Dallas Cowboys bold prediction for 2019: A top-five offense
By Tyrone Starr
Loaded at the skill positions with an improving quarterback, the Dallas Cowboys offense should take their place in the top five of the league.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be making a few bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys 2019 season. Here’s my first bold prediction … The Cowboys offense will finish in the top five in both total yards and points. As with everything in the NFL, it all starts with your quarterback.
Dak Prescott has already been stellar in his first three seasons at the helm. With a completion percentage above 66% and an almost 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio, Prescott is definitively in the second tier of NFL quarterbacks. 2019 will be the year he moves into that first tier.
The improvements with Prescott are already noticed by players and coaches alike. The addition of former 14-year veteran Jon Kitna as quarterbacks coach is paying early dividends. Prescott’s footwork is much improved which means his accuracy will also be better.
In addition, new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is determined to make like easier for the fourth year quarterback. With plenty of pre-snap movement, defenses will be less likely to key in on what’s coming. Prescott should make the Pro Bowl and could contend for All-Pro status.
Behind Prescott is, without question, one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. Ezekiel Elliott already owns two league rushing titles and will be looking for a third in just his fourth season. He is also motivated by a pending new contract. Anything short of 1,200 yards and 10+ touchdowns on the ground would be shocking. He also has a legit, multi-purpose backup in rookie Tony Pollard.
RJ Ochoa with Blogging The Boys has Pollard projected to gain 500+ yards with five touchdowns as a backup. If that happens, the Dallas Cowboys will have the most potent one-two punch they have had since Marion Barber and Julius Jones were toting the rock in Big D.
On the perimeter, three-time Pro Bowl Amari Cooper will have a full off-season of work with Prescott which should make their bond even stronger. In nine games last season, Cooper posted 53 catches for 725 yards and six touchdowns. That was all with limited time to build rapport with his quarterback. Also seeking a new deal, you can imagine that Cooper could easily mirror his first two seasons as a Raider and eclipse 1,100 yards and touchdowns.
While second year starter Michael Gallup should make at least a small improvement, the biggest upgrade to this team will be Randall Cobb as the slot receiver. DallasCowboys.com staff writer David Helman is already pondering just how dynamic Cobb could be for this offense.
It’s hard not be intrigued by Randall Cobb’s YAC capabilities. Every time he makes a catch going over the middle, he’s got enough separation to create at least 6-8 extra yards, if not more.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) June 11, 2019
He had a really sweet one-handed on a Dak throw while backing away from pressure.
Cooper, Gallup and Cobb relegate former 1,000+ yard, 10 touchdown Allen Hurns to the fourth receiver. That’s a nice problem to have. That sort of depth will go a long way to providing Prescott multiple options in the passing game.
Lastly, the tight end position is getting a boost in 2019 with the return of future Hall of Famer Jason Witten. Whether or not he stunts the growth of Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz or acts as another source of knowledge for the kids, this group will be better than they were last season.
Next. Top 10 Undrafted Free Agents in Cowboys History. dark
All of this goes a long way to proving the offense is destined for big things. Let us also not forget that Travis Frederick is returning to the center position and that guard Connor Williams looks much bigger and stronger. This version of the Dallas Cowboys will definitely finish in the top five in both points and total yards. Put me down for 450+ points and 6,500+ total yards.