DALLAS COWBOYS
2021 Record - 12-5-0
Head Coach - Mike McCarthy
New Additions - James Washington (WR), Ryan Nall (RB), Dante Fowler, Jr. (DL), Anthony Barr (LB)
Offensive Rank in 2021 - 1st (407 YPG); Scoring - 1st (31.2 PPG)
Defensive Rank in 2021 - 19th (351 YPG); Scoring - 7th (21.1 PPG)
Quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off a big season with 4,449 passing yards and 37 touchdowns and only ten interceptions. Ezekiel Elliott (1,002 rush yards, 4.2 YPC average and ten TD along with 47 receptions for 287 yards and two TD) and Tony Pollard (719, 5.5 YPC, two TD) are the running backs while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is the primary target in the passing game. Lamb had 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. Michael Gallup (35, 445, two TD) and rookie Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama) will be in the mix and also tight end Dalton Schultz, who had 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. James Washington came over from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but suffered a fractured foot in training camp and is likely out for the season.
The Cowboys defense is led up front by end DeMarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler, Jr. (4 1/2 sacks with Atlanta) and also linebackers Micah Parsons (13 QB sacks, 84 total tackles) and Leighton Vander Esch, who are steady at their spots. Linebacker Anthony Barr comes over from the Vikings and he had three interceptions last season. The secondary features corners Trevon Diggs, who had a league leading 11 interceptions a year ago, and Anthony Brown (three interceptions) and Jourdan Lewis (three picks) along with safety Jayron Kearse, who led the Cowboys with 101 tackles last season.
Outlook for 2022 season - After winning the NFC East a year ago, the Cowboys were one and done in the playoffs, losing at home to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round. Head Coach Mike McCarthy could be on the hot seat if the team doesn't show up in late January again. Barring injuries, the Cowboys should win the division again and the fan base expects much more in the playoffs, provided they make it there.
The offense led the league in scoring and total yardage a year ago and the defense was very opportunistic, picking off 26 passes, helping them to an NFL best plus-14 in the turnover area while getting 41 sacks. The Philadelphia Eagles made a lot of moves this off-season and should challenge Dallas in the division race. The 'Pokes did sweep the division a year ago and more of the same in 2022 would help to win again and get back to the playoffs. After that, it's always a toss up what can happen with this team.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Two - vs. Cincinnati
Week Three - at N.Y. Giants
Week Four - vs. Washington
Week Five - at L.A. Rams
Week Six - at Philadelphia
Week Seven - vs. Philadelphia
Week Eight - vs. Chicago
Week Nine - BYE
Week Ten - at Green Bay
Week Eleven - at Minnesota
Week Twelve - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Thirteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Fourteen - vs. Houston
Week Fifteen - at Jacksonville
Week Sixteen - vs. Philadelphia
Week Seventeen - at Tennessee
Week Eighteen - at Washington
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