There is good news and there is bad news for the Dallas Cowboys as they look to get back to the postseason after sitting out the festivities last year. The good news is that Ezekiel Elliott should be around for a full season, and that makes the offense much better. The bad news is that the passing game took a big hit with the retirement of Jason Witten and the release of Dez Bryant. The Boys won nine games last season, and if they get the 2016 Dak Prescott instead of the 2017 version, that number is well within reach this year.
Dallas Cowboys Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Cowboys Over 8.5 Wins -107
Dallas Cowboys Under 8.5 Wins -113
2018 Dallas Cowboys Offense Preview
Prescott is the offensive leader, but the Cowboys will rely on Elliott for production. And they’ll need to be able to run the football while working on a resolution to the loss of Witten and Bryant. Prescott saw his numbers fade across the board in his sophomore season while the interceptions increased, and that’s not what a quarterback wants.
A lot of Dak’s difficulties coincided with the absence of Elliott, who served a six-game suspension in the middle of last season. The Cowboys had problems scoring without Zeke and a three-game losing streak all but sealed their fate as a non-playoff team. But the offense should be just fine. Elliott will get his touches and likely lead the NFL in rushing. And let’s not forget that Prescott is only in his third season. The consistency will come and the wins will follow.
The line lost some of its shine last year and will look to get back to being the dominant unit from 2016 and a healthy Tyron Smith helps. But the big concern is finding the right mix of pass catchers. Witten and Bryant combined for 1,683 receptions, 19,907 and 141 touchdowns in their careers. Prescott will have the likes of Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin and draft pick Michael Gallup to throw the ball to.
2018 Dallas Cowboys Defense Preview
All the talk during camp has been about the Cowboys offense with the guys on the other side of the football getting overlooked. And there’s a reason: the group has the personnel to be really good. The Cowboys entered last season looking for their disruptive pass rusher, but that guy was already on the roster. Demarcus Lawrence had a breakout season with 14.5 sacks, the second-most in the league.
There is a different look in the secondary and it remains to be seen if the group is any better. The loss of Anthony Hinchens is a blow to the linebackers, but top pick Leighton Vander Esche will be a difference maker. Sean Lee is the leader of the group and the Cowboys would greatly benefit from a season of good health from their captain, who’s missed 42 regular season games in his career to an assortment of ailments. The Cowboys were decent last year and with added depth and younger legs in the secondary, they could be even better in 2018.
2018 Dallas Cowboys Schedule Analysis
As it turned out the schedule was quite favorable last season and the Boys got just nine wins. The South Division from both conferences cycles around this year and those are some difficult matchups. The NFC South could be the toughest division in the NFL with three teams reaching the postseason last year. The Boys get last year’s top two teams from the AFC South at home with Jacksonville and Tennessee visiting.
The matchups within the NFC East also figure to be more intense. The Giants have improved, on paper at least, and the Redskins probably won’t be torn apart by injuries like they were last season. The bye week comes right in the middle of the schedule and the Cowboys have no lengthy road trips. A two-game trip in November is the longest, and that’s followed by a three-game homestand.
The Final Verdict
Getting Prescott back to the form that won him Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 will not only get the Cowboys over the projected win total, it will also put them in the running for the NFC East title. There are concerns over the group that lost Tony Romo last year and Witten and Bryant this offseason. But it’s Dak’s team now and I expect him to run with it.
Elliott ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season, and he missed six games. The offense is in good hands and the defense has the potential to be one of the best. There have been questions about the coaching ability of Jason Garrett and he’s likely the only thing that can prevent the Boys from surpassing their projected win total.
NFL Odds: Dallas Cowboys Over 8.5 Wins
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