With nearly two decades as a journalist and sports fanatic, there is one thing I’ve learned, the Dallas Cowboys are unpredictable; to say the least! As with many Dallas Cowboy fans, I’ve been tormented and mentally abused for nearly three decades on a roller coaster that leads to disappointment. But a new frontier seems to be on the horizon. With the Dallas Cowboys in position as the favorites to win the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles seem to be the only true contender that may pose cause for concern. As a matter of fact, industry insiders pick the Cowboys as the ninth favorite team in the NFL to win Super Bowl LVII with odds of +1920.
Coming out of training camp in Oxnard, California, one thing is apparent, the Dallas Cowboys are reloaded with a more improved defense and explosive weapons on the offensive end. Improvements to the defensive side of the ball include the addition of Anthony Barr at linebacker and a vengeful Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parson who states his claim as the most dominant in the game. Add playmakers DeMarcus Lawrence and Trevon Diggs, the defense promises to be even better than the league leading squad from a year ago. While falling short last season in the Wild Card Round to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys understand that the expectations are elevated. Coach Mike McCarthy understands that the pressure to get over the mountain relies strongly on the defensive end of the ball. The Dallas Cowboys defense was plus+12 in the takeaway battle in 2021; however, the rush defense was dismal.
The Dallas Cowboys are optimistic regarding the rush defense coming out of camp. Starting with the D-line, the Cowboys are returning tackles Neville Gallimore, Trysten Hill, Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna which will beef up the front. With a solid linebacker core which returns Leighton Vander Esch, Michael Barr, and of course Micah Parson, the overall infrastructure of the homebase has continuity and battle tested experience. The perimeter no-fly zone will fall in the hands of Malik Hooker, Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown and Jayron Kearse, leaving DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstong as the clean-up men! A defense that shouldn’t allow over 20 points on a bad night. Not a bad lineup for a team that lost defensive end Randy Gregory and La’el Collins, and left guard Connor Williams.
With an explosive offense that ranked 4th in the league under total efficiency, Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore has more than enough firepower to have the league shaking in their boots. Although key contributors, such as Amari Cooper from the 2021 season are no longer on the roster, the Cowboys were able to replace power with additions of Jason Peters from the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Tolbert at wide receiver, and offensive tackle Tyler Smith. The skilled position players are pretty much intact, running back Ezekiel Elliot is set to have a breakout year after two consecutive sub-par seasons by Zeke terms, along with faithful sidekick Tony Pollard. With over 11k passing yards and 75+ touchdowns in the past three seasons, quarterback Dak Prescott is in position to finally push through the pitfalls that have snaked the Cowboys for seasons. Some call it an unlucky break; however, the string of misfortune freak accidents at crunch time seem to be a thing of the past.
One common theme plagued the Cowboys in 2021; in their losses, the offense never managed to score more than 25 points. Totally unacceptable for an offense that ranked in the top 5 in every offensive category. With special packages designed for Tony Pollard and CeeDee Lamb, in addition to three tall bulky tight ends, the options for Kellen Moore are endless. Dak Prescott should have a field day slicing up opposing sets like a surgeon. The key is to maximize the team to gain the advantage over whatever obstacles a defensive coordinator can possibly conjure. With a full time personal trainer, “I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been in… one, just because of my movement”, Dak Prescott said via the Cowboy’s official website. The oohs and ahhs were loud and clear when the Cowboys failed to retain the services of Amari Cooper; however, the pathway was set in stone for CeeDee Lamb, and he’s excited for the opportunity to show that he is the best wide receiver in the league.
The tight end situation was one that came with a cloud of confusion and adversity; however, after the dust settled, it looked like a solid core. Veteran Dalton Schultz finally signed the franchise tag which at least secures his position with the team for the 2022 season. As a good insurance policy, the Cowboys drafted Jake Ferguson in the fourth round from the Wisconsin Badgers and undrafted Peyton Herdershot from Indiana. It seems like the stars are aligning for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Star of the show may not be on either offense or defense, but rather from the special teams. The Cowboys added the always reliable Brett Maher, who had an amazing 88.9 field goal percentage in 2021. Add the services of the explosive, always on, KaVontae Turpin as returner, any game could be changed by six points in the blink of an eye. Crowned the MVP of the USFL’s inaugural season, KaVontae is a offensive juggernaut that can serve as a returner and wide receiver posting unbelievable speed and ability. Fresh off a stint with the New Jersey Generals, KaVontae led the USFL with over 500 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Overall, KaVontae averaged 15 yards per attempt. A much needed addition after losing primary returner Cedrick Wilson and CeeDee Lamb moving into the #1 receiver position. Needless to say, John Fassel and assistant special teams coach Rayna Stewart combine for 24 years of creativity that will surely prove itself entering their third season with the Dallas Cowboys.
So here are the Top 10 Reasons why the Dallas Cowboys will represent the NFC in 2023 Super Bowl (In no particular order of Greatness)
TOP 10 REASONS WHY THE DALLAS COWBOYS WILL WIN THE NFC EAST
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Brett Maher (Kicker)
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Micah Parsons (On a Rampage)
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Signing of Jason Peters
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Ezekiel Elliott (will break his own rushing records)
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CeeDee Lamb (MVP)
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Dak is Back and Healthy
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Coach Moore will be a head coach candidate
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KaVonte Turpin (Special Teams Extraordinaire)
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Explosive power on offense and defense
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The Stars have aligned! It’s Sho-time!!
Tell Jerry Jones, I need (2) tickets to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Feb. 12, 2023 LVII #CowboyNationBound23
