The Dallas Cowboys needs reinforcements and fast. On Thanksgiving, they suffered a heartbreaking 36-33 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime giving them three losses in their last four games. Offensively, is been a struggle in the passing game over the last two weeks to get consistent production with multiple backup wide receivers getting more snaps. On the defensive side, the only player that gets pressure off the edge rushing the passer with any regularity lately is rookie Linebacker, Micah Parsons.
December is right around the corner and it’s time for the push to the playoffs. The Cowboys are 7-4 despite their recent slump and hold a two-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. This is the time when teams need to be playing their best football, and the Cowboys are set to get several key starters back as they look to get back on track.
Dak Prescott will be the happiest man in North Texas when the Cowboys take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Wide receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb will be back in the starting lineup giving the Cowboys’ passing game a much-needed boost. Cooper has missed the last two games after landing on the Reserve/COVID list. Despite this, Cooper is still second on the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and his outstanding route running plus his ability to draw double teams is something the Cowboys passing attack has missed.
Lamb is showing people in 2021 that he’s one of the most special talents at the wide receiver position. He’s been the most productive receiver on the Cowboys leading in targets (77), receptions (50), yards (740), and touchdowns (6). His work in the middle of the field from the slot can’t be undervalued. The more effective he is the more Cooper and Michael Gallup can get favorable one-on-one opportunities on the outside, making the Cowboys’ aerial assault a nightmare to deal with.
DeMarcus Lawrence hasn’t played since breaking a bone in his foot before the Cowboys Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Recently he was activated off of injured reserve which opened his 21-day practice window. The Cowboys will have to activate him by the 21st day or he will head back to IR. However, barring any setbacks, he’s on track to return in Week 13 against the Saints.
Lawrence’s ability to set the edge in the run game and rush the passer has been greatly missed. Having him back on the field instantly makes the Cowboys’ defense better.
Randy Gregory has had an incredible season so far. He’s racked up five sacks (second on the team, 12 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery despite only playing in seven games. He missed Week 2 due to COVID and has been out the last three with a calf injury. Gregory will be eligible to return to practice on Monday.
There’s a possibility he could make his return with Lawrence against the Saints but the Cowboys will be cautious and won’t hesitate to give him another week if need be. His speed off the line of scrimmage and around the edge will be welcomed with open arms by Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn.
The fact the Cowboys are 7-4 with so many guys missing time this season is incredible. Their focus now is getting healthy and locking up the NFC East and a playoff spot as soon as possible.
