The last two successful seasons the Dallas Cowboys have been able to put together have both been years in which the team was a big underdog heading into the season. In 2014, the Cowboys were expected to have a bad season with one of the worst defenses in NFL history after losing DE DeMarcus Ware. In 2016, the Cowboys were basically scratched off after Tony Romo went down in preseason. After all, we saw what happened in 2015 without #9 and no one expected Dak Prescott to have the impact he had as a rookie.
In 2018, the Dallas Cowboys seem ready to take on as one of the NFC underdogs once again. Although they're recognized as an above-average team, many doubt their ability to win enough games to make the postseason the year after a disappointing 9-7 record.
With the Philadelphia Eagles being the clear favorites to win the NFC East as the defending Super Bowl champions, many have forgotten about the team that took the league by storm in 2016. Now without Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, the passing game's future is uncertain. You need a passing game to win in the NFL.
In a conference that basically has three contenders per division, it will be a challenge for the Cowboys to earn a playoff berth. The NFC West has the Rams, the 49ers and maybe the Seahawks contending, the North has the Vikings and the Packers while the Lions and Bears seem like potential surprises and the South has the Panthers, Falcons and Saints who were all contending for the playoffs in week 17 last year and will likely be in a similar scenario this year.
There are many reasons to be excited about the Cowboys' upcoming season, such as Dak's third year, Kris Richard's arrival and a promising offensive line with rookie Connor Williams fixing the one question mark in the unit.
Hopefully, this reasons outweigh the causes for concern. Such as big question marks at the wide receiver, tight end and safety position. On top of it all, the Cowboys' schedule isn't an easy one. They'll face quite a few contenders throughout the season and unlike the AFC, any NFC team that plans to play in January must have a very good record.
With so many talented and promising teams, the race for the Wildcard playoff berths will likely be the most exciting one in the entire NFL this year.
The big question here is, will the Cowboys be able to have success as an underdog in the conference once again in 2018? Personally, I even feel that said “underdog” status will help spark a fire in the play of a team with so many young and hungry competitors.
This is a young team, one with few experience at various positions. However, it's a good team. Although the pass-catchers department is questionable, Dak Prescott might have the best season in his career and Ezekiel Elliott will be back without any off-field issues behind an improved offensive line.
The defense is also promising at every spot except for safety, which despite having decent starters, it's probably the most questionable position on the team. At the very least, it looks like a better unit that 2017's.
If being an underdog the entire season results in a successful year, then bring it. Besides, everyone loves the underdog.
