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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72), guard Ronald Leary (65) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) on the line of scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New Orleans 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72), guard Ronald Leary (65) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) on the line of scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New Orleans 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys 13-3

Last week: 1st, NFC East
Last rank: 3rd

Looking Back: For the second time in three years, the Cowboys won the NFC East thanks to a dominant running game, a talent-laden offensive front and the ability to keep a suspect defense off the field. Quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott came up big. But ultimately, that aforementioned defensive unit proved to be the team’s undoing in the playoff loss to the Packers.

Looking Forward: There are a lot of positives when it comes to this club. Prescott corralled NFL Offensive Rookie of the year honors and Elliott easily led the NFL in rushing with 1,631 yards. The offensive line is young and talented as well. Wide receiver Dez Bryant and Prescott finally got on the same page as their playing time with each other increased. All that being said, the team won’t be able to take the next step unless their defensive unit starts to make strides. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Cowboys ranked first in the NFL against the run. The same team also ranked 26th in the league when it came to allowing yards through the air.

Offseason needs: We feel like we are beating a dead horse. But you can’t overestimate the issues on that side of the ball. Outside linebacker Sean Lee had a big year and defensive end David Irving showed promise as a pass rusher. Still, the Cowboys have their share of decisions that have to be made in terms of personnel considering cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr and safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox can all become unrestricted free agents in March. The team would be wise to invest the vast majority of April’s draft on defense and let those young players grow and learn under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

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