FanPost

Ranking the New* Cowboys I'm most excited about this year

Between the pessimists, optimists, and realists on BtB, I definitely lean strongly towards the optimist side, but I always try to back up my views with data, so I consider myself a realist as well.

Last year I was pumped going into the season and ended up very disappointed in the 8-8 finish. But it wasn't all bad. It finally got Jason Garrett fired and opened the door for the best coach we've had since Bill Parcells in Mike McCarthy. That's long term a better result than had the Cowboys limped in at 9-7, won a playoff game, and somehow left Garrett in charge.

This year I'm more pumped than last year, and a lot of it has to do with McCarthy being here, and the new coaches he's brought along.

Let's get to the rankings! One final note before we do. By "new" I'm going to include some guys in new roles.

1. CeeDee Lamb

The addition of Lamb turned me from someone who was taking a break from the Cowboys and grumbling about why Dak Prescott wouldn't sign a contract back into my normal optimistic self. This guy is going to be ELECTRIFYING this year. He's going to be a highlight reel all season!!

2. Mike McCarthy

He willl actually have the biggest impact of all, but he falls behind CeeDee because we can't see his play on the field. As I've said many times, McCarthy will take the lid off this team. The effect may be similar to when we moved from Parcells to Wade Phillips in 2007. Phillip wasn't nearly as good of a head coach, but he loosened the reins and let the guys play. With MM, we have a head coach who can match up against anyone.

3. Aldon Smith

I jumped on this guy's bandwagon as soon as I read Jay Glazer's reports on his conditioning and character reboot. I belive this guy could become our best defensive player this year. He's big enough to play inside or out. He reminds me a bit of David Irving, though he's much more reliable. He's going to be a BEAST!

4. Trevon Diggs

He may not have the same coverage skills of Byron Jones YET, but the first time he intercepts the ball, he's going to show he has skills that Byron Jones never developed in Dallas. I expect him to be our best CB by year's end. He gives us a dimension we've needed for a long time.

5. Everson Griffen

This guy plays relentlessly and really wants a ring. He is going to make the defense so much better.Quinn may have had a lot of sacks last year, but he didn't really change games. Griffen is going to have a bigger impact.

6. Greg Zuerlein

Greg the leg is going to remind us of when Dan Bailey was in his prime. He may be the difference in a couple of games.

7. John Fassel

In terms of biggest impacts, hirng Fassel as special teams coach will be HUGE. Our special teams cost us 4 games last year. With Fassel's expertise, we should go from bottom of the NFL to near the top. He'll also use CeeDee Lamb as a punt returner and Tony Pollard's expertise as a kickoff returner. With better field position, our offense will score more points.

8. The Linebacker flip

I'm excited to see what LVE and Jaylon can do in their new linebacker roles.

9. Blake Jarwin

Jarwin is finally going to come into his own. With teams focused on all the other weapons we have, Jarwin is poised to have a monster year as the forgotten man in our offensive arsenal. I think he could finish in the top 5 WR in catches and yards this year. He's not a "new" Cowboy, obviously, but he's in a "new" role as TE #1.

10. Trysten Hill

Another guy who is not "new" per se, but it sounds like he'll be a "new" starter at 3T. We don't have any tape on this revamped Trysten Hill, but I'm excited to see what he can do. I'm also excited to see what Neville Gallimore can give us at DT.

I'm also pumped to see

  • Tony Pollard in year 2,
  • Dak Prescott's continued development,
  • Tyler Biadasz if he gets to play center,
  • if Dalton Schultz works as a part-time fullback,
  • Dontari Poe in the middle,
  • a healthy Tyrone Crawford back,
  • some blowout wins where Andy Dalton gets to play, and last but not least
  • Victory formations at the end of every game!

Let's hope everyone stays healthy and Covid-free.

Go Cowboys!!

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