Cowboys: Why one major depth chart shakeup will play big role in coming weeks
There are several storylines that follow the Dallas Cowboys in training camp ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Dallas has some questions ahead of week one, and the August practices can go a long way in turning those into answers. Dak Prescott will always be a major storyline. The offensive line is another key area […]
There are several storylines that follow the Dallas Cowboys in training camp ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Dallas has some questions ahead of week one, and the August practices can go a long way in turning those into answers.
Dak Prescott will always be a major storyline. The offensive line is another key area on the roster to pay close attention to. It is difficult to not be interested in how Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and the defense are progressing.
We outline the three biggest Dallas Cowboys storylines early in training camp.
Zeke vs. Pollard
Ezekiel Elliott versus Tony Pollard has been a major talking point surrounding the Dallas Cowboys since the conclusion of last season.
Elliott is the veteran workhorse that has been a staple of the offense since his rookie season in 2016. Pollard, meanwhile, is the electric talent that provides Kellen Moore and company with an explosive playmaker as a rusher, receiver, or returner.
The Cowboys have a decision to make when the season arrives: stick with Elliott or turn the reins over to Pollard? Dallas will likely settle on somewhere in the middle, using both backs throughout the 17-game schedule.
"(Elliott) has to be our featured (back). And he is our featured (back). We can feature him in a lot of different ways," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said. "It's critical that we make Zeke really the focus of what we're doing. Now, there is (also) plenty of room for (Tony) Pollard."
Involving Pollard more into the offense is key in 2022. The Dallas Cowboys need to be more explosive on offense without Amari Cooper in the fold. Pollard certainly fits that bill, but Elliott still has a role in the offense, too.
Wide receiver room
CeeDee Lamb voiced his confidence in the Cowboys' wide receivers room earlier this week. The former first-round draft pick is not fazed by James Washington suffering a foot injury that should sideline him for, at least, the beginning of the schedule.
"I like my young guys right now," Lamb said, referencing the younger receivers on the roster.
While Lamb being confident is not a bad thing, it does not mean that he should be. There is a whole lot of unknown behind the rising third-year pass catcher.
Michael Gallup is the No. 2 wide receiver in the offense, but he will be sidelined to start the season. James Washington was going to be either the No. 3 or No. 4 wideout, depending on the progress of rookie Jalen Tolbert. That, obviously, now changes.
Tolbert enters the league after starring at South Alabama, but there is a big jump to the NFL. The rest of the receivers corps features players that have never recorded an NFL touchdown. That includes Noah Brown, who has been with the Cowboys since his 2017 rookie season.
Bottom line: the Dallas Cowboys desperately need somebody to step up alongside CeeDee Lamb for Dak Prescott.
Pass rush
Finally, the pass rush is a huge storyline to follow. The Cowboys are forced to replace Randy Gregory opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence while still allowing Micah Parsons to flourish from his linebacker role.
The team did go out and sign Anthony Barr this week. Barr is a veteran defender that has the ability to make an impact for the Cowboys with Dan Quinn calling the defense. His presence is added to the likes of Dorance Armstrong, rookie Sam Williams, and others.
Dallas needs to get after the quarterback to allow Parsons and Diggs to feast. Who emerges at edge during training camp will be interesting to see in year-two of Quinn running the show on that side of the ball.
Featured image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
