By: Greg Rector

The Dallas Cowboys have ended their “training camp,” phase and are preparing for the season opener versus the L.A. Rams. Of course the BIG if of COVID19 interrupting the 2020 NFL season is out there for every team. We can only hope the season goes on without a stoppage.

After a disappointing 2019 season, the changes are numerous for 2020. Gone of course is the Garrett regime, and now it’s Mike McCarthy’s team to guide. The draft and free agency were simply put the best offseason in a very long time. Here’s how I see the 53 man roster shaking out after the final cutdowns this weekend.

Cowboys will use 3 QB’s, 2 RB’s, 10 OL, 10 DL, 5 WR’s, 3 TE’s, 6 LB’s, 11 DB’s,  and 3 on Special teams. Yes, they are going thin at RB but it’s for a reason, FLEXIBILITY in many other areas. The emphasis all camp long and since McCarthy took over has been becoming far more versatile on both sides of the ball. No more being predictable on either side of the football.

OFFENSE: 

1.The number one thing that must change from 2019? That’s real easy, dropped passes. A league-leading 43 drops last year. The two biggest culprits Witten and Cobb, are no longer in Dallas.

2. If anything has been clear in camp it’s that DAK PRESCOTT, has been even more composed, his accuracy has been there, and he is the unquestioned leader of this franchise. The completion percentage will go up this year, so surpassing his 4,902 passing yards should not be an issue. Definitely want him under the double digits interceptions in 2020.

3. Who gets the ball? This offense is garnering attention league-wide because of it’s potential to be very explosive. Balancing the need to “Feed Zeke,” and getting the receivers their fair share is going to be fun to watch. The folks at ESPN in their infinite stupidity didn’t rank Elliott highly in their running back rankings. Guess who took notice? Ezekiel Elliott, along with COWBOYS NATION.

Career stats for Elliott:

Year	Team	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
2019	Cowboys	301	1,357	4.5	12	54	420	7.8	2
2018	Cowboys	304	1,434	4.7	6	77	567	7.4	3
2017	Cowboys	242	983	4.1	7	26	269	10.3	2
2016	Cowboys	322	1,631	5.1	15	32	363	11.3	1
Career		1,169	5,405	4.6	40	189	1,619	8.6	8

Numbers don’t lie folks. Being disrespected like that has Zeke raring to go. He said yesterday “This is the most talented roster I have seen here, just look at the Pro Bowlers and all-pros here.” If Elliott gets enough carries there are several folks saying that the magical 2000 yard mark may not be out the realm of possibility.

4. Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb. That’s not a new law firm, but a potential triple-headed nightmare for secondaries all over the NFL. Guess who Dak is going throw to? On any given play your guess will be as good as mine. Ceedee Lamb had a very good camp and has impressed everyone, especially in what was a weakness last year’s red-zone passing. Cooper is ready to back up his big contract, and the 3rd guy Gallup, well if the Cowboys reporters are correct he had the best camp of the three.

5. The line lost a great one with the retirement of Travis Frederick. Joe Looney has looked good in camp and while there will be a drop-off, it should not be as massive as might have thought. La’el Collins and Tyron Smith had some fans in a panic after both missed time, but it was mostly to keep both healthy for the games that matter. The other player on offense that really stood out in camp was the guy I think is the best lineman in football Zack Martin. He is just so sound at RG and will anchor the line.

6. Wild Cards? How does TE Blake Jarwin fit in with the receiving corps? Do we see more usage of Pollard? Do they stay healthy? How does OC Kellen Moore keep everyone happy? I don’t mind that being a question mark at all. This offense has the potential to be a murderers row in football terms. With better execution especially in the passing game expected, the Cowboys could tire out opposing defenses early with the passing game and then let Elliott run wild against tired defenders. They could pound you early on the ground and then go deep. If you play fantasy football and don’t grab a couple of these weapons you’re missing out on what could be the NFC answer to the Chiefs.

Up next the defense.

You can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys