Written by @jeffjagoe – SportsChain Managing Editor
Dallas Cowboys – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis
Keeping Optimistic
The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2017 season with high hopes to continue where they left off. In 2016, the Cowboys really turned things around after an atrocious year following the loss of Tony Romo. Dallas landed 2 star rookie's, QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliot that carried the team to 13-3 to win the NFC East. Unfortunately for the Cowboy's, Elliot faces a 6-game suspension from the league that could put a damper on their power run game. Dallas will try their best to remain optimistic and win games to stay on top of the charts before the return of Zeke. They will face off with their division rivals, the New York Giants in Week 1.
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The Cowboys had a fairly long list of player departures over the off-season. Below is a list of some of the key personnel Dallas dished aside.
Player Losses
Defense
S - Barry Church
S - JJ Wilcox
CB - Morris Claiborne
CB - Brandon Carr
DT - Terrell McCain
DE - Ryan Davis
DE Jack Crawford
Offense
T Ronald Leary
RB Lance Dunbar
QB Tony Tomo
QB Mark Sanchez
TE Gavin Escobar
As you can see, the Cowboys secondary took a big hit over the off-season. The new players will need to pick up Ron Marinelli's defensive schemes quickly. It will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the Giants nifty receiving core in Week 1.
Running Back Addition: Ronnie Hillman
It will be a trio of backs pitching in to salvage the Cowboys run game during Ezekiel Elliot's suspension. Alfred Morris seems to be first in line for carries, but Darren McFadden is not far behind. With a stout offensive line like the Dallas Cowboys, these temporary running-backs could put up some solid numbers until Zeke finds his way back to the playing field. A third back came into the picture over the off-season when the Cowboy's signed the always battered Ronnie Hillman. If he can remain healthy and play to his full potential, he might be able to see some snaps come his way.
2017 Draft Picks
Taco Charlton - DE - Michigan - 1st Round
Chidobe Awuzi - CB - Colorado - 2nd Round
Jourdan Lewis - CB - Michigan - 3rd Round
Ryan Switzer - WR - Michigan - 4th Round
Xavier Woods - S - Louisiana Tech - 6th Round
Marquez White - CB - Florida State - 6th Round
As you can tell by the picks above, the Cowboys were certainly interested in building their defense during the 2017 draft. They took Taco Charlton with their first round pick in an attempt to bolster the pass rush. Four of the next five picks for the Cowboys were aimed at improving the secondary. After losing 4 d-backs over the off-season it was smart of the Cowboys to take some young corners in the draft.
Marching Onward
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys look to carry their winning ways into the 2017 season. The first few games will be a bit of a test without Zeke, but with a strong o-line it looks like the Cowboys are poised for another successful year. Prescott has little to improve upon after a dynamic Rookie season, he just has to hope he doesn't fall victim to the infamous sophomore slump.
Dallas Cowboys Website: http://www.dallascowboys.com/
Thanks for reading!
-- @jeffjagoe --
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32 Teams in 32 Days - Countdown to the NFL Season
Day 1 - Oakland Raiders
Day 2 - San Francisco 49ers
Day 3 - Kansas City Chiefs
Day 4 - New York Jets
Day 5 - Atlanta Falcons
Day 6 - Green Bay Packers
Day 7 - Minnesota Vikings
Cowboys have the best OL in football. So even with Elliot out for 6 games, I feel like the running back situation will still be strong because of the depth (McFadden, Morris, Hillman). I see them going 11-5. Giants win the NFC East
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Nice prediction! I think the Giants will be great this year too
~ @jeffjagoe ~
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Looking forward to your analysis on the NY Giants
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Coming soon! Thanks for following
~@jeffjagoe~
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