As we're still far away from the start of the 2022 NFL season, I decided I wanted to drop two predictions for the Dallas Cowboys and see how they panned out at the end of the year.
While I know there could still be changes that could affect the outcome of my predictions, I'm going to stick with them no matter what, and write up a piece to see how right or wrong I was.
Without further ado, check them out below.
Cowboys repeat as NFC East Champions.
The last time an NFC East team repeated as Division Champions was in 2004 and given the Cowboys won last year, I predict they will break the longest active streak in NFL History among division winners and repeat as NFC East Champs.
With the way the offseason has gone, you had some teams who made some signings, but none were huge moves that blew your mind. If I had to spotlight the biggest one, it would have to be the Washington Commanders trading for Quarterback Carson Wentz since they now have a starting QB, but it's not something that is going to warrant any challenge to the Cowboys.
Despite the Wentz trade, the Philadelphia Eagles' biggest acquisition was Linebacker Haason Reddick and for the New York Giants, it was… Quarterback Tyrod Taylor?
Although I don't feel like any teams are going to present a fight to the Cowboys, I could see the Eagles and the Commanders causing some trouble for them. While the Giants did hire Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll, who should do wonders elevating QB Daniel Jones's game, the Giants still have many questions around their whole team.
WR James Washington reminds fans of a former Oklahoma State wideout and looks like a steal signing.
Once it was announced that WR Amari Cooper was getting shipped out of town to the Cleveland Browns, it felt like it was one of those moments that you remember where exactly you were when big news broke.
(I was at a local Starbucks enjoying my Iced Caramel Macchiato and I almost threw it across the cafe once I saw their trade compensation. Just kidding, well maybe.)
Now faced with who was going to replace Cooper, the franchise re-signed WR Michael Gallup and went after Former Steelers WR James Washington in free agency, which to some was an odd signing.
New #Cowboys WR James Washington (5-11, 213) with a pair of nice grabs against MIN last year, particularly showing off his impressive 39-inch vertical. Washington has primarily been a deep threat throughout his career (15.1 ADOT). pic.twitter.com/wrLr1shKj2
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) March 18, 2022
Washington, who broke into the league in 2018, was known as a speedster coming out of Oklahoma State, and he showcased it a lot during the beginning of his career in Pittsburgh. However, because of poor-QB play and limited opportunities Washington went from having 44 catches for 735 yards in his second year to just 24 catches for 285 yards this past season.
As it's being reported that Gallup is going to be out for a couple of games, there is no clear answer if he will be up to game speed right away. I understand that he and Dak Prescott have that connection already that dates back a couple of seasons, but he will still be returning from an ACL injury.
I predict Washington will be a sneaky, good WR2 behind WR CeeDee Lamb and fans will be praising the front office for the signing when they see him burning opposing corners. Yes, the franchise can still upgrade the wide receiver room through free agency or the NFL Draft, but I feel like they're comfortable with what they have.
Overall, despite the franchise losing some key starters and not being so aggressive in free agency, they're still built to win the division. Now, if you want to talk about their chances toward a Super Bowl run, I feel like you have a better chance at winning the lottery because they're not close to competing for a Lombardi just yet.
The franchise still has time to make some moves and hit on the draft, but their time is running out and teams around them are just getting better.
