Cowboys 2020: A Season Of Ups And Downs

Alright guys, let's dive deep into the Dallas Cowboys' 2020 season. Man, what a rollercoaster it was! If you're a die-hard Cowboys fan, you probably remember this year with a mix of frustration and maybe a glimmer of hope. It was a season that was pretty much defined by injuries, quarterback changes, and a defense that, well, struggled. But hey, that's football, right? We're going to break down what happened, who stood out, and what it all means looking back.

The Quarterback Carousel: Dak's Injury and Beyond

The absolute biggest storyline for the Cowboys in 2020, and arguably one of the most heartbreaking moments of the entire NFL season, was Dak Prescott's season-ending ankle injury. Dak was playing lights out, putting up MVP-caliber numbers through the first five games. He was slinging it, leading the offense, and showing us all what he was capable of when he had a solid supporting cast. He threw for over 400 yards in three of those games and was making plays with his arm and his legs. It felt like this was the year he was going to solidify his status as an elite NFL quarterback. But then, BAM! That gruesome injury against the Giants in Week 5 changed everything. It wasn't just a setback for Dak; it was a devastating blow to the entire team's aspirations. We saw him carted off the field, and the mood just shifted instantly. You could feel the air go out of the balloon.

After Dak went down, the Cowboys turned to Andy Dalton, the veteran quarterback, to try and keep the ship afloat. Dalton, affectionately nicknamed the "Red Rifle," had a tough job. He came in as a backup and suddenly had to lead a team that was already dealing with other injuries and a defense that was giving up a ton of points. While Dalton showed flashes of competence, he wasn't Dak. He didn't have that same playmaking ability or the deep connection with the receivers that Dak had cultivated. He played in 11 games, starting nine of them, and while he managed to keep the offense moving at times, the explosive plays and the consistent scoring just weren't there. He threw for 2,184 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, which isn't terrible by any means, but it's a far cry from what Dak was on pace for. There were moments where he looked like a capable NFL starter, and other moments where the pressure clearly got to him. The offensive line issues didn't help him either, as he was sacked frequently. It was a tough situation for him to step into, and you have to give him credit for stepping up when the team needed him, even if the results weren't always spectacular. We also saw a brief appearance from Ben DiNucci, a rookie who was thrown into the fire in a really tough spot. His outing was less about his potential and more about the sheer desperation the team felt at that point. It really underscored how much they relied on Dak and how thin their depth was at the quarterback position. The constant shuffling under center definitely impacted the team's consistency and momentum throughout the season.

Defensive Woes: A Major Hurdle

Now, let's talk about the defense, guys. This was, without a doubt, the team's Achilles' heel in 2020. It was rough to watch. The Dallas Cowboys' defense in 2020 was one of the worst in the league, statistically speaking. They were giving up an average of 400 yards per game, which is just not going to cut it in the NFL. What's even more alarming is that they were allowing an average of 32.6 points per game, the highest in the league. Let that sink in: the highest in the league. This meant that even when the offense managed to put some points on the board, the defense couldn't hold the opponent's scoring down. It was a constant uphill battle.

Several factors contributed to this defensive collapse. Injuries played a massive role, just like they did on offense. Key players on the defensive side of the ball went down, disrupting any semblance of continuity. For instance, losing defensive tackles like Gerald McCoy and later Antwaun Woods hurt their ability to stop the run. On the back end, the secondary was also banged up, with players like Chidobe Awuzie and Anthony Brown missing significant time. This lack of personnel forced younger, less experienced players into action, and while they might have shown some promise, they weren't ready to consistently contain NFL offenses. The scheme also seemed to struggle to adapt. Opposing teams figured out how to exploit the Cowboys' weaknesses, consistently finding ways to move the chains and score. We saw offenses march down the field with relative ease, converting on third downs time and time again. The pass rush, which has been a strength in previous years, wasn't as consistent, and when they did get pressure, they weren't always finishing tackles. Tackling, in general, was a recurring issue throughout the season. Missed tackles led to big plays for the opposition and kept drives alive. It was frustrating for fans to watch, as it felt like the defense was constantly giving opponents second and third chances. The turnover differential was also not in their favor, meaning they weren't creating the game-changing plays that defenses often rely on to swing momentum. All in all, the defensive struggles were a major reason why the Cowboys couldn't find consistent success in 2020, and it's an area that desperately needed attention and improvement.

Offensive Line Struggles and Key Performers

Another significant factor contributing to the Cowboys' struggles in 2020 was the offensive line's performance. This unit, once the pride of the team and arguably the best in the league, saw a dramatic decline. Tyron Smith and La'el Collins, two Pro Bowl-caliber tackles, were sidelined for most of the season due to injuries. This forced the team to rely on backups and less experienced players to protect the quarterback, whoever that might have been on any given Sunday. The constant shuffling of personnel along the offensive line meant there was a lack of cohesion and communication, which is absolutely critical for this unit to function effectively. Quarterbacks were constantly under pressure, leading to hurried throws, sacks, and turnovers. The run game, which is essential for balancing an offense, also suffered significantly. With a weakened offensive line, it was difficult to create running lanes, and the team struggled to establish a consistent ground attack. Even Zack Martin, one of the best guards in the NFL, battled injuries and couldn't single-handedly hold the unit together. It was a tough year for a group that had set such high standards in previous seasons. You could see the frustration from the linemen themselves, as they battled against strong defensive fronts week after week.

Despite the overall struggles, there were a few bright spots on the roster. Amari Cooper had a solid season, continuing to be a reliable target for whoever was throwing him the ball. He finished the season with 92 catches for 1,114 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing his ability to make big plays and consistently gain yards. CeeDee Lamb, the rookie first-round pick, showed incredible promise. Despite playing in an offense that was often disjointed, Lamb showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, racking up 74 catches for 935 yards and 5 touchdowns. He quickly established himself as a legitimate star in the making and became a favorite target, even with different quarterbacks throwing to him. Michael Gallup also had his moments, providing explosive plays downfield. On defense, Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were expected to lead the charge, but they, too, dealt with injuries and inconsistency. However, players like Trevon Diggs, another rookie corner, showed flashes of potential despite the defensive unit's overall struggles. He had a steep learning curve but demonstrated the physical tools to be a lockdown corner in the future. These young players, along with the veterans who persevered, provided glimmers of hope amidst a challenging season, hinting at a potentially brighter future if the team could address its fundamental issues.

The Final Record and Looking Ahead

The Dallas Cowboys' 2020 record ended up being 6-10. This was their first losing season since 2015 and marked a significant step back from the 8-8 record they achieved in the two seasons prior. The team finished second in the NFC East, a division that was surprisingly weak in 2020, but they still couldn't manage to string together enough wins to contend for a playoff spot. The season was characterized by a lot of close games, many of which slipped away due to defensive breakdowns or offensive struggles in crucial moments. It was a season where they often showed they could compete, but the inability to close out games ultimately defined their campaign.

Looking back, the 2020 season for the Cowboys was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. Injuries to key players, particularly Dak Prescott, exposed the team's lack of depth and their reliance on specific individuals. The defensive struggles were undeniable and need to be addressed as a top priority. However, the emergence of young talent like CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs provided reasons for optimism. The front office and coaching staff had a lot to evaluate after this season. Questions about play-calling, defensive schemes, and overall roster construction were prevalent. The path forward involved addressing the defensive issues, solidifying the offensive line, and ensuring the health of their star players. It was a season to forget for many Cowboys fans, but also a crucial learning experience that set the stage for future improvements. The goal, as always, was to get back to being a winning team and competing for championships, and the 2020 season, though painful, was a necessary, albeit brutal, step in that process. It showed the loyal fan base exactly what needed to be fixed for the Cowboys to reclaim their former glory.