3 Things The Cowboys Need To Do This Offseason To Make The Playoffs In 2018

The Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention with a 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Eve, marking the sixth time in eight seasons that they will not be in the postseason. This team has plenty of talent and expects to compete for the Super Bowl every year, so what needs to happen this offseason for them to get back into that position next year? Here are the three biggest things they need to do:

1) Find a true No. 1 receiver

Dez Bryant has had a tremendous career up until this point, but it became blatantly obvious this season that he is no longer a No. 1 receiver. He's still a physical specimen and is great winning one-on-one battles in the air, but he doesn't have the speed or quickness to separate from defensive backs. Quarterback Dak Prescott needs someone he can consistently rely on in the passing game - and that means Dallas may be drafting a wide receiver early or spending a good deal of money on one in free agency.

2) Sure up both the offensive and defensive lines

The offensive line has the capability to be the best in the league, but they need some reshuffling. La'el Collins didn't pass the test at right tackle this year and should be moved back to the inside, meaning they need to find a replacement at right tackle. Their defensive line also needs one more interior lineman to really be dominant. Find those guys and Cowboys will find more consistent success in 2018.

3) Have Ezekiel Elliott for 16 games

This one is all on Zeke. The Cowboys were 5-3 and on a three-game win streak at the time of his six-game suspension, which was then followed by three straight losses without him, essentially ending their playoff chances. Elliott is the most crucial and important player on Dallas' offense. Everything they do is predicated off of the threat of an explosive rushing attack, which he provides. With him in the fold for all 16 games next year, Dallas will be firmly in the playoff mix again.

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