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With an infusion of talent to an already productive team, how good can this Dallas Cowboys team be this season?
It is never too early to conjure up bold predictions for our Dallas Cowboys as they enter the 2017 season. As free agency and the draft have come to a close, the only thing that remains are rookie mini-camps, OTAs and training camp. For all practical purposes, the Cowboys final 53-man roster will contain players among the current group.
Here we go with five bold predictions for the 2017 regular season.
1. Ryan Switzer will have two special teams touchdowns this year. The last time a Cowboy had two special teams touchdowns in one season was Dez Bryant during his 2010 rookie campaign. While Lucky Whitehead seemed to be a legitimate replacement after Dwayne Harris departed in free agency, Ryan Switzer will become the team’s primary returner this season.
2. Ezekiel Elliott will score 20 total touchdowns this year. He will have 15 rushing touchdowns and 1,800 rushing yards this season. He finished his rookie campaign with 15 touchdowns and 1,631 rushing yards and this season will be no different. Where he will substantially improve is in the passing game from the backfield. Expect him to haul in five receiving touchdowns this season (just one last year), to give him 20 total touchdowns.
3. The Dallas Cowboys will send 10 players to the Pro Bowl this season. Whether they actually play in that game or not will be decided in late January. The crew headed to the Pro Bowl this year are quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Dez Bryant, offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zach Martin and La’El Collins, defensive end David Irving, linebacker Sean Lee and kicker Dan Bailey. If Dallas ends up playing in the Pro Bowl, expect three additional fill-ins for 13 total players: cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, tight end Jason Witten and returner Ryan Switzer.
4. Dallas will be in the top five in turnover differential this season. The last time they were in the top five was in 1998, and their best ranking during Jason Garrett’s presence on the sideline as coordinator or coach has been eighth during the 2007 season. With the infusion of talent into the secondary and a better pass rush, expect the defense to force more fumbles at the line but also more interceptions in the secondary. Combine this with Dak’s accuracy and Dallas should be near the top of the turnover differential this season.
5. Dallas will visit Atlanta during week 10 of the season undefeated, carrying an 8-0 record with impressive home wins against the Giants, Packers and Chiefs. Entering week 10, Dallas will be leading the NFC East by two games and have a tie atop the NFC for the top record in the National Football League with their undefeated play. Ultimately, Dallas will finish the regular season 12-4 with a first round bye as NFC East champs. More to come on playoff predictions.
What are your bold regular season predictions? Which of the above prediction is likeliest to be true? Vote in the poll and hit the comments below!
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