Dallas Cowboys – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis – 32 Teams in 32 Days – Day 8

sportschain (49)in #sports • 7 years ago (edited)

Written by @jeffjagoe – SportsChain Managing Editor

Dallas Cowboys – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis

Keeping Optimistic

The Dallas Cowboys head into the 2017 season with high hopes to continue where they left off. In 2016, the Cowboys really turned things around after an atrocious year following the loss of Tony Romo. Dallas landed 2 star rookie's, QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliot that carried the team to 13-3 to win the NFC East. Unfortunately for the Cowboy's, Elliot faces a 6-game suspension from the league that could put a damper on their power run game. Dallas will try their best to remain optimistic and win games to stay on top of the charts before the return of Zeke. They will face off with their division rivals, the New York Giants in Week 1.

image source
The Cowboys had a fairly long list of player departures over the off-season. Below is a list of some of the key personnel Dallas dished aside.

Player Losses

Defense

S - Barry Church
S - JJ Wilcox
CB - Morris Claiborne
CB - Brandon Carr
DT - Terrell McCain
DE - Ryan Davis
DE Jack Crawford

Offense

T Ronald Leary
RB Lance Dunbar
QB Tony Tomo
QB Mark Sanchez
TE Gavin Escobar

As you can see, the Cowboys secondary took a big hit over the off-season. The new players will need to pick up Ron Marinelli's defensive schemes quickly. It will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the Giants nifty receiving core in Week 1.

image source

Running Back Addition: Ronnie Hillman

It will be a trio of backs pitching in to salvage the Cowboys run game during Ezekiel Elliot's suspension. Alfred Morris seems to be first in line for carries, but Darren McFadden is not far behind. With a stout offensive line like the Dallas Cowboys, these temporary running-backs could put up some solid numbers until Zeke finds his way back to the playing field. A third back came into the picture over the off-season when the Cowboy's signed the always battered Ronnie Hillman. If he can remain healthy and play to his full potential, he might be able to see some snaps come his way.

2017 Draft Picks

Taco Charlton - DE - Michigan - 1st Round

Chidobe Awuzi - CB - Colorado - 2nd Round

Jourdan Lewis - CB - Michigan - 3rd Round

Ryan Switzer - WR - Michigan - 4th Round

Xavier Woods - S - Louisiana Tech - 6th Round

Marquez White - CB - Florida State - 6th Round

As you can tell by the picks above, the Cowboys were certainly interested in building their defense during the 2017 draft. They took Taco Charlton with their first round pick in an attempt to bolster the pass rush. Four of the next five picks for the Cowboys were aimed at improving the secondary. After losing 4 d-backs over the off-season it was smart of the Cowboys to take some young corners in the draft.

image source

Marching Onward

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys look to carry their winning ways into the 2017 season. The first few games will be a bit of a test without Zeke, but with a strong o-line it looks like the Cowboys are poised for another successful year. Prescott has little to improve upon after a dynamic Rookie season, he just has to hope he doesn't fall victim to the infamous sophomore slump.

Dallas Cowboys Website: http://www.dallascowboys.com/

Thanks for reading!
-- @jeffjagoe --

Dallas Cowboys – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis – 32 Teams in 32 Days – Day 8

Dallas Cowboys – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis

Keeping Optimistic