Expectations are as lofty as ever for the Dallas Cowboys 2019 season. Many are predicting that the Cowboys will improve upon their divisional round showing in the playoffs last season and some even have Super Bowl aspirations. The doubters are also out in full force, picking the Eagles to win the division and the Dallas Cowboys to finish outside of the playoffs. Setting aside wins and losses, here are 5 bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys 2019 season for some individual performances.
Taco Charlton fails to make the 53 man roster.
Taco Charlton has had a disappointing start to his NFL career. The former first round pick has battled injuries, has had his work ethic come into question, and has been unable to take advantage of limited opportunities. There is still some hope that he can develop in this his third year but competition is stiff on the defensive line. Even with suspensions looming for Randy Gregory and Tyrone Crawford, a roster spot is not guaranteed for Taco. The Cowboys have added Robert Quinn and Kerry Hyder in free agency and they have drafted Joe Jackson and Jalen Jelks. In addition, last years 4th round pick Dorance Armstrong is a promising player. Depsite Charlon having the advantage of being a 1st round pick with the added luxury of a 5th year option, if he does not impress during training camp in August he could be on the outside looking in.
Rookie cornerback Michael Jackson leads the team in Interceptions.
The Dallas Cowboys defense has struggled to create takeaways for several years now. Even with the emergence of Byron Jones as a shutdown corner and Chidobe Awuzie as a solid #2, they have still struggled to make plays on the ball. Those two guys are great players but neither one has the distinction of being a ball hawk. 4th round pick Michael Jackson however does fit the bill for the Dallas Cowboys. The first challenge for Jackson will be making the roster, which has some talent at the cornerback position. Beyond that he will have to challenge the two starters as well as incumbents Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis for playing time. The Dallas Cowboys were very fortunate last season to have gone the entire year without a significant injury at cornerback. I envision that in 2019 they will not be so lucky. An injury or several injuries will give Jackson an opportunity to get some playing time where he will not doubt be tested by opposing QB’s. He will certainly take advantage of those opportunities and make some plays on the ball.
Maliek Collins leads the team in sacks.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive line is deep and talented. At defensive end they will feature the dynamic duo of All-Pro Demarcus Lawrence and former Defensive Player of the Year Robert Quinn. Those two edge rushers are sure to attract their fair share of attention which could open things up for the underrated players they have in the interior. One of those players, Maliek Collins, has been unable to reach his full potential due to chronic foot injuries that have plagued him throughout his first 3 seasons. This is a contract year for him and he is primed for a true breakout season. There is another variable at play as well. DeMarcus Lawrence led the team in sacks the past two seasons but he may be limited after coming off of a shoulder surgery in the offseason.
Blake Jarwin NOT Jason Witten, will be the TE with the most receiving yards.
Jason Witten is making a triumphant return to the Dallas Cowboys after a year off in the announcers booth calling Monday Night Football games. Witten may be back but he is now 37 years old and has not played football in an entire year. Blake Jarwin meanwhile has played this past year and he really improved during the second half of last season. Jarwin has bulked up which should help his development as a blocker and he has proven to be a dynamic receiver. His 3 touchdown performance against the Giants in the season finale last year was a breakout performance for him. With Jarwin being featured mostly on passing downs last year, it is reasonable to assume that he may get more opportunities further down the field this year. Definitely more than our favorite slow but crafty HOF tight end will get.
Dak Prescott will throw for over 4000 yards and 30 TD passes.
Dak has often been criticized for being a “dink and dunk” passer. His critics will point out how inaccurate he is, how he never throws down the field, and how he can’t read defenses. They will talk about how good the Dallas Cowboys offensive line is and how great their running game is. “Without the O-line and Zeke”, they will say “Dak would be exposed as a below average QB”. I am not one of those critics. I believe in Dak Prescott and I am willing to ride the highs and lows and growing pains that come with the territory for a young developing quarterback. I also believe that this season, equipped with a new offensive co-ordinator, a vastly improved receiving corps, and a healthy offensive line, Dak Prescott will have a career year. The new wrinkles in the offense and the infusion of speed and playmaking ability that the Cowboys have added is going to lead to a ton of YAC (Yards After Catch) which will bump up Prescott’s passing yardage numbers. I am also confident that the red zone offense will be significantly improved after last years abysmal results. The combination of all of those reasons and Dak Prescott continuing to grow in confidence will result in Dak throwing for career highs in yards and TD’s. I certainly believe that 4000+ yards and 30+ TD passes is a reasonable expectation.
Those were my 5 bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys 2019 season. However the season does unfold, I can only hope for this; That regardless of individual achievements and goals, these Cowboys can get over that hump and advance to the NFC title game or beyond.
*Photo by Kieth Allison https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode