The 2016 NFL regular season started out clouded with uncertainty and questions once their starting Quarterback Tony Romo went out for what ended up being the rest of the season (and his career). Once the season got rolling, all those apprehensions were put to rest. After a serious playoff run led by two rookies (Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot) and numerous All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections the 2017 season promises to be something to look forward to for Cowboys fans. As OTA's are about to wrap up in Frisco, Texas, there are a couple of Dallas Cowboys that have some serious goals they want to achieve.
Zeke plans to build on his incredible rookie season
Zeke made a serious and undeniable splash in his rookie season. For the first time since 1999 (when some guy named Edgerrin James led the league in rushing and subsequently in 2000 as well), a rookie led the National Football League in rushing yards from scrimmage. Zeke ran and hurdled his way to 1,631 yards (and the league rushing title), an All-Pro nod, and a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie year. For a young player, it doesn't get any better than that, or does it?
"I think I left a lot of yards on the field [last season]," he told reporters on Wednesday. He told media that his major goal for the upcoming season is to become a more potent second level runner.
Runners who are great second level runners know how to make guys miss and understand defenses thoroughly as to lead to instinctual knowledge on where guys will be in their formations and rotations. In order to improve this facet of his game, Elliott will focus on film study (offensive and defensive) in order to increase his football I.Q.
(which is high already). A young player with the ability to identify weaknesses, implement the work ethic to improve, and flourish is a dangerous mix for defenses everywhere.
Jaylon Smith has worked his butt off
After suffering a torn ACL, LCL, and a damaged peroneal nerve, he spent the entire season last season in intense rehab.
The Cowboys took a big chance on Smith, and finally almost a year and a half later, things are really starting to look up for the young linebacker from Notre Dame. "We certainly love the progress he's made and are excited about what he's been doing to this point..." coach Jason Garrett told the media. Smith has been on an every other day practice schedule. He's doing individual drills and recently started getting involved in seven-on-seven drills. They want to take it slow with him as to not push the injury too much too fast.
Will the Cowboys have a back to back rushing leader? Will Jaylon Smith prove to be the generational linebacker everyone believed he would be? Only time will tell what is in store for the Cowboys and their fans this season.
