowboys would be a better team if they ran the ball more. Elliot and Pollard would make a fantastic 1-2 punch, and despite losing La'el Collins the O-line is still a decent unit (2 Pro-bowlers in Zack Martin and Tyrone Smith!); but I think Jerry Jones would fire McCarthy if he tried this. A 10-7 record could still win the NFC East, although I think the Eagles will improve from last year. Washington and the Giants are still (actually and potentially) basket-cases of franchises so the playoffs will probably feature again for the Cowboys and until that stops I don't see Jones changing the way he runs the team.