The NFL postseason is right around the corner, presenting an opportunity for teams to cement themselves into NFL history. The Cowboys Dallas will be rolling into their third consecutive postseason appearance but want to make a deep run. They have the talent to do so.
Let's dive into some numbers that work in Dallas' favor.
1. 367.3 Total Yards
The Cowboys don't lack talent or skilled players on the offensive side. That is something that will favor them going forward. The Kansas City Chiefs (Super Bowl LVII), Los Angeles Rams (Super Bowl LVI), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Super Bowl LV) have won the past three Super Bowls and all have something in common. They finished the season ranked in the Top 10 in total offense.
Dallas will also roll into the playoffs with a Top 10 offensive unit. Heading into Week 18, the Cowboys are ranked sixth in total offense (367.3), fourth in passing offense (255.5), and second in points per game (29.4). Being able to efficiently move the ball and put up points is crucial when going up against the best teams in the league.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is at the helm of this group. Prescott has played like an MVP candidate for different stretches of the season. The 30-year-old is extremely accurate and keeps the offense playing in a good rhythm.
The Mississippi State product is fourth in the league in passing yards (4,237), first in passing scores (32), and second in QBR (70.6). Additionally, he's tossed for at least 300 yards in five games during the regular season.
2. 1,651 receiving yards
Receiver CeeDee Lamb has taken another step forward towards stardom in 2023. Lamb is the clear-cut No. 1 pass-catching option for the Cowboys. The 2020 first-round pick has the versatility to line up all across the field and create chunk plays downfield.
His silky smooth route running isn't anything to look over. The 24-year-old is first in the NFL in receptions (122), second in receiving yards (1,651 yards), and tied for third in receiving touchdowns (10). He's exploded for at least six catches and 110 receiving yards in eight games thus far.
Travis Kelce (1,338 yards), Cooper Kupp (1.947 yards), and Mike Evans (1,006 yards) were all the leading pass-catchers for their respective clubs during their Super Bowl-winning campaigns. These weapons showcased a knack for taking over certain games and drives when it was required.
Lamb has displayed that all year long for the Cowboys. Since he arrived to Dallas in 2020, the Oklahoma product built a strong rapport with Prescott. He's recorded 120-plus targets and north of 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons. When things don't seem to be going well for the offense, look in the direction of No. 88.
Lamb's ability to attract two defenders will also open things up for his fellow teammates. Furthermore, defenses can't load up the box and that will free up the run game. Lamb's outstanding playmaking capability has a ripple effect within the offense.
3. +8 Turnover Margin
The Cowboys are one of those teams that can force their opponents into mistakes that generate turnovers on a consistent basis. Dallas ranks tied for fifth in the league in turnover differential (+8), creating 23 takeaways in total.
Being able to win the turnover margin can literally be the difference between a win or loss in any contest. The defense is littered with game-changers on all three levels. Cornerback DaRon Bland was thrust into the starting lineup after Trevon Diggs went down with a season-ending knee injury, and he's proved he was more than ready to step up.
The Fresno State product has registered 66 total tackles with a league-leading eight interceptions. Furthermore, Bland notched an NFL-record five defensive touchdowns in 2023. Linebacker Micah Parsons is wrecking havoc up front for Dallas. Parsons is a relentless pass-rusher who owns the speed and power to get past any offensive lineman.
The Penn State product is currently tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks (13) with 17 tackles for loss. Parsons joined Reggie White as the only two players in league history to supply 13-plus sacks in each of their first three seasons. The 24-year-old has finished with at least one sack in nine games thus far.
Stephon Gilmore is another savvy veteran defender in the secondary. Gilmore's instincts are through the roof and has experience suiting up for playoff football. The five-time Pro Bowl selection has 18 solo tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in seven career postseason games.
This group has the talent to create takeaways in January football, which can literally change games and make things even easier for Dallas.
In other Cowboys news: