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Don't fool yourself, or better yet, don't let the media fool you. Jason Witten returning to the Dallas Cowboys is significant. It changes the landscape not just in the NFC East, but in the NFC as a whole. The one and done ESPN Monday Night Football analyst cut bait on a broadcasting career that had offered only a mixed bag or reviews. Now he is back with his old team, and the possibilities in the Lone Star State look as big as ever.
First, and probably not very difficult to predict, the NFC East is safely in the Cowboys grasp. The division has a ton of question marks whereas Dallas, often more drama than not, will ride into the 2019 season a clear favorite. The bottom line for fans in the Metroplex is that they won't have much to worry about this coming season.
The Washington Redskins are without a genuine starting quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles have Carson Wentz who has an issue with injuries, and the New York Giants need a backup to an aging Eli Manning.
ESPN statement on Jason Witten –> pic.twitter.com/PYz4fjy1cf
— Ben Strauss (@benjstrauss) February 28, 2019
With all that said, how good are the Cowboys looking now?
The addition of Jason Witten will make quarterback Dak Prescott better. While running back Ezekiel Elliott has been solid in the running game, the veteran tight end will be a reliable safety valve who can produce, extend drives, and get into the endzone.
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Some will make the argument that the four players who filled the tight end role in 2018 did so adequately. It is a fair point to be made. They would combined for 68 receptions, 710 yards, and four touchdowns. In 2017, Witten caught 63 passes, compiling 560 yards and finding the endzone five times. But with the addition the Cowboys made this past season in acquiring receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders, the NFC now faces a team in Dallas about as complete as the league has seen in years.
The pecking order in the NFC changes with Witten back in Dallas. While the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams wound up in the NFC Championship Game, it’s no sure-bet that happens again. Quarterback Drew Brees will be another year older, and the jury is out on some key personnel in LA. The Rams have an aging offensive line, and the mystery surrounding running back Todd Gurley may or may not have an explanation. As for the Chicago Bears, it will be curious to see if Mitchell Trubisky is an up-and-comer, or another in a long list of pretenders.
Until Dallas pulled the trigger on Cooper, it was clear the Cowboys were looking at another season of .500 football. Heading into 2019, the expectations will be through the roof. Witten is a proven weapon that can change the fortunes in Big D, and move Prescott beyond the average QB he'd been trending towards.
The potential may finally be tangible as Dallas has the offensive firepower to compete with the Saints and the Rams. If they draft smart and address their needs on defense, specifically tackle and defensive end, owner Jerry Jones may finally realize that championship run he's been out of for far too long. Now, those media folks who talk themselves breathless whenever the topic is Cowboys football may actually have a reason to celebrate their obvious fandom.
Without a doubt, Jason Witten is a genuine game changer. He is a game changer for a league who would love to see Dallas in a Super Bowl. The Cowboys will be an obvious favorite to not just win a division big in name only, but to possibly claim the top spot in an NFC that has no clear cut favorite heading into 2019.
