NFL
Are The Dallas Cowboys Doomed to Repeat Their Last Season Performance?
As we look back on the Dallas Cowboys last season, there is no doubt that it left fans with mixed emotions. While some shining moments and individual performances stood out, the team needed to meet expectations. And now, as we look ahead to the upcoming season, fans wonder what they can expect from their beloved team. Let’s start with the quarterback position.
Dak Prescott had an impressive season statistically, throwing for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. However, those remarkable numbers failed to translate to success for the team on the field. The team finished with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
One issue that plagued the Cowboys’ offense was their lackluster running game. Ezekiel Elliot, one of the league’s top running backs in previous seasons, struggled to find his footing and finished with just 979 rushing yards. This lack of production put more pressure on the passing game and limited the team’s ability to control the clock and keep their defense off the field.
Speaking of the defense, the Cowboys’ unit struggled mightily throughout the season. They finished 23rd in the league in yards allowed and gave up an average of 29.6 points per game, the second-most. The pass defense, in particular, was a significant weakness, as they allowed opposing quarterbacks to amass 34 passing touchdowns, tied for fourth-most in the league.
But it wasn’t all bad for the Cowboys.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper had a standout year, finishing with 92 receptions for 1,114 yards and five touchdowns.
Michael Gallup also emerged as a reliable option in the passing game, hauling 843 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Looking ahead to the coming season, there are reasons for optimism in Dallas. The team has a new defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, with a proven track record of success in the league. They also addressed critical needs in the draft, selecting linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Kelvin Joseph in the first two rounds.
Offensively, the Cowboys should have an improved running game with the return of All-Pro guard Zack Martin and the addition of rookie back JaQuan Hardy. Prescott appears to be on track to return to total health after suffering a gruesome ankle injury last season.
In summary, the Cowboys have a lot of work to do to return to their winning ways. The quarterback play was impressive, but the defense and running game needs significant improvements. But with a new coaching staff, some key draft picks, and a healthy roster, there is reason to believe that the Cowboys can return to the playoffs in the coming season. And for the fans, nothing would be sweeter than seeing America’s Team back on top.
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
