2015 Season Predictions: NFC East Preview

May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end

(76) during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys: 

Key Additions: RB Darren McFadden, DE Greg Hardy, MLB Jasper Brinkley, OLB Randy Gregory, CB Byron Jones 

While the Cowboys seem to be very excited about McFadden, his past years don’t really seem to give them much a reason too. Maybe he can revive his career with the great offensive line in Big D. Hardy’s addition will be huge for the Cowboys pass rush, as when he is on the field he is one of the best DE’s in the NFL.

Brinkley will simply add to the depth at the MLB position. Gregory was a steal in the late second round as he was a top 10 talent with some off the field issues and he should make a big impact right away. Jones was one of the most athletic players in the draft and will be a great addition for the secondary that will have to deal with Beckham Jr. twice a year.

Key Losses: RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dwayne Harris, T Jeremy Parnell, DT Henry Melton, OLB Justin Durant, OLB Bruce Carter

Losing the leading rusher in the NFL will be a blow to the Cowboys offense. While the line might have been part of the reason for the success of Murray, he is simply a very talented rusher as well, for which McFadden can’t make up. Losing Harris will only hurt on special teams. Parnell will hurt the depth of the offensive line.

Melton had a solid year in Dallas last year, but the Cowboys simply couldn’t afford to bring him back. Durant had a great start to his season last year before his season ending injury, but the Cowboys were unable to hold him or Bruce Carter who also had a solid year last season, but the Cowboys do have some talented players to make up for the losses at OLB.

May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) goes against tackle

(77) during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Cowboys definitely added some good players, but they also lost some very talented players. Romo will give them a chance to compete for the division and more, despite the loss of Murray. Bryant is one of the best wide receivers in the league and Williams, Beasley, Witten and Escobar complete a very capable receiving corps. I hope Randle wins the competition for starting running back as I think he is far more talented than McFadden. The line hasn’t changed and should be just as dominant as it was last year, and therefore will again be a key component of a good offense.

On defense Greg Hardy will really improve the line when he returns after his suspension. Still Hayden and Crawford leave the middle vulnerable. Gregory’s place on this defense will be very interesting as the Cowboys have capable DE’s, but their depth at OLB is weak. While the depth at linebacker may be weak, the starting trio is still quite good if McClain can play like he did last year.

Sean Lee‘s return will be very important for the defense and Hitchens is also a very capable LB as he showed last year. In the secondary they have two great athletes in Scandrick and Jones. Carr may be somewhat of a weak spot as a starting corner and their safeties aren’t very good either, but they were good enough last year and likely will be this year as well.

October 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker

(50) during second half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 12-4 

Worst Case Record: 7-9

Prediction: 9-7

Team’s Offensive MVP: WR Dez Bryant

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Sean Lee

Rookie Standout: CB Byron Jones

I think the loss of Murray will be more difficult for the Cowboys offense to cope with then expected. The offensive line is good and the offense will still have success, but they won’t be as good as last year. The surprising defensive performance by the Cowboys of last year will also be difficult to replicate. Still, their upside is high as Randle could have a lot of success and Romo will still be a dominant QB behind the great line leading the Cowboys to a 12-4 season.

Worst case is the offense disappoints and the defense falls back to the level they were expected to perform at and they fall to a tough division, the strong defenses of the AFC East,the Packers and Seahawks. I must say, the best case is more likely to happen than the worst case.

Next: What team just falls short?