Concerns About the Offensive Line
FRISCO, Texas – As the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles approached, one of my primary concerns was the Cowboys’ offensive line.
Young Lineup Dynamics
The line was notably inexperienced, particularly with Nate Thomas potentially starting at left tackle in the absence of Tyler Guyton, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury since late July. Additionally, rookie Tyler Booker was set to begin at right guard, while Cooper Beebe was only in his second year at center.
Performance Highlights Against the Eagles
Thankfully, Guyton, despite having just one padded practice, stepped up as left tackle and played all 61 offensive snaps. The Eagles’ defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, made headlines for his $57,000 fine for spitting at Dak Prescott before the game even began, resulting in his ejection.
Offensive Efficiency
The offensive line’s performance was commendable, as Dallas managed to rush for 119 yards against the Eagles, a tally they wouldn’t surpass until the eighth game of the 2024 season. Notably, Dak Prescott wasn’t sacked, marking only the second time last season that a Cowboys quarterback ended a game without being taken down.
Touchdowns and Historical Context
The Cowboys also achieved something they hadn’t done in a while: rushing for two touchdowns in a game—both by Javonte Williams from the 1-yard line. Last season, they managed a total of just six rushing touchdowns over 17 games, making this a significant achievement.
Mixed News for the Secondary
Turning to the secondary, there were worries regarding cornerback Trevon Diggs’ availability. Kaiir Elam filled a corner position, having limited experience from last year, while DaRon Bland transitioned to the slot. However, Bland’s recent foot injury poses challenges, potentially needing Elam and Diggs to step up in a full game against the Giants.
Adding Strength with Jadeveon Clowney?
Regarding Jadeveon Clowney’s potential signing, head coach Brian Schottenheimer recognized the value of bringing in a veteran pass rusher, especially with the Cowboys experiencing some depth issues at defensive end. Clowney’s prior performance suggests he could provide valuable experience to a young and developing defensive lineup.
