The Dallas Cowboys have been a staple of NFL excitement for decades, with their passionate fan base and storied history. As the new season approaches, expectations are high for the team to make a deep playoff run. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, there are still areas where they can improve to reach their full potential. Let’s examine five key ways the Cowboys can enhance their performance this season.
Strengthening the Offensive Line
The Cowboys’ offense has been a strength in recent years, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and a talented receiving corps. However, one area that has consistently held them back is the offensive line. Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the unit, making it difficult for Prescott to operate effectively and for the running game to establish itself.
A stronger offensive line would have a ripple effect throughout the offense, allowing Prescott to make plays downfield and the running backs to establish a physical presence. This, in turn, would open up more opportunities for the Cowboys’ playmakers to make big plays.
Enhancing Defensive Tackle Depth
The Cowboys’ defense has been a strength of the team in recent years, but one area where they’ve struggled is at defensive tackle. The loss of key players like Gerald McCoy and Tyrone Crawford has left a void in the middle of the line, and the team has struggled to find consistent replacements.
| Defensive Tackle | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton Risner | 16 | 35 | 1.5 |
| Neal Sterling | 14 | 20 | 0.5 |
| Trysten Hill | 10 | 15 | 1.0 |
To address this, the Cowboys could look to add depth and talent to their defensive tackle corps through the draft or free agency. Players like Osa Odighizuwa or Quinton Bohanna could bring a much-needed boost to the unit, providing a stronger presence in the middle of the line and allowing the Cowboys to be more aggressive in their defensive scheme.
Improving Special Teams
Special teams have been a wild card for the Cowboys in recent years, with some bright spots (like the kicking unit) offset by struggles in other areas (like punt coverage). To take their special teams to the next level, the Cowboys could focus on building a more cohesive unit through a combination of coaching, player development, and talent acquisition.
Key Steps to Improve Special Teams
- Emphasize tackling and coverage skills in practice
- Identify and develop players with special teams potential
- Make strategic adjustments to their special teams scheme
- Monitor and adapt to trends in special teams play
By taking a more holistic approach to special teams, the Cowboys can turn this unit into a strength rather than a liability. This could involve emphasizing tackling and coverage skills in practice, identifying and developing players with special teams potential, and making strategic adjustments to their scheme.
Developing Young Receivers
The Cowboys have a talented receiving corps, led by veterans like CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. However, they’ve also invested heavily in young receivers like Jalen Tolbert and Noah Brown, who are still developing their skills.
To get the most out of these players, the Cowboys could focus on developing their skills through a combination of coaching, practice, and game experience. This might involve creating targeted development plans for each player, emphasizing specific skills like route-running or ball-handling.
Creating a More Balanced Running Game
The Cowboys have struggled to establish a consistent running game in recent years, with Ezekiel Elliott’s production declining somewhat as he’s shared the load with other backs. To create a more balanced running game, the Cowboys could focus on building a more nuanced and adaptable approach that can exploit defensive weaknesses.
This might involve emphasizing different running styles (like power running or zone blocking), developing a more diverse playbook, and creating opportunities for their backs to make plays in space.
Pros and Cons of a More Balanced Running Game
- Pros:
- More balanced offense
- Greater flexibility in game planning
- More opportunities for backs to make plays
- Cons:
- Increased complexity for the offense
- Potential for inconsistent production
- Need for additional practice and coaching emphasis
By creating a more balanced running game, the Cowboys can take pressure off their passing game and create more opportunities for their playmakers to make big plays. This, in turn, could help them become a more consistent and formidable opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cowboys’ biggest weaknesses heading into the new season?
+The Cowboys’ biggest weaknesses include their defensive tackle depth, special teams consistency, and running game balance. Addressing these areas through a combination of talent acquisition, coaching, and player development could help them become a more well-rounded team.
How can the Cowboys improve their offensive line?
+The Cowboys can improve their offensive line by bolstering their depth and talent through a combination of free agency, draft picks, and player development. Emphasizing pass protection and run blocking in their coaching and practice regimen could also help the linemen improve their technique and cohesion.
What role will young receivers play in the Cowboys’ offense this season?
+Young receivers like Jalen Tolbert and Noah Brown are expected to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense this season. The team will likely focus on developing their skills through coaching, practice, and game experience, creating opportunities for them to make big plays and contribute to the team’s success.
How can the Cowboys create a more balanced running game?
+The Cowboys can create a more balanced running game by emphasizing different running styles, developing a more diverse playbook, and creating opportunities for their backs to make plays in space. This might involve adjusting their blocking schemes, using different personnel groupings, and emphasizing situational running.
