With training camp now in full swing and the first preseason game set for August 11th against the Rams, the Cowboys have a lot of questions to answer.
The Cowboys know they have a situation with WR CeeDee Lamb to settle, but if we dig deeper than that, I found a few other questions that training camp and preseason could help us answer.
What’s the Bigger Issue — OL or DL?
Let me ask you this: What is more of a concern, the lack of depth on the offensive line or defensive line?
Which side of the ball is going to be more dependable when the game is on the line?
I trust Zack Martin and Micah Parsons to do their jobs, but what about after that? I would say DeMarcus Lawrence and Tyler Smith can be relied upon to do what they need to do. Sam Williams? Mazi Smith? How about Terence Steele or Tyler Guyton, a rookie?
A few years ago, Steele looked like he was on the path to being another great offensive lineman for this team, but that injury has really hindered his progress.
If I had to pick right now, I would trust the defensive side of the line right now.
If Cooper Beebe and TJ Bass become the next great duo, then so be it, but we have seen Williams show flashes of being really good, and we’ve seen DLaw play at a high level every single year.
The offensive line will have some growing pains. I don’t think they can be any worse than a year ago, but the biggest question mark that training camp and preseason should answer is who will be the other two starters.
Who’s the Cowboys’ 3rd Wide Receiver in 2024?
Who is going to emerge as the third wide receiver on this team?
With CeeDee Lamb out of the picture until his contract is resolved, guys like Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks have a golden opportunity to show what they’ve got.
Those players will benefit from having more reps behind Brandin Cooks without Lamb around.
Tolbert will start at the top and will likely stay there if he performs well.
Michael Gallup finished with 418 yards on 34 receptions and two touchdowns last season, but Tolbert out snapped Gallup in three games. If Tolbert takes another leap, that will help them once Lamb is re-signed.
Turpin’s abilities in the return game solidify his spot on the roster, but he needs to get on the field more than he has in the past.
He could be the Swiss Army Knife that they need.
Last year, he carried the ball 11 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. Handing Turpin the ball can be a dangerous offensive weapon. It’s a contract year for Turpin, and it’s time for him to explode.
When Will CeeDee Lamb Be Paid?
This should be the biggest question that everyone wants to answer before week one: When the heck will this team finally pay him?
He will be subject to fines, but the team can waive those, and they probably will the moment he gets signed.
The Dallas Cowboys will be a one-trick pony without him and if he doesn’t participate with the team in the next few weeks, Cowboys fans should start to worry.
Lamb is working out in the Houston area, doing what he needs to do to be ready when that deal is done, but man, I want him in the building.
CeeDee Lamb earned the deal for what he did a season ago, and even the year before. He has proven that he is a true no. 1 guy in this league and, hopefully, by the time the Cowboys head on the road to face the Cleveland Browns, this will be long behind them.