Cracks in the Armor: 3 Burning Questions Facing the Dallas Cowboys After a Shaky Start
While the Dallas Cowboys successfully avoided the disastrous trap of an 0-2 start by taking care of business against the Washington Commanders with a 37-20 victory, the celebratory mood in Arlington remains heavily tempered.
Even a comfortable double-digit win couldn’t mask the underlying vulnerabilities that plagued America’s Team through the first two weeks of the season. As Mike McCarthy’s squad prepares to pack their bags for a high-stakes clash against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, three massive questions threaten to derail their Super Bowl aspirations.
1. What is Wrong with the Ground Game?
For an offense that prided itself on punishing opponents on the ground last season—averaging a robust 4.6 yards per carry while returning every major starter and coach—the early-season regression in the run game is nothing short of baffling. Through two weeks, Dallas has failed to crack the 4.0 yards-per-carry threshold in either outing.
The obvious culprit is the absence of star left guard Tyler Smith, whose lingering injury will keep him sidelined through at least Week 4. Stepping in for Smith, T.J. Bass has fought hard, but the drop-off in production is undeniable. However, pointing the finger entirely at Bass feels lazy.
Fans remember just last year when Smith missed a Week 5 showdown against the Jets, and Javonte Williams still exploded for 135 yards on just 16 carries behind a makeshift line. Coordinators Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams have proven they can scheme up a rushing attack under duress.
Yet, struggling against the Giants was one thing; stalling out at home against a depleted Washington front really raises alarm bells. With a matchup against a notoriously stingy Ravens rush defense looming next, the ground game’s stagnation threatens to make life immensely difficult for the entire offense.
2. Can the Defense Survive a Wave of Injuries?
After enjoying a remarkably clean bill of health throughout training camp and the preseason, the Cowboys’ defense has suddenly transformed into a MAS*H unit.
In Week 1, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker went down with hamstring and forearm injuries. Though they avoided injured reserve, their absence was felt deeply against Washington. To make matters worse, Hooker’s replacement, P.J. Locke, suffered a foot injury during the game, while starting cornerback Cobie Durant sustained a hamstring issue. With rookie Devin Moore already stashed on short-term IR, Christian Parker’s secondary is dangerously thin.
Trying to piece together a defensive backfield on the fly is a nightmare scenario, especially when the upcoming schedule forces them to contain an elite dual-threat dynamo in Lamar Jackson and a bruising runner in Derrick Henry. If the back end cannot stay healthy, Jackson will pick them apart through the air just as easily as he does on the ground.
3. Why is the Pass Rush Invisible?
Perhaps the most glaring issue through two weeks is a toothless pass rush. While Dallas generated decent pressure against rookie Jaxson Dart in Week 1 largely due to his inexperience, facing seasoned mobility exposed glaring flaws. Against Washington, Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota routinely evaded collapsing pockets, leaving the Cowboys with zero sacks and a meager three quarterback hits.
While the edge group remains fully healthy—featuring promising talents like Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence—waiting for young players to undergo their breakout development can cost a contender dearly in the standings.
If the pass rush continues to operate at this anemic level, pressure will inevitably mount on owner Jerry Jones to make a splashy talent transfusion. With plenty of cap space sitting in reserve and lingering rumors regarding available game-wreckers across the league, the front office may soon be forced to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade.
Until these glaring questions are answered, the Cowboys remain a high-powered puzzle waiting to be solved.
