Heading into Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys are still looking to put their foot on the accelerator. At times the Cowboys have looked like a playoff-contending team while at other times it’s been a day to forget. Even though the Cowboys may have gotten off to a rocky start, there is still hope for America’s team.
Generally, the month of September can be a slow start for several Super Bowl-contending teams as the season has just begun and things are still falling into place. It would be ideal for Dallas to go on a string of wins now despite the schedule featuring some tough teams in the upcoming weeks.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons for the 2023 NFC East Champions to be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Dak Prescott’s Continued Good Form
Last season was one of the best seasons for the 31-year-old QB, Dak Prescott. He came painfully close to winning the MVP for the first time in his career and his current form is similar to that. Fresh from a huge contract extension making him the highest-paid player in the league, the expectations of Prescott to deliver a Super Bowl have increased ten-fold.
There is still scope for the Louisiana native to improve, but he has gotten off to a decent start once again in 2024. If he is able to keep this pace throughout the regular season and postseason, Dallas will be a genuine contender for Super Bowl LIX.
Dallas Cowboys’ Receiving Unit Coming Along
CeeDee Lamb’s contract was an ongoing saga during the offseason, but with that now settled, it’s all back to business. As the WR1, Lamb had his best season last year with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. The connection between him and Prescott has reached a high level of understanding that is allowing them to become a successful threat to opposing defenses.
However, while Lamb may be the main threat, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has stepped up and is shouldering more responsibility along with third-year tight end Jake Ferguson. Both players have been perfect foils for Lamb up until now.
Special Teams Play
One of the biggest strengths for the Cowboys this year is their special teams unit which is arguably the best in the game right now. The crown for the best placekicker in the NFL looks to have been passed on from Justin Tucker to Brandon Aubrey who has been a standout performer thus far. Aubrey has hit 12 of 13 field goals nailing 5-of-5 from 40-49 yards, and 6-of-7 from 50+ yards with his longest being an amazing 65-yarder.
Moreover, punter Bryan Anger has been excellent in his own right with Dallas being in the top 10 for average punt yards. Punt returner KaVontae Turpin has also been outstanding during returns as he is near the top of the league in punt return yards as well as touchdowns. Overall, Dallas has a pretty impressive special teams unit which comes in handy, especially in close games.
Dallas Cowboys’ Defensive Prowess
Dallas has in its ranks one of the best pass-rushers of the modern-day NFL, Micah Parsons. The 25-year-old has come very close to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award and that is an added motivation for the fourth-year defensive end. Speaking of added motivation, Parsons is in Year 4 of his rookie deal and his performance this year will go a long way in securing a big extension.
Apart from Parsons, Dallas boasts of other quality defenders such as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback duo Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland who is set to make his return from IR soon. Overshown has impressed thus far with his play exhibiting a high level of play along with physical attributes such as speed and athleticism. The defense will be a major factor in the Cowboys’ success this year.
Rookie Center Proving His Worth
Dallas’ offensive line features rookie Cooper Beebe at the center position. Having played guard in college, the youngster has been thrust into the deep waters and is so far doing a phenomenal job proving to be one of the better linemen. The Cowboys’ offensive line has been the subject of criticism in the first few games, but Beebe has allowed just 4.3% pressures which is second to Tyler Smith.
There is every reason to be excited for the youngster and he should only continue to get better each week. If the rest of the O-line steps up their game, Prescott will have more time to make plays.
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