NFC East: 5 things to look for in 2018

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OXNARD, CA – AUGUST 05: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball to the outside during the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp on August 05, 2018, at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Ezekiel Elliott gets to play a full season for Cowboys

Two years ago, during the rookie seasons of running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders. The pair completely rejuvenated a franchise that had become so accustomed to mediocrity during the Tony Romo era.

In 2016, the Cowboys went 13-3 and cruised right into the playoffs, due in large part to the rookie Elliott leading the league in rushing with 1,631 yards on the ground.

Last year, Elliott missed a total of six games due to suspensions, Prescott suffered somewhat of a sophomore slump and Dallas could only stumble to a 9-7 record, finding itself once again outside of the playoff picture.

Getting back on track in 2018 certainly won’t be easy, especially for Prescott seeing as how he lost two of his main targets; longtime tight end Jason Witten retired and the team released star receiver Dez Bryant.

But the important thing is that there will be no limitations for Elliott this year, and the Cowboys and their fans will be overjoyed to have him on the field for a full 16 games.

Expect the Cowboys to improve on last year’s 9-7 campaign and, at the very least, make a strong push for the NFC East title once again.

Even though Dallas lost its two best pass catchers, Prescott likes to spread the ball around to a handful of receivers instead of mainly targeting one workhorse. That will work to his benefit in 2018.

But the main offensive attack that will bring the Cowboys back to contention will be the run-the-ball-down-your-throat power attack with Elliott. With no suspensions holding him back, look for the third-year running back from Ohio State to have a big season.