Several NFL teams have made major changes during the offseason. And a few of the Dallas Cowboys’ most notable opponents are among them.
We’ve already caught up on storylines from division opponents. So now, let’s take a look at what’s happening with some of the teams outside of the NFC East that Dallas will be facing in 2023.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Even though Cowboys don’t visit the Chargers until Week 6, you can bet the most active football film boffins of Cowboys Nation will have their eyes on the Chargers’ offense.
The performances of the Dallas Cowboys offense and the Los Angeles Chargers offense will be used to guide the narratives surrounding the values of Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert as quarterbacks, the prowess of Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore as play callers, and the Cowboys’ decision to let Moore take his offensive coordinator talents elsewhere.
Folks will definitely be keeping with the Chargers this season to make sure they have their receipts lined up for the impending debates on those topics.
The belief is that Kellen Moore’s style of offense will advance Herbert’s game by adding more depth and distance to the Chargers’ passing game.
Statistically, the Cowboys offense did well under Kellen Moore. It serves to reason that observers might expect Herbert’s production to go up with Moore directing the offense.
However, the biggest criticisms of Kellen Moore have been his perceived struggles with calling the right plays for the right situation and building an offensive identity that keeps everyone on the same page.
Kellen Moore’s ability or inability to build an effective offense with a new team, in a new conference, and with a new QB will answer a lot of questions about him as an OC.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Dallas Cowboys on October 8th, and as of right now, it’s not entirely clear who the 49ers starting quarterback will be.
The presumed starter, Brock Purdy, is recovering from a torn UCL in his right elbow. The ligament was repaired, and Purdy is on a throwing program as part of his rehab.
The then-rookie quarterback started the last five games of the 49ers regular season in 2022. He was undefeated as a starter until the NFC Championship game during which he suffered the UCL injury.
According to reports, Purdy should be available for training camp.
However, a 2020 study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine suggests a longer recovery time.
Results of that study showed that Major League Baseball pitchers with UCL injuries took 12 months to return to play. They took even longer to return to pre-injury levels of play.
In the meantime, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold have both been taking first-team reps during the offseason.
The 49ers have not been communicated any plans in case Purdy’s recovery time extends beyond this summer.
NEW YORK JETS
Usually, the storylines of the New York Jets are of no concern to Cowboys Nation.
However, the Jets now have Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback. A move like that is reason for Cowboys fans to wonder how the Jets might fair against the Cowboys during Dallas’ home opener in Week 2.
Aaron Rodgers has a 6-3 record against the Dallas Cowboys. That’s the best record against the Cowboys for any active quarterback.
Additionally, the New York Jets have won their last three meetings against the Dallas Cowboys. Those games took place in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
History is definitely not on the Cowboys’ side for this matchup.
The Jets canceled the minicamp that was scheduled for June 13 – 15. No concrete explain was given from the team, but there has been speculation.
Some say it was to avoid discussions about contract negotiations with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Others say it was to prevent media members from keeping tabs on the injury Aaron Rodgers suffered during OTAs.
The calf injury was reported as being “nothing serious,” but there have been no updates since OTAs.
Surely, in the coming months, we’ll learn more about whether or not Rodgers is impacted by the injury. We’ll also learn how well he’s been able to gel with the other members of the Jets offense.