It's almost that time of year, as we now have to live through only one more weekend without Dallas Cowboys football. While some people may jump ahead and claim “it's our year” off the bat, I'm trying a new strategy this year and taking it game-by-game.
With that in mind, I'm dropping three hot takes for the Cowboys Week One matchup with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oh, and of course, I'm tossing a game prediction because I know everyone loves hearing those.
So to ease your curiosity, check out my hot takes below.
1. Noah Brown leads all WRs in Week One.
On Thursday, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott praised WR Noah Brown for his professionalism and hard work, and he went even as far as to label him as his WR2 behind WR1 CeeDee Lamb. While some people predicted WR Jalen Tolbert would become the number two, Brown now gets the chance to shine in an increased role.
And, come Sunday night, I see Brown having a coming out party and leading all the pass-catchers in yards. With Lamb entering this season as the new alpha in the room, it won't be surprising to see him get taken away with specific defensive schemes, so it will be up to the rest of the guys to feed off the open looks.
While Lamb will get his touches and produce, I predict Brown to be the main guy to benefit and surprise fans with his performance.
2. The defense continues their interception-mania from last season, and an up-and-coming defender makes his name known.
Last season, interceptions were arguably the theme of the defense. Twenty-six picks later–the expectations are now high for the Cowboys to repeat or outperform that number, so that will be interesting to see them chase that feat all season.
Well, on Sunday night, the defense will get their first pick of the year, and I'm riding with it coming from S Israel Mukuamu, who I predicted as my biggest sleeper this year. Some fans can point to the fact that Brady rarely makes mistakes when the lights come on, but with the shaky offensive line on his end, you can bet DC Dan Quinn is going to dial heavy pressure.
And with pressure, Brady is bound to make mistakes. Plus, after seeing Mukuamu make plays this preseason, I'm confident his ball-hawk skills will translate.
3. QB Dak Prescott leads the Boys downfield late, and K Brett Maher drills a GW-FG.
Ah, the idea of putting the game into Maher's hands.
I bet fans love that sound.
While most fans have lived through Maher's inconsistencies, I'm riding with him providing joy this time and starting the team off on a dub. Game-wise, I'm expecting a shootout between both teams, so whoever has the ball last will pull out the victory.
I know that is cliche to write, but I don't see the defenses holding each other, as the amount of firepower both teams have spells a must-watch game till the end. While the Bucs may be better talent-wise on paper, the revenge factor is going to be riding high for the Cowboys, and there is no doubt they want to make a statement.
Also, fans just remember this first game doesn't define their season or win them the Super Bowl, but of course, a dub here will have most fans saying, “This is our year.”
Will I be among those fans? No. Ok, well, maybe.
