PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 13: Center Travis Frederick #72 of the Dallas Cowboys signals at the line of scrimmage as defensive lineman Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during a game at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 35-30. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
A new era of Dallas Cowboys football is set to begin. Mike McCarthy is back in the NFL as the team’s head coach, and he must win these five games in 2020.
Recently, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL. Building primarily through strong drafts, this team was built to compete for years.
Instead, the team couldn’t regularly win under Jason Garrett. Last year was a prime example.
The Cowboys started the season 3-0. After that hot start they finished with a record of 5-8, squandering the NFC East divisional lead and missing the playoffs.
Garrett is now with the New York Giants and former Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy has the head coach job in Dallas.
There will be an immense amount of pressure for McCarthy and the Cowboys to win in 2020. Therefore, they must win these five regular-season games to compete for another Lombardi Trophy.
5. Home: Pittsburgh Steelers
Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant went off for the Cowboys in the most recent matchup between the Steelers and Cowboys in Pittsburgh.
Bryant hauled in six catches for 116 yards and one score. Elliott ran for 114 yards and two scores, as well as 95 receiving yards and one score through the air. Prescott finished with 319 yards and two touchdown throws.
Cowboy fans would welcome such performances from Prescott and Elliott when the Steelers come to Dallas this season.
The Steelers will be a more competitive football team with Ben Roethlisberger back this season. Challenging for the AFC North, this game will have a playoff feel to it.
It’s important that teams test themselves against fellow playoff contenders, and the Steelers will be a challenge for the Cowboys to handle at home.
The road schedule is daunting for the Cowboys in 2020. Beating a playoff-caliber club like the Steelers at home would prove a lot.