Is this the year the Dallas Cowboys win the Super Bowl?
New season, the same question. Can the Dallas Cowboys win the Super Bowl this season?
It’s a new season with new players and new coaches. With that, comes the same question surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. After all, the goal of every team is to win the Super Bowl.
For some reason, things feel different this time around. It could be because of Covid-19, all sports being put to a halt for several months, or the blind hope me and other Cowboys fans have every year. Can the Dallas Cowboys finally win the Super Bowl this season?
If you are not a Cowboys fan, I know exactly what you are thinking. Every year, we are out here saying that our favorite team will be the one out of 32 teams to win it all, and end up having a record of 8-8 again. Bare with me.
This time around, saying that the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to win it does not seem like a long shot. After all, ESPN writer, Bill Barnwell, has them ranked fifth with a 4.8 percent chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Let’s dive into the team, and from there we will dive into their path to being the champs.
Defense Wins Championships
That is a very common phrase and one that may not be against Dallas for once. Over the years, the team’s offense has been great and the defense had been lacking. While the defense still isn’t on the same level, it is much better than it has been.
The coaching staff had been completely changed, headlined with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan taking over for Rod Marinelli. In this, Dallas will shift from a more conservative defense to a more aggressive one.
Along the defensive line are two, star defensive ends in DeMarcus Lawrence and Everson Griffen. While the interior linemen aren’t stars, they are capable starters. Utility man Tyrone Crawford and nose tackle Dontari Poe will be working on the inside.
Crawford can play both outside and inside, giving youngsters Neville Gallimore and Trysten Hill the opportunity to play on the inside. If those two aren’t playing well, they can throw in their former starter for the past two seasons, Antwaun Woods.
Subbing in on the edge are two reinstated players in Randy Gregory and former first-team All-Pro Aldon Smith. Both players have been away from the NFL for a while, but have been great when on the field. Rookie Bradlee Anae may take some snaps if injuries creep up.
The team lost a top cornerback this season in Byron Jones but drafted Trevon Diggs to play opposite of Chidobe Awuzie. While they won’t be able to replicate Jones’ success, they should at least limit any step backs. The sturdy Anthony Brown is there if things don’t go as planned.
Returning to the slot it Jourdan Lewis, who played well last season. Backing up are Maurice Canady and C.J. Goodwin. Add to that some corner/safety hybrids in Reggie Robinson II and Daryl Worley.
Since we went off on some hybrids, let’s get into the safties. Rising star Xavier Woods will be patrolling deep, with training camp standout Darian Thompson by his side. Backing up alongside the hybrids is Donovan Wilson.
This leaves the linebackers, the strength for the Cowboys defense. They have the best linebacking duo in the league in Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. Helping them out is one-time first-team All-Pro Sean Lee.
While Dallas doesn’t have the best depth here, it’s not bad. Joe Thomas and Dorance Armstrong have been their go-to guys, but Justin Marsh and Like Gifford are there too. I would expect Armstrong to take a step up if injuries pop up (knock on wood).
Overall, the Cowboys have a great front seven, with good defensive backs. The plus is that their depth is looking great. They have a couple of backups that can emerge as starters by the end of the season.