Will 2020 see the Dallas Cowboys Bounce Back?

In this series we will be looking at teams who had meaningful off seasons and have improved the their roster enough to have a chance of performing significantly better in the 2020 season than they did in 2019. We will take a look at who they have cut, traded or let leave as well as who they added in free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft. Next up are the Dallas Cowboys, who will be hoping 2020 sees their final record will closer reflect their level of play on the field.

In these uncertain times, franchises have been unable to fully utilise their resources as they normally would, both in free agency and pre-draft. After three immense days in the commissioner’s man cave, the general managers and head coaches have pretty much completed their rosters for the immediate future. This closed season period has offered up some major shocks and surprises. Some top NFL stars are yet to find a new home, Franchise tags have been put in place on players that teams can’t live without and we have seen some blockbuster trades along the way.

Cee Dee'z Playoffs

Sitting at pick 17 of the first round, Jerry Jones made a bold move by taking potentially the best of a very good WR class. Dallas were not expected to take a pass catcher so early, but Lamb’s talent was too much for the Cowboys to pass up. Randall Cobb’s departure to the Texans after only one season means that there is an opening for a third receiver in this offense, and the former Oklahoma Sooner completes arguably the best receiving core in the league. Coming to the lone star state off the back of two 1000-plus yard and double-digit touchdown seasons, Lamb could be the ingredient that was missing from the Cowboys pot to take them to the playoffs and beyond.

Dallas Departures

In less than 2 days the Cowboys lost four starters on the defensive side of the ball, in Robert Quinn, Maliek Collins, Jeff Health and most notably Byron Jones. Losing those four players is a massive whack for the Cowboys defensively and became a significant area of focus, should they be looking to improve next season. They were then dealt a hammer blow, as five-time Pro Bowl Centre Travis Fredrick retired, leaving Joe Looney in front of Dak Prescott for the second time in three years.

Jerry Jones Lasso's his stars

After placing the franchise tag on Prescott and extending star pass catcher Amari Cooper’s contract, the GM/Owner decided to bring in some much-needed help in on defense. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy can rush the passer from the interior, whilst Safety HaHa Clinton-Dix adds experience to the secondary. They also brought in former Ravens and Jets cornerback Maurice Canady, which doesn’t fill the Byron Jones shaped hole but adds good length and versatility. Dallas also re-signed CB Anthony Brown, Safety Dorian Thompson and veteran LB Sean Lee. This meant the Cowboys entered into the draft with holes to fill but also with some security.

Sub Heading

At pick 17, Jones made the bold decision to take Lamb over defensive reinforcements. The gutsy decision paid off, as Alabama star defensive back, Trevon Diggs slid to the 51st pick. Younger brother of new Bills player Stefon, Diggs has a good football IQ and the natural ability required to be a Day 1 starter. Although not the same calibre as the departed Byron Jones, Trevon has all the tools and potential to carve out a Career in Texas. Boasting superb movement and size, Diggs is great in zone coverage and is capable wherever he lines up, slot to sideline.

The Cowboys then picked up the steal of Round 3 in 300lb beast Neville Gallimore, who ran the 40-yard dash in less than five seconds and will be a reliable second string to Dontari Poe and McCoy. The selections of Reggie Robinson II (CB), Tyler Biadasz (C) and Bradlee Anae (DE) add depth at key positions of need and have a high upside, as Dallas got great value from their selections.

Former Super Bowl winning head coach Mike McCarthy comes to Dallas with the primary goal of getting back to the playoffs. A double-digit win season and bringing the NFC East title back to Arlington is more than possible. With an offense stacked with top0tier talent, the appointment of defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan will be vital in getting the defense rolling. Only 1 significant question remains, can Prescott lead the Cowboys stampede to glory? We will see.

Lewis Venes

NFL ANALYST

A FATHER OF FOUR, SPORT FANATIC LEWIS HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THE NFL FOR THREE YEARS AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL FOR THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS. HE HAS REPRESENTED ENGLAND AT DARTS AND IS A FORMER PDC U21 WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALIST. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @LVENES1.

5/5

Image credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports