The Landry Hat
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The Dallas Cowboys are in a rebuilding year on defense

By Kip Gaudette

May 12, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) puts his hands on his helmet during rookie minicamp at The Star at Cowboys World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) puts his hands on his helmet during rookie minicamp at The Star at Cowboys World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The reality is that the Dallas Cowboys are in a rebuilding year on defense and high scoring games should be expected.

The 2016 Dallas Cowboys won or lost more than half of their regular season games by a touchdown or less. Toss in the divisional round playoff loss by three points to the Green Bay Packers with :02 seconds left on the clock, and the Cowboys season died in the same anxiety riddled fashion in which it unfolded.

Fast forward to September 10, 2017. Imagine a squad of young defensive backs taking positions against Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard. Two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Eli Manning walks up to the line and begins the snap count…

The Dallas opening day defense could see as many as four rookie starters and several more second year players. And while many consider Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli a genius, can the Cowboys keep their opponents scoring in check?

For what it’s worth, early Vegas odds believe they can against the Giants, but the predicted win is once again by less than a touchdown.

Dallas will survive with their offensive scoring machine

Dallas can play some offense too, and that squad returns largely intact in 2017. Last year the Cowboys ranked second in total yards per game (429 ypg), only bested by the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots (451.3 ypg).

What do these factors add up too? A shootout in game one.  A high scoring “back and forth” affair. I used to think of these heart pounding games as a “Romo thing.” The 2016 season proved me wrong.

Even if the Cowboys’ 2017 defensive squad eventually displays more talent than previous years, it will be the likes of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dez Bryant leading Dallas to early victories. Make no mistake about it; this defense is in full rebuilding mode and will take some time to gel.

Next: Seven Dallas Cowboys who could be traded or released

If the Dallas Cowboys final second wins and losses makes you nervous, start your deep breathing exercises early. We are likely in for another one of “those seasons.” However, true blue fans wouldn’t have it any other way. And last second victories have a thrill all their own.

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