With the 2022 campaign under way, the Dallas Cowboys seek to win the NFC East division in back-to-back years. They hope to redeem themselves after an upsetting first-round playoff loss to the San Fransisco 49ers. As a Cowboys fan, there is plenty to look forward to.
Yes, there are concerns with this team. The offensive line is not a strength of the team anymore. Will the wide receiver depth be enough for quarterback Dak Prescott? How will the pass rush play out after losing Randy Gregory? Can they compete with the Eagles, who upgraded their roster?
To make Cowboys fans feel better, they have the best QB in the division, and it is not even close. “America’s Team” is confident they have the players to reach the promised land. Here are some of the players I am excited to take the field this year.
SEE. YOU. SUNDAY. 🙌#GoBucs | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/oNpVGOXb1l
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 9, 2022
The Obvious… the Stars on Offense
Dallas possesses some big names on their offense. Prescott, ranked as the 10th-best QB going into this year, has posted solid numbers in the regular season since entering the league. He is an elite passer, and claims to be “in the best shape of his life” after hiring a personal trainer during the offseason. I expect him to use his legs more this year and escape the pocket when pressure is applied.
If Dallas makes the postseason, all eyes are on number four. He is 1-3 in his playoff career, not helping the Dallas Super Bowl drought. NFL players, coaches, and executives voted him at No. 10 because his playoff performance have not matched up with the regular season. If he stays healthy, it is likely that Prescott will toss for around 4,000 yards.
Prescott has a new first option at wide receiver, but it is a familiar face he has thrown the ball to for the last two years. CeeDee Lamb put together an amazing sophomore campaign, leading the team in receptions (79) and receiving yards (1,102). He added six touchdowns.
After being under the wing of Amari Cooper, Lamb takes over the No. 1 receiving duties. With the shallow receiving depth, Lamb is going to carry the most weight on his shoulders when it comes to catching the ball. He is ready to shine and carry the No. 88 tradition in Dallas.
This Obvious One Stands Out Though
The name I look most forward watching is running back Ezekiel Elliott. Last year was a poorer performance, something we are used to seeing. He battled a knee injury throughout 2021, along with a rocky offensive line blocking for him.
The O-line is still shaken up, with Tyron Smith expected to miss the majority of the season. Backup Tony Pollard outplayed him, and both could share equal playing time in 2022. With Zeke fully healthy, can he return to his dominant form? Can he find ways to run through the O-line troubles?
Elliot is one of the highest paid RBs in the league, this could be a make-or-break season relating to his future as a Cowboy.
The Rookies are Impressing Coaches
Dallas ended their draft night with an impressive group of prospects joining their crew. First-round draft choice Tyler Smith has incredible strength, and can play left tackle and left guard. His health is vital to anchoring the O-line. If he can limit the holding penalties (leading his conference with 16 flags), the Cowboys can have a little breathing room. Signing Jason Peters provides help on the left side of the line.
Sam Williams out of Ole Miss not only has earned the satisfaction from the coaching staff, but from his teammates throughout training camp. Demarcus Lawrence says Williams “has more tools” coming into the league than he did. The 6-foot-4 second-round pick looks to apply pressure on passing plays when he sees playing time.
Cowboys first depth chart … Tyler Smith is the No. 1 left tackle. Of course Michael Gallup listed as starter at moment too and he’s not playing this week. pic.twitter.com/NUJXxFnjgG
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 6, 2022
The “Sleeper” Picks
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Third-rounder Jalen Tolbert was labeled as the “sleeper pick” in a deep wide receiver draft class. A day away from his first piece of NFL action, he will line up as the No. 2 WR. Aforementioned, the receiving depth is shallow and young for the Cowboys. The rookie got to train with Prescott in Miami during the offseason, so the two have built a bond. It will be fun to watch him fill in a high-profiled spot on the field early in his career.
Lastly, tight end Jake Ferguson is the player I look forward to the most. Dallas needed a blocking tight end that can also display a threat catching the ball. Dalton Schultz had a big year in 2021, but is not the best blocker. Whenever Sean McKeon and Jeremy Sprinkle checked into the game, it gave away that the Cowboys were running the ball.
Ferguson is a block-first tight end but improved his receiving tremendously over the course of his college career. He caught the ball well in training camp and preseason and should be a strong force to the Cowboys offense.
Last, But Not Least, the Defensive All-Pros
Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs wrap up this list. The All-Pros came out of nowhere and guided the Cowboys defense to overly-exceed expectations. Diggs recorded a league-leading 11 interceptions, and Parsons could not be stopped.
It will be intriguing to see how both of them will play after being recognized as the best in their position. Parsons dropped some weight to gain speed, and expected to pass-rush more with Anthony Barr joining the squad. Diggs needs to cut down the yards allowed to help the Cowboys compete.
2 days!!!! Who’s ready?! #hungrylion🦁 pic.twitter.com/cuoMhlTNB0
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) September 9, 2022
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