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Dallas Cowboys: Eight Things We Know About America's Team
Here are eight things we absolutely know about the 2016 Dallas Cowboys and their historic run throughout the NFL regular season so far.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with teammates against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
When talking about the Dallas Cowboys, we can start with some of the obvious. The 2016 Cowboys have won 12 of their first 14 games; losing both games to the New York Giants.
Dallas’ offensive line is the premier position group in the NFL. And rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott is leading the NFL in rushing with 1,551 yards on 310 carries. And Zeke has also rushed for 13 touchdowns.
So what else have we learned about this year’s version of America’s Team? Now that we have a clear cut identity established, with only two games remaining in the regular season, here is my list of eight more things we absolutely know about the Dallas Cowboys and their historic run so far this season.
#1 – Head coach Jason Garrett has this locker room buying into his philosophy and process
After several seasons, it seems as if Jason Garrett having a major say in building this roster with “the right kind of guys” that are highly competitive, work hard to improve, and fight through any adversity that they may face.
It’s great to hear and see the players illustrating and reiterating the same things that we have heard Jason Garrett say in every press conference he has had since being named head coach. If you asked Garrett, I bet he is more proud of that than any reward he could receive.
Coach of the year isn’t out of the question for the red headed ivy leaguer that, simply put, is passionate about football.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) jumps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Bradley McDougald (30) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
#2 – The offense is predicated on gaining positive yardage on first and second down
Dallas converts third down and five or less as consistently as any team in the league.
It is when the first down play fails or a second down penalty puts them behind the chains that they struggle to stay on the field.
More often than not, it is the latter part of that which has been a problem.
The Cowboys have beaten themselves with costly penalties that have killed drives.
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#3 – We now know what our defense looks like when Sean Lee stays healthy for an extended period of time
Lee has been one of the hardest working Cowboys for the better part of the decade.
Unfortunately, the dynamic linebacker has missed a lot of games throughout his career due to injuries.
Sean has been the best player on the Dallas defense all year long, seemingly making just about every tackle on run plays and flying around the field in pass defense as well.
He is having an All-Pro caliber season and he will be named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year without a doubt.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles as he walks off the field after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
#4 – Dak Prescott may not be an elite quarterback yet, but he is already an elite leader
Simply put, this guy lets his actions speak for him as a leader.
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He approaches every day as an opportunity to improve and prepares with a tenacity that is conducive to winning.
His poise and command of the huddle and the team in general at such a young age is mind boggling.
Five years from now he is going to be in that elite category when talking about NFL quarterbacks.
There is plenty for Dak to learn still and he can get better when it comes to consistently using proper mechanics on his drop backs and stepping into the throw.
His floor has been surprisingly high despite his flaws, as his positive qualities vastly outweigh the negative.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Byron Jones (31) celebrates after s defensive interception on fourth down late in the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Tampa 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
#5 – The Dallas defense is, at the very least, decent if not flat out good
The Cowboys defense is the definition of bend but don’t break.
They are 15th in the league in yards allowed but are tied with the Denver Broncos for fourth in the NFL in points allowed.
Points are what matter most at the end of the day.
Any concerns about the lackluster pass rush or lack of forcing turnovers have been diminished in the past few weeks.
Dallas has three or more sacks and forced eight combined turnovers in the last three games.
This team plays the run exceptionally well.
They are first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.
They have been consistently solid all year long.
And there is no doubt in my mind that the Cowboys are capable of winning a Super Bowl with this defense.
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter as punter Chris Jones (6) holds in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
#6 – Despite some long misses this season, kicker Dan Bailey is one of few elite kickers in the league
Kickers rarely get recognized unless they do something to lose an important game.
What the Cowboys have with Dan Bailey is worth recognizing and celebrating.
His leg strength isn’t elite by any means.
But Bailey is the smoothest and most consistent placekicker in the NFL from 51 yards and in.
#7 – The Dallas Cowboys are four wins away from playing in Houston for a Super Bowl title
If Dallas can win their final two games of the regular season against the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, they will have clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
That means that winning two games at home in the playoffs is all it takes to get down I-45 for an opportunity to accomplish a feat that has eluded the Dallas Cowboys for over 20 seasons.
#8 – The Cowboys have a top five offense in both yardage and points scored
They average 389.8 yards per game and 26.1 points.
