Cowboys 2020: A Season Of Ups And Downs

Let's dive deep into the rollercoaster that was the Dallas Cowboys 2020 season. For Cowboys fans, it was a year filled with high expectations, crushing disappointments, and ultimately, a season that left more questions than answers. From Dak Prescott's devastating injury to defensive struggles and coaching changes, 2020 was a year of significant challenges for America's Team.

A Promising Start Derailed

The 2020 season began with a sense of optimism. The Cowboys had a high-powered offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and a talented receiving corps featuring Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and rookie CeeDee Lamb. The team had made significant additions in the offseason, including hiring head coach Mike McCarthy, who had a Super Bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys were expected to compete for the NFC East title and make a deep playoff run.

In the first few weeks of the season, the Cowboys' offense lived up to the hype. Prescott was putting up record-breaking numbers, and the running game, while not as dominant as in previous years, was still effective. However, the defense struggled mightily, allowing opponents to score at will. The Cowboys started the season 2-3, with both wins coming in high-scoring affairs where the offense had to carry the team.

The turning point of the season came in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, ending his season. The injury was a devastating blow to the Cowboys' Super Bowl aspirations. Without their star quarterback, the team's offense sputtered, and the season quickly unraveled. The loss of Dak Prescott cannot be overstated; he was the engine that drove the Cowboys' offense, and his absence exposed the team's lack of depth at the quarterback position. The Cowboys were forced to rely on backup quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci, and Garrett Gilbert, none of whom were able to consistently move the offense or provide the leadership that Prescott had brought to the team. The constant shuffling at quarterback made it difficult for the offense to establish any rhythm, and the team struggled to score points.

Quarterback Carousel and Offensive Struggles

Following Prescott's injury, the Cowboys' offense struggled to find consistency. Andy Dalton, a seasoned veteran, took over as the starter but was unable to replicate Prescott's success. Dalton himself missed time due to a concussion and a stint on the COVID-19 list, further disrupting the team's offensive flow. The Cowboys were forced to start Ben DiNucci and Garrett Gilbert in some games, neither of whom had much NFL experience. The quarterback carousel made it difficult for the offense to establish any rhythm, and the team struggled to score points.

The running game, which had been a strength of the Cowboys in previous years, also declined in 2020. Ezekiel Elliott had his worst season as a pro, averaging just 4.0 yards per carry. Elliott struggled with fumbles and inconsistent blocking, and he was unable to carry the offense as he had in the past. The Cowboys' offensive line, which had been one of the best in the league, was decimated by injuries. Tyron Smith, La'el Collins, and Zack Martin, all Pro Bowlers, missed significant time, leaving the team with a patchwork unit that struggled to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. The Cowboys' offensive struggles were a major reason for their disappointing season. Without Prescott under center and with key injuries along the offensive line, the team was unable to move the ball consistently or put points on the board. The Cowboys finished the season ranked 17th in the league in total offense, a far cry from the top-five ranking they had achieved in previous years.

Defensive Woes and Coaching Changes

While the offense struggled, the Cowboys' defense was even worse. The team allowed a franchise-record 473 points, and they ranked near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories. The Cowboys struggled to stop the run, generate pressure on the quarterback, and force turnovers. The defense's struggles led to the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan after just one season.

The Cowboys' defense was plagued by poor performance at all levels. The defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which made it difficult for the secondary to cover receivers downfield. The linebackers were often out of position and struggled to make tackles, leading to big plays for the opposition. The secondary was also a major weakness, as the Cowboys struggled to cover opposing receivers and prevent them from making big plays. The Cowboys' defense was also hurt by injuries to key players. Leighton Vander Esch, Chidobe Awuzie, and Anthony Brown all missed significant time, leaving the team with a depleted unit that struggled to compete against opposing offenses. The Cowboys' defensive struggles were a major reason for their disappointing season. The team was unable to stop opposing offenses, which put a tremendous amount of pressure on the offense to score points. The Cowboys' defense needs to be significantly improved if the team hopes to compete for a Super Bowl in the future.

Bright Spots and Future Outlook

Despite the many challenges, there were a few bright spots for the Cowboys in 2020. CeeDee Lamb had a strong rookie season, catching 74 passes for 935 yards and five touchdowns. The Cowboys also saw some improvement from their younger players on defense, such as Trevon Diggs and Neville Gallimore. Looking ahead, the Cowboys have several key decisions to make in the offseason. The team needs to address its quarterback situation, as Prescott is set to become a free agent. The Cowboys also need to improve their defense and find a way to generate more consistent pressure on the quarterback. With a strong draft and some key additions in free agency, the Cowboys could be back in contention in 2021.

One of the biggest bright spots for the Cowboys in 2020 was the emergence of CeeDee Lamb as a legitimate receiving threat. Lamb, who was drafted in the first round, quickly became a key part of the Cowboys' offense, showcasing his ability to make tough catches and gain yards after the catch. He proved to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys' offense, and he is expected to be a major contributor for years to come. The Cowboys also saw some improvement from their younger players on defense, such as Trevon Diggs and Neville Gallimore. Diggs, a rookie cornerback, showed flashes of potential, recording three interceptions and 14 pass deflections. Gallimore, a rookie defensive tackle, also showed promise, providing some much-needed energy and disruption along the defensive line. These young players give the Cowboys hope for the future, as they have the potential to develop into key contributors on defense.

Key Takeaways from the 2020 Season

The 2020 season was a year to forget for the Dallas Cowboys. The team faced numerous challenges, including Dak Prescott's injury, offensive struggles, and defensive woes. While there were a few bright spots, the Cowboys ultimately fell short of expectations. The team needs to make significant improvements on both sides of the ball if they hope to compete for a Super Bowl in the future. The Cowboys' 2020 season serves as a reminder of the importance of quarterback play in the NFL. Without a reliable quarterback under center, it is difficult for any team to compete at a high level. The Cowboys' struggles on offense following Prescott's injury underscore the value of having a franchise quarterback who can lead the team and make plays when it matters most. The Cowboys must address their quarterback situation in the offseason and ensure that they have a capable player under center moving forward.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys' 2020 season was a year marked by adversity and disappointment. The loss of Dak Prescott, coupled with defensive struggles and inconsistent play, led to a season that fell far short of expectations. While there were glimpses of potential from young players, the team faces significant challenges in the offseason as they look to rebuild and return to contention. The Cowboys' 2020 season will be remembered as a year of what-ifs and missed opportunities, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strong leadership, consistent performance, and a little bit of luck in the NFL. Guys, hopefully, the Cowboys can bounce back and give us a better season next year!