Do the Dallas Cowboys really need a number one receiver?
Analysts and fans have questions about the Dallas Cowboys offense without number one receiver. The real question should be, do they really need one?
Over the past few years, we have been told that to succeed in the NFL you must have a number one receiver. That go-to guy that will scare teams into keeping a safety on his side of the field. This would then open up the field for the rest of the receivers.
Well, with the departure of Dez Bryant the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in a while will not have that player to scare teams.
From Bob Hayes to Bryant the Cowboys have relied on that one receiver to make the catch. Pick up the first down score the touchdown and lead the offense. Well to quote Bob Dylan “the times they are a changin”.
The Cowboys are set at receiver and are ready to prove everyone wrong. They are ready to show that teams don’t need a true number one receiver to succeed in today’s NFL.
Here are just a few examples of why the Dallas Cowboys offense will be just fine.
The Running Back
The Cowboys have one of the most dominant running backs in the league in Ezekiel Elliott. Having Zeke on the field in itself will have a major impact on the receivers. Teams will place an extra defender closer to the line to stop the run. Doing this opens up the field more for the receivers to get open and make plays.
The Offensive Line
Everyone would agree that the Cowboys offensive line is one of the best in the league. After a down year with injuries and a hole at the left guard position. Now after an offseason of rest and you add Connor Williams at left guard and this unit is better equipped to handle pass protection. This offensive line will be out to prove they are the best in the league once again.
The Quarterback
Whenever a team has a mobile quarterback, he gives the receivers extra time to get open. Dak Prescott has the ability to extend plays with his legs which is a great asset for the receivers. This freezes defenses specifically linebackers and safeties, who are watching him.
At any point, Prescott could give the impression he is about to run which forces them to come up, leaving a receiver open downfield or in the flat to make a play.
The History
In 2009 it was almost the same situation. The Dallas Cowboys had just released Terrell Owens and analysts and fans were questioning the receivers. Can they produce or will they take a step back?
Well, that season the Cowboys offense ranked 14th in the league. Four spots higher than the previous season with Owens. They also finished the season with an 11-5 record making the playoffs in 2009 compared to 9-7 and missing the playoffs in 2008. That team was also lead by a mobile quarterback in Tony Romo and a strong running game.
When questioned about this, Romo somewhat agreed with Prescott’s statements on Pro Football Talk.
"“I don’t know if any team in the league necessarily needs a number one receiver,” romo told NFL Network’s NFL Total Access. “It’s about getting the ball out, spreading the ball around, keeping the defense on its toes. There is always someone that can come up. For me, it was Miles Austin after T.O. left. It was the same discussion then.”"
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Time will tell if this offense needs a number one receiver. Right now though the team has a strong foundation and history on their side. Not to mention a large chip on their shoulder to prove their doubters wrong.
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