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Unfettered Optimism Pt.2- Why 2019 Could Be Special for the Cowboys

Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire

Unfettered Optimism Pt.2- Why 2019 Could Be Special for the Cowboys

This Roster is Deep in the Trenches

In 2016 the expression “the great wall of Dallas” found new life. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot was averaging over 5 YPA behind a massive barricade of humanity. Since then, injuries across the offensive line have left the wall looking more like a fence.

However, after some draft attention, recovery time for players such as Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, and fortuitous development of defensive pieces; Dallas is looking deep in the trenches.

Offensive TackleDefensive TackleGuardDefensive End
Tyron SmithMaliek CollinsZack MartinDemarcus Lawrence
La'el Collins Tyrone CrawfordConnor WilliamsRobert Quinn
Cameron FlemingTrysten HillConnor McGovernJoe Jackson
*Connor Williams*?Daniel RossXavier Su'a-FiloTaco Charlton
Antwaun WoodsDorance Armstrong

The Cowboys are in an excellent situation regarding their defensive line, and with the addition of Connor McGovern and a healthy Travis Frederick worries about the OL’s interior strength should subside.

         Dak Prescott has Receivers that Fit his Game

When your franchise quarterback doesn’t excel in throwing receivers open, you have to find a receiver that excels in getting open himself.

Second-year Cowboy Amari Cooper does just that. Averaging just over 4.6 yards of separation per route, Cooper gets open more than virtually everyone in the league. Couple Cooper with free agent acquisition Randall Cobb out of the slot and Prescott has an excellent high-low combination to work with (for more on Cobb’s game click here).

The Element of Surprise

Dallas may have the element of surprise for the first time in years, nobody is quite sure what new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will change about a traditionally predictable offense. The Cowboys are playing the details close to the vest, but all signs point to change in big D. The front office is excited about what Moore is bringing to the table, and an influx of youth into the coaching staff could prove to be just what the Cowboys needed.

When asked about Moore and his potential impact, Stephen Jones said the following via team writer Rob Phillip:

“That’s certainly the way we’re set up. We have a lot of confidence in Kellen. We also love our staff. It’s a good young staff. I think someone pointed out we’ve got four former quarterbacks on the staff between Jason, (tight ends coach Doug) Nuss(meier), (new quarterbacks coach Jon) Kitna and Kellen. I think that’s a good thing when you’re talking about offensive football.”

Whatever Moore decides to do, he has the depth, versatility, and resources necessary to get the job done. While success in the always difficult NFC is never a guarantee, Cowboys fans have every right to be excited about 2019.

 

 

 

Staff writer and podcast host covering the Dallas Cowboys | Spreading my slightly biased sports opinions with anyone wise enough to listen.

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