After the NFL trade deadline had passed, the Dallas Cowboys were like a ghost on Halloween. However, Dallas is still on pace to be one of the best young developmental teams in history. Second-year players like DaRon Bland were able to fulfill their potential. There’s only so much they can do though in the big stage or if an injury occurs.
It’s a huge surprise to personnel within the team, but it’s not shocking to fans that Dallas didn’t trade for a big name. This is troubling because their top-tier competition in the NFC did at least one trade. It isn’t exactly what the fans wanted since while you want to develop your talent, you shouldn’t be afraid to get at least a veteran.
The Philadephia Eagles snagged Julio Jones and Kevin Byard from the Titans, while the 49ers traded for Chase Young. It looks like the competition has risen in the NFC and Dallas remains just silent.
Stephen Jones broke his silence on why it’s difficult getting a deal done, “For a player to come in and help this team right now, it’s more than likely, unfortunately, it’s gonna probably be somebody who is an established guy and he’s usually well paid and they probably want a lot for him. That makes it a challenge.”
While it can be hard, it can definitely be more difficult to watch your NFC competition on the couch. Here are three reasons why the Cowboys are facing uncertainty even after their 5-2 start.
"Dallas overvalues their own… It's called delusion."
— @ColinCowherd says how Jerry Jones is holding back the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/Qh5t4peowB
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 1, 2023
3 Reasons Why the Dallas Cowboys Face Uncertainty This Season
The Cowboys Lack Aggression
While they don’t have any more conditional picks or money left, the Cowboys could have whipped a deal at the last second. Dallas always plays it safe by trusting in their young talent. Credit can be given to trading for Stephon Gilmore, but there is certainly a need for a push. Yes, they are reaping the benefits from the trades and moves they made earlier this year.
However, when you have a need at your offensive line or need extra depth at secondary, that becomes an issue. A glaring problem that can occur is if one player goes down with an injury, then all chaos breaks loose. Luckily, the second-year players were able to step up. The Cowboys are still thin on ice when in their secondary and talent.
At this point, with the talent and the lack of depth, the Cowboys would be lucky if they make it to at least an NFC Championship game. The Eagles and 49ers are likely the favorites to make it back to that game for a rematch. The Cowboys can build all they want, but they’ll have such young talent but their experience would be lacking. Especially, in the big stage like the Superbowl.
The offensive line is in turmoil
Tyron Smith is once again being sidelined with an injury isn’t hurting the Cowboys, but it has in the past. Even their top reserve, Chuma Edoga is dealing with an ankle injury. This is the last thing Dallas should have to worry about. Momentum is still on their side after their performance against the Rams.
However, it’s troubling because the Cowboys are one hit away from disarray. The team did sign a new free agent to their practice squad to help sustain the Smith injury. This may not be enough though since they could have traded for a veteran.
Lack of Consistency
Despite the lack of aggression and offensive line, the team is still in a good place. However, the road will get tougher for Dallas. The Cowboys will have to face their own bitter rival this upcoming Sunday. It will be a test if Dallas is the real deal and are serious playoff contenders. It’s only been a lack of consistency for Dallas despite only losing to Arizona and San Francisco.
It becomes questionable when losing in a heartbreaker to Arizona to putting a beatdown on the Patriots the next week. This is the same case for the 49ers after San Francisco lost three straight games after beating down Dallas. It’s like a circus filled with unpredictability and the Cowboys need to avoid looking like the clown.
Their next showdown against Philadelphia should be the start of adding to their consistency if they want the drive to last. Guys like Micah Parsons, Dak Prescott, Tony Pollard, and CeeDee Lamb need to be on point this Sunday.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
