DALLAS — As we count down the days to the Cowboys season opener against the Browns, there are questions still swirling around this year’s team.
The Cowboys are in search of a postseason breakthrough after three consecutive 12-win seasons, but anything short of a long playoff run figures to bring widespread change.
Each week, I’ll share my thoughts on the upcoming game with "Five Things." My observations will include what you should look for as the Cowboys take on a new opponent each week.
And to get it started – how about we check out Five Things for the entire season!
1. The Quarterback
There’s no position in the NFL more important than the quarterback, so let’s start with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott is entering his ninth NFL season on the final year of a four-year contract. And now that CeeDee Lamb’s deal is done, Prescott figures to be next.
But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t express any urgency in terms of getting the deal done before the season starts when he met with the media this week. Prescott said he stopped listening to what Jones told the media a long time ago, but added if he didn’t get a deal done before the season, it "says a lot about how people feel."
I’m not worried about Prescott handling the pressure that goes along with playing on the final year of his deal, if he’s forced to. He’s bet on himself before and won big. He also knows he has all the leverage when dealing with Dallas because he’ll be a completely unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Dak told me he’s at ease with the possibility he might not be a Cowboy next season. Will that free him up to be at his best in the biggest games of the upcoming season? That will go a long way in deciding just how good this season will turn out.
2. The Coach
Mike McCarthy is sitting squarely on the hot seat. He’s either one or two on most lists of NFL coaches most likely to be fired first this season. He’s shown an ability to get the Cowboys to play at a high level – see three straight 12-2 seasons – except when the stakes are at their highest. Another failed postseason will mean those changes I mentioned earlier will most assuredly start with him.
3. The Defense
Mike Zimmer is back as the team’s defensive coordinator for a couple of reasons. Dan Quinn’s high-pressure scheme failed against the run late last season, and it made the Cowboys vulnerable. Zimmer is working diligently to find the right mix of veterans to create change. He’s brought in veterans like Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips to try and shore up the Cowboys defensive interior line.
Zimmer also brings with him a no-nonsense approach to accountability. His cut-and-dried demeanor contrasts a more player-friendly approach from McCarthy. The Cowboys hoping Zimmer’s firmness will be a good compliment to the head coach.
We shall see…
4. The Offensive Line
The Cowboys are retooling the offensive line and relying on a pair of rookies while doing so. In the NFL, that’s far from ideal.
The early returns on top pick Tyler Guyton are universally positive. His athleticism jumps off the screen, but it’s also obvious that his technique needs work. He’ll be on an island against some of the best pass-rushers in the league and there will be lessons learned. Cowboys fans have to hope those lessons aren’t too painful for Guyton or Dak Prescott.
It's a similar story line for center Cooper Beebe. It’s not just athletic for him, though. It’s academic. He’ll have to be assignment sound and understand the Cowboys blocking concepts to communicate to the group. It’s a ton to pickup for a rookie. Here’s hoping Beebe can come close to replicating what former Cowboys center Travis Frederick did for this offensive line years ago.
5. Who’s the running back???
Full transparency –and this is with all due respect to Ezekiel Elliott – I rolled my eyes when the news broke that he would be coming back. Elliott has been a great soldier in his time with the Cowboys, and he’s a locker room plus. But none of that will help his production this season. The hope is he’ll be able to help in goal-to-go situations, but Father Time is not kind to running backs, especially those who have put hard miles on their body like Elliott.
The fact the Cowboys signed running back Dalvin Cook can’t be a good sign for the running back room. Cook looked like he was done last season with the Jets. In workouts, I’m told Cook looked like he had some juice, but with all that tread-ware, how long can that last?
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