Last season, the Cowboys took a big step forward offensively, but it didn’t show up in their record — they finished 8-8 and out of the playoff picture. They lost four games by four points or less and had six losses in one-score games, showing that they were better than their .500 record would indicate. They have the pieces in place to duplicate last year’s offensive success, and new head coach Mike McCarthy appears intent on letting that happen with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore retaining play-calling duties.
The key may be on the defensive side of the ball, as the secondary has some turnover and needs to complement the offense if Dallas is to compete in the NFC East.