Before the season started I came up with seven bold predictions and with the Cowboys reaching the mid-point of the season, I’d like to revisit my predictions. Which did I get correct and which are still pending? I’ll also offer a few more bold predictions for the second stanza of this 2014 season.
Here’s what I had before the season opener:
1. The Cowboys finish the season 9-7
The Cowboys will finally break out of the 8-8 rut this season, but it’ll be another close one in making the playoffs. The reality is, the Cowboys need to win the NFC East to punch themselves a playoff ticket.
— This one is still pending, and outside a colossal meltdown, the Cowboys should be able to get over the 8-8 hump. The Cowboys are 6-2 right now, and the Cardinals will be a stiff test with or without Romo. Do you Cowboys have 3+ wins in the second half of the season? I believe so, but it will be a tough one, it’ll truly test the Cowboys staying power.
2. Morris Claiborne misses 8+ games / IR
I’m going by history on this one. The recent “AC Joint” issues are a concern, I can see him getting banged up early and either needing some sort of scoping or full blown surgery which will cause him to miss a bunch of games. Watch.
— Well, I got this one correct with the IR prediction. Claiborne has been a bust and will have one season left with the Cowboys once he returns. Claiborne was placed on IR after he tore his patella tendon. I doubt he’ll be a factor moving forward. We missed on this selection and time to move on. Look for us to add depth at CB in the draft.
3. Tyler Patmon will start opposite Brandon Carr
Something tells me before Scandrick returns from his 4-game suspension, we’ll see Patmon starting opposite Carr as a starting cornerback. Once Scandrick returns, Patmon and Claiborne battle it out for the #3 CB, and my money is on Patmon.
— Patmon’s preseason play did not help evelate him into a starter role, and Scandrick was able to come back sooner than expected with the new drug testing policy that was passed. Patmon has seen some spot duty, but he is playing behind solid starters right now. I look for Patmon to remain in the mix next season as well.
4. Anthony Hitchens will be a bona fide starter at LB before week 8
I think the Cowboys like what they have seen in Hitchens, and ultimately, he’ll be given a starting role at LB, fulltime.
— The Cowboys have been playing with shuffled linebackers most of the season, but with Justin Durant officially on IR, this opens the door for Anthony Hitchens, and now its on for the rookie. He can seize the opportunity in front of him and with a good season he can remain a starter for the 2015 season. We’ll see how he looks, he’ll have his hands full.
5. Terrance Williams will be a 1,000 yard receiver
The Cowboys will be airing it out a lot under Scott Linehan, and more so if the defense struggles. The Cowboys have a legit #2 in Williams, and I expect him to have a breakout season this year. Defenses will be scrambling in their pass coverage. The addition of Zack Martin will give Romo an additional half second to scan the field and target Williams more often.
— Through 8 games Williams has tallied 407 yards, so he’s near the halfway point to 1,000. This prediction is still in progress, but he could still reach the 1K milestone; however, with the running game being the bread and butter of this team, it may not happen for Williams. Keep an eye on this one.
6. Jerry Jones makes a crazy trade
I’ve written about Jerry being due for a crazy trade, and history has shown he is a season past due. Take this into consideration. What if something happens to Tony Romo (knock on wood), and Brandon Weeden and/or Dustin Vaughan can’t win games in his place? Jerry could do something wild and trade for Johnny Manziel, he says he hated missing that pick, and if he thinks this team could move forward with a young QB, then Jerry could make a trade, and grossly over trade for him in the process, especially if Manziel is still on the bench in Cleveland.
I could also see Jerry looking for his “Charles Haley” trade, and make a trade for a premier pass rusher, this may not be possible with the cap restraints, but we’ve seen Jerry do some crazy things with the roster before, so you never know. This team will not have a true pass rushing end until DeMarcus Lawrence returns.
— In past years Jerry may have made a blockbuster trade, but everything was quiet on the trade front.
7. Jerry Jones extends Jason Garrett
If the Cowboys can put together some wins and put themselves into playoff contention, then Jerry may reward Garrett with a new contract before the season ends, but this would likely happens in Decemeber. If the Cowboys are in a 4th straight de facto NFC East Championship game Garrett better win that game or he’s likely gone. I just don’t see Jerry keeping Garrett if we miss the playoffs this year. He’ll need to have someone to come in and get this team over the hump. The usual names will come to mind: Gruden, Dungy, Harbaugh, or a hot collegiate coach.
— I still think Jerry could end up extending Garrett, but he’ll need to finish strong and it begins against the Cardinals this Sunday. If Garrett has the Cowboys stitting at 8-2 at the bye week, then we could see a deal get done; however, Jerry could wait and see how we look after the bye week, perhaps a game or two after the bye week. Signing Garrett could also help us lockdown Marinelli too a sizable raise as well. We cannot lose Marinelli.
And now a few extra bold predictions for the second half of the season:
1. DeMarcus Lawrence reaches 8 sacks
We’re hoping Lawrence will be what we drafted him to be – our sackmaster. I think Lawrence will bring the pressure and also help flush sacks for the interior guys, so we may see Melton and Crawford’s sack numbers increase too.
2. DeMarco Murray will rush for 1,800 yards
Murray is on a terror, already amassing over 1,000 yards, and on course to challenge for Dickerson’s season rushing record. I think Murray will get close, but we need to see if he can keep up with the physical demands.
3. Dwayne Harris redemption
What happened to Harris this season? He’s been a mess fielding the ball and fumbling punts. I’m predicting Harris will eventually have a redemption game, a game winning punt or kick off return. Make it happen Dwayne!
4. Jason Garrett coach of the year
I’m going very bold on my final prediction, and going to say when everything is said and done, Garrett will be named the NFL’s Coach of the Year.
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What are your second half of the season bold predictions?
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