Outlook on the 2020 Dallas Cowboys

by Zachjojojones | 6 years ago | 2 Comments

Keys to the Offense:

There is no secret that the offense goes as Zeke Elliott goes. However, if the Cowboys want to get to where they aspire to be which word around the media is more than one playoff game, Dak Prescott and Michael Gallup will have to return to their 2018 form where Gallup led the league in receiving yards and took home offensive rookie of the year. As long as the star-studded offensive line can stay healthy, they have a good chance to get back to the playoffs for the 3^rd consecutive year. Zeke was in the mix for top rushing yards until coach Dale had to take a leave of absence for 3 weeks, he still finished top 5 in rushing yards with 1576 and 18 total tds. Also adding 450 yards through air.

Departures

Offensively, the Cowboys lost wide receivers Allen Hurns who contributed 32/550/7 stat line in 2019 and wide receiver Terrance Williams, who saw his role decline immensely when coach Dale took over, chipping in a 11/124/2 line in 2 years under the new head coach. They also lost running back Charcandrick West who was primarily a kick returner but saw very few touches on offense.

Additions

 The Cowboys bolstered their receiving core by adding Denzel Wooten and Morgan Terrell through the draft and brought in Laquon Treadwell and former Cowboys draft pick Ryan Switzer through free agency. They finally added a number one tight end in Austin Seferian-Jenkins from the Jets. They’ve had minimal production from that position ever since the hall of famer Jason Witten retired before the 2018 season. Dak is still looking for a favorite target within his receiving core. The Cowboys signed scatback Chris Thompson from Washington for kick and punt returns. He can also be utilized  to also have him in various receiving downs, as Zeke will be the bell cow and Jeremey Hill will be his handcuff, should anything happen to Zeke.

Keys to the Defense:

The Cowboys have young talent everywhere on defense, and it starts with the linebacker tandem of Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Although they were both out of the lineup with various injuries at different times, they still put up respectable numbers. Jaylon Smith had 50 tackles to go along with 2 QB tackles and 3 interceptions. LVE had 34 tackles, 5 QB tackles and 4 interceptions. He split time with veteran linebacker Sean Lee who gathered 55 tackles 1 QB tackle, 5 FF and 1 INT who just resigned for 2 years. The defensive line played lights out with 3 players having double digit QB tackles. (Demarcus Lawrence 19, David Irving 14 and Taco Charlton 14) The defensive line has crazy depth with sophomore end Taz Harding and 3^rd year pro Dorance Armstrong jr, who have both had limited roles so far in their young careers. Randy Gregory and Maliek Collins are now veterans who know their roles and contribute when starters go down.  The defensive backs are the weakest of a very strong group. 4^th year safety Xavier Woods led the team in tackles (69) and interceptions (5) one of which he returned for a touchdown. Slot corner Jourdan Lewis had an outstanding season posting 4 interceptions and 50 tackles. His draft class mate Chidobe Awuzie had 3 interceptions all of which he returned for touchdowns. These 3 need to take their game to the next level if this defense wants to be for real. They’re all in contract years and will need to be at the top of their game if they wish to get paid. Byron Jones had a tremendous start to the 2019 season, but it was shortened due to injury. He was replaced by rookie safety Aundrey Brooks and Maurice Alexander who filled in nicely in his absence.

Departures

The Cowboys cut defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford as he carried a 6 million cap hit, with his 2019 season hampered by injury and declining stats the writing was on the wall for the long time Cowboy. Other than depth at linebacker (Ramik Wilson and Joe Thomas) and veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick the Cowboys retained most of their main starters and players. The trio of players mentioned combined for only 20 tackles and 1 QB tackle.

Additions

In the second round of the draft they added linebacker Tre Munnerlyn out of Ohio State who is projected to play a backup/ special teams’ role with the team in his rookie year. Eventually they will want him to replace Sean Lee as the third linebacker in the 43 packages. The Cowboys biggest free agent acquisition was former Pro Bowler Muhammad Wilkerson, he will come in and add to an already strong defensive line. They also brought back Cory Littleton (on the team last year) and Morris Claiborne (former 1^st round pick of the Cowboys) for depth at their respective positions.

Players to lookout for:

Morgan Terrell was a 3^rd round pick for Dallas in this year’s draft. Standing 6’4 227 the receiver out of BYU had an outstanding training camp and has played well in the preseason. He’s pushed 1^st round pick Denzell Wooten for a starting job. Not to mention Ryan Switzer, Amara Darboh and Laquon Treadwell also battling for that 3^rd receiver slot. Assuming Michael Gallup and Duke Williams will fill the 1 and 2 roles. At least one of these players won’t make the roster depending on how many WR’s they plan to carry.

Taco Charlton played second fiddle to Dlaw last season, but he’s poised for a career year. He’s developed nicely over the last two seasons putting up 15 and 14 QB tackles respectively. Taco is also in a contract year; even though all signs point towards him staying the Dallas. I’m sure he’d like to prove his worth this season alongside Dlaw. He has former 1^st round pick Taz Harding waiting for his chance to get into a starting role, in very few snaps last season Harding showed flashes of potential racking up a pair of QB tackles.

Rumors swirled around the Cowboys during the draft about the club potentially taking a QB in the first round to compete with Dak Prescott. Earl Elliott out of Clemson was a highly scouted QB who was available by the time Dallas was on the clock. By passing on him the Cowboys are putting faith into their QB even though he’s thrown for 7432 yards and 62 tds compared to 69 interceptions over the last 2 years, they reupped him for 5 years 61-million-dollar contract. The Cowboys are hoping they don’t regret that decision. At the end of the day if Dak can keep the turnovers down Dallas will be in for a deep playoff run.