Our NFC Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 predictions see fine potential in this team. This Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 notes that over the past five seasons, the Cowboys have been to the playoffs three times. In each of those seasons, they posted double-digit wins. However, in that time, they never took down the conference title, forget about making it to the Super Bowl. This is a young team with a lot of talent and a coach, Jason Garrett (79-62 Overall, 2-3 Postseason), who’s under a lot of pressure. Garrett is in his ninth full season and has yet to win a NFC championship. This football team must excel in 2019 for Garret to hold onto his job.
Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 – Team
As noted, the Cowboys are young and exceptionally talented. First-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, former NFL backup quarterback with the Lions and Cowboys, is the youngest OC in the league. The 30-year-old will have to get results immediately. This side of the ball certainly has some questions in the receiving ranks. However, the O-line, running backs, and quarterback are all solid.
Dallas – Offense
Last season, Dallas was ranked 22nd (343.8 YPG) in total offense in the NFL, with the rushing game coming in at 10th (122.7 YPG). Our Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 notes that their passing game was 23rd (221.1 YPG) and scoring came in 22nd (21.2 PPG). Their third-down conversion rate of 41% (T-10th) was solid, while their red zone TD rate of 51.8% ranked them 26th. However, their O-line allowed 56 sacks, which was 31st in the league.
Since 2016, QB Dak Prescott (526 ATT, 356 COMP, 3,885 YDs, 22 TDs, 8 INTs) is 32-16 as a starter. Over that time, his passer rating is 96.0. In his first three seasons, Prescott has notched 14 game-winning drives. He’s solid in the clutch. Veteran wideout Randall Cobb (38 REC, 10.1 AVG, 2 TDs) arrives from Green Bay to join Amari Cooper (53 REC, 13.7 AVG, 6 TDs) and Michael Gallup (33 REC, 15.4 AVG, 2 TDs). The rush attack includes one of the best running backs in the league, Ezekiel Elliot (304 ATT, 1,434 YDs, 4.7 AVG, 6 TDs). Elliot, who has massive power and is always a breakaway threat, was also the team’s top receiver with 77 catches. He had three receiving TDs. The O-line is solid and deep. Included are RG Zack Martin, LT Tyron Smith, and center Travis Frederick.
Cowboys – Defense
The defense is the true strength of this football team. In the NFL last season, they were ranked seventh in overall yards allowed (329.3 YPG) and fifth versus the run (94.6 YPG). Their 234.7 YPG came in 13th, while points allowed averaged 20.2 per game (6th). The Cowboys’ D tied 16th in sacks (39), tied 26th in interceptions (9), and 12th in turnover differential (+3).
Our Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 notes that the frontline and linebackers are solid, while the secondary has question marks. The D-line is led by Pro-Bowler end DeMarcus Lawrence who led the team with 10.5 sacks last season. The rest of the line is sound and deep. The linebacking unit includes the two top tacklers on the team, MLB Jaylon Smith (121) and OLB Leighton Vander Esch (140). The Dallas defensive backs are thin and the biggest concern on this team. Last season, two players snagged two picks and five took in one each.
Special Teams
The return game was weak last year, as the Cowboys were 31st in punt returns and 20th in kickoffs. Running back Tony Pollard comes to the NFL from Memphis and should help on returns. This Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 notes that Brett Maher (32-33 XP, 29-36 FGs) replaced vet Dan Bailey and hit a long of 62 yards. Last season, punter Chris Jones (60 Punts, 44.5 AVG, 39.6 NET, 17 In20) did a fine job posting just two touchbacks.
Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 – Prediction
The Cowboys need to produce on the offensive side of the ball, and their defense must find a secondary that will perform consistently. The offensive line must do a better job of protecting the quarterback. At the same time, we don’t expect the defensive backs to be much improved. Our Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 projects this football team as, once again, being competitive in the NFC East. This team has the potential to notch double-digit wins and take down the division.
Our Ratings
- Quarterbacks – 7.5
- Running Backs – 8.0
- Receivers – 7.0
- Offensive Linemen – 8.5
- Defensive Linemen – 8.0
- Linebackers – 8.5
- Secondary – 6.5
- Special Teams – 7.5
- Coaching – 7.0
Dallas Cowboys Preview 2019 Projected Finish
Dallas Cowboys First in NFC East
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