Blogging The Boys
Our latest BTB Roundtable looks to answer the biggest questions surrounding the team
Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, and Brian Martin.
It’s been quite the dramatic offseason for Dallas this year, but there are still some obvious weaknesses for the team. The team lacks depth at cornerback, creating concerns about pass defense and consistency to stop receivers. At linebacker, depth and top-end talent are both issues, especially with recent injuries and inconsistent play from younger players. Meanwhile, at defensive tackle, the Cowboys have struggled to stop the run up the middle, something that existed for as long time. The team is still lacking a true interior disruptor who can anchor against power-running teams. There are opportunities for additions on all three of these positions, and hopefully training camp will expose who these players will be and put rest to any concerns (hopefully).
Brian: For me, it’s without a doubt defensive tackle. After finishing ranked 29th in the league in run defense last year, allowing 137.1 yards per game, the Cowboys didn’t little to upgrade this glaring concern this offseason. Right now they are depending on Mazi Smith suddenly having a breakout season and Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick this year, to be their run stuffers. That sadly doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
Howman: I’ll say the offensive line. Tyler Booker has rightfully generated excitement, but he’s still a rookie trying to replace a Hall of Famer. Tyler Guyton looks improved, but it’s hard to judge this early in the process, and Terence Steele has always toed the line between reliability and liability. The depth of this group also comes with plenty of question marks that won’t be answered for another two months or so.
Tom: Howman makes a good argument, but don’t overlook the thin cornerback group. Trevon Diggs is coming off knee surgery. We have no idea how ready he will be to start the season. Jourdan Lewis is gone and DaRon Bland took a big step back after his breakout rookie season. Add in a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and this could be a weakness other teams will exploit.
Jess: There’s more than one potential weakness, and my colleagues did a good job hitting on some. I’m going to add backup QB to the discussion. Dak Prescott has missed 25 games over the last five seasons. Say what you will about the limitations in Cooper Rush’s game, he provided stability and executed well enough to go 9-5 as a starter since 2021. We’re all excited by Joe Milton’s physical gifts, but Dallas is taking a big risk making either him or Will Grier the next man up if Prescott misses time again. It’s not so much about the season-ending injury, but what about the ankle sprain that...
