COWBOYS PREVIEW
Off-field issues loom big as Dallas eyes another playoff berth.
Cowboys vs. Giants 7:30 p.m. Sunday TV: NBC Radio: 97.5 FM
FRISCO — Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have quite a first act to follow as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and league rushing leader for the team that finished with the best record in the NFC.
Losing to Green Bay in their playoff debut makes it easy for the quarterback-running back duo of the Dallas Cowboys to say they’re looking for more in the 15th season for tight end Jason Witten, following receiver Dez Bryant’s first full offseason since his All-Pro year of 2014.
“For me it’s only one year in,” Prescott said. “It’s only one year with this offense. There’s things I can guarantee you 15-year veteran Jason Witten wants to get better at.
“I know Dez wants to get better. I think when we’re all on the same page, whether it’s right or wrong, as long as we’re all thinking the same thing we give ourselves a shot each and every play.”
The first question is whether Elliott will get a full season after breaking every significant
rookie rushing record for a franchise with five Super Bowl wins and two Hall of Fame running backs: all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
The NFL suspended Elliott for six games after concluding in a yearlong investigation that he roughed up his girlfriend in a domestic violence case that prosecutors in Ohio declined to pursue.
Elliott’s appeal was denied, but he will play in the opener against the New York Giants on Sunday. His status beyond that depends on his request for a temporary restraining order that would keep the NFL from enforcing the punishment.
If the former Ohio State star serves any or all of the suspension, Elliott likely won’t repeat as rushing champ. But he should have plenty of time to help the Cowboys try to reach the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
Darren McFadden, the team’s leading rusher in 2015 before Elliott was drafted fourth overall, should get most of the carries if Elliott is out. Alfred Morris and Rod Smith also made the 53-man roster.
“We feel good about that group of running backs if we have to go play,” executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said. “And that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
1996 THE LAST TIME THE COWBOYS HAD CONSECUTIVE 10-WIN SEASONS. THAT MARKED THE LAST OF SIX STRAIGHT 10-WIN YEARS.