The Landry Hat
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The Dallas Cowboys biggest surprise of 2017

By Steven Mullenax

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys takes a knee before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys takes a knee before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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With the Super Bowl now set, we take a look back at the Dallas Cowboys 2017 season and try to determine the biggest surprise.

Entering the 2017 NFL regular season, the Dallas Cowboys were coming off a disappointing playoff loss in the divisional round at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. Still, hope remained sky high for America’s Team due to their outstanding season.

With rookies in quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge, the Cowboys ended 2016 with an impressive 13-3 record, including an 11-game winning streak. Dallas basically tore up the league. And 2017 looked to be even better.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys first misstep took place in the offseason. Dallas opted to move on from several defensive starters who where hitting free agency. Long time names like defensive tackle Terrell McClain, cornerbacks Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox were allowed to leave.

In their place, the Cowboys likely signed their worst group of free agents in franchise history. Cornerback Nolan Carroll, defensive tackle Stephen Paea, defensive end Damontre Moore and safety Robert Blanton were all off the team by the midseason. To compensate, rookies like safety Xavier Woods, and cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuize were pressed into early action.

Throw in the suspensions of Elliott, Moore and defensive tackle David Irving against a first place schedule of opponents, injuries to Pro Bowlers like linebacker Sean Lee and left tackle Tyron Smith plus the sophomore slump of Prescott; and you have the formula for a disappointing season.

Despite those numerous obstacles, the Cowboys were still able to finish the season with a winning record at 9-7, and an impressive 5-1 within the NFC East. Another win here, a lifted suspension there or a key injury avoided and this team could have easily been in the playoffs. But, as fans, how many times have we said that same thing while our favorite team sits watching the playoffs instead of participating in them.

So, what is the biggest surprise of 2017? There are several viable candidates. The play of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence for one. The Cowboys’ shockingly underachieving free agent class is another. The demise of Dez Bryant perhaps? Prescott’s struggles under center?

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For me, the biggest surprise from last season is the fact is that the Dallas Cowboys failed to make the playoffs despite showing so much promise in 2016. With Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott leading the way in their second season in Dallas, it was hard to imagine America’s Team would struggle the way they did last year. But it happened. And now, somehow, the Philadelphia Eagles are going to the Super Bowl. Unbelievable.

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