Dallas Cowboys: AtoZ Staff Chooses 2021 Breakout Players
Hype. It is what makes the hearts of sports fans flutter. Whether it's watching your team's highlights on YouTube or retweeting every one of their positive practice reports on Twitter, it's all magical for the time being. Fans and media members alike crown players that they expect to "breakout" during this time of the year, […]
Hype. It is what makes the hearts of sports fans flutter. Whether it's watching your team's highlights on YouTube or retweeting every one of their positive practice reports on Twitter, it's all magical for the time being. Fans and media members alike crown players that they expect to "breakout" during this time of the year, too.
The deprivation of football convinces them that certain players will exceed expectations. Realistic or not, they attempt to convince others to agree with them. The staff at AtoZ Sports Dallas is going to try to do that to you right now.
Some staff members chose one Dallas Cowboys player that they think will take their game to the next level and have a breakout season.
Mauricio Rodriguez – Blake Jarwin, Tight End
I understand that I'm reaching into the recycling bin from 2020 takes. But I feel like everyone is forgetting the hype surrounding #89 before his injury. I'm betting on him to leave no doubt about who's TE1 by being the most explosive and athletic tight end on the roster.
Shane Carter – Tony Pollard, Running Back
Every season he’s played, he’s gotten more carries and more targets in the passing game. Mike McCarthy already seems to like not having to load everything on Ezekiel Elliott‘s shoulders and the emergence of Rico Dowdle has freed up his usage on special teams. I expect him to finish the season with over 1,000 combined yards on offense.
Adam Holt – Trevon Diggs, Cornerback
Give me the Cowboys' CB1 who is heading into his sophomore season in the NFL. Diggs' measurables are exactly what new DC Dan Quinn likes in his CBs. Plus, Diggs showed flashes of great play regularly at times last season.
I think he continues to refine his game technically, and his athletic ability helps him continue to develop. He had 14 passes defended and 3 interceptions in 12 games last year. I predict that he gets 5+ interceptions this season and is at the center of the improvement in the Dallas secondary.
Cole Patterson – Cedrick Wilson, Wide Receiver
I will go with Cedrick Wilson. We saw some glimpses of what he can do against the Seahawks last year with two touchdowns, but his production fell off after Dak went down. It might be hard to truly breakout behind Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb, but I think he has a chance to add another threat to the offense. He’s had a strong training camp, and I like what he brings to the receiver unit.
Will Steele Sr. – Tony Pollard, Running Back
McCarthy is on record a few times stating he wants to be a dominant run team at times, utilizing multiple backs to reduce the workload on Zeke. That means Pollard should be more involved as a dual back. With the line returning and Dak back, big-play Pollard may be in line for a really efficient season as an RB2.
Who is your breakout player for the Cowboys this season? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
