This is way better than the Campo era and three consecutive 5-11 seasons.
This team went from 6-10 to 12-5 so I would say they are trending in the right direction.
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Will they get better or worse? that's the question.
I mean, what did the Cowboys lose?
Two of the top ten penalized players in the NFL last season in Williams and Collins.
Also, 80% of Gregory's "impressive" stats happened during a four game period early in the season. Other than that, he was hardly noticeable.
If anyone believes that losing Williams and Collins detriment the offensive line and offense in general, consider the 24 times they combined to potentially kill a drive. Also consider Collins's 23 missed games over the past two seasons as a result of his personal actions or lack thereof.
They lost a WR that was very good but not nearly worth the value of his contract because the more important the game, the more he disappeared. This was Cooper. They are now using that money to sign players.
they lost another WR that was always going to be the fourth or fifth option when he was on the field. I like Cedrick but his shoes will be easily filled.
\What do you get when you sign a high profile veteran to a large contract? You get a financially satisfied player that is handed a starting job without competing and who has already played their best football.....and it's all based on past accomplishments, different team, different coaching, different circumstances and different system
I prefer the one year "show me" contracts. This team doesn't need any more "stars". They just need the "stars" they already have to play better in big games.
The defensive draft of last year is composed of players who are now entering their 2nd season in which typically, the greatest improvement are seen. Parsons, Osi, Joseph, Cox, Golston, Bohanna, Wright should make an even greater impact than they did last season. Then you can add Diggs and Gallimore from the previous draft and that makes for a young, still improving, defense with great upside and potential.
The running game will get more Pollard and Zeke will be much healthier than he was in 2021, I think we will see a man possessed in 2022
The subtraction of Cooper's average of 4 receptions over 17 games can be easily absorbed by Lamb, Gallup, Washington, and others. without having to compete with Cooper for touches, this next season could put Lamb at the next level. I don't think the Cowboys have even scratched the surface when it comes to Lamb.
As far as special teams, Anger is resigned and the Cowboys will get a better kicker, difficult to do otherwise.
Consistency.....same coordinators is huge when it comes to teams improving.
There is room for at least guarded optimism. This team is not destitute from a talent perspective.
And don't forget, the Cowboys scouting department have been lobbing them over the fence in recent seasons. Could they find another future All Pro or even two in this year's draft?
