Although 12-5 a season ago, It felt like, at times, at least for me, the Cowboys did not get off to the best start in games, starting slower than they should have, resulting in not being able to play the type of football they wanted to.
On Sunday, the Cowboys host Tom Brady and the Buccaneers; Brady has a perfect 6-and-0 record against Dallas. With many unanswered questions on the offense, particularly behind CeeDee Lamb, who can give the team a spark early, jumpstart the offense and defense, get the ball rolling, and put some pressure on the Bucs?
A name myself and others have been harping on all offseason and very well could play a considerable part of the offense more in the passing game than the rushing is Tony Pollard. Even with 719 yards on 130 carries, it seems he was underutilized last season, which is why most are pushing for him to see the field more. Pollard was seen at camp lining up at WR, and even Dak Prescott said he could get out there and be one of the best pass-catchers. I would love to see the Cowboys use Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott on the field to start the game Sunday. The Bucs would have to pay attention to both, maybe draw something up, get the ball on Pollard’s hands, let him use his speed and make a play, and get the crowd into it early.
One additional name on the offense to pay close attention to is the rookie fourth-round tight end, Jake Ferguson. Dallas was more explosive with two tight ends on the field early a season ago, and he looked VERY good in run blocking down the field in the preseason. He does not have to do anything flashy to catch the attention of many; he can set a tone by doing his job well, like in the preseason, and creating a window for a big play by Pollard or Elliott.
It wouldn’t make sense to make a post like this without adding anyone on the best group this team has, the defense. Micah Parsons will set the tone early and often in this game. DeMarcus Lawrence is back healthy; he could make a play to help spark the team. The Bucs OL might be in worse shape than the Cowboys; they are big-time injury-plagued. Dorance Armstrong might be the most underrated player on the roster; I can’t wait for his first big-time sack this season, and I think it could come in the first half when they need a spark against the best QB ever to play the game.
I feel the big plays early could come from someone on the defense, but the Cowboys have enough sitting on offense to do the same. It is just a matter of how the best players can be on the field at the same time together.