Cowboys Season in Review
Cowboys Season in Review
10-6 Record
NFC East Champions
Lost 30-22 in Divisional Round to the LA Rams
The 2018-19 Dallas Cowboys season was very up and down from start to finish but go into the offseason with a lot of hope for the next season. The Cowboys’ season came to an end on the road in the divisional round of the playoffs against the LA Rams 30-22. The Rams ran for a whopping 276 yards against the 5th ranked rush defense in the NFL. LA will play the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship next Sunday. Let’s recap the Cowboys 2018 campaign.
3-5 Start
The Cowboys went into this season with an unknown identity, and the start to their season looked like it was headed to a top draft pick. Through their first 8 games (3-5), Dak and the offense were averaging under 20 points per game (19.25). Their 3 wins in this process were all against teams that have a top 10 draft pick. The Cowboys season looked to be heading for the dumpster after an embarrassing 28-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, where the Titans were 11-14 on third down.
Amari Cooper Trade
On October 23, 2018, Jerry Jones pulled the trigger and made an at the time “head scratcher” of a trade. The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper for a 2019 first round pick. Many analysts and fans believed that Cooper was overrated and was not even close to worth that first round pick. Up until this year, Cooper has never lived up to expectations, and has been a liability with drops. Despite all of this, Jerry pressed the right button with this trade, as Dallas went 7-2 with Cooper as he debuted against the Tennessee Titans, and ultimately led the Cowboys to the playoffs.
7-1 Finish
After a rough start, the Dallas Cowboys turned their season around and surged to an NFC East title. Wins over the Eagles (2), Saints, and Falcons were crucial in this run and earned them the #4 seed in the playoffs. They finished the season averaging 23 points per game over the last 8, and the defense stayed consistent all season, as it only gave up 30 points once (Giants).
Playoff Results
Cowboys 24 Seattle 22
Cowboys 22 Rams 30
Offensive MVP
Amari Cooper
With an offense that featured Ezekiel Elliott, I still believe that Amari Cooper was the Offensive MVP. Cooper is the reason why the Cowboys turned their season around. His ability to open the passing game with his precise route running and ability to run past defenders to spread the field made Dak, Zeke and the rest of the offense be able to create more plays and move the ball. Coopers emergence is what the Raiders were waiting for, and if he can continue his success, this Dallas offense has a chance to be a force to be wrecking with.
W/ OAK
22 REC 280 YDS 1 TD (7 games)
W/ DAL
53 REC 725 YDS 6 TD (9 games)
Defensive MVP
Leighton Vander Esch
With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cowboys drafted LB Leighton Vander Esch out of Boise State. All it took for him to shine was an opportunity. When Sean Lee went down with injury, Vander Esch stepped in and seized the opportunity and quickly became a leader on the Dallas Cowboys offense. Vander Esch was the leader of a front 7 that was 5th against the run, 13th against the pass, and 6th overall. Look for Vander Esch and fellow linebacker Jaylon Smith to lead this dominant defense for many years to come.
140 Combined Tackles (102 solo) 2 INT
Team Season Grade: B+
-By Richie Dordas