The Dallas Cowboys set the tone of 2020 by finally becoming players in free agency. As history has shown, the Cowboys haven’t been big spenders in recent years. This also is could be due to the fact that they have drafted well within the last decade. There were a few big hits, and a few selections that never quite panned out but regardless it kept Dallas’ biggest decisions “in house”.
With a new coaching regime coming in 2020, the Jones family were determined to make the transition from Jason Garrett to Mike McCarthy as seamless as possible and that starts with player acquisition.
The Cowboys made their big splash first with the signing of six-time Pro Bowler, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Cowboys fans everywhere were salivating at the signing because again, it doesn’t happen often. This actually opened up the flood gates for new players to arrive in Dallas.
Fellow defensive tackle Dontari Poe, safety Ha Ha Clinton Dix, defensive end Adlon Smith and defensive end Everson Griffen just to name a few of the key free agents signed to the 2020 squad. Add these free agent signings to a phenomenal 2020 NFL Draft and the Dallas Cowboys were looking like they were in business not only to contend for the NFC East but possibly the NFC.
Due to the global pandemic, NFL training camps started off 100% virtual. There were zoom meetings every day and it was up to the players to stay in top psychical shape so that when they were permitted to come back to the field, they were ready. Gerald McCoy was one of those players who made sure he stayed ready. So ready that he dropped weight and looked to be in the best shape of his career. McCoy was very excited to be a Cowboy and it showed through multiple forums on Cowboys’ media outlets.
Unfortunately, McCoy’s 2020 season came to an abrupt end. Cowboys fans held their breathe as it was reported that McCoy crashed to the ground and grabbed his knee just 45 minutes into the first padded practice of the season. After an MRI diagnosed McCoy with a torn quadricep, his season was over.
McCoy brought size, strength and most importantly veteran leadership to the new look Cowboys defense. Most of the time when an injury of this severity hits Cowboys nation, it’s time to panic. However this year, not so fast.
While the Cowboys will miss Gerald McCoy tremendously, they’re finally built to withstand a few blows like this to their roster. Here are three reasons why it’s not time to panic in big D.
