2021 Dallas Cowboys: Can They Win a Weak Division

Is it just me or does Dallas underachieve nearly every year? Or are they overrated because they are THE Dallas Cowboys? Whatever the reason, they have some legitimate excuses for last year’s 6-10 debacle. The main excuse was injuries, specifically to quarterback Dak Prescott and most of the offensive line. The other excuse was a defense that was as leaky as a broken water pipe. Prescott is back along with the offensive linemen, but will the defense improve? The NFC is weak and the Cowboys have far too much talent to not finish first in this division.

Offensively, if Prescott is healthy, Dallas should be able to score points. He had thrown for 1,856 through the first five games before breaking his ankle and missing the rest of the season. Ezekiel Elliott is back at running back and needs to rebound from a sub-par 2020. The receiving corps is as good as there is with Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Dalton Schultz. The offensive line had three starters succumb to injury and they all should return.

On the defensive side, there is a need for a ton of improvement. They hired Dan Quinn as the defensive coordinator and he has had proven success while at Seattle. The defensive line was as bad as any front the Cowboys have ever had. Three players were added in free agency and three other players were drafted to address this need. Top draft pick Micah Parsons, was brought in at linebacker and will join Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith and the position should be good. The secondary needs improvement across the board and will be a key to the Cowboys season.

Schedule:

Must Wins: Philadelphia, Carolina, NY Giants, Denver, Atlanta, Washington

Toss-Up Games: at Los Angeles Chargers, at New England, at New Orleans, at Washington, at NY Giants, at Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Arizona

Probable Losses: at Tampa Bay, at Kansas City

Summary in Two Sentences: There is too much talent offensively and if they stay healthy they should win this division. The schedule is not overwhelming and if they can take care of business at home and grab a couple of road wins they have a shot at double figures in victories.