Predicting the Dallas Cowboys 2021 season game by game
By Tyrone Starr
The 2021 Dallas Cowboys season officially starts in less than 48 hours. After a nightmarish 2020, everyone cannot wait to turn the page and start anew. Of course, the NFL did Dallas no favors, using their star power to boost ratings by sending them on the road to face off against last year’s Super Bowl champions. As if that hurdle isn’t high enough, the Cowboys were given some bad news this weekend.
Sunday morning, offensive lineman Zack Martin had a positive COVID test which will keep him out. His loss is a huge issue, however, the lack of depth, especially with another lineman in Brandon Knight also likely out for being a close contact.
The good news is that one loss, especially to a team outside their division will not tank their season. This game will also be a huge barometer to see if the 2021 Dallas Cowboys are contenders or pretenders. What will the season bring for this year’s team? Let’s take a look and break down the 2021 schedule, game-by-game, to predict how this team will finish.
September
Thursday, September 9 at Tampa Bay
It does not get any tougher than the defending champs, on the road, in primetime. I think Dallas can compete, but ultimately, I’m not confident the defense can hold up against the Buccaneers receiving trio of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown. Sprinkle in a little Gronk and it’s easy to see how the season could get off on the wrong foot. Cowboys 23, Buccaneers 34.
Sunday, September 19 at Los Angeles Chargers
Back-to-back games on the road to start the season is not an ideal situation. Coming off a loss will only exacerbate the urgency to not start 2021 with two losses. The Chargers pose another big threat to the Dallas Cowboys defense but this is a little more manageable. Cowboys 27, Chargers 21.
Monday, September 27 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Even though the Eagles do not seem to be as much of a threat as they have been in recent history, this is still a huge game. Monday Night Football versus a divisional foe and the first home game of 2021. I expect the Cowboys to be a little off early before getting things together and closing out the game to put together back-to-back wins. Eagles 20, Cowboys 31.