After suffering through injuries and finishing 4-12 in 2015, the Cowboys' 2016 season got off to a rough start with Tony Romo going down with a back injury during a preseason game against Seattle. Fourth-round rookie quarterback Dak Prescott stepped into the starting role and conducted one of the league's best offenses with fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott running behind arguably the best offensive line in football. Outside of a little shuffling along the O-Line, The Cowboys are bringing back much of their offensive talent, which makes them the early favorites in the NFC.
QB
Even after some impressive preseason performances, many analysts were skeptical over whether or not Dak Prescott could carry that momentum into the regular season. Dak stunned his critics by performing well in every single game except for his two matchups against the New York Giants last season. Prescott's numbers were eye-popping as he threw for 3,667 yards at an incredible clip of 8.0 yards per attempt with a Brady-like TD-to-interception ratio of 23 TD's to 4 INT's. With all of his weapons back and three Pro Bowlers in front of him on the O-Line, don't expect Dak to regress too much in year two.
RB
Ezekiel Elliott had some video game numbers himself last season, gaining nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage at 5.1 yards per carry and scoring 16 total touchdowns.
While there's no question about his talent on the field, Elliott could be facing some problems off the field as the NFL wraps up their investigation on a domestic violence allegation from his days at Ohio State. Assuming Elliott doesn't see a suspension as a result of those allegations, he could have an even bigger year this season.
WR/TE
After some rumblings of retirement over the offseason, Jason Witten signed a contract extension to stay in Dallas through the 2021 season after another solid year in 2016, gaining 673 yards and finding the end zone 3 times. Witten returns alongside a fellow staple of the Cowboys' pass-catchers over the past few seasons in Dez Bryant -- who gained 796 yards at 15.9 yards per reception with 8 TD's in only 13 games.
The Cowboys have some dangerous options in the slot with Cole Beasley and rookie Ryan Switzer, and Terrance Williams is a very capable number two receiver.
OL
Dallas is one of the only teams that is consistently recognized for their offensive line play, and they deserve it with LT Tyron Smith, C Travis Frederick, and G Zack Martin all making multiple Pro Bowls and all in the conversation for being the best player at each of their respective positions. The other two spots are major question marks as La'el Collins has the potential to be a Pro Bowl right tackle, but has been inconsistent over his 15-game career, and the competition for the left guard spot is wide open with Jonathan Cooper, Byron Bell, and Emmett Cleary among those fighting for the starting job.
If the Cowboys can find someone to provide average play at left guard and Collins begins to live up to his potential, this unit could be among the league's elite yet again.
An updated look at the Cowboys' offensive line after the recent news about La'el Collins and Jonathan Cooper. pic.twitter.com/55D9lioZs1
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 8, 2017
The Cowboys' schedule may be the only thing holding them back from repeating last season's 13-3 record as they find themselves in the best division in the NFC, and have to play the best division in their cross-conference matchup in the AFC West. With only one or two minor question marks on their offensive roster, this Dallas offense should be humming again in 2017.