Everything seems to be falling right into place for this Dallas Cowboys team that has only reached the playoffs twice in the past eight years. This has many people asking, is this the Dallas Cowboys’ year? Dak Prescott is making his presence well known in the NFL for his rookie season, alongside teammate Ezekiel Elliott, who has only rushed for fewer than 130 yards in three games through Week Eight. The Cowboys now sit at 6-1 and are in first place in the NFC. It is time to start thinking that this team could make it deep into the playoffs, and perhaps win their first Super Bowl since 1996.
Is This the Dallas Cowboys’ Year?
Taking a Look at the Team’s Weaknesses
Last Sunday, the Cowboys lost two key defensive players late in the game. Safety Barry Church fractured his forearm and cornerback Morris Claiborne left the game with what appeared to be a groin injury. Claiborne is now facing surgery and could miss significant time on injured reserve. These two injuries further damage the Dallas defense. Now, the Cowboys’ defense is not terrible; in fact, it’s statistics look good on paper. However, this is the one area Dallas needs to improve, and there are already trade rumors flying around about them searching for some new defensive talent.
The only other thing to worry about is Dak Prescott. Don’t get me wrong, the youngster has been great all season. He stepped right into the role and has done an excellent job filling in for Tony Romo. The one thing that catches your eye though, is his passing yards.
The Cowboys are ranked 19th in the league for passing yards per game. Obviously this is because Ezekiel Elliott has been tearing it up game after game. But, if you take him out of the equation, what are you left with? The Cowboys’ receivers have only accounted for only nine touchdowns this season, which puts them at 18th in the league. Those are not championship numbers. The key to going deep into the playoffs this year is keeping Elliott healthy.
Why the Cowboys Could Win it All
This team is 6-1 and has not lost since the first game of the season. This team leads the entire league in rushing yards and no defense has been able to figure Elliott out yet. I know I said Prescott could be a weakness, but if everything goes as well as it has so far, there should not be a problem. He has easily been a top ten quarterback so far and his season is similar to that of Tom Brady‘s rookie year so far. Through seven games Brady had 1,319 passing yards and ten touchdowns. Prescott, through seven, has 1,773 yards and nine touchdowns.
The final reason the Dallas Cowboys will make it to at least the NFC Championship is very simple. This is the most well-rounded team in the NFL. At the head of the team you have a young, strong quarterback who is ready to lead. At running back you have Elliott, who is on track to break the rookie record for single season rushing yards. A receiving core led by two time Pro Bowl selection Dez Bryant cannot hurt either, and this isn’t even to mentioning the best offensive line in the NFL, and a progressing defense. This team has everything a Super Bowl team needs.
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