Here’s a look at the team preview for the Dallas Cowboys:
Dallas Cowboys
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach– Jason Garrett (8th season with Cowboys)
- Offensive Coordinator– Scott Linehan (5th year in Dallas)
- Defensive Coordinator– Rod Marinelli (6th season with Dallas)
ODDS TO WIN:
- NFC Championship- 12/1
- Super Bowl- 30/1
- Over/Under Win Totals- 8
Last 4 Season Win Totals:
- 2014- 8
- 2015- 13
- 2016- 4
- 2017- 9
The Offense
Quarterbacks:
Dak Prescott is the quarterback for the Cowboys and the fans have bought into the “In Dak We Trust” motto. This was in hopes of getting him to the same level as his first season. The telling tale is he threw more passes but his numbers all dipped. This season the coaching staff has decided to run the college spread formation in hopes to get Prescott back on track. Dallas drafted Mike White from Western Kentucky as his backup.
Running Backs:
Ezekiel Elliott is the premier power runner. When he is on the field the team has a much better chance to win. In his first season they went 13-3 as he ran for 1,631 yards, Last year he missed six games and they ended the year with a 9-7 record. His main backup will be Rod Smith which was his Ohio State teammate. Jamize Olawale was received in a trade and he is a tough fullback that can bowl them over. Tavon Austin is in the mix as is Bo Scarborough to get playing time.
Receivers:
Jason Witten and Dez Bryant are gone. They led the team every season except once since 2006. This year will be a trial and error method of receiving with Cole Beasley will need to get back to prior form. However, there are several wide receivers and tight ends that can get the job done. This is an area of concern for Dallas.
Offensive Linemen:
This is a strong line. They have loads of physicality starting with Connor Williams who was their draft pick from Texas. Pro Bowlers on the line with him are Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. Zack Martin returns and will open holes for Elliott to run. This team has depth here.
The Defense
Defensive Linemen:
Another area that has loads of talent includes Taco Charlton, DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and Kony Ealy. Look for tackle David Irving to improve since this is his contract year.
Linebackers:
The big news here is in the NFL Draft they selected Leighton Vander Esch out of Boise State and many feel he is comparable to Brian Urlacher in his younger years.
Secondary:
Dallas stated over in the secondary. Byron Jones will switch positions and line up at cornerback. Xavier Woods will get a chance to start at free safety but will battle Kavon Frazier for it.
Special Teams
This is not a concern. Dallas puts three outstanding players on the field with Dan Bailey as the kicker, Chris Jones is the punter and long snapper L.P. Ladouceur. Jones averages just under 44 yards per kick and Ladouceur has never had a bad snap in his career. Look for Tavon Austin to get first chance at running back kicks.
The Schedule
Preseason Schedule:
August 9 49’ers AWAY 7 PM
August 18 Bengals HOME 6 PM
August 26 Cardinals HOME 7 PM
August 30 Texans AWAY 7 PM
Regular Season Schedule:
(all games Central time)
September 9 Panthers AWAY 3:25 PM
September 16 NY Giants HOME 7:25 PM
September 23 Seahawks AWAY 3:25 PM
September 30 Lions HOME NOON
October 7 Texans AWAY 7:20 PM
October 14 Jaguars HOME 3:25 PM
October 21 Redskins AWAY 3:25 PM
October 28 BYE WEEK
November 5 Titans HOME 7:15 PM
November 11 Eagles AWAY 7:20 PM
November 18 Falcons AWAY NOON
November 22 Redskins HOME 3:30 PM
November 29 Saints HOME 7:20 PM
December 9 Eagles HOME 3:25 PM
December 16 Colts AWAY NOON
December 23 Buccaneers HOME NOON
December 30 NY Giants AWAY NOON
Other Information
Owner- Jerry Jones
General Manager- Jerry Jones
Address- 1 Cowboy Way, Frisco, Texas
Phone- 972-497-4900
Website- www.dallascowboys.com
Stadium- AT&T Stadium
Capacity- 80,000 (expandable to 100,000)
Surface- Sportfield Softtop
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