The Dallas Cowboys are drawing plenty of optimism heading into the season, and one recent projection has them ending up at the top of the NFC East despite the Philadelphia Eagles tying them in the forecast.
That belief starts with what Dallas tried to fix this offseason. After a year in which the Cowboys were one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Jerry Jones made it clear the problem had to be addressed. Dallas responded by hiring Christian Parker as defensive coordinator and reshaping the roster around what Parker wants to do.
The new look hasn’t been tested in a regular season game yet, but training camp has brought encouraging signs. The Cowboys also turned in a strong joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams, with the defense making plenty of plays against an offense known for being explosive.
That defensive upside is a big reason Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton has Dallas going 10-7 in his latest prediction, a record that would leave the Cowboys tied for first in the division.
“The Cowboys hired a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker. Dallas acquired edge-rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and drafted versatile defensive back Caleb Downs along with edge-rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round,” Moton wrote.
“Cornerback Cobie Durant, a free-agent acquisition, is an underrated signing. If linebacker DeMarvion Overshown stays healthy, the Cowboys' defense will be one of the most improved units from the previous campaign.”
Moton’s view is that if the defense gives Dallas enough support, Dak Prescott and the offense can do the rest and push the Cowboys past the Eagles.
Philadelphia is still the defending champion and brings back names like Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith, but there are changes of its own to navigate. The Eagles have a new play-caller in Sean Mannion, and Moton expects it to take time for him to settle in, especially after the offseason trade that sent A.J. Brown away.
Brown’s exit may look like a major blow on paper, but the source report notes that his role in the Philly offense had been a source of frustration for a couple of years. His departure could also help clean up some of the noise around the team.
Rookie Makai Lemon may need a few weeks before he really finds his footing, but the belief is that the Eagles’ culture could improve.
Even with the Cowboys getting plenty of love in projections, the report makes clear that writing off Philadelphia would be a mistake.
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