NFL analyst selects Cowboys as top rebound team in 2016
One longtime NFL executive and current league analyst selects the Dallas Cowboys as his top choice to rebound in 2016.
It was an epic downfall for the Dallas Cowboys in 2015. Coming off a 12-4 regular season record the year before, including their first playoff victory since 2009, the Cowboys were expected to be Super Bowl contenders. Instead, America’s Team dove head first into a complete reversal of fortunes, ending the year the mirror opposite of the previous season at 4-12.
With the NFC East division flipped on it’s head, it was the division’s worst team of 2014, the then 4-12 Washington Redskins, that were ultimately crowned the East’s champions in last year’s Bizzaro version of an NFL season.
Despite the Cowboys dubious record, one longtime NFL analyst, Gil Brandt, believes America’s Team has the best chance of rebounding in 2016.
"“The Cowboys sit atop this list largely for one reason: They still have Tony Romo.” wrote Brandt earlier this month on the league’s official website. “Dallas had its issues in 2015, but if Romo — who missed all but four games after injuring his collarbone twice — had been healthy, this would have been a playoff team…Provided Romo stays on the field, I expect him to play at a high level and lead the Cowboys to a winning season in 2016 — which could make them near-favorites in that division.”"
The loss of Romo is credited by many as being the biggest, singular reason the Cowboys declined in 2016. His absence due to two fractured collarbone injures, and the lack of talented depth behind him on the roster, insured Dallas secured just one victory when Romo wasn’t the starter under center.
Brandt continued his assertion that Dallas would rebound in 2016 by explaining just how much the Cowboys have going for them.
"“Darren McFadden (1,089 yards, 4.6 yards per carry) proved the run game can be effective without DeMarco Murray, which was a big question coming into the year.” Brandt continued. “Dez Bryant has to come back strong after foot and ankle surgery, and the defense, as always, could use a talent boost (developing a consistent pass rusher is key). But Dallas does have the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The offensive line still includes three Pro Bowlers (Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick).”"
Brandt, the Cowboys former vice president of player personnel for 28 years, concluded his argument by referencing the franchise’s relatively friendly schedule in 2016. Although the exact dates and times are not yet known, Dallas’ opponents for next season have been revealed.
They include home games against the Baltimore Ravens (5-11), the Cincinnati Bengals (12-4), the Chicago Bears (6-10), the Detroit Lions (7-9), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9), the New York Giants (6-10), the Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) and the Washington Redskins (9-7).
The Cowboys away games will be against the Cleveland Browns (3-13), the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), the Green Bay Packers (10-5), the Minnesota Vikings (10-5), the San Francisco 49ers (4-11) and the rest of the NFC East again.
In total, the Cowboys will play 10 games against opponents with a record below .500 in 2015. Combine that with a returning Romo under center, a healthy Bryant at wide out and a new crop of early round selections in the upcoming NFL Draft: and America’s Team seemed to be a pretty safe bet to return to form next season.
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