Dallas is primed to have a great season after 2020 was lost to injury. If the Boys in Blue want to get back to the playoffs, it will be a team effort on both sides of the ball. The three keys to success for the Dallas Cowboys 2021 season include Dak Prescott’s health, improved offensive line play, and getting off the field on third down.
2021 Dallas Cowboys Keys to Success
Key #1: Dak Prescott’s Health
Prescott’s health is the first key to success for the 2021 season. Prescott has been healthy throughout his career until week five of 2020. Logan Ryan tackled Prescott on a rollout, resulting in an ankle dislocation and fracture. Once Prescott suffered the injury the Cowboys season was officially lost. Andy Dalton and company made a valiant effort, but they were unable to right the ship. Dallas finished 6-10, missing the playoffs.
Dak Prescott going through team drills today pic.twitter.com/bVc0HhQbF0
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 28, 2021
Prescott is starting the season on the wrong foot with his shoulder injury. During practice earlier in the preseason, the quarterback heaved a hail mary without properly warming up first. Prescott suffered a shoulder strain, landing him on the IL for most of the preseason. His ankle injury could result in overcompensation about his torso or throwing his shoulder to fire the ball down the field. If Prescott has nagging injuries pile up, Dallas could be staring down another difficult season in the improved NFC East.
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Key #2: Offensive Line
The offensive line is the bread and butter of this Dallas Cowboys team. Ever since Jerry Jones began stacking up offensive linemen. The line in Dallas is aging rapidly preceding a rebuild. For now, Dallas has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Led by Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the offensive juggernaut is expected to pave the way for another massive season for Ezekiel Elliott. The line is also tasked with keeping Prescott upright and healthy so Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb can shred opposing secondaries.
Both Smith and Martin missed time last season with injuries. The core of this offensive line will have to stay healthy if they are to return to form as one of the best units in the NFL. When the line plays well, Dallas plays well. The offensive line is perhaps the biggest key to success for the 2021 season.
Key #3: Getting Off the Field
The Dallas Cowboys defense is among one of the worst units in football this season. Dallas has a poor defensive line which has only gotten worse since Neville Gallimore’s injury. Demarcus Lawrence is the lone bright spot on the defensive line.
The Cowboys secondary is poor, to say the least. With recent departures like Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie, Dallas is left to rely on less reliable players. Trevon Diggs is the strongest player in the Cowboys secondary. This unit is likely to struggle, but playing in the NFC East against quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones might mask some of the poor secondary play.
The Cowboys linebackers are the best aspect of this defense. Jaylon Smith has struggled mightily this preseason but is still a value at middle linebacker. Leighton Vander Esch is returning on what will be a contract year. The former Boise St. Bronco will be looking to prove himself and earn a big extension. The player most fans are excited about is Micah Parsons. Parsons should help to anchor this defense and help the Cowboys get crucial stops.
Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith on critics: 'Michael Jordan, LeBron James had criticism. Some of the best players in the world have criticism.'https://t.co/XqqvJfYa7q pic.twitter.com/fmfHOqCdsk
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 27, 2021
With the poor defense, Dallas needs to get off the field on third down. The strength of this team is the offense, and when the defense has an opportunity it will have to capitalize to avoid turning every week into a shootout. The defense will not be one to shut other teams down or pitch shutouts, but getting off the field on situational third downs will give the ball back to this high-octane offense and give the Cowboys the clearest path to the playoffs.
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