When on the field and healthy, the Dallas Cowboys revamped first-team offense hasn't looked that bad in these first few preseason games. That should be encouraging considering the new faces they have who are expected to play large roles in 2018. But, what is even more encouraging is how the Cowboys first-team defense is performing.
For years now, the Dallas Cowboys have been an offensive driven team. Their mentality has been that “we are going to put more points on the board than our opponents.” We can all sit here and debate whether or not that was the right approach to take, but it's looking as if things may need to change this year, especially early on.
The Dallas Cowboys have some pretty big concerns heading into Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately, those concerns are mostly on the offensive side of the ball.
The biggest concern may be how healthy the Cowboys offensive line will be when the season gets underway. We all know Center Travis Frederick is out indefinitely while receiving treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome, the autoimmune disease he was recently diagnosed with. His timetable to return to the field is unknown, but he's not the only concern regarding the Cowboys OL.
Right Guard Zack Martin unfortunately sustained a bone bruise to his knee in the Week 2 of the preseason against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he is expected be ready to start the season. Whether that will be at 100% or not still remains to be seen.
Then, there is Right Tackle La'el Collins. He did play Sunday night in the Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, but he missed practice prior to the contest with an ankle injury and was seen limping noticeably. It's encouraging that he played against the Cardinals, but hopefully there are no lingering effects that would limit him to start the season.
While the Cowboys OL is probably the biggest concern on the offensive side of the ball heading into the season, the unknown about the passing game is a close second. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been able to put together a few impressive offensive drives in the preseason, but a we have yet to see the first-team wide receivers all on the field at the same time due to Cole Beasley's injury that has kept him off the field.
Due to all of these concerns, it's hard to expect the Cowboys offense to get off to a hot start. Preseason is meant to build chemistry, but unfortunately that chemistry may need a little bit more time to develop before its firing on all cylinders. Luckily, it looks as if the defense is ready to carry the offense for a change.
The Dallas Cowboys first-team defense has been really impressive. Their pass rush, led by DeMarcus Lawrence, has been dominant, especially with the way Taco Charlton and Randy Gregory have stepped up their game. Their young secondary has been playing a lot more man-to-man coverage and they look to be primed to have a big season. And, the linebacker group might just be the most improved and that was without Sean Lee on the field for the majority the time.
All in all, the Dallas Cowboys defense may have to play a bigger role in the teams overall success in 2018, especially early in the season until the offense finds their groove. Fortunately, it looks as if all the pieces are there for them to do just that.
