Dallas Cowboys: The best case scenario in 2017

After a year with so many positives to take from it, could the immediate future of the Dallas Cowboys include this dream scenario?

Last week, I wrote about what a nightmare, worst case scenario might look like for the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. Today, let’s discuss the polar opposite of such a situation.

Even when you include the disappointing end to last year, by all accounts, one would have to deem 2016 as a smashing success.

The Cowboys found their long-term successor to Tony Romo at quarterback in Dak Prescott. Not only did that bring 13 wins and a divisional title, it also solved the issue of the salary cap. Instead of being on the hook for over $50M for the next three years, the Cowboys will now pay their starting quarterback less than $2M total.

They also found the next in a long line of great running backs. There isn’t much more to say about Ezekiel Elliot that has not already been said. Offensive Rookie of the Year? Check. League leader in rushing yards? Check. Highest ranking ever for a rookie on the NFL Top 100 players list? Check.

Receiver Cole Beasley set personal bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The defense played well, too, finishing in the top five in points allowed.

So, how can the Cowboys improve upon last year’s success? Here’s what a best case scenario would look like for the Dallas Cowboys in 2017.

Even though the Cowboys vaunted offensive line lost two starters from last season, they still have three All-Pro options. La’el Collins will return and fill a hole either at guard or right tackle.

That “fifth Beatle,” so to speak, just needs to be decent which is fair to assume will happen. That should come by osmosis but look for either Jonathan Cooper or Chaz Green to improve in 2017, solidifying the best offensive line in football.

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Another year with that type of protection for Prescott and lane creation for Elliott will just make this offense more deadly.

Staying with the offense, how about a return to

dominance for receiver Dez Bryant? From 2012-14, one could argue that he was the most dominant receiver in football. Injuries over the last two seasons have diminished his production but he is still a threat. A healthy offseason could easily lead to another 1,000+ yard, double-digit touchdown type season.

Having that threat, along with Beasley and the ever reliable Jason Witten should keep this offense as one of the best in all of football.

Obviously, all of this would go a long ways towards the continued maturation of Prescott. Last year was one of the most impressive for a rookie quarterback in history. What can he do for an encore?

Well, the biggest difference will be that the offense will be completely tailored to his skill set now that he’s the unquestionable leader. A full offseason of little tweaks and implementations should combat any attempts by other teams to expose supposed weaknesses.

Switching to the defensive side of the ball, the arrival of linebacker Jaylon Smith to the team should be a huge boost. A tandem of Smith and Sean Lee flying all around the field should improve this defense in both the passing and running game.

Regarding the defensive line, it’s another year where the Cowboys are trying to rejuvenate a career. In the past, this has worked for players such as Jeremy Mincey and Benson Mayowa. This time, Damontre Moore gets his shot to become relevant once more. Moore has put together an eye-opening offseason so far. If he can maintain that, it would only go to help generating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Lastly, there is that new and improved secondary. Whatever is lacking in experience is more than made up for in speed and talent. Former first round pick Byron Jones is now joined by second round selection Chidobe Awuzie and third round pick Jourdan Lewis. There is also last year’s rookie success story in Anthony Brown. All of these young guns are less than 24 years of age.

It’s not difficult to imagine an upgrade in the play of the secondary which would be a site for sore eyes for any Cowboys’ fan.

Next: The all-time best defenders to wear the Star

All of these things could happen and definitely comprise a best case, indeed. With an improvement upon last year, the NFC Championship should be the lowest expectation. If all of these scenarios occur, it would be hard to imagine a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys.

That would truly be a best case scenario.

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