Dallas Cowboys

Five reasons why the Dallas Cowboys will be in the Super Bowl

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:35 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fansided, Michael Vu/FanSided via The Landry Hat

Fresh off a slugfest with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dallas Cowboys are inching closer towards a Super Bowl ticket. Here’s why The Boys will make it.

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) leaves the field after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This is exactly how you wanted the Dallas Cowboys to rebound after a 10-7 loss to the New York Giants.

Calm. Cool. Collected. And the offense at its best in terms of execution.

Dallas Cowboys 26, Tampa Bay Bucs 20.

And while the New York loss was a much-needed wake up call, the Cowboys have moved their needle to 12 wins for the year with a whole lot of football left to fight for.

In their definitive 12th win, America’s Team showed the world how this squad can bounce back from criticism and blueprints designed to stop the offense.

Dallas conquered a team on a hot streak of their own, who are fighting for a path towards a playoff berth and maybe more. The Cowboys put an end to that hot streak.

Last Sunday night wasn’t a perfect night, but the Cowboys showed some brilliance and, in my opinion, carved out a blueprint of their own that will lead them to Houston.

Next stop, Super Bowl 51! Here are five reasons why the Dallas Cowboys will make it to the Super Bowl.

Enjoy the list.

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and quarterback Tony Romo (9) throw warm up passes before the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Depth at the Quarterback Spot

My goodness, let’s talk about Dak Prescott.

After showing up in New York for one of his worst days as an employee for the Cowboys, the quarterback responded with a rushing touchdown, a pristine passing game, and most importantly, he earned a 12th win (second most by a NFL rookie) by pushing around the Tampa Bay defense.

Prescott went 32-36, throwing for 279 passing yards. That’s four incompletions. His completion percentage of 88.9% is the second highest in the history of the game (minimum 30 pass attempts).

Let that sink in. Marinate that. A Dallas Cowboys rookie just did that on a nationally televised stage.

Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere, nor should questions about his ability be questioned moving further.

Tony Romo is exactly where he should be. The Dallas Cowboys are in a unique position to insert the multimillion-dollar quarterback should Prescott get hurt.

The last two games will be interesting. Should Prescott take a violent punch or shove on the field, the Cowboys know they have a very capable quarterback to fill in the gaps. This is a great position to be in, especially in the postseason when games become do or die.

Let’s face it: Not all teams have a Matt Moore or Tom Savage to come in and win. Tony Romo is light years ahead of that pack, and his services will be needed should the number one QB go down for a period of time en route to Houston.

Simply put: The Cowboys have the best insurance policy in the league at the QB spot.

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) and Lance Dunbar (25) talk prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Depth at the Running Back Spot

Man, did Darren McFadden miss football or what?

The running back showed some real power.

More from The Landry Hat

With Alfred Morris out, McFadden made the most of his time.

He had three carries for 10 yards; his longest going for seven yards.

I expect his load to get larger as he settles in from injury, and depending on Morris’ status, not trading McFadden to another team will be another “lucky” transaction that never happened — just like Ronald Leary‘s predicament.

Also worth mentioning is Lance Dunbar.

With the running back coming back to full strength, it’s up to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and Dak Prescott to scheme ways around Dunbar’s catching ability.

He’s a threat.

If the Cowboys can find a way to put his talents into a weapon, look out.

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving (95) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Rise of David Irving

David Irving closed the door. His presence against quarterback Jameis Winston was enough to startle the quarterback into sacks, turnovers and tipped passes.

Irving is making a name for himself. The Cowboys were in Hail Mary mode at the passing rushing spots, and this guy has answered the call.

The second-year defensive end responded beautifully with two sacks in the fourth period that helped shift the game.

With Irving getting hot on prime time football, the Cowboys are in great shape for the playoffs if he can stay consistent. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has to be excited about adding Irving to his tool box.

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball while defended by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Emergence of Sean Lee

The Dallas Cowboys are finding out what Lee can do at full power and optimal health.

If the linebacker can stay on the turf for two more games, this will be the first time the long-time Cowboy has played a 16-game season.

The 30-year-old has 140 tackles with two games left to go.

Lee has registered 10 tackles or more in nine games so far this season.

Though he has no sacks or interceptions to his name so far, the former second rounder will play a pivotal role in helping the Cowboys get through the playoffs and into the Super Bowl.

Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) hugs quarterback Dak Prescott (4) as he talks to NBC reporter Michele Tafoya after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Dallas Cowboys won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Young and the Restless

They say rookies aren’t Super Bowl ready.

Explain that to Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott.

The pair has a propensity to steal NFL headlines and break rookie records. But the duo can’t drive to Houston alone.

In addition to the rookie pair, the Cowboys have been dependent on other young stars to connect the team.

Cornerback Anthony Brown has stepped up with Morris Claiborne down. Maliek Collins is another rookie to watch out for. The offensive line is young, who as a group are still figuring out where the ceiling begins and ends.

Who is the greatest threat to the Cowboys? Who can stop the Boys from seeing Houston?

In my opinion it’s the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, should either or both teams get into the tournament.

Should the Cowboys face off against either of the two teams, the five reasons mentioned above are what will set the Cowboys over the top and into the Super Bowl.

share

Get more from Dallas Cowboys Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Dallas Cowboys

Jameis Winston

Matt Moore

Matt Ryan

Morris Claiborne

National Football League

Ronald Leary

Sean Lee

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady