The Cowboys’ good start to the season is raising a lot of expectations. With a 5-1 record and looking at the remaining schedule, Dallas may have the NFC East divisional title in their hands. And this may lead to thinking further.
As detailed by RJ Ochoa of Blogging The Boys, three of Dallas’ next 11 games will be against opponents who have a positive record after the first six weeks: Raiders (4-2), Saints (3-2) and Cardinals (6-0). ). This, on paper, poses a flattering outlook for the cowboy team.
Of course, the tough duel against the Chiefs (3-3) should not be taken for granted. It is true that they are not going through a good time, this due to their losses of possession and their poor defensive performance. However, Patrick Mahomes and company are still dangerous rivals.
Dallas Cowboys (5-1) remaining schedule after the bye by opposing team’s records:
– MIN (3-3)
– DEN (3-3)
– ATL (2-3)
– KC (3-3)
– LV (4-2)
– NO (3-2)
– WFT (2-4)
– NYG (1-5)
– WFT (2-4)
– ARI (6-0)
– PHI (2-4)As of Week 7 only 3/11 remaining games are against above-.500 teams.
– RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 18, 2021
Despite this, the NFC East championship may be on a silver platter for the Cowboys this year. Neither Washington, nor Philadelphia nor New York have shown the ability to dispute it. The Cowboys’ lead in the standings speaks for itself.
Only the Football Team could have a certain chance of putting up a fight due to its defense, even if this unit is not at its best. But if the 2020 season proved anything, it is that the capital team is useless to have a good defense if they do not have an offense that can be up to par.
Therefore, if the results continue to follow, Dallas should already be thinking about the playoffs. At that point, the next goal should be to take first place in the National Conference. This would allow the cowboy team a bye week at the start of the playoffs, which could do well.
In this regard, the situation could be close. At this time Arizona stands as the rival to beat to achieve that goal, this after maintaining an impeccable record of 6-0 so far. Additionally, both the Buccaneers, the Packers and the Rams are 5-1, as are the Cowboys. However, anything can happen during the next 12 weeks of the season.
Have the Cowboys exceeded expectations?
It is still too early to draw conclusions about it. But, if we refer to what was expected of the beginning of the regular season, we can say yes. Indeed, Dallas has exceeded initial expectations.
At the beginning of the season, many thought that the game against the Buccaneers would end in a lopsided loss for Dallas. However, the cowboy team remained really competitive and was on the verge of achieving victory. In fact, he could have done it if it weren’t for missed field goals by kicker Greg Zuerlein. If things had been different, the Cowboys would be undefeated right now.
The Cowboys enter the enemy camp of the Buccaneers.
This match is not over yet! ????????#GoBucs | #DallasCowboys
pic.twitter.com/F4tXnjCQQO— Holy Roller NFL (@HolyRollerNFL) September 10, 2021
Now what has caused expectations to be exceeded?
The first factor is Dak Prescott. Returning to action following his broken ankle in 2020 and his shoulder injury during camp, many thought it would take time for the quarterback to “shake off the rust” and pick up his pace. However, those doubts were buried in Week 1 against Tampa Bay. And last week against the Patriots it was confirmed that Dak is at a great level.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb for game-winning TD in overtime.
Cowboys 35, Patriots 29pic.twitter.com/njz8cWi1cB
(via @NFL)– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 17, 2021
Second, Dan Quinn’s work as defensive coordinator and the new faces in this unit were also not expected to take effect so soon. It’s true that Dallas’ defense is one of the most permissive in the passing game after six weeks. And that is a facet in which they have to improve soon.
However, the Cowboys have one of the best running defenses yet, ranking fifth in the fewest yards allowed per game (86.2). In addition, they are the second team with the most changes of possession (14) so far, just behind the Bills (16). And this is something that was not in the pools, at least not at this point in the campaign.
A third factor, closely related to possession changes, has to do with the Trevon Diggs explosion. Many expected the cornerback to show great improvement in his second year in the NFL. But one thing no one expected is Diggs would have six straight games with interceptions, posting seven overall. Additionally, Alabama’s product is also the NFL’s leader in passes defended, with many projecting him as an early candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs on his pick-6 vs. Patriots: “They were running it all game. I seen it on film, the double slant to the front side. I just read it and made a play on the ball. He tipped it and it just fell in my hands.
“There was no stopping me.”pic.twitter.com/gd5H0mc0hJ
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 18, 2021
Lastly, we have the physical improvement of Ezekiel Elliott. After having a poor season in 2020, Elliott worked with a private coach during the offseason to improve his fitness and playing style. At camp, Elliott made good impressions. And in the regular season he has also shown to be in great shape.
Although he’s sharing snaps with Tony Pollard and taking other roles on offense, Zeke is a huge rushing threat this year. And the fact that he’s the third-most rushing running back so far this season confirms that.
2⃣1⃣ Ezekiel Elliott with a huge run! #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #CARvsDAL pic.twitter.com/pUfIQnO1tM
— Dallas Cowboys Collaboration (@mailman_phil) October 3, 2021
There is still a long season ahead and anything can happen. However, the feelings and expectations around the Cowboys can be positive. This may be a special season for Dallas, the first in a long time. We can only hope that the coaching staff makes the necessary adjustments during these rest days, and that the cowboy team maintains its good moment in the next games.
