The Dallas Cowboys’ season didn’t end as many fans expected. Many experts believed they were Super Bowl candidates, but they couldn’t even win the NFC Championship.
After finishing the regular season with a 13-3 mark and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, Dallas couldn’t take advantage of that. And the Green Bay Packers topped America’s Team 34-31 in the best game of the year. The difference was a last-second field goal from Mason Crosby.
Sure, it was a heart-breaking performance. No team wants to lose in the final seconds of a game, especially at home. And things become even more complicated when there were big expectations surrounding the team.
However, the Cowboys can’t be upset about the loss. Sure, no one likes to lose. But Dallas has enough pieces to become a powerhouse in the NFC for years to come. Even though the loss will be a tough pill to swallow, the Cowboys should return to the postseason several times in the coming seasons. There’s just too much talent on this team to consider this a one-year wonder.
Let’s start at the offense. Rookie QB Dak Prescott proved he has what it takes to succeed on the big stage. Even though he was ultimately outdueled by Aaron Rodgers, Prescott looked like a seasoned veteran this past Sunday. The fourth-round pick hit 13 of 17 throws for 142 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in his final three possessions. Sure, he’s no Tony Romo. But the Cowboys are fine at QB for years to come. Following Sunday’s performance, the Cowboys need to find a way to trade Romo and boost other areas of the team.
There’s also rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott. The running back led the NFL in rushing with 1,631 yards, and also added 15 touchdowns in only 322 carries. And he dazzled against Green Bay, too, finishing with 125 yards on 22 carries. He’s going to be a force in this league for years to come. And if Elliott isn’t enough, there’s also Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and the best offensive line in the entire league. Dallas shouldn’t have problems on offense in the next few years.
Defensively things are a bit different, but it’s not like they a disaster either. Sean Lee is one of the best linebackers in the league, and there are other important pieces too like Demarcus Lawrence and Morris Claiborne. They need some help in the secondary, so it seems they’d ideally trade Romo for either defensive help or draft picks.
Whatever the case is, there’s no question the Cowboys have built something interesting for the future. With a good Draft, a decent haul in a potential Romo trade and a few signings here and there, Dallas could be right back in the playoffs next season.
And who knows? With one more year of experience for Prescott, Elliott and Bryant, the sky might be the limit for them. If 2016 taught us something, is that Dallas has all the makings of a potential dynasty for years to come.