Dallas Cowboys: Three keys to another successful season
By Tyrone Starr
Health
To me, health is the biggest key to another great year for this team in 2017. Health is the reason that Dallas did not win 10+ games in 2015. It may also be the reason why they did so in 2014 and 2016.
In 2014, only two players, linebacker Justin Durant and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, missed significant time. Every other key contributor played in at least thirteen games.
Last year, that number doubled to four players. Lawrence, Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne and Barry Church were all out for more than three games.
While the Cowboys were able to patch those holes defensively, they did not need to do so on the other side of the ball. None of the players this team relies upon for success offensively appear on that list.
As we all know, health at the quarterback spot is the most critical for any team. While you cannot control injuries, replacing a 37-year old with chronic back problems with a 23-year old is a good start.
Surrounding your quarterback with options that do a remarkable job of staying healthy helps out as well. Travis Frederick and Zack Martin have yet to miss a game, ever. Jason Witten has only missed one game in 14 seasons. Tyron Smith has missed just four in six seasons, three of which occurred last year.
If the Dallas Cowboys can continue their good health, winning 10+ games becomes increasingly more likely.