The fans of the Dallas Cowboys are living the nightmare, and after being division champs last year, the Cowboys are only 2-3 this year, and some are speculating whether they can reach the playoffs at all. Even though we are still early in the season with 11 games to go, this might be just a bold prediction, but so far, Dallas hasn’t proven that they could be a competitive playoff team. Are the Cowboys chasing the wild card? Or will they reach playoffs at all? These questions may be difficult to answer at this point, but there are things the team can do to improve their situation.
Linebackers
When Sean Lee returns to the field, the defense is expected to improve. They have struggled, and his absence was especially visible against the Green Bay Packers when the coaching staff decided to rest him so that he can recover quickly.
Improve the pass rush
We have seen the signs of improvement of the pass rush in the game against Green Bay Packers mostly thanks to Demarcus Lawrence. Moreover, David Irving returned to the field after suspension, and he recorded two sacks in his first game. With good pass rushers, the overall defensive performance can upgrade, and that can only be a positive thing. Props to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers for avoiding that sack, as he is just one of few in the NFL who can do that.
New players in the secondary
Nolan Carroll has been released, and the reason for that was Jourdan Lewis and his performance. Moreover, Xavier Woods showed everyone that he is ready to compete with the best, whereas all Chidobe Awuzie needs to do is to stay healthy. Unfortunately for Dallas, they gave up good players such as Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and Barry Church all at once. However, the youngsters are leading the way now, and they need to perform at a high level. Of course, it takes time for them to develop and this is easier said than done.
Offensive line
Dallas is famous for having one of the best offensive lines in the league, but they are also struggling. Jonathan Cooper proved to be better left guard than Chaz Green in the game against the Packers, but it seems as if the coaching staff forces Green to play at a starting position no matter what. And now that he is injured, what happens next? Moreover, La’el Collins needs to be slightly better as the right guard, and his technique has to be worked on.
Dak Prescott is often hit
This is just a consequence of the previously mentioned issue. If the offensive line improves, Dak Prescott will be safer. Even though he can endure hits, being the young and robust quarterback, he should perhaps throw while on the move and get out of the pocket more.
Use of wide receivers
This squad has good wide receivers on the roster, but some changes need to be made. Terrance Williams is currently the second receiver option, but perhaps Brice Butler should get that chance as the second target. Do you agree? Maybe Ryan Switzer should be given an opportunity instead of Witten. The plan the Cowboys have come up with doesn’t work, and 2-3 score proves that. So why not mix thing up and see what happens?
Running game
This will be very difficult to do now because Ezekiel Elliott has been suspended for six games. However, the Cowboys need to run the ball and one of the three players – Darren McFadden, Rod Smith, and Alfred Morris – will need to step up. It is up to the offensive coordinator to find the solution.
Avoiding injuries
This is the thing you cannot control. Injuries are a part of the game. So far in the league, some of the great players such as J.J. Watt and Odell Beckham Jr. are not coming back in the season due to injury. With the latest addition to the list being Aaron Rodgers. And this is just something to keep in mind.
In case Dallas improves these issues, they would be in the playoffs easily. However, this is the best-case scenario and doubtful to happen. Even slight improvements are welcome and can secure a playoff spot for the Dallas Cowboys, and that would be a success in the turbulent season such as this one.
