Crimson Tide NFL Team Rundown: The Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys, the self-described America's Team, have been to the playoffs five times under quarterback Dak Prescott, but have only won two games during his span. Dallas has had a busy offseason, including cutting running back Ezekiel Elliot, trading for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, trading for cornerback Stephon Gilmore, franchise tagging running back Tony Pollard, and extending cornerback Trevon Diggs.

After losing by a touchdown in San Fransisco during Divisional round of the NFC playoffs, Dallas is looking to retool and regroup with the goal of taking the NFC East from the Philadelphia Eagles. But how can Dallas topple the Eagles from their perch?

It starts defensively. Dallas has the second best defensive unit in the NFL according to Pro Football Network, with DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons anchoring a lethal pass rush, Leighton Vander Esch manning the middle of the defense, and Diggs and Stephon Gilmore locking down in the secondary. Dallas makes it hard for any team to throw the ball, but the run defense is only 22nd in the league according to CBS Sports. Dallas hopes that part of the solution will step from taking Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Offensively, Dallas shouldn't miss a beat. Prescott is still the starting quarterback, Pollard outperformed Elliot in 2022, CeeDee Lamb is a high-level wide receiver. The Cowboys acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from Houston, while also having Michael Gallup as the third wide receiver. In each of their last fully healthy seasons, all three topped 800 yards. Pollard is entering his first season as the starting running back but should see a nick bump in his stats, making him one of the top fantasy football options this season.

The Cowboys only have one former Crimson Tide player in training camp, Diggs. He recently inked a contract extension, making him one of the highest paid corners in the league. He has 169 total tackles, 17 picks, and two touchdowns during his career in the NFL, while he seems to only improve his pass defense. Diggs with be accompanied in the secondary by Stephon Gilmore, which should create a dangerous duo.

What can Cowboys fans expect in 2023? Be patient with the offense. Losing offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the Chargers was a bigger hit than most realize. However, the Cowboys retained many of their primary offensive personnel. Defensively, Dallas should remain a top-10 unit in the NFL while the offense goes through some growing pains. Realistic expectations should include Lamb being in the conversation as one of the best receivers in the NFC, Pollard being a top fantasy football running backs while carrying the bulk of the Cowboys run game, and Prescott cutting down on turnovers. Dallas should make another playoff run, and could potentially be on a collision course with Philadelphia for a third meeting, maybe even in the NFC Championship Game.

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