Fourth and 2, only 33 yards until the end zone. 5 minutes and 13 seconds left in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game, the Green Bay Packers lead the Dallas Cowboys 26 to 21. Tony Romo drops back to pass, lofting the ball high in the air towards Dez Bryant. As the ball floats in what seems like slow motion, Cowboys fans patiently watch as Dez Bryant leaps into the air, snatching the ball over Packer’s defender Sam Shields. As Dez stretches towards the end zone, the ball (debatably) grazes the ground, popping loose. The initial rule on the field was a touchdown, which would have given the Cowboys the lead and a strong chance to advance to the NFC Championship.
However, Cowboys fans were not so lucky. The call on the field was reversed, the Cowboys lost, and fans everywhere were left with nothing but the phrase “Dez Caught It”.
Fast forward three months, Cowboys fans again were left heartbroken as their star running back, and the NFL’s leading rusher, Demarco Murray departed Dallas for division rival, Philadelphia.
The Cowboys decided to pass on Murray and instead place their franchise tag, a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, on Dez Bryant. They signed Dez to a whopping 5 year, 70 million dollar deal, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
Sticking with Dez over Demarco is the more logical decision in my opinion because the number of elite receivers in the NFL is far fewer than the number of elite running backs. Also, Demarco Murray, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, carried the ball 392 times in 2015, 70 more times than the next closest running back. This opens him up to an incredibly high chance of sustaining an injury, which would leave the Cowboys without a running back and also locked in a contract with him. On the other hand, Dez, despite only catching the ball 88 times (not even in the top 10 most catches in the NFL), was still able to lead the League in receiving touchdowns with 16. Dez is able to avoid injury, but also provide for the team, putting up monstrous numbers that undoubtedly rank him one of the top 3 receivers in the league.
Overall, the Cowboys front office made a wise decision in passing on Demarco Murray for Dez Bryant, sagacity that benefited the organization multiple times throughout the off-season.
Notable Cowboy Additions:
RB Darren McFadden: The Cowboys signed veteran running Darren McFadden to a 2-year deal. McFadden played his previous 7 years with the lowly Oakland Raiders. He battled injury, but still managed to put up 30 career touchdowns. McFadden was a notable pickup because he was signed days after the departure of Demarco Murray, and people believed he would be the replacement for Murray. However, it appears Joseph Randle will be the starter, and McFadden will back him up. Behind the Cowboys stout offensive line and with minimal reps, McFadden could be a big help as he and Randle attempt to carry the load that Murray did in 2014.
DE Greg Hardy: Perhaps the most notable and scandalous newcomer for the Cowboys is Greg Hardy. Hardy only played one game in 2014 because of his arrest due to the domestic abuse of his wife. Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for the first 10 games of 2015, and the Carolina Panthers released him. The Cowboys proceeded to sign Greg Hardy (in what some saw was as an unethical decision) to a 1-year contract. Since then, Hardy’s suspension was reduced to 4 games, and the Cowboys seemed to have lucked out on a star. From a strictly football perspective, the Hardy acquisition was brilliant since Hardy was 3rd in the NFL in sacks in 2013. There is no doubting Hardy’s skills on the field, and hopefully, he can repair his off the field issues so he can be a tremendous assist to the Cowboys football team.
OT: La’el Collins: One of the strangest stories of the offseason was the Cowboys acquisition of offensive tackle La’el Collins. Collins was a lock for a first-round draft pick, coming off an incredible career at LSU. However, six days before the draft Collins’ girlfriend was found murdered in her hotel room. At first, Collins was a person of interest, but before the draft he was vindicated, and the police explained he was no longer a suspect in the case. Due to the magnitude of his situation, Collins was passed on in the first round, then the next, then the next, until the Draft had ended and his name had not been called. All 32 teams passed on Collins, 7 times. The Cowboys, luckily, were the first ones to pounce on the gem that was Collins and sign him. The Cowboys got a first round prospect as a free agent, and Collins will be a huge addition to the already incredible offensive line of the Cowboys.
CB Byron Jones: With the 27th overall pick in the draft, the Cowboys selected defensive back Byron Jones out of the University of Connecticut. The Cowboys, who have a noticeable weakness in the secondary, capitalized on a big time player in Byron Jones. He has size, athleticism, and is smart on the field. He should jump right on the field and be a big-time help to the Cowboys this season.
DE Randy Gregory: With the 60th pick in the draft, the Cowboys got another steal. They took defensive end Randy Gregory out of Nebraska. Gregory was a terrific player for the Cornhuskers, and he had tremendous NFL potential. Gregory was one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. Off the field drug issues caused Gregory’s draft stock to drop letting him slip into the Cowboys hands. Struggling to replace Demarcus Ware in 2014, the Cowboys will look to Gregory to be a defensive menace. Gregory will have an immediate impact for the Cowboys, and he stood out in the Pre-season. I expect big numbers from him in 2015.
Offensive Preview:
The Cowboys come off a tremendous offensive season in 2014, where they ranked 7th in the NFL in total offensive yards. They ranked 2nd in the league in rushing yards and 5th in total points scored. I would expect similar numbers in 2015.
The Cowboys aerial attack is solid, as QB Tony Romo is coming off one of the best seasons of his impressive career. He led the NFL with a QBR (Quarter Back Rating) of 113.2. He returns Dez Bryant, one of the top receivers in the NFL, Terrence Williams and Cole Beasley, who both are coming off of the best years of their careers. Also, TE Jason Witten remains solid as one of the NFL’s best and most consistent tight ends.
On the ground, the Cowboys clearly lose the NFL’s leading rusher in Demarco Murray, but I wouldn’t expect a large decline in productivity. Joseph Randle averaged 6.7 yards per carry last year backing up Murray, and with Darren McFadden splitting the load with him, they should both be able to match Murray’s numbers. Also, the unsung heroes of Demarco Murray’s 2014 success was the Cowboys offensive line. Sports Illustrated ranked the Cowboys offensive line as the best in the NFL. After they dominated the league in 2014, they only improved in 2015, which should allow for Randle and McFadden to produce big numbers.
The Cowboys offense will top the league and will be able to compete with any team in 2015.
Defensive Preview:
In 2014, the Cowboys sat towards the middle of the pack in overall team defense. They unsurprisingly ranked close to the bottom in pass defense, but they sat in the top 10 in run defense. I do not expect the Cowboys to have a top 10 defense in 2015, but I do expect to see a slight improvement.
The biggest factor for 2015 is the return of defensive star Sean Lee. At middle linebacker, Lee anchors the defense. He is the leader and best player on the defensive side of the ball. He missed all of 2014 with an injury, but if he picks up where he left off the Cowboys will be a significantly better team.
The run defense should be impressive with the additions of Randy Gregory and Greg Hardy who can anchor an already formidable defensive line. At linebacker, Sean Lee and Rolando McClain should have big years with the help of Anthony Hitchens. The run stopping ability for the Cowboys will force teams to throw, helping out the secondary.
With the big guys up front pressuring the quarterback, the Cowboys weak secondary should appear a bit better. Players like Brandon Carr and JJ Wilcox will be able to eliminate big name receiving threats, but weaker players like Morris Claiborne and Barry Church need to step up. The secondary lost Orlando Scandrick will hurt, but the rookie Byron Jones should be able to step up and provide a much-needed boost.
I don’t expect a big year from the Cowboys defense, but if the Offense does its job and keeps the defense off of the field, then the defense should be efficient enough to contain high-powered offenses.
Season Predictions:
Week 1: New York Giants 9/13/2015
The Cowboys start off the season firing on all cylinders. Romo throws for 3 touchdowns, and Randle runs for 1. Odell Beckham Jr. cannot catch everything Eli Manning throws his way. (1-0)
Week 2: @ Philadelphia Eagles 9/20/2015
The Cowboys head to Philadelphia and absolutely rout the Eagles. Demarco Murray is stuffed for less than 60 yards rushing and the Cowboys accumulate over 200 on the ground. Dez adds 2 touchdowns. (2-0)
Week 3: Atlanta Falcons 9/27/2015
The Cowboys secondary struggles versus the aerial attack of the Falcons. The defense lets up 400 yards through the air. However, the Cowboys offense torches Atlanta and out-duels them in this shootout. (3-0)
Week 4: @ New Orleans Saints 10/4/2015
The Cowboys simply cannot contain the numerous weapons New Orleans throws at them. Romo does all he can, but the defense simply isn’t enough. (3-1)
Week 5: New England Patriots 10/11/2015
The Patriots come off of their BYE week a little rusty, and the Cowboys take advantage of the reigning Champions. The Patriots Defense cannot slow down the Cowboys, and Tom Brady can’t do enough to come back when his footballs are fully inflated. (4-1)
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: @ New York Giants 10/25/2015
Victor Cruz finally catches his stride, and the duo of him and OBJ is simply too much. The Giants home field overpowers the Cowboys. (4-2)
Week 8: Seattle Seahawks 11/1/2015
The Seahawks come to Jerry World and display why they are the one of the best teams in the NFL. Marshawn Lynch scores twice, and the Seahawks D hands Dallas their second straight loss. (4-3)
Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles 11/8/2015
The Eagles don’t have the weapons to match Dallas, and it shows as Dallas again pummels them. (5-3)
Week 10: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11/15/2015
Dallas comes to Tampa and destroys the Buccaneers. The secondary finally shows signs of promise and picks Jameis Winston off twice. (6-3)
Week 11: @ Miami Dolphins 11/22/2015
Dez Bryant and Tony Romo connect for 150+ yards and 2 touchdowns as the Cowboys dominate the Dolphins. (7-3)
Week 12: Carolina Panthers 11/26/2015
Cam Newton doesn’t have the skill to take advantage of the Cowboys defense. Tony Romo does as he throws for 350+ yards, and Randle finds the end zone twice. (8-3)
Week 13: @ Washington Redskins 12/7/2015
The Redskins weakness at quarterback plagues them all year, and the Cowboys take advantage of their week offense. (9-3)
Week 14: @ Green Bay Packers 12/13/2015
The Cowboys head to Lambeau Field with revenge on their mind. Tony Romo and Dez outduel Aaron Rodgers who is without Jordy Nelson. The offensive line pummels the Packers D, and Dez definitely catches the ball. Cowboys clinch the playoffs. (10-3)
Week 15: New York Jets 12/19/2015
The Jets come to Dallas and can’t handle the pressure. The cowboys hold them to single digits. (11-3)
Week 16: @ Buffalo Bills 12/27/2015
The Cowboys head up North at the wrong time. Troubled by the icy conditions, the Cowboys get upset by a young and skillful Buffalo team. (11-4)
Week 17: Washington Redskins 1/3/2016
Most of the stars sit out in the Regular Season finale, but the backups show signs of promises as they manage to handle the lowly Redskins. (12-4)
Playoffs:
The Cowboys knock off the best competition in the NFC, defeating both the Seahawks and the Packers en route to Super Bowl L. They face off against the Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck has an MVP season, but so does Tony Romo. The offenses duke it out, matching each other with TDs. Ultimately, one thing separates the two teams, Dan Bailey. The most consistent kicker in the NFL hits a field goal as time expires to end the drought and return all the glory to America’s team.
