With The First Pick
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Cowboys: 2021 NFL Draft primer as excitement surrounds Dak Prescott

By Timothy Rodriguez

Sep 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2020 Dallas Cowboys were nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. The Mike Nolan led defense allowed over 29 points per game last season, ranking 28th in the league. They gave up a grand total of 473 points, a franchise record. Injuries hampered the Cowboys all season long, leaving them with a 6-10 record when it was all said and done. Even with only six wins, the Dallas Cowboys were in position to win the putrid NFC East all the way up until the final game of the season.

The Cowboys started the season on absolute fire offensively. After only scoring 17 points in the opener vs the Rams, Dallas scored at least 31 points in each of their next four games. Quarterback Dak Prescott was on a legendary pace statistically. The Cowboys investment in their offense was paying off. However, disaster struck in the form of a compound fracture of Dak Prescott’s ankle.

Cowboys lost without Dak Prescott

For the remainder of the season, the Cowboys were forced to trot out a combination of Andy Dalton, Ben Dinucci, or Garrett Gilbert. The team would go 4-7 during that span, with turmoil stemming from every pore of the roster. Players questioned the coaching staff and owner Jerry Jones remained noncommittal in contract talks with Prescott. Mike McCarthy was retained for a second season, and ultimately replaced Nolan with former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.

The Dak Prescott contract situation was a black cloud hanging over the Cowboys all season long. The narratives got even more problematic for Dallas when Prescott went down. Eventually, the deal got done and Prescott got his money. The Cowboys can now focus on adding to their porous defense.

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