TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Defense isn’t normally where this conversation starts with the traditionally offensive-minded Cowboys. Reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons (right) leads an opportunistic unit that led the NFL with 34 takeaways last season. Parsons had 13 sacks as a linebacker, and CB Trevon Diggs intercepted 11 passes to match Everson Walls’ 40-year-old franchise record. DeMarcus Lawrence headlines what could be a deep and talented defensive line. QB Dak Prescott is healthy and says he’s as fit as ever.
Weaknesses: The group behind new No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb will be unproven early in the season with Michael Gallup still recovering from the ACL he tore in January and free agent pickup James Washington probably out until October after breaking a foot early in training camp. The inconsistency of RB Ezekiel Elliott and the run game is a reflection of an offensive line in transition despite still having two anchors in five-time All-Pro RG Zack Martin and eight-time Pro Bowl LT Tyler Smith. RT Terence Steele, an undrafted third-year pro, has the most experience among the other three starters. Expectations: The Cowboys still believe they can make their first deep playoff run since the 1995 season after another early exit last season with a wild-card loss to San Francisco at home. Coach
Mike McCarthy’s future could be in doubt without a trip past the divisional round, which hasn’t happened since the last of the franchise’s five Super Bowl titles 27 years ago. Sean Payton is a favorite of owner Jerry Jones, and figures to be back in coaching next year after leaving New Orleans. The NFC East hasn’t had a repeat winner since the last of Philadelphia’s four consecutive division titles in 2004. The Cowboys want to do a lot more than stop that trend.