The Dallas Cowboys have turned the corner this season and are riding high after recently upsetting the heavily favored Saints. They’ve won four straight games, and Dallas is in control of their own destiny in the NFC East. They’re currently 7-5 and in first place. With four games to go and a one game lead on the Redskins, the Cowboys know if they handle their business and win out, they’ll capture the NFC East.
Prior to the winning streak, Jason Garrett was on the hot seat and owner Jerry Jones was definitely growing more and more impatient week by week as the losses were piling up. After a horrible showing against the Titans at home five weeks ago, the Cowboys were staring at a dismal 3-5 record.
Since that game, they’ve cleaned up their act and have been heavily feeding the football to Ezekiel Elliot, which has provided great results. Elliot has the ability to not only run between the tackles with power and speed, but he also can catch the ball out of the backfield and make big plays. Elliot is an excellent weapon to have in the backfield as he churns out huge chunks of yards on the ground and doesn’t turn the football over.
By controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock, the Cowboys have kept opposing quarterbacks off the field and have more confidence now on the offensive side of the ball. Elliot thus far has rushed for 1,150 yards with 6 TD’s on 240 attempts. He’s definitely a game changer and a huge part of the Cowboys offense.
Dak Prescott has also been playing good football, as he’s been a threat with not just his arm but his legs. He’s rushed for 301 yards this year and has 5 rushing touchdowns. He’s also thrown for 14 TD’s and just 5 interceptions this year. One concern that I have for Dak is he seems to fumble the football a lot, particularly when in the pocket and under duress. That has to change if the Cowboys hope to make a deep run this postseason.
The trade for Amari Cooper has also paid off for Dallas, giving Dak a much needed big play receiver who can stretch the field and catch the long ball. Cooper is already paying dividends as a viable threat on the outside for the Cowboys. In just five games with Dallas, Cooper has 424 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns.
What’s really impressed me and been the key to the Cowboys success has also been on the defensive side of the football. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has the Cowboys unit playing well. The Dallas defense is only allowing 18.6 points per game, second best in the league next to the Ravens. Their defensive line has been getting to the quarterback.
DeMarcus Lawrence (9.5 sacks), Jaylon Smith (4 sacks), and Tyrone Crawford (4.5 sacks) have been playing good football. I love the energy and the presence of Leighton Vander Esch, who leads the team with 78 solo tackles. Vander Esch who’s also known as the wolf hunter, has been howling all over opponents with his outstanding play.
The Cowboys are a dangerous team if they end up winning the NFC East and get into the playoffs, especially if they don’t turn the ball over and the defense keeps playing at such a high level. My biggest concern is that Dallas must execute and close the deal come playoff time. No one including Jerry Jones wants the Cowboys to be sent home packing in early January.
Jason Garrett’s coaching record is 74-58 (.561) but he’s only 1-2 (.333) in the post season. That needs to change, and we shall see if America’s team can lasso in a Superbowl title or even a deep playoff run in 2019.