5 bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys’ 2022 season
1. Top 3 WRs Combine for 3,500+ Yards
The NFL is a passing league. With a quarterback like Dak Prescott throwing the ball, Dallas receivers should have productive seasons.
A significant step up is a requirement for Lamb, but that doesn’t mean he will be the only one. The loss of Cooper will be noticeable, but there is still top-notch talent on the team.
A new mark to show dominance for a group of receivers is to have the top three players combine for 3,500 yards. We haven’t seen that level of production yet, but with the new 17-game season, we got a close glimpse.
The Cincinnati Bengals and LA Rams had just over 3,300 receiving yards combined between their top three receivers last season. Dallas, however, settled at 2,775.
That’s not to say America’s Team was never close to the ambitious mark. Cooper, Michael Gallup, and Randall Cobb combined for 3,124 yards in 2019. Different faces are leading the way this upcoming season, but you should be optimistic.
Gallup remains with the team, joined by Lamb and tight end Dalton Schultz. At least one of the three (likely Lamb) will have to dominate this season. If he reaches the 1,500+ yard mark, No. 88 will put the trio in a great spot to get to the 3,500-yard goal.
Gallup had a career year as a sophomore being the WR2, racking up 1,107 receiving yards. That was also in only 14 games. If he repeats, that would mean Schultz would need 900 yards.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on Michael Gallup (knee), who will not be playing Week 1: “If (Week 1) was the Super Bowl, he’d be lining up and playing. He’s that ready.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 30, 2022
It’s worth noting Gallup will miss some games to start the season. According to owner Jerry Jones, the Colorado State product’s rehab from a torn ACL has been going well enough that he would be playing in the Super Bowl if it was during Week 1.
Schultz had a career year in 2021, setting career-bests for catches, yards, yards per catch, and touchdowns. While that is impressive, he will need another remarkable year for the Cowboys’ trio to reach 3,500 yards.
Considering he reached 808 yards while competing with a more talented group of receivers, there’s no question he can reach new heights this time. The Stanford product will play as the No. 2 option on the team behind Lamb until Gallup gets back, which means more opportunities.
The big three in Dallas will have the opportunity to reach a mark we haven’t seen if Dak doesn’t spread the ball around too much. With unproven depth, he may feel safer giving the ball to receivers he already trusts so much. Lamb, Gallup, and Schultz will all ball out in 2022.
The 2022 season will be among the most interesting. It may not be the most talented roster in recent memory, but many storylines and potentials exist. These predictions may be bold, but if the coaches and players do their jobs well, they could certainly come true.
