The Dallas Cowboys were arguably the most interesting team during last year’s NFL season (aside from the New England Patriots). Their season was full of surprises, upsets and potential and Dallas will look to capitalize on that momentum heading into the next season. The team lost in the Playoff Divisional Round to the Green Bay Packers, but the Cowboys showed the league a preview of what is to come. The ups and downs the Cowboys faced last season also provided a roller coaster ride for bettors who took advantage of licensed online sportsbooks offering odds on the Cowboys.
After losing starting quarterback Tony Romo to another injury, the QB duties fell to rookie Dak Prescott. No one had any expectations for Prescott, but he blew analysts away with his MVP-caliber performance. Prescott threw for just under 4,000 yards with 311 completions and 23 touchdowns. Given his Rookie Of The Year award winning performance, Prescott has a lot of anticipation surrounding him going into the next season, but he has shown he is ready to become the new franchise QB and lead his team to another Playoff berth. His teammates are looking for him to become the leader this team needs.
Another huge surprise came through the Cowboys’ running game. Rookie Ezekiel Elliot shattered any sort of rookie-year stereotypes with 1,600 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Elliot looked more than comfortable amongst the NFL’s elite and seamlessly transitioned from college to the big leagues. The Cowboys have been lacking in their rush offense in previous seasons and they appear to have found their answer in Elliot.
On the receiving end, the Cowboys’ usual suspects showed up in a big way, perhaps because of the reinvigorated energy and swagger from the aforementioned rookies. Cole Beasley led the team with 75 receptions for 833 yards. He managed to pull in 5 touchdowns. Franchise receiver Dez Bryant had 50 receptions for 796 yards and 8 touchdowns. Tight end Jason Witten came in third with 69 receptions for 673 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The defense has been the Cowboys biggest liability, though X-factor Jaylon Smith is vying to make a strong debut. The player was lost to injury his rookie year but appears ready to play in the season opener against the New York Giants. Dallas managed to lose key defensive components Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Barry Church and J. J. Wilcox to free agency, leaving gaping holes in an already weak defensive unit. Newcomer Nolan Carroll will hopefully bring something to the unit, but the team will be looking for safety Byron Jones to step up for the defensive end. The Cowboys snagged defensive end Taco Charlton in the Draft, but it is difficult to see a rookie making a significant impact. Then again, tell that to Prescott and Elliot.
The Cowboys will be heavy favorites going into the season, but sometimes such lofty expectations can lead to a harsh downfall. In any case, America’s Team look poised to reclaim the dominance of old, or better yet, introduce a new dynasty that could make waves throughout the league for seasons to come.