5 Reasons The Cowboys Will Make The Playoffs This Year
By Joshua Huff
The Cowboy’s season opener is upon us. The excitement and anticipation like pins and needles running up and down your spine. Can you feel it?
This is a very exciting year to be a Cowboy’s fan. Big moves have been made to turn this team in the right direction. With expectations higher than ever, I present the 5 reasons I believe Dallas will make the playoffs this year (in no particular order).
Aug 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive DeMarcus Ware (94) on the sidelines during the second half against the Houston Texans at AT
1. Monte Kiffin’s aggressive new defense.
It’s always difficult to predict how players will fit into or react in a new system. Kiffin’s new D has appeared to put our guys in the right place at the right time more often than not, giving us something we have sorely lacked over the last few years…turnovers.
Aug 4, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett reacts after the 2013 Hall of Fame Game against the Miami Dolphins at Fawcett Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Jason Garrett/Bill Callahan compromise.
I think Callahan calling plays from the booth will give us a better perspective, but I know Garret having this off his plate will allow for a better overall game plan and clock management. I don’t know that the play calling will necessarily be better under Callahan, but allowing the two coaches to focus on different aspects of the game will be much better for productivity.
Aug 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker Sean Lee (50) on the sidelines during the game against the Houston Texans at AT
3. Sean Lee is hungry.
After missing the better part of last season, Lee was so anxious for some action they could barely keep him from attacking his own teammates. Kiffin’s defense plus Lee’s enthusiasm equals a very exciting season for Sean. Let’s be honest, this kid hasn’t even hit his peak yet. Who knows how good Lee could potentially be?
Aug 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (70) on the sidelines during the second half against the Houston Texans at AT
4. Travis Frederick is a monster.
A very strong and smart center can up the game of both guards on either side of him. That has appeared to be the case with Frederick. With Romo getting more time in the pocket, and backs stating they have never seen running lanes so big, this drastically changes our offensive productivity. Not only does Romo having more time increase our passing percentage, but a more efficient running game provides more of a balanced attack and prohibits our opponent from continuously throwing blitzes at us.
Aug 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) on the sidelines during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT
5. The Bryant/Dooley connection.
Dez Bryant has the potential to be one of, if not the best receiver to ever play the game. New receiver’s coach Dooley is a very technical route running and adjustment coach. Put the two together, and you get something very sweet indeed. Dez is running very clean routes with the proper adjustments this season. That makes him the most dangerous weapon on the Cowboy’s offense, maybe even the league. Dooley’s effect doesn’t end with Bryant. Young receivers down the depth chart are showing marked improvement, and Miles Austin appears to be closer to optimum form.
So all in all things look pretty good for the Boys. Improved running game, improved passing game, better quarterback protection, and an aggressive, turnover hungry defense…what’s not to be excited about?