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FanSided

NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) talks with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) talks with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys

2016 Record: 13-3, First Place in the NFC East

In 2016, the Dallas Cowboys rode the hot hands of then-rookies, quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, to a 13-3 record. It shocked the NFL world.

Both players will be back in the spotlight this year, and why wouldn’t they be? The Cowboys offense is prolific once again.

Yet it’s entirely possible Dallas isn’t quite as dominant as last year’s record suggests.

Free agency killed the Cowboys secondary this offseason. And while adding cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis will help, its easy to assume Dallas’ already questionable defense will undergo even more setbacks in 2017.

The Cowboys offense had to protect their defense a year ago. It worked then. How well will it work this season?

Strengths

Dak and Zeke. Oh, and wide receiver Dez Bryant is pretty good too.

Yes, Dallas’ offense is the primary reason why the Cowboys will be at the focal point throughout all of the upcoming regular season. Barring an unforeseen dropoff, both second-year pros should have impressive 2017 campaigns.

And that offensive line? Yeah, it remains one of the best in the NFL.

Weaknesses

Dallas hasn’t found much consistency up front, especially considering how defensive end Randy Gregory has never panned out.

Adding Taco Charlton via the draft should help. But he won’t be an immediate-impact player right away.

The secondary is the biggest concern. It’s going to be a young and inexperienced crop. And the learning curve for rookie defensive backs at the NFL level is always high.

X-Factors

Teams will try and make their adjustments against Dallas’ offense, which is easier said than done. Even if successful, the Cowboys have enough weapons to ensure no team gets comfortable with a lead in games.

The only question will be how well Dallas’ defense holds up, especially in the backfield.

And the Cowboys’ second-half schedule? Brutal.