Key Additions: DE Cedric Thornton, RB Alfred Morris, OLB Benson Mayowa, C Joe Looney
Key Subtractions: G Mackenzy Bernadeau, QB Matt Cassel, DE Greg Hardy, DE Jeremy Mincey, S Danny McCray, FB Tyler Clutts, DT Nick Hayden, WR Donte Foster
Strengths
It’s going to be fun watching Dallas’ running backs explode out of the backfield. The Cowboys have a deep set of running backs this season with rookie Ezekiel Elliott expected to start. Elliot will be in front of Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris in the depth chart. Of course, the Cowboys’ ground attack will be counting on the team’s sturdy offensive line, regarded by many as the best in the NFL in run blocking. Last season, the Cowboys ranked ninth in the league in rushing yards per game with 118.1. Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick , and Zack Martin give Tony Romo and the backfield three offensive line pieces that might be on their way to All-Pro selections at season’s end.
Weaknesses
Dallas’ secondary last season was a metaphor for Greg Hardy’s girlfriend—it was always beaten up. Per Profootballfocus.com, the Cowboys’ secondary this year will feature three players that allowed 14 touchdowns last season. The mess the secondary had last season was partially attributed to the season-long absence of Orlando Scandrick, who ripped two ligaments in his right knee prior to the 2015 campaign. Scandrick could return soon but who knows what’s left of him following those injuries.
Key Player – Ezekiel Elliott
With how his body has fared over the past few seasons, it’s a fair assessment that Tony Romo playing a whole season is no guarantee. Elliott should be able to take away a lot of the opposing teams’ defensive focus on Romo as the former Ohio State rusher is expected to flourish behind a stout offensive line. In three seasons playing for the Buckeyes, Elliot compiled 3,961rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, which includes the 23 he forced feed opponents in 2015.
Key Game – at Pittsburgh (November 13)
How’s this for a test for Dallas’ secondary? The Steelers have one of the best air attack pieces led by the combo of Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown. Dallas won’t have lack of firepower, however. Tony Romo can still wing it and an improved backfield should give the Steelers’ D a run for their money, too.
2015 Team Stats
Category
Stat (Rank)
Points per game
17.2 (#31)
Passing yards per game
23.4 (#16)
Rushing yards per game
118.0 (#9)
Scoring defense
217.0 (#27)
Writer’s Prediction
The Cowboys win the NFC East on +180 odds with a 10-6 record.
