Will the Cowboys compete for the NFC title and a spot in the 2020 Super Bowl? I say yes!
Cowboys Nation, stand up! This might be the year the ‘Boys make a trip to the Super Bowl!
Courtesy: The Landry Hat
The team’s foundational trio–Dak, Zeke, and Amari–will be playing on the last year of their respective rookie contracts. So expect them to prove to GMs and coaches that they deserve to get paid. They’ll be joined on defense by Demarcus Lawrence, who signed a 5-year deal for $105 million with $65 million in guaranteed money. A dominant pass rusher, Lawrence ranks in the top ten in getting to the QB and also ranks in the top echelon in forced fumbles.
And those four will be joined by an outstanding 2019 draft class. The Cowboys earned a B+ grade because of the way the team covered needs at DL, RB, S, TE, WR. For starters, Dallas loaded up on the defensive side of the ball by taking Trysten Hill in the 2nd Round. An underrated DT, Hill adds depth to an already excellent pass rush. In the fifth round, the ‘Boys took Michael Jackson, a CB out of Miami. Again, this pick adds versatility to an already stout defense. More help came when Dallas picked another Miami product, defensive end Joe Jackson.
On the offensive side of the ball, Dallas selected RB Tony Pollard out of Memphis in the 4th Round. He’s a steal, in my estimation, because he’s a player who can have an impact from the get-go. Look for Pollard to give Zeke rest while he keeps the offense moving. Pollard runs between the tackles well and can pass catch, too.
The Draft picks weren’t the biggest off-season news, though. It was a surprise! All-time great Jason Witten announced that he’ll come out of retirement to rejoin the team he left just a year ago.
The Cowboys also signed veteran WR Randall Cobb (1-year deal, $5 million). It’s a good signing, too, because Cole Beasley signed with the Bills and his position needed to be filled. Defensively, the Cowboys added more pieces to its great defense by bringing on DT Christian Covington, DE Robert Quinn, and S George Iloka. These might be low key moves to some, but I think they will give the team much-needed depth. Depth will pay off over the course of the year.
When I think about this team overall, I think things will settle on how well Dak plays. And there’s no reason for him to do anything but that. The offense has a strong O-Line with (arguably) the best RB in the league. And Amari gives Dak a go-to receiver. The offense is balanced–a handful to handle–if new OC Kellen Moore schemes the right plays.
Overall, I expect the Cowboys to continue to be a run-heavy team that will win the time-of-possession battle week after week.
Defensively, one word describes the stop-troops: COMPLETE! The stars include Demarcus Lawrence, “White Wolf” Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Byron Jones, and up-and-comer, Chidobe Awuzie. Having a reliable defense means Dallas will be able to take more risks on offense.
So, all in all, I feel confident in predicting that the Dallas Cowboys will capture their first Super Bowl trophy in nearly a quarter-century! I say that because this team is built to win and win now.
Mark these words: by day’s end, February 2, the Lombardi Trophy will call Dallas home!
