The Cowboys beat the Redskins to finish 8-8, but the season is over. Here are five things learned from week 17.
1. The Playoffs Aren’t Happening
The most obvious thing learned from week 17 is that the playoffs aren’t happening this season. Dallas took care of business by beating the Redskins handily, winning 47-16. Unfortunately, they needed help that they didn’t get to make the playoffs.
For more than a half, the Giants kept things close with the Eagles, but turnovers killed them in the end. The Eagles defeated the Giants and will now represent the NFC East in the playoffs. It was a rough season for the Cowboys, but maybe some positives can come out for next season.
2. Jason Garrett is Going to be Fired
Jason Garrett was given a talented roster to work with this season and he failed to even make the playoffs. He has been on the hot seat before, but this has to be the nail in the coffin. The team had Super Bowl aspirations and only beat one team with a record over .500.
Jerry Jones loves Garrett. He gave him 10 years to figure things out and Garrett couldn’t get it done. Even Jones has to see the writing on the wall. With a good coach, this team is talented enough to make a deep playoff run.
3. Michael Gallup is a Star
Michael Gallup had a great season as the Cowboys’ number two receiver. He capped it off with a career day against the Redskins. The Colorado State product finished the game with five receptions for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
For the 2019 season, Gallup finished with 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. If most of the offensive players are back next season, and Gallup takes a big step forward, the Cowboys can have an even better offense next season. That would be impressive considering they ranked in the top five in passing yards and rushing yards and sixth in scoring.
4. Dak Prescott had a Great Season
Even though he was playing through a shoulder injury, Prescott had a great season. He threw for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 65.1 percent completion. The Cowboys may not have had the best team season, but Prescott did his best to lead the team.
Prescott set personal bests in touchdown passes and yards per attempt. His 4,902 passing yards rank second all-time for a Cowboys’ quarterback, sitting only behind Tony Romo’s 2012 season when he threw for 4,903 yards. Seeing Prescott take a huge step forward is good for the future of this team.
5. Turnovers Have to be a Focus Next Season
The offense moved the ball well and the defense only allowed 20.1 points per game, but Dallas didn’t make the playoffs. A lot of that had to do with not scoring enough points, but the defense was one of the worst in the league at forcing turnovers. If they want to improve, they can start with forcing turnovers.
This season, the Cowboys had just seven interceptions, which is tied for last in the league. They did have 10 fumble recoveries, which ranked 10th in the league, but forcing 17 turnovers, or just over one a game, isn’t good enough for this team.
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