Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks: A Tale of Two Teams

The curious case of the Dallas Cowboys

After a divisional round loss in the 2019 playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys were trending upward. After starting 3-5, the Cowboys went on a 7-1 run in their final eight games to clinch the division and earn a playoff birth.

Then the Cowboys fired offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and promoted former quarterback coach Kellen Moore to the coordinator position. Needing someone to fill Moore’s void they signed former Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna. The coaching staff looked improved and it looked like things would change.

Free Agency

After filling in the coaching staff came the roster. They re-signed DeMarcus Lawrence to the most expensive contract in Cowboys history, which he is still very deserving of. They also traded a 6th round pick for his partner defensive end Robert Quinn.

While they did not extend an offer for wide receiver Cole Beasley, the Cowboys still found some great bargains. They signed wide receivers Randall Cobb and Devin Smith, safety Georgia Iloka, defensive tackle Christian Covington, and defensive end Kerry Hyder. All these players provided value but their roles and projected production were unclear.

However, that didn’t stop the hype machine from coming through Dallas.

The team ended the year well. It seemed for the first time since 2014 the Cowboys had a true No. 1 receiver to pair with their quarterback Dak Prescott and All-Pro running back in Ezekiel Elliott. With the comeback of center Travis Frederick from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and the bulking of Connor Williams, the offensive line looked like it would take a step towards its 2016 self.

With the arrival of linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, the front seven was projected to be dominant. The secondary was decent in 2018, in large part due to Byron Jones having a Pro Bowl season. Players like Xavier Woods, Jeff Heath, and Chidobe Awuzie were expected to take steps in the 2019 season.