Dallas Cowboys future looks bright, despite early exit

The Dallas Cowboys lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Green Bay Packers, but they have every reason to be hopeful for 2017.

Well, the Dallas Cowboys’ 2016 has come to a close.  And it wasn’t ending we were hoping for.  In fact, it was perhaps the most heartbreaking end to a Cowboys season since they were defeated by the Giants in 2007.

It wasn’t a terrible game by the Cowboys.  Other than some silly penalties and a few calls that didn’t go their way, I thought they played well.  Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott was especially impressive.  He threw for 300 yards, and became the first rookie quarterback ever to pass for three touchdowns in the postseason.

Still, it was a painful ending to a phenomenal season.  However, Cowboys fans have reasons to be hopeful.  In fact, I think the Cowboys have the brightest future of any NFL club.

They have a franchise quarterback.  By almost all statistical standards, Dak Prescott was the best rookie quarterback in NFL history.  Not to mention, his partner in crime, Ezekiel Elliott, looks to be a budding superstar himself.

The offensive line will return 4 of 5 starters, and the lone departure (Ronald Leary) will be replaced with La’el Collins, and I’m sure there are some who would call that an upgrade.  The receiving corps should remain largely in tact as well.  Starters Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley will both be back in 2017, along with veteran tight end Jason Witten.

The defense has been showing signs of potential the past few weeks.  The Cowboys will retain all of their best pass-rushers.  The only notable departure along the defensive line will likely be Terrell McClain.  Nevertheless, the team would smart to attempt to resign him to a team-friendly deal.

Second-year pro safety Byron Jones will be back, as will All-Pro linebacker Sean Lee.  The defense has building blocks, and with a solid draft, the Cowboys can push it towards top-10 caliber.

Next: Cowboys magical season ends, defeated by Packers 34-31

The 2017 NFL Draft features incredible depth at both of the Cowboys positions of need: defensive end and cornerback.  The front office needs to hit on their premium round draft picks.  If they do, the Cowboys will be able to make a playoff run again in 2017. And we can only hope it will end better than 2016.