Whether you like them or loathe them, one thing that can’t be denied is whether they are winning or losing, the Dallas Cowboys always create headlines.
Having gone 12-5 in each of the last three seasons, the Cowboys’ inability to get it done in the Playoffs is what has led to Mike McCarthy coaching for his job this year. Couple that with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer on a one year deal and a whole host of departures in the offseason, it perhaps isn’t surprising that the Cowboys have started this season slowly.
Fresh off the back of a mauling courtesy of the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys sit at 3-3. Although that record still firmly keeps them in the conversation for the playoffs and for further NFC East glory, the reality is that the Cowboys look like a team in trouble.
Now able to reset and recoup some of their injured players due to the timeliness of their bye week, when the Cowboys return to action they will take on the San Francisco 49ers and make no mistake about it, the pressure will be well and truly on.
With plenty of football still to be played, here are some of the main talking points currently surrounding the Dallas Cowboys after a quarter of the season.
A poor offseason has led to multiple holes not being filled
Once upon a time the Dallas Cowboys and Owner/GM Jerry Jones were considered the sharks of the offseason.
Often willing to throw the cheque book at expensive free agents, Jones turned the Cowboys of the 90’s into one of the most dominant teams in NFL History.
Winning Super Bowls in 1993, 1994, and 1996, the Cowboys have not been close to returning to the big dance since.
Whilst off the field the Cowboys lead all before them when it comes to being named the most valuable sports franchise in the world, on the field the Cowboys have been widely usurped.
With the team looking to build through the draft, the days when Jones would splash the cash are long gone. Leaving the club this summer were offensive and defensive stalwarts, Tony Pollard, Tyron Smith, Johnathan Hankins, Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz. Replacing those players has been no easy feat and with Dallas opting not to sign anyone during the first wave of free agency, the Cowboys are a much weaker side than they were last year.
Jones’s frugal approach to signing both his own players and new players seems to have finally caught up with the reeling Cowboys.
The deals to sign both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb should have been done far earlier. With Lamb opting to miss minicamp, it isn’t a surprise that the two haven’t been on the same page so far this year.
With the Cowboys now facing the toughest part of their schedule things could be about to get a whole lot worse before they get any better.
The injury bug has hit, but there’s no excuse for playing soft
Over recent years the Cowboys have fared better than most when it comes to injuries, but this year has been a different story.
Having already missed crucial games has been Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyler Guyton, Daron Bland, Eric Kendricks. Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson. Few teams would be able to cope with the quality of player that the Cowboys have lost, but that’s no excuse for playing soft.
Despite picking up three wins on the road including a gutsy win at Pittsburgh, the Cowboys have been swept aside at home. Losing by 25 to the Saints, a late comeback to the Ravens glossed over what was a butt kicking and they were simply no match for the Lions, losing 47-9 in one of the most one-sided matches you are likely to see this season.
What has been common in all three of those defeats has been how dominated the Cowboys have been on both sides of the trenches.
Unable to block for either the run or the pass, the Cowboys can barely muster any offence and when it comes to their defence, well at times that has been beyond bad.
Unable to stop the run, missed tackles and the ability to get off blocks has been a persistent problem. Simply being bullied in all facets of the game, many across the American media have called into question how willing the Cowboys are to put their bodies on the line and perform the basics of the game.
Called soft, and accused of having no heart, few sportsbook bonuses are being spent at the minute on the Cowboys to win games.
Regarded as America’s team, now is the time for the Cowboys to front up and show America and the world what they are truly all about.
Frankie Wilde – is a content writer at various gambling sites. Also, he is a passionate traveler and a great cook. Frankie shares informative articles with the world.
