{"id":120466,"date":"2021-08-30T23:03:37","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T03:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=120466"},"modified":"2021-08-31T21:15:55","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T01:15:55","slug":"2021-dallas-cowboys-keys-to-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/08\/30\/2021-dallas-cowboys-keys-to-success\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 Dallas Cowboys Keys to Success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cowboys\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Cowboys<\/a> 2021 season include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/P\/PresDa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dak Prescott<\/a>\u2019s health, improved offensive line play, and getting off the field on third down.<\/p>\n<h2>2021 Dallas Cowboys Keys to Success<\/h2>\n<h3>Key #1: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/P\/PresDa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dak Prescott<\/a>\u2019s Health<\/h3>\n<p>Prescott\u2019s health is the first key to success for the 2021 season. Prescott has been healthy throughout his career until week five of 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/R\/RyanLo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Ryan<\/a> tackled Prescott on a rollout, resulting in an ankle dislocation and fracture. Once Prescott suffered the injury the Cowboys season was officially lost. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/D\/DaltAn00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andy Dalton<\/a> and company made a valiant effort, but they were unable to right the ship. Dallas finished 6-10, missing the playoffs.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Dak Prescott going through team drills today <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/bVc0HhQbF0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/bVc0HhQbF0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jonmachota\/status\/1431647497294856201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 28, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;10120&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3>Key #2: Offensive Line<\/h3>\n<p>The offensive line is the bread and butter of this Dallas Cowboys team. Ever since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=JoneJe23,JoneJe22&amp;search=Jerry+Jones&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jerry Jones<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SmitTy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyron Smith<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MartZa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zack Martin<\/a>, the offensive juggernaut is expected to pave the way for another massive season for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/E\/ElliEz00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ezekiel Elliott<\/a>. The line is also tasked with keeping Prescott upright and healthy so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/CoopAm00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amari Cooper<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/L\/LambCe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CeeDee Lamb<\/a> can shred opposing secondaries.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Key #3: Getting Off the Field<\/h3>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GallNe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Neville Gallimore<\/a>\u2019s injury. Demarcus Lawrence is the lone bright spot on the defensive line.<\/p>\n<p>The Cowboys secondary is poor, to say the least. With recent departures like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JoneBy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Byron Jones<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/A\/AwuzCh00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chidobe Awuzie<\/a>, Dallas is left to rely on less reliable players. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/D\/DiggTr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevon Diggs<\/a> is the strongest player in the Cowboys secondary. This unit is likely to struggle, but playing in the NFC East against quarterbacks like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HurtJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Hurts<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JoneDa05.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Jones<\/a> might mask some of the poor secondary play.<\/p>\n<p>The Cowboys linebackers are the best aspect of this defense. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SmitJa05.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylon Smith<\/a> has struggled mightily this preseason but is still a value at middle linebacker. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/V\/VandLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leighton Vander Esch<\/a> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/P\/ParsMi00.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Micah Parsons<\/a>. Parsons should help to anchor this defense and help the Cowboys get crucial stops.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith on critics: &#39;Michael Jordan, LeBron James had criticism. Some of the best players in the world have criticism.&#39;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/XqqvJfYa7q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/XqqvJfYa7q<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fmfHOqCdsk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/fmfHOqCdsk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AroundTheNFL\/status\/1431230486622343169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 27, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Main Image:<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"QZ0qJtYLRFBPk_Z9QwSKZw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/1234803165\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'QZ0qJtYLRFBPk_Z9QwSKZw',sig:'G2lYw_-3kNTIVFnQFECUB_9mZ02jmvLivaH3vgygfg8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1234803165',caption: true ,tld:'ca',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read about the 2021 Dallas Cowboys keys to success: Dak Prescott&#8217;s health, Offensive Line Play, and getting off the field on third down.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3737,"featured_media":120570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19,6431],"tags":[302,7422,258,1235],"class_list":["post-120466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cowboys","category-nfl-teams","tag-dak-prescott","tag-dallas-cowboys-news","tag-ezekiel-elliott","tag-tyron-smith"],"modified_by":"Alexander Haynes, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3737"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=120466"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120466\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}