5 Questions The Dallas Cowboys Must Answer During 2016 NFL Training Camp


The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2016 NFL season looking to make a big leap forward from the disappointing season that they put together last year. They were expected to compete for a Super Bowl appearance but unfortunately saw injuries derail those goals.

Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones are very confident that their team will bounce back this season. They made a few offseason addition and they will have their key players back healthy as well. Simply looking at the NFC East, it is easy to see a path to the playoffs for the Cowboys.

Tony Romo and Dez Bryant were expected to have monster seasons last year after leading the Cowboys to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs the year before. Instead, Romo broke his collarbone on two separate occasions and Bryant missed the majority of the season due to a nasty foot injury. Both players are looking to bounce back and put up big numbers in 2016.

Looking ahead at the schedule, the Cowboys have the potential to have a big season. Competing against the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks won’t be easy, but there is no denying that Dallas legitimate playoff talent.

All of that being said, what five questions must the Dallas Cowboys answer during 2016 NFL training camp?

[Photo by Brad Penner/AP Images]
Is Tony Romo Back to Full Health and Confidence?

Tony Romo is not getting any younger and his body has taken a major beating throughout his career with the Cowboys. Breaking a collarbone on two separate occasions in one season will tear down confidence as well. Romo has to come in and prove that he is ready to put up big numbers on-the-field both physically and mentally.

Can Ezekiel Elliott Live Up to the Superstar Hype?

There is no question that the Cowboys got a big piece to the future of their franchise when they drafted Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was considered to be the best player in the entire draft class by many in the media. Elliott will need to prove that he can live up to the superstar hype and handle a large workload during training camp and preseason action.

Will Dez Bryant Live Up to His Huge Contract?

Last season was a huge disappointment from an on-the-field perspective for Dez Bryant, but also from a financial standpoint. Dallas had just given him a five-year, $70 million contract and saw him struggle with injuries. Jones is hoping to see his star wide receiver live up to his huge contract this season and wants to see him get back to the burst and speed that he had before the injury.

[Photo by Tony Gutierrez/AP Images]
Can the Defensive Secondary Make Any Improvement?

One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Cowboys is in their defensive secondary. They don’t have any superstar defensive backs and have been exposed by opposing quarterbacks in recent years. Dallas is hoping that their young players can develop and make some improvements in 2016.

Who Will Step Up and Lead the Pass Rush

It doesn’t sound like Greg Hardy will be returning to the Cowboys next season. That brings up the question, who will lead the Cowboys’ pass rush this season? Dallas finished in a three-way tie for 25th in the NFL when it came to total sack last season, which simply isn’t going to get the job done.

Expect to see the Cowboys make a big jump in 2016 and get back into the playoffs. If they play up to their potential, they should end up winning the NFC East division. Romo and company have a chip on their shoulder and are out to erase last season from their memories.

Do you think the Dallas Cowboys are serious contenders in the NFC this season? What record do you think they will end the season with? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Tony Gutierrez/AP Images]

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