Dallas Cowboys: 5 Predictions For The 2015 NFL Season

Oct 11, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is honored along with his teammates from the 1964 team prior to the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Repeating as division champs is first priority, with the Super Bowl being the destination. Here are five Dallas Cowboys predictions for 2015.

Jerry Jones makes a deadline trade for a running back

This off-season has felt like one of major urgency from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He recognizes the window for a title shot is closing given the age of quarterback Tony Romo. That means his team needs every advantage it can find, which is why the high-stakes gambler in him isn’t done. At some point during the first half of the season it will become clear the team lacks a definitive answer at running back to replace DeMarco Murray. At that point Jones will flip a high draft choice for help at the position, likely from a team interested in 2016 and beyond.

Morris Claiborne is cut before the season begins

The fact the team didn’t pick up the 5th year option on his rookie contract pretty much signals the Cowboys are about out of patience with cornerback Morris Claiborne. His constant underachievement following his drafting in the 1st round in 2012, coupled with injury problems is beginning to give rise to bust labels. Now with rookie Byron Jones coming in, the pressure is on for him to return as quickly as possible and secure a roster spot. Word is his leash is very short. Don’t be surprised if he’s dismissed during the preseason cuts.

Chaz Green and La’El Collins both finish year as starters

A much greater emphasis has been placed on the offensive line over the few seasons by Dallas management with three 1st round picks like Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick. That continued this off-season with Chaz Green in the 3rd round and La’El Collins, who was projected as a 1st round pick, signing in undrafted free agency once he was cleared of any involvement in the murder of his ex-girlfriend. Both are seen as starter material and can plug right in at the two positions considered the biggest weaknesses left in left guard and right tackle. It won’t happen right away, but at some point the two rookies will have those positions filled as starters by seasons’ end.

Anthony Hitchens leads the team in tackles

While Rolando McClain got lots of praise last season for turning his career around at middle linebacker in Dallas, and deservedly so, one of the more pleasant surprises was 4th round pick Anthony Hitchens who stepped right into the starting role at outside linebacker and seemed to make a lot of meaningful plays. More experienced now and in a system he seems to fit well, he could emerge as a principal playmaker on that defense. That will show when he leads them in tackles.

Lose NFC East despite tying for best record in the division

Despite what, on paper at least has been a productive off-season the Dallas Cowboys are faced with a problem. The rest of the NFC East got better too. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants look ready to take aim at their division crown while Washington always presents its problems as well. Even so, America’s Team will finish with the best record. The problem is so will another one of their longtime rivals, who will end up stealing the title based on tiebreakers.

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