DALLAS COWBOYS in 2018 .....Expectations

[Sir Robin Of Camelot]

is it 8.5? I would have guessed 9 and yes I think that 1/2 game makes a big difference.

This was my point of reference...


Sometimes Twitter can be wrong. Imagine that.

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

Tough to know, too much about a team, in May...........but

The COWBOYS lost Jason Witten and Dez Bryant, in the off season.......
They accounted for roughly 50%, of all the team receptions, and TDs.......
Witten was a security blanket for Romo and Prescott.
And Dez drew double coverage a lot. ( plus?)
Prescott will find out how much those guys mattered.....chemistry matters
The first three games will be interesting

Cole Beasley's receptions in 2017, were down, by more than 50% from 2016.

With a full year of Ezekiel Elliot......He should have about 700+ more yards rushing, than last season....
The Oline should be better and healthier........which means better running attack and time of possession...

But the offense, needs leadership from some player or players........no more Witten...


The defense will be better.
Better pass rush........D. Lawrence is playing for a big contract......
Linebackers could look a lot better......This could be a real good year for Jaylon Smith
The DBs have had another year of experience.......but safeties?????


Dan Bailey will be better

The schedule ON PAPER looks better for the BOYS, early in the season and late in the season.....
The BYE week is in the middle of the season
The middle part of the schedule is extremely tough..........

The Eagles may have actually improved
The Wash will probably be healthier......And Alex Smith is not too mobile a QB...
And the Giants..........have an old QB..but maybe a running game

The COWBOYS were 9 and 7 last season...........

and........it's too early to make predictions.........

but 10 and 6 may not make the playoffs.

and as it sits today......

How many teams in the NFC, are better than the COWBOYS?

There are probably 5 teams better than the cowboys in the NFC. The Cowboys are rebuilding right now. Witten was a shell of his former self and dez was rarely doubled last season.

 

[tomodach10]

On paper......supposedly....... these teams are better than the BOYS?

Eagles.....lost to them 2017....at home
Falcons.....loss to them 2017
Vikings....great defense.....Cousins isn't necessarily an upgrade
Rams........loss to them 2017......at home
Saints.....they actually have a run game and a little defense



Teams that maybe, could be, better than DALLAS??????

Carolina........not a fan of Newton
Green Bay has that QB.........if we could only finish a game against these guys....our coaches problems



Teams that we should be better than ........

San Fransisco is a mystery team.....
Detroit always finds a way to stink......
Giants look a little better than last season.......their run game should help Manning...an unhappy OBJ
Seahawks are in disarray
Tampa's QB is inconsistent
Cardinals.......Bradford......injury prone
Bears .....rebuild
The Wash........goes through QBs, year after year

I think there are just some QB's over the years that have our number. Aaron Rodgers, Phlip Rivers, Matt Ryan, Brees, etc...Until we find a way to beat them, I would always have them as favorites over us.

 

[Manster7588]

This was my point of reference...


Sometimes Twitter can be wrong. Imagine that.

Never said you were wrong, just I believed it was 9.5
If I stop by the local book I'll posts it's current number.
Problem with betting over/unders is you have to wait to collect.

 

[es4m11]

I'm EXCITED about this team, this is a very good football team going into next year (disclaimer:assuming good health). You never know with injuries, but let's just say they stay mostly healthy and avoid season ending injuries to key players. They are going to surprise a lot of people.

On offense I think Dak is going to take the next step this year. It's 100% his offense now. The WR group is a little underwhelming, but I'm hopeful for Beasley to have a bounce back year and real interested to see what the rookie Gallup can do. The rushing attack is going to be awesome this year, I think we are going to see Zeke take it to a new level. Very excited to see what Tavon Austin can bring to that group - a little read option with Dak maybe? The offensive line is just bonkers now with the additions of Connor Williams and Cameron Flemming. If T.Smith's back stays healthy this may be the best version of this line we have seen yet. The TE position is a big question mark, but I don't think we will see too much of a drop off in production. Could possibly even see better play from the position in 2018 than 2017. Witten, as great as he has been over the years, slipped quite a bit in 2017. All in all this is a very talented, young group and they are still getting better.

On Defense I think this is the year when things really start to come together. The pass rush is going to be wicked - probably the best since 2009. Hopefully they are a little more stout against the run this year. The LB are talented, and hopefully healthy. Lee and Vander Esch should be great in coverage as the nickel LBers. Just hope Vander Esch can hold up in the run game at the NFL level. Really interested to see J.Smith, the time is now. The secondary is where I think the Cowboys D will make the biggest leap. Awuzie and J.Lewis are studs, and now that they have their feet wet they are going to take off this year. I like the move back to CB for Jones, hopefully he excels there. Hoping that Woods gets a look at FS this year. Woods and Heath/Frazier at SS should be serviceable enough with a good pass rush and strong CB play. Again, another talented and very young unit that will only get better.

11-5. Tough schedule, but this is a good team. Wouldn't be suprised with 12 wins...

 

[ROMOTOOWENS]

I worry about the WRs. Rookies rarely make a big impact. I am intrigued with Tavon Austin. I don't think he is great or anything but I see him so much more of a threat than Whitehead/ Switzer etc. Maybe go old school and run it 60 percent.

 

[UK Cowboy]

This was my point of reference...


Sometimes Twitter can be wrong. Imagine that.

I'll take the over on Dallas, Houston, KC and Seattle

 

[Nosferatu]

I'll take the over on Dallas, Houston, KC and Seattle

You forgot Minnesota! I would also take the over for the Boys. In the NFC east no way they do worse than 9 - 7

 

[Southieinnc]

I don't know what to expect out of Dallas this year - outside of at least some improvement.

I do expect the Eagles to find out what happens when you spend all your time patting yourself on the back and getting fat.

 

[es4m11]

I don't know what to expect out of Dallas this year - outside of at least some improvement.

I do expect the Eagles to find out what happens when you spend all your time patting yourself on the back and getting fat.

I feel like good things are coming. It seems like all the big distractions are finally out of the way. Dallas is young, hungry and very talented.

 

[Southieinnc]

I feel like good things are coming. It seems like all the big distractions are finally out of the way. Dallas is young, hungry and very talented.

and Philly is young fat and stupid. They are talking like they have the next 10 Superbowls won. Go ahead, play stupid!

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

I'm EXCITED about this team, this is a very good football team going into next year (disclaimer:assuming good health). You never know with injuries, but let's just say they stay mostly healthy and avoid season ending injuries to key players. They are going to surprise a lot of people.

On offense I think Dak is going to take the next step this year. It's 100% his offense now. The WR group is a little underwhelming, but I'm hopeful for Beasley to have a bounce back year and real interested to see what the rookie Gallup can do. The rushing attack is going to be awesome this year, I think we are going to see Zeke take it to a new level. Very excited to see what Tavon Austin can bring to that group - a little read option with Dak maybe? The offensive line is just bonkers now with the additions of Connor Williams and Cameron Flemming. If T.Smith's back stays healthy this may be the best version of this line we have seen yet. The TE position is a big question mark, but I don't think we will see too much of a drop off in production. Could possibly even see better play from the position in 2018 than 2017. Witten, as great as he has been over the years, slipped quite a bit in 2017. All in all this is a very talented, young group and they are still getting better.

On Defense I think this is the year when things really start to come together. The pass rush is going to be wicked - probably the best since 2009. Hopefully they are a little more stout against the run this year. The LB are talented, and hopefully healthy. Lee and Vander Esch should be great in coverage as the nickel LBers. Just hope Vander Esch can hold up in the run game at the NFL level. Really interested to see J.Smith, the time is now. The secondary is where I think the Cowboys D will make the biggest leap. Awuzie and J.Lewis are studs, and now that they have their feet wet they are going to take off this year. I like the move back to CB for Jones, hopefully he excels there. Hoping that Woods gets a look at FS this year. Woods and Heath/Frazier at SS should be serviceable enough with a good pass rush and strong CB play. Again, another talented and very young unit that will only get better.

11-5. Tough schedule, but this is a good team. Wouldn't be suprised with 12 wins...

I also like the talent. I think injuries will factor in. If the Cowboys avoid injuries they could contend for a playoff berth. The thing I cant get out of my mind is the biased (for the other team) officiating I witnessed last season. The Cowboys won't be a playoff team if that type of officiating carries over to this season.

 

[Earl Stevens]

10-6 with reasonable health.

With Earl 12-4 with reasonable health.

 

[tomodach10]

10-6 with reasonable health.

With Earl 12-4 with reasonable health.

10-6 with reasonable heath.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

On paper......supposedly....... these teams are better than the BOYS?

Eagles.....lost to them 2017....at home
Falcons.....loss to them 2017
Vikings....great defense.....Cousins isn't necessarily an upgrade
Rams........loss to them 2017......at home
Saints.....they actually have a run game and a little defense



Teams that maybe, could be, better than DALLAS??????

Carolina........not a fan of Newton
Green Bay has that QB.........if we could only finish a game against these guys....our coaches problems



Teams that we should be better than ........

San Fransisco is a mystery team.....
Detroit always finds a way to stink......
Giants look a little better than last season.......their run game should help Manning...an unhappy OBJ
Seahawks are in disarray
Tampa's QB is inconsistent
Cardinals.......Bradford......injury prone
Bears .....rebuild
The Wash........goes through QBs, year after year

I think this is a very good assessment.
However just to play a little devils advocate or raise questions.
Divisional games no one ever knows year to year.
Our team is definitely in a different position than last year. (no SportsHoopla over Zeke & team amongst other things)
So I wouldnt be surprised to be able to beat the Eagles, although I agree they should be the favorites for the division.
Falcons to me is still a dangerous team to all of the NFC.
Vikings I learned not to doubt Zimmer with a good defense (learned that when he was here)
Saints are well the Saints with Brees, & with a better defense could become the favorites for the NFC. (oh & a running game)
Rams I am most curious about however. Dont think to many doubts the Defense. However knowing how well DC's adjust to new things after having an offseason to adjust to them. I wonder if Goff can continue how well he performed last year. Since he kinda came out of nowhere to play like he did.
Without that. I can see the Cowboys doing better than the Rams.
Not to concerned with Carolina.
I see Green bay & the Rams being who the Cowboys have to out play (unless GB beats minny out then switch)
Falcons, Saints & Eagles I am pretty much making shoe ins for the playoffs this year.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Tough to know, too much about a team, in May...........but

The COWBOYS lost Jason Witten and Dez Bryant, in the off season.......
They accounted for roughly 50%, of all the team receptions, and TDs.......
Witten was a security blanket for Romo and Prescott.
And Dez drew double coverage a lot. ( plus?)
Prescott will find out how much those guys mattered.....chemistry matters
The first three games will be interesting

Cole Beasley's receptions in 2017, were down, by more than 50% from 2016.

With a full year of Ezekiel Elliot......He should have about 700+ more yards rushing, than last season....
The Oline should be better and healthier........which means better running attack and time of possession...

But the offense, needs leadership from some player or players........no more Witten...


The defense will be better.
Better pass rush........D. Lawrence is playing for a big contract......
Linebackers could look a lot better......This could be a real good year for Jaylon Smith
The DBs have had another year of experience.......but safeties?????


Dan Bailey will be better

The schedule ON PAPER looks better for the BOYS, early in the season and late in the season.....
The BYE week is in the middle of the season
The middle part of the schedule is extremely tough..........

The Eagles may have actually improved
The Wash will probably be healthier......And Alex Smith is not too mobile a QB...
And the Giants..........have an old QB..but maybe a running game

The COWBOYS were 9 and 7 last season...........

and........it's too early to make predictions.........

but 10 and 6 may not make the playoffs.

and as it sits today......

How many teams in the NFC, are better than the COWBOYS?

Well Dez wasnt doubled as much as Cole was. So this might help explain why Cole had a down year (he isnt a #1 WR)
Honestly to me. We became a better team by Subtraction, when we cut Dez. The other teams realized he didnt have to be doubled.
Witten is our biggest loss. (for Receiving corp) As much as I read he wasnt the same & yada yada yada. Well he still kept moving the chains when needed. Which should be one of the biggest stats for receivers that most ignore.
But more importantly we lost his leadership, which a lot of people dismiss because you cant rate it like a stat, but Witten will be missed. Dez....... Glad he is gone.

 

[UK Cowboy]

I'm EXCITED about this team, this is a very good football team going into next year (disclaimer:assuming good health). You never know with injuries, but let's just say they stay mostly healthy and avoid season ending injuries to key players. They are going to surprise a lot of people.

On offense I think Dak is going to take the next step this year. It's 100% his offense now. The WR group is a little underwhelming, but I'm hopeful for Beasley to have a bounce back year and real interested to see what the rookie Gallup can do. The rushing attack is going to be awesome this year, I think we are going to see Zeke take it to a new level. Very excited to see what Tavon Austin can bring to that group - a little read option with Dak maybe? The offensive line is just bonkers now with the additions of Connor Williams and Cameron Flemming. If T.Smith's back stays healthy this may be the best version of this line we have seen yet. The TE position is a big question mark, but I don't think we will see too much of a drop off in production. Could possibly even see better play from the position in 2018 than 2017. Witten, as great as he has been over the years, slipped quite a bit in 2017. All in all this is a very talented, young group and they are still getting better.

On Defense I think this is the year when things really start to come together. The pass rush is going to be wicked - probably the best since 2009. Hopefully they are a little more stout against the run this year. The LB are talented, and hopefully healthy. Lee and Vander Esch should be great in coverage as the nickel LBers. Just hope Vander Esch can hold up in the run game at the NFL level. Really interested to see J.Smith, the time is now. The secondary is where I think the Cowboys D will make the biggest leap. Awuzie and J.Lewis are studs, and now that they have their feet wet they are going to take off this year. I like the move back to CB for Jones, hopefully he excels there. Hoping that Woods gets a look at FS this year. Woods and Heath/Frazier at SS should be serviceable enough with a good pass rush and strong CB play. Again, another talented and very young unit that will only get better.

11-5. Tough schedule, but this is a good team. Wouldn't be suprised with 12 wins...

You are right about needing good health, but one thing about this team, they have one position player(Sean Lee) over 30. Back when Jimmy was here and the Cowboys were racking up rings, they always seemed to stay healthy..I think that's just from having a young team

 

[TheStarOne]

We all could talk about next year's draft....

 

[Schmoopy1000]

starting t

We all could talk about next year's draft....

Starting to look that way!

 

[jarntt]

We all could talk about next year's draft....

This is why Cowboy fans are known to be some of the worst in the NFL. 3 weeks in, 1-2 on the year, haven't lost a home game, both losses were home openers for the other team, 1 game out of first and some entitled, whiny Cowboy fans throw in the towel and give up on the year because we are hitting some adversity. Me, win or lose I enjoy watching the team and don't think about draft position until March. Being a fan is about "enjoying the ride" when things are going well and when they are going poorly. Being upset and disappointed when your team loses is certainly part of being a rabid fan, but from reading the comments and even more so the in game comments I'm convinced a lot of you don't even enjoy watching the games and just sit there miserably yelling and picking out the bad unless we win by 20 points.