As the preseason winds down for the Dallas Cowboys, there are still some items to sort out for the Boys in order to be prepared for the upcoming season.
A quick scan of the Cowboys roster, boasts plenty of talent at many of the skilled positions, but can they put it all together? In my latest column, I analyze the top three reasons for concern with this year’s edition – paying special attention to the “trenches” on both side of the ball.
Offensive Line – Needing to protect Tony Romo and establishing a running game, the coaching staff has been mixing and matching combinations this summer. This unit is being counted on to provide some relief in establishing a more balanced offense this season, after the 2012 rushing attacked ranked 31st for a 3.6 yards/carry. Doug Free will need to be more consistent this season after last season’s uninspiring performance. According to Pro Football Focus, Free was the most penalized offensive tackle in all the NFL in 2012 with 15 penalties. Entering his third season, there are big expectations for left tackle Tyron Smith, as the team will be looking for Smith to dominate the upper echelon pass rushers. The Cowboys are also counting on first round pick Travis Frederick to either start at center or guard depending on how quickly some of the other linemen heal from injuries.
Defensive Line – With a switch to a 4-3 scheme, the Boys were confident in their roster entering the season. Training Camp has not been kind to the defensive line, as Tyrone Crawford suffered a torn left Achilles in a non-contact drill, along with defensive tackle Jay Ratliff being placed on the Physically unable to perform list with a strained hamstring. Currently, it looks like Ratliff will not be ready for the opener. Also on the injury front, Anthony Spencer has sat out most of training camp after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, Spencer is being counted on to make the switch from outside linebacker to defensive end. To establish depth, former Carolina Panthers 6th round pick, Nick Hayden has been given every opportunity to make an impact.
Injuries – This is one area you can’t prepare for, as injuries are a part of the game. If the Cowboys expect to meet lofty expectations, they can’t find themselves in a situation like last season, where five defensive starters finished the 2012 season on injured reserve. The running game was also impacted when starting running back DeMarco Murray missed six games with a sprained foot and the team was left to employ a running back by committee approach. As we discussed above, both sides of the ball already have glaring injuries with offensive lineman Ronald Leary healing from knee surgery, along with injured guard Nate Livings still recovering from his knee surgery. Staying healthy will be key!
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