What Is 2017 Dallas Cowboys football team

Overview

The 2017 Dallas Cowboys season marked a step back from their 13-3 performance in 2016, finishing with a 9-7 record. Despite a strong start and a competitive roster, the team failed to secure a playoff berth, largely due to inconsistent offensive production and defensive lapses.

Head coach Jason Garrett led the team through a turbulent year, managing quarterback Dak Prescott’s second season and Ezekiel Elliott’s mid-season suspension. The Cowboys played their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, maintaining a loyal fan base despite the disappointing outcome.

• Record: The Cowboys finished the 2017 regular season with a 9-7 record, a significant drop from their 13-3 performance in 2016.
• Division: They competed in the NFC East, facing rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Redskins.
• Head Coach:Jason Garrett remained the head coach, overseeing a team that struggled with consistency on both offense and defense.
• Quarterback:Dak Prescott started all 16 games, throwing for 3,324 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions.
• Running Back:Ezekiel Elliott was limited to 10 games due to a six-game suspension related to domestic violence allegations.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2017 season was defined by missed opportunities and key absences, particularly from star running back Ezekiel Elliott. After a promising 3-1 start, the team faltered in the second half of the season, losing crucial divisional matchups.

• Week 1–4: The Cowboys started 3-1, including a win over the Arizona Cardinals and a close loss to the Denver Broncos.
• Elliott Suspension: A six-game suspension began in Week 10, severely impacting the running game and overall offensive balance.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged 20.8 points per game, down from 27.5 in 2016, reflecting offensive struggles without Elliott.
• Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 22.1 points per game, ranking 18th in the league, with inconsistent pass coverage.
• Key Loss: A 45-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14 eliminated their playoff hopes.
• Final Record: Finished 9-7, one game behind the Eagles and Redskins for a playoff spot in the NFC.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Cowboys to their 2016 season reveals a sharp decline in performance and postseason success. The table below highlights key statistical and structural differences.

The absence of Ezekiel Elliott for six games significantly disrupted the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm. Additionally, the defense regressed, failing to maintain the dominance seen in 2016. Injuries and tougher competition in the NFC East contributed to the team’s inability to repeat their success.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in the Cowboys’ recent history, highlighting their dependence on key players and the volatility of NFL performance from year to year. It also underscored the impact of off-field issues on team performance.

• Player Dependence: The team’s decline during Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension showed overreliance on a single offensive weapon.
• Front Office Decisions: The handling of Elliott’s suspension raised questions about the organization’s crisis management.
• Coaching Evaluation: Jason Garrett’s leadership came under scrutiny, with debates about offensive play-calling and in-game adjustments.
• Future Draft Strategy: The season influenced future draft and free agency priorities, especially in strengthening the offensive line.
• Quarterback Development: Dak Prescott’s second year demonstrated growth but also limitations in leading a high-powered offense.
• Fan Expectations: The missed playoffs after a stellar 2016 season led to increased pressure on management and coaching staff.

The 2017 Dallas Cowboys season serves as a case study in how quickly a team can fall from contention due to injury, suspension, and inconsistent performance. While not a complete failure, it was a missed opportunity that shaped the franchise’s trajectory in subsequent years.