2018 Record - 10-6-0
Head Coach - Jason Garrett
Newcomers for 2019 - Randall Cobb (WR), Robert Quinn (DL), George Iloka (DB), Kerry Hyder (DL), Christian Covington (DL)
Keys on Offense - The Cowboys look to have their "Big Three" ready to go again this season with quarterback Dak Prescott (3,885 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions along with 305 rushing yards and six rushing TD), running back Ezekiel Elliott (1,434 rushing yards, 4.7 ypc average and six TD) and Amari Cooper (75 receptions, 1,005 yards, seven TD) coming off solid seasons.
They will also have WR Randall Cobb (38, 383, two TD with Green Bay) and tight end Jason Witten, who is coming out of retirement to play this season. However, Elliott is holding out as training camp started and if he decides to sit out (possibly all season) for a new contract, the Cowboys will look to Tony Pollard (rookie draft pick from Memphis) to be the primary running back.
Keys on Defense - Demarcus Lawrence (10 1/2 QB sacks), Tyrone Crawford (5 1/2 sacks) and Randy Gregory (six sacks) give the defense three solid pass rushers up front along with solid linebacking from Leighton Vander Esch (two interceptions), Jaylon Smith and Sean Lee. Also is the mix is DE Robert Quinn, who had 6 1/2 sacks with Miami last season.
The secondary consists of corner men Byron Jones and Chibode Awuzie and safeties Xavier Woods and George Iloka, who comes over from Minnesota via free agency. The Cowboys had the number seven defense in the NFL a year ago, allowing 329 yards per game (95 rushing, 234 passing) while getting 39 QB sacks and nine interceptions.
OUTLOOK - The Cowboys made the playoffs last season and advanced to the Divisional round, which might have gotten Head Coach Jason Garrett off the "hot seat" heading into this season.
If the Cowboys can get off to a good start, that would take pressure off the team, but not having Ezekiel Elliott (possibly for the entire season) as he holds out for a new contract doesn't help things.
He is a vital cog to the offense and takes pressure off QB Dak Prescott and the passing game. The offense was erratic at times in 2018, ranking 22nd overall with 21.2 points per game scoring average.
The defense was really good last year and could be just as good again provided they stay healthy in the 2019 season. They have a good mix of veteran talent and youth that led to the success last season, ranking sixth in scoring defense, allowing 20.2 points per game.
As long as they can get Elliott back in the fold by Week One (or within the first month of the season) the Cowboys should be considered as possible favorites to win the NFC East title once again. However, they must figure out a way to get Zeke back on the field because the Philadelphia Eagles loom large as they look to knock the 'Pokes from the top spot in the division. With "The Big Three" in tow, this team should go 11-5 and get back to the playoffs, where the Super Bowl isn't out of the question this season.
However, all bets are off if Elliott does what Le'Veon Bell did in Pittsburgh last season.
Stay tuned.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. NY Giants
Week 2 - at Washington
Week 3 - vs. Miami
Week 4 - at New Orleans
Week 5 - vs. Green Bay
Week 6 - at NY Jets
Week 7 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 8 - BYE
Week 9 - at NY Giants
Week 10 - vs. Minnesota
Week 11 - at Detroit
Week 12- at New England
Week 13 - vs. Buffalo
Week 14 - at Chicago
Week 15 - vs. LA Rams
Week 16 - at Philadelphia
Week 17 - vs. Washington
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