Dallas Cowboys' Zack Martin Out vs Washington, What's Next?
Last Monday, Dallas Cowboys' Zack Martin took a knee to the helmet and was taken out of the game and put in the concussion protocol. The All-Pro offensive guard hoped to be back on time to play the Washington Football Team on Sunday, but that won't be the case. The Cowboys had said Martin's status […]
Last Monday, Dallas Cowboys' Zack Martin took a knee to the helmet and was taken out of the game and put in the concussion protocol. The All-Pro offensive guard hoped to be back on time to play the Washington Football Team on Sunday, but that won't be the case.
The Cowboys had said Martin's status would be defined on the weekend as he tried to clear protocol. But as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday, he won't be lining up in Week 7.
Losing Zack Martin is always a big-time loss. But headed into week 7, it feels even bigger. Dallas is already dealing with a lot of injuries on the offensive line. On Sunday, Connor Williams will be the only 2020 projected starter to suit up on that unit.
But more importantly, the Cowboys are facing a 1-5 Washington team that will be tough to beat. Despite their win-loss record, Ron Rivera's team has a top-notch defensive line.
It features Montez Sweat and Chase Young at defensive end. At defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen and Da'Ron Payne are also threats. Believe it or not, Washington ranks sixth in pass defense by DVOA, according to Football Outsiders. They allow only 29.3 yards per drive (4th in the NFL).
Sure, they're dealing with a lot of injuries and have Kyle Allen playing quarterback. But this won't be an easy win for the Dallas Cowboys. Earlier this week, I wrote about how their game plan should look from now on. Going to Washington to get a win might be easier said than done.
But the Cowboys have enough playmakers to make it happen. CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup all could change the course of the game at any moment. But with a banged-up offensive line, Andy Dalton will have to play as he did against the New York Giants instead of how he did on Monday.
Featured Image Via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
