Dallas Cowboys receivers should thrive due to Ezekiel Elliott

Despite missing two major pieces, the Dallas Cowboys passing attack should thrive in 2018 due to the presence of a premier running back in the backfield.

The Dallas Cowboys‘ offense will look a bit different in 2018. No, this is still a run-first offense, with third-year running back Ezekiel Elliott expected to take the league by storm once again. And yes, the Cowboys’ dominate offensive line has been upgraded due to the presence of second rounder Conner Williams, who should shore up their left guard position.

But it’s Dallas’ passing attack that will have to find a way to thrive without longtime stalwarts in tight end Jason Witten and wide receiver Dez Bryant on the field. Witten hung up his cleats last month to pursue a career in broadcasting. While Bryant was released from the team earlier this offseason after several years of poor production on top of a large paycheck.

Some believe this does not bode well for the future of third-year quarterback Dak Prescott. After all, he is losing his top two receiving targets. In exchange, Prescott has a receiving corps full of new names. Players like Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, Michael Gallup, Malik Earl and Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Combine those new faces with veterans struggling receivers like Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley plus unproven youngsters in Noah Brown, Lance Lenoir and KD Cannon; and how is this group anything but a major step down from last year?

Regardless of who catches the ball for the Cowboys, the most impactful player for this receiver corps in Dallas is, in fact, Elliott.

"” … Dallas should be able to move the ball with the current cast of characters in the WR room,” wrote Bucky Brooks for NFL.com. “Remember, the Cowboys and others (SEE: the Los Angeles Rams) have been able to alleviate the pressure on receivers by featuring an A-plus playmaker in the backfield. Ezekiel Elliott forces defensive coordinators to put eight or nine defenders in the box, which presents Cowboys receivers with more one-on-one coverage.”"

The presence of Elliott on the field should allow these receivers to find openings regardless of the name and number on the back of their jerseys. As for Prescott, his first two seasons in the NFL have proven he is at his best when he is not forcing the ball to one player. Dak loves to throw to anyone who is open.

Without the pressure to get the ball to a player like Bryant, Prescott can spread the love around judicially, working his progressions and finding that open receiver.

Now, that’s not to say this will be a perfect transition. New players and new relationships often result in early mistakes. There are sure to be some bumps in the road … or in this case, through the air.

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But let’s not forget. The Dallas Cowboys are a run-first team. The Cowboys’ offense will go through Ezekiel Elliott. And because of that fact, the passing game in Dallas can be better than advertised this season.