Top Dallas Cowboys Sized Storylines For Their 2015 Opponents
By Luke Roling
The Dallas Cowboys are America’s team– after all, doesn’t it seem like every week is a rivalry week no matter who the ‘Boys play. The 2015 season will be just like all of the others. Teams will show up to AT&T Stadium motivated to dethrone one of the most popular teams in the nation, and fans will be ready to boo with all of their heats when the Cowboys are on the road.
For the Cowboys, Texas sized story lines are the norm. For the 2015 season, what are the top story lines that Dallas fans should look forward to?
America’s Team Vs. The Patriots
It was the Super Bowl that we all wanted to see, but never has the chance. A Dallas vs. New England Patriots Super Bowl, Tom Brady vs. Tony Romo, would be a dream scenario for news outlets everywhere.
Would the Cowboys have been able to oust the Patriots last season? Unfortunately we’ll never know. However, unless the Cowboys find someone to cover tight end Rob Gronkowski, it wont be pretty. Dallas was one of the worst teams against tight ends in 2014, surrendering 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns to the position.
Don’t sweat it too much, Cowboys fans. The Patriots have weaknesses too. And their recent loss of Darrelle Revis will only help. With the Patriots declining Revis’ option, who will cover Dez Bryant, who is coming off a record setting 16 touchdown season?
My advice for this game? Sit back and enjoy.
Seattle’s Rematch
It was the best game of the 2014 season. When the Dallas Cowboys marched in front of the Seattle Seahawk’s 12th man and left with a victory, a tone was set for the season to come. However, even though this time, the game will be held in Dallas, the Cowboys have a new challenge: Jimmy Graham.
Despite the burden of injury, Graham still managed to rack up 10 touchdowns and 889 yards behind the golden arm of Drew Brees. The Cowboys well documented struggles will certainly pertain to Graham. Last time they met, Graham took the Cowboys for 86 yards and a score.
Can the Cowboys take the Seahawks for the second straight season? Time will tell. If the Cowboys are successful again, fans will truly know that good things are to come.
Odell Beckham Jr.
You remember it; I remember it. I’ll always remember seeing “The Catch.” I was in Ireland (Happy Paddy’s Day!) and stayed up until 5:00AM to watch the Cowboys. Beckham made his fingertip catch against the Cowboys’ underachieving cornerback, Brandon Carr, despite being interfered with. If you were anything like me, I just could not even be mad about the touchdown Dallas surrendered; the catch was that good.
Beckham took the Cowboys for four touchdowns in 2014. The young receiver for the New York Giants looks to be a perennial thorn in the Cowboys side for years to come. Seeing him twice in a season, the Cowboys must look to the draft to find someone to line up against Beckham twice a season.
In a deep cornerback class look for Dallas to draft a player to deal with Beckham in the early rounds. Some names to look out for: Kevin Johnson, Marcus Peters, Ronald Darby, Ifo Ekpre- Olomu, and Steven Nelson.
DeMarco Murray’s Homecoming
The gloves are off. Cowboys fans are now burning their DeMarco Murray jerseys after his exodus to the Philadelphia Eagles. Truth be told, don’t be mad Cowboys fans. Murray will likely have a short career due to his injury history and the position he plays– I don’t blame the man for looking for a promotion and cashing in.
Murray gave the Cowboys an unforgettable 2014 season. Behind the Cowboys big men, their stellar offensive line, Murray totaled 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Now let’s see if he can repeat his success behind a much less formidable line.
If I was a gambling man, I would put it all on the Eagles visiting Dallas to cap the 2015 campaign. I know I’ll be glued to the television screen.