Dallas Cowboys: 5 bold predictions for 2018
With the end of the season and year happening all on one day, we try to predict the future for the Dallas Cowboys in the new year, 2018.
I believe I can speak for a great number of Dallas Cowboys fans when I say I’m certainly happy to see the regular season come to an end. And I’m excited for the new year to begin.
Fans of America’s Team have experienced a lot of disappointment this year. Especially after such a wonderful season the year before, which created a lot of expectations for the Cowboys in 2017. From Ezekiel Elliott‘s suspension, Dak Prescott‘s struggles and the sudden death of Dallas’ postseason hopes; many of us are simply ready to move on.
With that sentiment in mind, we look forward to 2018. Here are five semi-bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys that we believe have a chance of coming true.
#1 – A player other than Dez Bryant leads the team in receptions
Through 15 games, Bryant has been targeted 124 times. That’s 40 more times than the next closest player, tight end Jason Witten. With rumors of the Cowboys possibly moving on from Dez this offseason, I expect Dallas’ offensive focus to shift in 2018.
Even if Bryant remains on the team, the Cowboys are a run-first offense. But when they do pass, I do not believe Dallas will force the ball to one receiver in order to justify paying him like an All-Pro. Instead, I think the Cowboys will spread the ball around more judiciously next season and someone other than Bryant will lead this team in receptions in 2018.
#2 – Someone from the Cowboys secondary makes the Pro Bowl
The Cowboys simply have too much young talent in their defensive secondary for someone not to take their game to the next level in 2018. With rookie starting cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie in mind, I believe one of Dallas’ younger players turns in a Pro Bowl-worthy performance next season. Possibly even leading the league in interceptions. Again, this a very bold prediction here.
#3 – Dak Prescott passes for 30+ touchdowns
I honestly believe Dak Prescott’s struggles in 2017 will push him to new heights next season. The Cowboys don’t need their young quarterback to be Dan Marino. They need a game-manager who can make clutch plays when his number is called. With intangibles off the charts, I predict Prescott turns a corner this offseason and puts up career numbers in 2018.
#4 – Ezekiel Elliott retakes his throne as NFL rushing leader
Alright, I admit it. This isn’t a “bold” prediction. But it is the one most likely to come true. Let’s be honest. If Elliott wasn’t suspended six games this year, he’s likely the NFL rushing leader for the second season in a row. In fact, having played just nine games this year so far, Zeke is only 120 yards from posting a 1,000 yards in rushing this season.
Elliott is just outside the top ten of NFL rushers (11th) with 880 rushing yards despite playing nearly half the games of the others on the list.
#5 – DeMarcus Lawrence fails to hit double digit sacks
I believe Lawrence will be a victim of his own success in 2018. This year, the former second round selection out of Boise State exploded for 14.5 sacks after posting just 9.0 sacks total in his first three seasons in the NFL.
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Emerging as the Dallas Cowboys biggest pass rushing threats, opposing offensive coordinators will throw everything and the kitchen sink at Lawrence to stop him next year, starting Week One. I expected the constant double-teams and chip blocks will hurt his numbers in 2018. But it should also open up more opportunities for other Cowboys defenders like rookie defensive end Taco Charlton, who will be going into his second season.