In the middle of the season, the outlook is not encouraging for the Cowboys. The current situation of the team does not offer guarantees of a reaction, and a string of consecutive victories is not seen as possible. Even, it is very possible that Dallas will not be reunited with victory for the remainder of the season.
Here are the main reasons.
Remaining calendar
The schedule for the Cowboys looked like a fairly affordable one, and reaching the postseason wasn’t seen as impossible. However, the level shown by the cowboy team has not met expectations. In fact, we have seen them suffer and even be defeated with teams that have not had a great level, such as Atlanta, New York Giants, Washington and Philadelphia.
Now, the rest of the season does not look easy either. Among the pending rivals there are three against whom defeat will be almost certain. The first will be the Steelers, the only undefeated team so far. Then they will face off with the Ravens in Week 13 and the 49ers in Week 15. The San Francisco team could be the most affordable of the three, considering their irregular season and that even the Eagles have managed to beat them.
Of course, Dallas will have to face off again with its division rivals. Washington (week 12) and Philadelphia (week 16) could be victors again, even more so if they keep their chances of going to the postseason alive. Besides, there are the Giants, rival from week 17, who, although they almost defeated the Cowboys in week 5, this time they could do it.
Finally, there are the weakest rivals in theory. In week 11 they would face the Vikings, who could beat them despite the bad season they have had so far. And in week 14 would be the Bengals, in a clash that seemed like an easy victory for Dallas. However, looking at how the team is doing, a loss at Cincinnati already sounds very likely.
Numerous casualties due to injury
After a very short training camp and no preseason games, the number of injuries has been higher this season. However, some teams have been more affected than others. And in the case of the Cowboys, injuries have affected key positions.
The most painful injury for the cowboy team has been that of QB Dak Prescott, who will miss the rest of the season with a broken ankle suffered in week 5. In fact, Dallas’ offensive performance is not the same since the injury. of his star quarterback.
Besides, there are other key players we won’t see in action again until next season: offensive tackles Tyron Smith, La’el Collins and Mitch Hyatt, defensive tackle Trysten Hill and tight end Blake Jarwin. Without a doubt, important casualties for the team.
As for short-term injuries, some players may soon rejoin the cowboy team. Someone whose return is expected this week is Andy Dalton, who suffered a concussion in Week 7 against Washington. However, the quarterback tested positive for coronavirus, so his return will have to wait.
On the other hand, we may see some comebacks soon. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who suffered a hamstring injury, is expected to return this week. That same injury is suffered by Ezekiel Elliott, who is in doubt for the game against the Steelers. In addition, Aldon Smith is also a mystery for Sunday, this due to a knee injury. However, both Elliott and Smith had limited participation in Wednesday’s practices.
Ezekiel Elliott and Aldon Smith limited today in practice pic.twitter.com/pmCviJsXEs
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) November 4, 2020
Besides, there are two players who could return in the medium term. One is offensive tackle Brandon Knight, who underwent knee surgery and could return for week 11. On the other hand, punter Chris Jones will undergo abdominal surgery this Thursday and is expected to return for week 13.
Lack of offensive power
The absence of Dak Prescott is very noticeable in the western offense. In the three games since his injury, the Cowboys have only been able to score one touchdown (Week 6, against Arizona). In fact, in those three games they have only been able to score 22 points, two less than in the last quarter of the week 4 game against the Browns. A very devastating fact.
The Cowboys scored more in Dak Prescott’s final 4th quarter (24) than they’ve scored in three games without him (22).
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) November 2, 2020
Besides, the backup quarterbacks have not made the cut so far. While Andy Dalton was vital to the Cowboys finally defeating the Giants on the day Prescott was injured, his performances against Arizona and Washington have left something to be desired. Ben DiNucci, on the other hand, has failed to stand out either. While he improved somewhat over Dalton, he also failed to achieve the main goal: scoring.
Because of this, the Cowboys will try another quarterback this Sunday against Pittsburgh. The options? Current third QB Garrett Gilbert and newcomer Cooper Rush, who was recently added to the practice squad. Both have had repetitions in this week’s practices, and it is expected that on Saturday it will be decided who will start. However, it will be difficult for them to reach Prescott’s level.
LAST TIME:
Cowboys plan to give Garrett Gilbert and Cooper Rush reruns at practice and pick one of them at the end of the week to be the starting QB against the Steelers.
It will not be Ben DiNucci as thought.#DallasCowboys
(via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/ReQjEYdida— The Holy Roller (@TheHolyRoller49) November 3, 2020
Due to these factors, the scenario of a Cowboys finishing the season 2-14 is highly probable. Although they could defeat a good part of their remaining rivals, it does not show that the team is motivated to do so. Not even being in a division as weak as the NFC East, where everyone has a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs.
