NFL Power Rankings: Steelers rise and Texans fall flat in July
By Will Lomas
9. Dallas Cowboys (finished 17)
What I said at the end of last season:
"Like the Cleveland Browns, you just can’t help but feel disappointed in what we got from the Dallas Cowboys this year. Dak Prescott had a very good year and guys like Michael Gallup and Ezekiel Elliott did their best to keep this team afloat but it just wasn’t enough. Defensively, injuries to Leighton Vander Esch hurt as well as the regression of Jaylon Smith after getting paid. Demarcus Lawrence also struggled to hold up his end of the bargain after getting a big contract. The offensive line is fine, but not what it used to be and with a coaching change coming you can expect that this team may look different next year from style to composition."
Looking back:
To me, the Dallas Cowboys are what the Denver Broncos are in their wildest dreams. They have an arsenal of weapons that perfectly fit their quarterback and who are probably more talented than their signal-caller as well.
That is easy to take as a slight to Dak Prescott, but honestly how many quarterbacks in the NFL are more talented than a three-headed monster at wide receiver with Amari Cooper (5,000+ yards over his 5-year career), Michael Gallup (1,100 yards last year) and CeeDee Lamb (3,000+ yards over his 3-year college career)?
The offensive line isn’t what it used to be and people won’t tell you this, but Tyron Smith has missed 12 games over the last four seasons and he has failed to play a full season in 5 of 9 career years in the NFL.
Defensively they have bright spots and players who are up and down, and the success of their season likely comes down to the health of the LBs and the development of the DBs.