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Ezekiel Elliott has proved he can produce on the field—but
staying there has been the issue. His off-field conduct led
to a suspension in 2017, and he had another disciplinary
hearing this summer. Elliott might be the best running back
in the league, though: He has led the NFL in rushing in
two of his three seasons. The Cowboys lean heavily on
him—he has also led the league in carries twice—so if he
remains active, he rounds out a lethal offensive trio that
includes WR Amari Cooper and QB Dak Prescott. Cooper,
acquired in a trade with the Raiders in Week 7, broke out
in his time in Big D (725 yards and 6 TDs in nine games).
Few teams have as much elite talent on offense.
Luckily for the Cowboys, they have a defense to
match. Leighton Vander Esch, last year’s first-round
pick, was dynamic at linebacker. The 6' 4" 256-pounder
from Boise State was second in the league with 102
solo tackles and had two interceptions. Next to him is
24-year-old Jaylon Smith, who was 15th in the league in
tackles. Dallas also traded for pass rusher Robert Quinn
(61/2 sacks with the Dolphins) to pair with Pro Bowl DE
Demarcus Lawrence.