The Dallas Cowboys want to overcome last year’s playoff failure and make a comeback with a Super Bowl run for 2022. The Cowboys are determined to rebound from last year’s disappointing playoff performance against the San Francisco 49ers.
In the offseason, the team made several notable moves. parted ways with Amari Cooper and then extended the contracts of CeeDee lamb and Michael Gallup. Although there were no major changes in the offense, Lamb will play a larger role in 2022 after Cooper’s departure. It’ll be interesting for Prescott to see how he does with the new receiving corps.
As long as the Cowboys live up to their expectations, they shouldn’t have any trouble winning the NFC East in 2022. The Giants are unlikely to make a major push, and the Commanders will start Carson Wentz at center. Although the Eagles made great strides during the offseason, the Cowboys still have enough talent and experience to beat them.
If Dallas is to make it to the Super Bowl, they will need to have some players who can step up and make significant improvements. However, there are some great guys that could make a huge impact.
All that being said, here’s the Cowboys’ biggest surprise X-factor for 2022.
After James Washington was released by the Steelers via free agency , the Cowboys signed him in the offseason. Washington is currently the third wide receiver option for Dallas, behind CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and on the depth chart.
Lamb will be playing the WR1 position, meaning he will face more intense coverage from the opposing defenses. This will allow for better looks for Washington, Gallup and Dalton Schultz. Gallup is currently recovering from an ACL injury, and his status for Week One remains uncertain. Washington could see significant usage in the first few weeks, which is what we expect.
Washington’s time with Steelers was not without its ups and downs. He quickly fell behind Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith Schuster in the pecking orders. However, he showed glimpses of his potential while playing for the Steelers and could hopefully regain some of that in Dallas.
Washington had 44 receptions for 735 yard and 3 touchdowns in 2019. Although his target share has declined in each of the previous seasons, Washington still managed 54 receptions for 677 yard and 7 touchdowns over the past two years. Washington, who is only 26 years old, still has room for growth and can reach his potential as a former 2nd-round pick. Now that Washington is in Dallas, he has a chance to get a significant target share. This is especially true while Gallup recovers from his ACL injury.
Prescott and Washington will try to build a close relationship in the first part of the season. This will ensure that Washington remains a key cog in Washington’s offense throughout the season.