The subject at hand is undoubtedly challenging for the coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys.
The team is currently fighting toward a playoff/Super Bowl run, but the casual fan can acknowledge areas within this roster that could use upgrades.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has served a fair amount of lip service around this group of men and their ability to get this done.
Technically, I agree with him.
Some starters like CeeDee Lamb took off (albeit later than he would have liked) and are producing, while others are still on the tarmac.
Although it is a delicate situation where they need to maintain chemistry, it may be time for the team to prioritize younger players on the depth chart.
There are three names primed for takeoff. Let's deeply dive into each one of them, shall we?
Michael Gallup's inconsistencies kicked the door wide open for Jalen Tolbert
I'm genuinely trying not to get caught in the moment.
One moment, I spoke highly of Michael Gallup, and the next, it was time to replace him with a younger understudy.
Unfortunately, he left the door open with his inconsistency. He doesn't have the same issues in the season as Brandin Cooks. Dak is finding Gallup and feeding him targets.
He's just not coming down with them at a high clip.
The front office and coaching staff must ask themselves if it is time to elevate Jalen Tolbert. Technically, it has already been happening.
Is it time for Jalen Tolbert to replace Michael Gallup?
📝@BobbyBeltTXhttps://t.co/RkNPW0kQnK
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) November 9, 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles game stood out with the wide-open drop, but the worst game was the LA Chargers. Granted, treat each target differently, but he got 10 targets and only hauled in 3 receptions.
If Dallas made the switch now, we'd still be talking about a wide receiver three role.
Gallup's contract has no guaranteed money after this year, with an almost $14 million salary cap hit. You have the younger, cheaper guy who is trending upwards.
Why not make the change now since it's likely to happen this offseason anyway?
Dallas should look to flip roles for Mazi and Hankins
Not everyone is going to agree with this one. Let's put this out front and center.
I've always believed a tie should go to the champion if you have a close boxing match.
It's the same premise with the cheap one-year rental (Jonathan Hankins) and the first-round pick (Mazi Smith).
Neither player is lighting the world on fire, but you've made a clear investment in one. Mazi Smith has the upside that will help this defense for years.
While Hankins is a big space eater, he has given Dallas 1 total tackle and one pressure all season. Even the run defense grade is putrid, according to Pro Football Focus.
It has been at most 49 in the last three seasons.
Admittedly, Mazi has not been better. His run defense grade is even lower. However, I go back to the investment the team made in him. Not to mention, I'm confident we'll get a little more pass rush from the rookie.
The first (Mazi Smith) and second round (Luke Schoonmaker) picks got a combined 24 snaps on Sunday. Maybe those number increase the next few weeks.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 6, 2023
Both players should play, but Smith should receive the 221 snaps that Hankins got, and Jonathan should get the 127 snaps that Smith received.
This adjustment is a relatively easy sell. We can get more out of Smith if he gets the time on the job.
Did the Dallas Cowboys forget Eric Scott, Jr. was still on the practice squad?
When Eric Scott, Jr. hit a snag in preseason, he never rebounded in the practices to follow. At least, that's my assumption.
Were my eyes playing tricks on me?
I could have sworn I saw an athletic corner with decent size playing the ball well early on who looked like he would be able to play some ball.
Where's that guy? Because we need him right now. It's not even about Trevon Diggs' injury.
Has anyone watched Jourdan Lewis run around and try to cover wide receivers? It's not good, and I wholeheartedly believe it's the effects of the Lisfranc foot injury.
Nevertheless, he trots out there each Sunday, allowing a 134.1 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.
Scott is still a part of the future with the Dallas Cowboys. Dan Quinn believed in him, and so will I. He is better suited for a boundary position, which is perfect.
That would allow Dallas to move DaRon Bland back to the slot where he thrives.
This team shouldn't make many moves in their quest for that chip. However, finding a way to intertwine their future within the current roster could reap huge benefits.
