BY MARK HALPERN
Well, here we are another year of Cowboy’s football is getting ready to begin a little more than a month from now. There were a ton of questions from last year that not only had analysts scratching their heads but the fans as well. The Cowboys last year were pathetic last year and it was more on the Defense than anything. However, there were times when the offense would sputter out of the gate and with the Defense we put out on the field the opponent would go up by two Touchdowns before we even knew what happened and at that point it became no contest. Last year we saw the Cowboys trade FUTURE HOF Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for two 1st round picks and Kenny Clark. The trade right now looks good for the Cowboys for a few reasons. The first being Parsons tore his ACL and missed time last season and will miss at least the first four games this season. The other reason is Dallas turned those two picks into major pieces (that will be explained later) that this team desperately needed. Dallas also lost the Cornerback Tre’von Diggs to another knee injury and ended up being released due to the fact the Cowboys weren’t getting the news they hoped about his return to the field from a mysterious injury that also transpired that cost him a few games. With the loss of Diggs and Daron Bland, the secondary was overmatched each game allowing record points being given up. The Cowboys did end up with some bright spots (not all was bad.) They re-signed Javonte Williams after an impressive 1000-yard season and record number of TDs for him last season. Dallas used their franchise tag (with no surprise) George Pickens who had a career year in yards and td’s under Dak Prescott. With Pickens and Lamb on the outside it reminds me of Irvin and Harper back in the 90’s. Ferguson will man the Tight End position for the third consecutive year and is getting better. The offensive line learned one thing. We need a new offensive line to properly protect Dak Prescott so the Cowboys can have a successful year lets take a look into what challenges we face.
Obviously the Dallas Cowboys will play their divisional opponents. The Giants (who they open opening night against,) The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. These games will explain themselves as when they play always a great game. If I say I have any worry about any NFC East team the Eagles give me some what of an acid stomach but, the other two should be better but they don’t age well.
The first real challenge for the Cowboys will be week three game against the Ravens. Lamar Jackson is one of the best Quarterbacks in the game. He has a compliment of weapons including Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. If the Cowboys defense is truly better, we will see here.
The Cowboys will then visit Houston (not sure that’s a real road game) and Tampa which can go either way. Then a game with NFC perennial playoff team in the Green Bay Packers. This could be the game Parsons returns from injury and again if the Cowboys defense has gotten better then then Parsons might not be as much trouble as he could. The Cowboys will meet the Titians and the Colts before their traditional day matchup on Thanksgiving. The Colts were one of last years biggest surprises until Daniel Jones went down and injuries began to pile on. I expect to see a revived Colts team I think I will remember the Titans movie more so than the game. The Cowboys have a three game road trip that includes the Seahawks, The Rams and then Jacksonville. That’s a three game stretch against teams who all made the playoffs last season. Luckily for the Cowboys they’ll have their bye right before the trip. This is a hard Cowboys Schedule for this year the key will be to get off to a fast start because they are not going to concede a game or two in the second half of the season.
When looking at a team there are key factors that will make this season successful. First protecting Dak Prescott so the Offensive Line has to be first because no protection no season. Ja’vonte Williams proved why he got his contract now he has to be better than last year. That’s a lot to ask of a young guy who really got his first chance in proving himself. If he can be 200 yards better, which would put him at 1,400 for the season, that will go a long way to helping for a few more opportunities to score. The Secondary is the youngest it has been since the 92-93 season. Daron Bland and Cobie Durant will be R&L Cornerbacks with Veterans Malik Hooker and Jalen Tompson but, the big piece is Nickel Back Caleb Downs. Downs, the Cowboys first round draft pick will be getting his feet wet early as he is a huge focus this season. In camp he has been matched up with George Pickens. What better WR duo could help teach a young pivotal piece of the secondary?
The Eagles are the only threat to the Cowboys in not making the playoffs as it is between them for the Division. The NFC this season is loaded, and I am not sure how many wins will get you a Wild Card spot. I expect the Cowboys to challenge for the NFC East crown but also can be a playoff spoiler to a lot of first place teams.
The Sports Insanity Network 