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Five Cowboys players who look poised for a breakout season

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Five Cowboys players who look poised for a breakout season


After an offseason the place the Dallas Cowboys adjusted their roster, they are going to want some gamers to step up in the event that they wish to maintain onto their NFC East crown.

DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys will likely be attempting to win the NFC East and return to the playoffs in consecutive years for the primary time because the 2006-2007 seasons. Having a few of their key gamers go away, together with large receiver Amari Cooper, defensive finish Randy Gregory and proper deal with La’el Collins, might make the duty harder.

To mitigate the losses, the Cowboys didn’t restock their expertise by free company, as a substitute selecting to make use of the draft, as has develop into customary for the crew within the present period. With out bringing in veteran NFL-level expertise to switch what they misplaced, the Cowboys are hoping to get enhancements from a few of the in-house candidates.

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As well as, the gamers really feel assured that Dallas nonetheless has the expertise to compete, as quarterback and crew chief Dak Prescott has made it clear that he doesn’t consider the crew has taken a step again.

That’s good offseason speak, however who’re the Cowboys relying on to step up and shock throughout this upcoming season? Listed here are 5 names that might contribute greater than anticipated in Dallas:

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Neville Gallimore, defensive deal with

The Cowboys chosen Gallimore within the third spherical of the 2020 draft and he appeared to be prepared to interrupt out in his sophomore season. Sadly, Gallimore suffered an elbow damage within the preseason that restricted him to simply 5 video games of 2021. 

The protection survived and pushed Gallimore’s popping out occasion to this season. Gallimore has the energy to push the pocket from the inside and is a stable run stopper within the center. After having simply half of a sack in his rookie season, Gallimore picked up 1.5 sacks in restricted video games in 2021, proving that he’s on the come as much as be Dallas’ reply at defensive deal with. 

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The crew drafted the versatile Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna final yr, and John Ridgeway in 2022 to assist on the place, however they didn’t retain Brent City after only one season with the Cowboys. It might be an indication that Gallimore is able to be the reply on the inside with Dallas anticipating an enormous season simply across the nook.

Simi Fehoko, large receiver

The Cowboys drafted Fehoko within the fifth spherical final season, however he didn’t catch a single cross throughout his rookie yr. Fehoko has the dimensions to make an impression at 6 toes, 3 inches and 220 kilos. The Stanford product is a participant that may be anticipated to win on soar balls which might make him a valued crimson zone goal, an space that the offense struggled with at instances final season.

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There additionally appears to be some constructive buzz about Fehoko this offseason, who’s incomes his alternative. The second yr large receiver has been working with the first-team offense in OTAs and might be prepared for a bigger function.

Fehoko has additionally been coaching with Prescott with the hopes that they will develop a rhythm. There’s a void at receiver that the Cowboys might want to fill early within the season with beginning wideout Michael Gallup out and it’s a chance that Fehoko is aiming to grab. 

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Malik Hooker, security

The Cowboys re-signed Hooker this offseason to a modest deal within the hopes that the previous first-rounder can choose up the place he left off from the 2021 season. It took a while, however the veteran security performed his greatest soccer on the finish of the yr and have become a starter for 3 video games.

Hooker’s modest stats of 44 tackles and one interception weren’t close to the crew lead for the Cowboys, but it surely was a step in the suitable path in his first season after torn ACL in 2020. Accidents and inconsistency has marred Hooker’s profession up to now however after discovering his sea legs with Dallas, he might be unlocking his potential.

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Jabril Cox, linebacker

Micah Parsons was a standout as a rookie, however Cox was additionally on his method to incomes a beginning function earlier than a torn ACL value him the second half of his rookie yr. After becoming a member of the Cowboys as a fourth-round choose, Cox labored his approach into the linebacker rotation earlier than the damage. Assuming that he’s able to go, he’s anticipated to be a starter heading into his second season in Dallas.

Cox was a standout in protection throughout his school profession and people abilities seemed like they translated to the NFL, and his pace was evident on the sphere as a rookie. If Cox can choose up the place he left off earlier than his damage, the Cowboys are in a greater place at linebacker than most observers consider.

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Dorance Armstrong, defensive finish

The Cowboys weren’t capable of convey again Gregory, however they did preserve Armstrong, who’s an ascending participant. Armstrong had his greatest season in 2021, choosing up 5 sacks, which was double his profession whole, in simply 13 video games. He’ll be simply 25-years previous heading into his fifth yr, so one of the best might but to return with Armstrong. 

If Armstrong can proceed to enhance, the Cowboys ought to have an excellent cross rusher for a modest value. There may be work to do in different points of his recreation, however Armstrong is a stable piece as a rotational cross rusher. 

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Armstrong is a reputation to recollect because the Cowboys put together for the upcoming season and don’t be stunned if he makes a bigger impression than anticipated.

Which Cowboys participant do you assume is subsequent up for a breakthrough marketing campaign? Share your ideas with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi.

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Dallas, TX

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott enjoys vacation with his family weeks after sexual assault lawsuit is dropped

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Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott enjoys vacation with his family weeks after sexual assault lawsuit is dropped


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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is enjoying some time off as he prepares for another NFL season.

Prescott was seen at a private airport in Mexico with his family as he enjoys his vacation to Cabo.

He was seen without a walking boot on after he reportedly injured his ankle. 

Just days ago, he was seen walking in some protective footwear but these recent photos seem to show that isn’t needed anymore.

It’s been a long offseason for Prescott, who recently saw a sexual assault lawsuit that was filed against him dismissed.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was seen photographed in Cabo San Lucas

He was there with family and friends as he enjoyed his vacation down in Mexico

He was there with family and friends as he enjoyed his vacation down in Mexico

According to online court records, a Judge Angela Tucker in Colin County, Texas tossed the suit at the end of last month. 

The judge has also set a hearing on September 13 of this year to determine if any further sanctions should be levied against Prescott’s accuser, Victoria Shores, and her legal team. 

Levi McCathern, the attorney for Prescott, released a statement in the aftermath of the decision.

‘Despite Ms. Shores and her legal team’s relentless efforts to extort money and damage Dak’s reputation,’ McCathern said, ‘justice has consistently prevailed and will continue to do so.’

‘The original lies by Ms. Shores, her team, and their recent failed attempt to sue him civilly are all just a continuation of their extortion plot against Dak. 

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‘These ploys distract from the trauma of legitimate sexual assault survivors and undermine the progress that our society has made in supporting them. 

‘We are proud that Dak stands up against this injustice and thankful Judge Tucker agrees’.

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Dallas Cowboys 7th-round pick could be surprise impact player in 2024

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Dallas Cowboys 7th-round pick could be surprise impact player in 2024


It’s hard to find a position with more questions on the Dallas Cowboys’ current roster than at defensive tackle. While the unit has some concerns outside Osa Odighizuwa, the nose tackle spot is a significant problem.

Dallas will be leaning on Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round selection who struggled as a rookie and has a lot to prove in year two. Behind him is a veteran who has hardly seen the field in Carl Davis, a seventh-round pick in Justin Rogers, and an undrafted free agent in Denzel Daxon.

Of the three reserves, Rogers is best suited to force his way onto the field, and as Patrik Walker of the team’s official website pointed out, he has a lot of potential. He also said D-tackle remains the greatest need, a sentiment shared by every writer on staff as they looked ahead to the 2024 campaign.

“The success at DT will be predicated upon the stellar play of Osa Odighizuwa and …? Thus, my point. Mazi Smith is pressured to have a breakout season and so is Chauncey Golston. Justin Rogers is a rookie late-rounder with lots of potential but a large learning curve, and the same applies to undrafted rookie Denzel Daxon, while Carl Davis hopes to fight his way onto the roster.” — Walker, DallasCowboys.com

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Justin Rogers, Dallas Cowboys

Justin Rogers / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Rogers looks the part, standing just over 6-foot-2 and weighing 330 pounds. He also knows how to keep his pad level low and win with leverage — while not being afraid of using his hands against opposing offensive linemen.

He spent three years with the Kentucky Wildcats, where he had 60 tackles and three sacks. Rogers transferred to Auburn for his final season in the NCAA and added another 17 tackles and one sack.

MORE: Dak has multiple Cowboys all-time passing record in his sights

Rogers didn’t fill up the stat sheet and isn’t going to put up highlight-reel plays. What he can do, however, is clog up the running lanes, something he did often in the SEC which is no easy task. For the Cowboys, that’s exactly what they need after losing Johnathan Hankins in free agency.

It’s never a guarantee that seventh-round picks make the roster but Rogers feels like a lock since he’s exactly what this defensive line needs. He could also be in for an impactful role as a rookie, especially early as Mazi Smith is still working his way back to full health following shoulder surgery in the offseason.

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— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI 

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Dallas should be the leader in supporting DART

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Dallas should be the leader in supporting DART


As North Texas grows, Dallas should take the lead in mobility and public transportation. That means staying committed to Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

Instead, Dallas is leading in the wrong direction. The city has talked about using DART funds to cover massive pension obligations. Similar talks continued at a Government Performance and Financial Management Committee meeting last month, when council members approved a legislative priority to “seek restructuring of DART sales tax contribution.”

The full City Council will discuss the proposal and vote on it this fall. Council members didn’t commit to much, and deliberately left the language open-ended so it can be fleshed out in later discussions.

Still, we don’t like where this conversation is going. Plano’s and Rowlett’s city councils have already passed resolutions in support of cutting sales tax funding to DART.

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Dallas-Fort Worth’s population is projected to keep growing by huge margins for the next couple of decades, adding millions of jobs in the process, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Not only can DART continue to help drive economic development as it has for decades, it can also help move a growing workforce while reducing congestion on already crowded roads, making the region more competitive. And for those without access to cars, DART’s services are critical.

Plano shouldn’t try to slash DART funding

Dallas residents depend on DART far more than those from neighboring suburbs, with over 70% of riders hailing from the city, according to a May memo. How DART is treated around the horseshoe should reflect that.

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Make no mistake, DART has work to do. During the pandemic, between fiscal years 2019 and 2021, DART’s ridership nearly halved, down from just over 70 million to about 36 million, according to a DART spokesperson. Since then, ridership has crept back upward, with DART providing around 50 million rides across all modes of transportation last fiscal year.

Total ridership at the end of this fiscal year is projected to be about 58 million, a DART spokesperson said. Reaching that number would represent good progress, but would still leave room for improvement.

From the 26-mile Silver Line that will stretch from Plano to DFW International Airport to added security, cleaning crews and a system modernization program that will see 95 light rail vehicles and 522 buses replaced, among other upgrades, DART has invested millions over the last few years to boost ridership and improve service. Those efforts appear to be working and deserve time to play out.

The answer to DART’s troubles should not be disinvestment but instead to work with the agency on long-term solutions. Billions have been invested in DART over the years. Treating that as a sunk cost would be incredibly shortsighted.

DART and its member cities can still help each other grow, and Dallas can set an example. In a city committed to an equality of opportunity DART can help provide, that should be a no-brainer.

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