The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most successful teams in the National Football League (NFL) for decades. This season, the Cowboys have continued to dominate, finishing with a 13-3 record and winning the NFC East division title. As the Cowboys prepare for the playoffs, it’s worth taking a look back at the team’s success this season and exploring what has made them so successful. To do this, we’ve put together a podcast debrief of the Cowboys’ season 17.
The first factor that has contributed to the Cowboys’ success is their strong offense. Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have been able to score points in bunches, averaging 28.9 points per game, which was good for third in the NFL. Prescott has been one of the top quarterbacks in the league this season, throwing for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 67.1% of his passes. He also added three rushing touchdowns and was named to his fourth Pro Bowl.
The Cowboys have also been able to rely on their running game this season. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has been a workhorse for the team, rushing for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He has also been a reliable receiver out of the backfield, catching 54 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys have also gotten contributions from Tony Pollard and rookie Rico Dowdle, who have combined for over 600 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
The Cowboys’ defense has also been a key factor in their success this season. The unit has been able to limit opponents to just 19.3 points per game, which was good for fourth in the NFL. The defense has been led by defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has recorded 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this season. Linebacker Jaylon Smith has also been a standout performer, recording 122 tackles and two interceptions while being named to his first Pro Bowl.
The Cowboys have also benefited from strong coaching this season. Head coach Mike McCarthy has done an excellent job of getting the most out of his players and has helped the team stay focused on their goals. He has also been able to get the most out of his assistants, including defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Overall, the Cowboys have had a successful season 17 and are well-positioned for a deep playoff run. The team’s strong offense, running game, defense, and coaching have all contributed to their success this season. With the playoffs just around the corner, it will be interesting to see if the Cowboys can continue their success and make a run at the Super Bowl.