2013 NFL Schedule: Predicting the Dallas Cowboys’ Win-Loss Record
Dallas Cowboys
As you may have heard, the NFL released its 2013 schedule, and oh-man, looking at this schedule for the Dallas Cowboys has me excited about the possibilities for 2013.
You may be wondering at this point, “Why is he excited?” Well, let me tell you why. First off, it’s a clean slate for the Cowboys. The disappointment that was the 2012-2013 Cowboys team is gone. These are the 2013-14 Cowboys with new goals, new ambitions and a new attitude.
The team has also undergone a bunch of changes from coaches to players, and in my opinion, even general manager. Now, you may be wondering what in the world I’m talking about in that last part, but if you really want to know why I feel that way, check this article I wrote a few weeks back about the changing of the guard happening within the Cowboys.
The changes aren’t over by any means either because the team still has the 2013 NFL Draft coming up on April 25, they will probably cut some players on June 1, and they will probably add some veteran players and undrafted free agents during the free agency period following the Draft.
The Cowboys have a very favorable schedule to begin the season and in my opinion a favorable schedule to end the season. Not to take any credit away from the teams on this list, but they’re not the same teams they were a year ago. My suggestion is to not let the names scare you into thinking the Cowboys can’t compete with these so-called “elite teams.”
So, here’s my – way to early to predict – Cowboys win-loss record based on the schedule.
Sept. 8 Dallas Cowboys 0-0 vs. New York Giants
The Cowboys are opening at home for the first time since 2007; however, the Giants seem to own Cowboys Stadium.
That changes this year; I project Cowboys to win this game 17-14.
Key to Victory: Getting to the quarterback.
Sept. 15 Dallas Cowboys 1-0 at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs aren’t a good team and they’re going to be implementing a new offense under Andy Reid. I can’t imagine they’re going to be firing on all cylinders by week two.
I project the Cowboys win this game 21-7
Key To Victory: Stopping the run
Sept. 22 Dallas Cowboys 2-0 vs. St. Louis Rams
The Rams have made some improvements, but lost their workhorse in Steven Jackson during the offseason. I haven’t seen anything that says that Sam Bradford can carry that team yet.
I project the Cowboys win this game 21-10
Key to Victory: A healthy dose of DeMarco Murray
Sept. 29 Dallas Cowboys 3-0 at San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are rebuilding and have a new coaching staff. Much like the Chiefs, I cannot imagine that they will be firing on all cylinders by week three.
I project the Cowboys win this game 17-10
Key to Victory: Getting to the quarterback
Oct. 6 Dallas Cowboys 4-0 vs. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Wes Welker is going to allow the Broncos’ offense to spread the defense and let Peyton Manning do what he does best.
I project the Cowboys lose this game 28-17
Oct. 13 Dallas Cowboys 4-1 vs. Washington Redskins
The Cowboys will be coming off of their first loss, but they’ll be playing at home. It hasn’t meant much the past couple of seasons, but with Robert Griffin III coming off of reconstructive knee surgery, I don’t see the Redskins deploying him in the same manner as they did last season, especially not this early in the season.
I project the Cowboys win this game 27-24
Key to Victory: Stopping the run
Oct. 20 Dallas Cowboys 5-1 at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ will be trying to implement a new high-powered offense. How that offense will work in the NFL is yet to be determined, but the Eagles seem to always play the Cowboys hard.
I project the Cowboys win this game 24-20
Key to Victory: Minimizing the big play
Oct. 27 Dallas Cowboys 6-1 at Detroit Lions
The Lions were a disappointment last season, but they do have a guy named Calvin Johnson who can single handedly keep them in games. They also added Reggie Bush during the offseason, which should work wonders for their play action plays. This will be the second of two games on the road and it won’t be an easy one.
I project the Cowboys lose this game 24-17
Nov. 3 Dallas Cowboys 6-2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are coming off of a surprisingly good season, but they lost a playmaker when they traded Percy Harvin. They do, however, have a guy named Adrian Peterson who shredded defenses last season on his way to being named the NFL’s MVP.
I project the Cowboys win this game 14-10
Key to Victory: Stopping the run
Nov. 10 Dallas Cowboys 7-2 at New Orleans Saints
The Saints at home will prove to be a tough matchup, but the Cowboys are playing a defense coached by Rob Ryan. As Cowboys fans we should know that they’re going to give up a ton of points.
I project the Cowboys to win this game 30-28
Key to Victory: Exploit Ryan’s defense
Nov. 17 Bye Week
The Bye Week
Nov. 24 Dallas Cowboys 8-2 at New York Giants
The second meeting with the Giants will be at the Meadowlands, the Cowboys got a win there last season, but that won’t be the case this year. The Giants will avenge their week one loss.
I project the Cowboys lose this game 28-23
Nov. 28 Dallas Cowboys 8-3 vs. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are in full rebuilding mode. I don’t think they’re going to be very good in 2013.
I project the Cowboys win this game 35-10
Key to Victory: Get to the quarterback
Dec. 9 Dallas Cowboys 9-3 at Chicago Bears
Its going to be a cold one in Chicago when December gets here and the Bears are a very good team. They’ve improved the offensive line and the addition of Martellus Bennett will help their run game. I think the team that establishes the run first wins this game.
I project the Cowboys will lose this game 17-10
Dec. 15 Dallas Cowboys 9-4 vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a good team and have a bunch of talent on offense, but they’ve proven to be vulnerable to the big play on defense.
I project the Cowboys will win this game 28-26
Key to Victory: Exploit the Packers' secondary
Dec. 22 Dallas Cowboys 10-4 at Washington Redskins
By this time we’ll know if Griffin’s knee held up throughout the season, the Redskins at home will be tough to beat.
I project the Cowboys will lose this game 28-20
Dec. 29 Dallas Cowboys 10-5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys will close the 2013 season at home and will be in a much better position than they have been in previous years. This will be a tough one because the Eagles’ will have a full season under their belt in their new offensive scheme.
I project the Cowboys will win this game 21-20
Key to Victory: Stopping the run
.So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. These are my – way too early to predict –predictions on how the Cowboys’ season will play out.
Look out Playoffs cause here comes America’s Team at (11-5).
Jesus Flores is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com Follow him on Twitter @SSgtFlo1
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