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5 Dark horse NFL Super Bowl contenders primed to shine in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2021
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 20: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4. Dallas Cowboys

Last year, there were some lofty expectations for the Dallas Cowboys after moving on from head coach Jason Garrett and replacing him with former Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy. With the belief that Garrett was holding this team back, fans were excited to see what the Super Bowl-winning coach could do with Dak Prescott and this offense.

While McCarthy and returning offensive coordinator Kellen Moore had that offense clicking on all cylinders, their defense was an absolute nightmare. Then, Prescott broke his ankle in Week 5 and all chances they had of making a run in 2020 went down with him.

This offseason, Dallas moved on from defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and brought in Dan Quinn. They then focused heavily on defense in both free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.

They brought in players such as Micah Parsons, Keanu Neal, Kelvin Joseph, and Damontae Kazee in hopes of becoming a competent defense. And with the way this offense can put points on the board, all they need to do is be average on that side of the ball and this could be a team to watch for.

Of course, the caveat here will be that not only would Prescott need to be back at 100 percent health but also the offensive line. Dallas lost La’el Collins for the entire season and Tyron Smith for all but two games. Even the usually indestructible Zack Martin missed time as the line was a complete mess. If that’s not fixed, this season could also get away from them.

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