The Dallas Cowboys posted the best record in the NFC last season, but fell short in the playoffs, losing the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round. This year, this group has major Super Bowl aspirations - and anything less than that will be a major disappointment for this group. However, for them to reach the biggest stage in sports, these five things have to happen:
1) Continue to rely on Ezekiel Elliott
As good as Dak Prescott was last year, he was able to flourish because he wasn't asked to carry the team. All he had to do was make the smart play, while Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys rushing attack did most of the heavy lifting. It's a winning formula Dallas found in 2014 with DeMarco Murray, and it's something they need to continue to do with a game-breaker like Zeke in the backfield. Don't be surprised if Ezekiel Elliott eclipses 2,000 yards this season.
2) Continued development from Dak Prescott
That said, the Cowboys need Prescott to continue to improve. The reigning Rookie of the Year set a number of records last year, but needs to get better - and more consistent - when it comes to reading defenses and driving the ball down the field. If he routinely makes opponents pay for focusing on the run, Dallas will be impossible to stop on offense.
3) Contributions from rookies in the secondary
The Cowboys lost cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in free agency, along with starting safety Barry Church, so they needed help in the secondary. They used their second and third round picks on Colorado cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis, respectively. Both are expected to play significant roles right away, and both need to.
The secondary was obviously a huge weakness, and now, they're relying on their rookies to step up and play at a championship level. How quickly they're able to do that will determine how successful the Cowboys will be.
4) Improved pass rush
Dallas ranked in the middle of the pack in sacks last season, but they didn't have a single player who had over six sacks. Owner Jerry Jones said he felt the Cowboys needed a "war daddy" who could consistently get after the quarterback, so they used their first round pick on Michigan's Taco Charlton, who they're hoping to turn into one.
On top of the production they're hoping Charlton will bring, Dallas is also counting on increased contributions from David Irving, who really became a force late in the season. If those two step up while Demarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford continue to produce, this unit could actually turn into a strength.
5) Win the NFC East
Getting the top seed in the NFC would be nice, but as we saw last year, that doesn't necessarily indicate a Super Bowl run. However, one thing that basically eliminates you from winning a title is being a wild card team. Only six wild card teams in NFL history have ever won a championship, and there has only been one (Packers, 2010) in the last 10 years. Winning the division ensures the Cowboys will have home-field advantage in at least one game, setting themselves up for the rest of the postseason.
Follow our Dallas Cowboys news page for all the latest Cowboys news!
Back to the Dallas Cowboys Newsfeed