America's team or America's least-favorite team? The love for and disdain of the Dallas Cowboys both seem to grow each and every year. Regardless of what fans feel, the Cowboys made the playoffs in 2018.
To some, Jason Garrett has underachieved with this group, but last year could be a building block for greater things in Dallas. What helps the Cowboys is that their nucleus of players is under 25 years old.
Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Jaylon Smith, and Leighton Vander-Esch all are under 25 and are the foundation of the team's success. The future looks bright on paper, but the Cowboys will need to see results.
Last season, the Cowboys won the NFC East by finishing with a record of 10-6. In the NFC Wild Card Game, Dallas was able to outlast the Seattle Seahawks and advance to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round.
Sean McVay's offense proved to be too much for the Dallas defense: The Rams rushed for 273 yards. Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson were the main reasons Dallas' season was cut short.
Coming into 2019, the Dallas Cowboys are hoping to build upon their semi-successful 2018 campaign. Here are three areas of concern for the Cowboys heading into the 2019 season.
3. Who is Going to Help Amari Cooper?
This offseason, the Cowboys signed Randall Cobb to improve their wide receiver position. Is an oft-injured Cobb enough to drastically help the Dallas passing attack?
It seems Cobb has been in the NFL for a decade, but at 28 years old, there is a chance he still has some good years left in him. With Cole Beasley leaving for the Buffalo Bills, Cobb will be relied upon by Dak Prescott at the slot receiver position.
Last year, the Cowboys traded for Amari Cooper midway through the season to provide a spark for their offense. Cooper did just that by hauling in 53 passes for 725 yards and six touchdowns in nine games for the Cowboys.
Besides Cobb, Michael Gallup will need to step up if the Cowboys want to reach their full potential. If the receiver corps can help Prescott, Dallas could be one of the best teams in the NFC.
2. Getting More Interceptions
The Cowboys' defense was a pleasant surprise in 2018. Dallas ranked fifth in rushing defense and 13th in pass defense. The run defense was stout due to having arguably the best linebacker duo in the NFL: Smith and Vander-Esch.
One of the areas where the Cowboys struggled was interceptions. Byron Jones' move to cornerback from safety has been flawless and Chidobe Awuzie showed some potential in 2018.
Over the course of the 2018 season, the Cowboys were able to intercept only nine passes, 26th in the NFL.
The Cowboys could use more interceptions in 2019 to help their offense get more possessions.
1. Replacing Randy Gregory
Suspensions and Cowboys players go together like peanut butter and jelly. It seems Dallas has at least one player being suspended during each offseason.
Earlier this offseason, Randy Gregory was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policies, although there were reports that Gregory is trying to file for reinstatement.
Nonetheless, the Cowboys need to find ways to replace Gregory in 2019. Demarcus Lawrence re-signed this offseason, which helps, but who else will step up among the pass rushers?
The Cowboys traded for Robert Quinn this offseason, but he will be 30 years old when the season begins in September. Quinn still has some gas left in the tank, but it's unknown if he can produce enough to allow Dallas to be near the top of the league in sacks.
In 2018, Gregory had six sacks, 15 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and seven tackles for loss. He was beginning to get comfortable in the defense but won't be present on the defense at the start of 2019. Dallas will need to find ways to replace his production.
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