This topic should be interesting. I know that the 2022 NFL season isn't over yet, but I figured it would be a fun time to compare the Dallas Cowboys this year, to last year in terms of which team is better. I will compare team stats, players, and other methods to decide which Cowboy team is better.
To start, we'll look at the team stats. Remember that the season isn't over yet, so some stats may vary. In 2021 the Dallas Cowboys went 12-5 and scored the #3 seed in the playoffs. Sadly, the great season ended with a wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
This team had the #1 offense in the NFL that season, scoring an average of 31.2 points per game. They also had the #7 defense in the nation, allowing an average of 21.1 points per game. These stats were incredible and are what earned them such a high position in the playoffs.
The 2022 Cowboys, currently have the 7th best offense with 25.4 points per game. They also have the 2nd best defense in the league only allowing an average of 17 points a game. Both these teams nearly have swapped stats with their defenses and offenses. I find this very interesting.
It's also good to know that this year, starting Quarterback Dak Prescott was out for 5 games, yet they still have a good record of 8-3. At the moment, it seems the Cowboys may be better this year. Let's take a look at the players now.
One major downfall of the Cowboys is that they lost a very valuable player, Wide Receiver Amari Cooper. After being traded to the Cleveland Browns, Dallas had a very big problem that wasn't a problem last year, receivers. The lack of receivers hurt the Cowboys early on, but now after some good practice, all the younger and (less skilled) receivers are doing much better than at the beginning.
However, the wide receiver class of 2021 was much better than this year. Another position to look at is the offensive line. While it was a struggle last season, this year became worse. Many more problems occurred on the O-line with injuries, errors, and other drama surrounding the players.
Last year seemed to have a lot more organization with players and coaches compared to this year. Lots of controversies and emotions have been shared on this year's Cowboy team. I feel like the team was more structured and trusted each other a bit more in 2021 than in 2022.
Something different this year is the fact that the team seems more confident all the way around. You look at certain players like Dak Prescott and Linebacker Micah Parsons and see that they are just here to do one job, win. There's no uncertainty, just pure determination.
One more subject I have noticed is how the 2022 Cowboys have beaten good teams so far such as the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants (twice), and Cincinnati Bengals. All Playoff teams. However, in 2021 we only beat two playoff teams who both lost in the first round, The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots.
The 2021 Cowboys lost to four other playoff teams in the regular season. This year is different for that matter. I honestly think that this year the team is better. As my old man would say “Defense wins Championships”. With the way the Cowboys' defense is and how the offense is starting to get better, the 2022 Cowboys are a better team than the 2021 Cowboys.
