BREAKING NEWS: Cowboys Say They’re in “Huge Focus” Against the Losing Ravens
Before Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive mishap in Week 2 had the fans and media speculating about one side of the ball. The Cowboys’ most persistent problem through their first two games—running the ball—has come under scrutiny due to the commotion. With the huge early disadvantage they suffered against the New Orleans Saints, Dallas had less opportunity to produce anything constructive on the ground.
However, the initial results have not been particularly encouraging. In Week 1, the Cowboys’ running backs ran for seventy yards, and in Week 2, they gained fifty-seven yards. Dallas appears to be in risk of lagging behind the league as it continues to pivot toward a reliance on the running game. Tyler Smith, a left guard, feels that the Cowboys’ offensive line has an obligation to relieve pressure on their backfield rather than panic.
“It’s a huge focus for us… that’s something I’ve been really intentional about going into this week… letting our guys run,” he commented. We have really athletic men with a big variety of skills, and we have a great running back room. It is our responsibility to ignite them.”
Although it might be exaggerating this group’s potential, the offensive line needs to perform better. Though valuable elsewhere, Ezekiell Elliott lacks the burst he had when he entered the league, and Rico Dowdle has not distinguished himself from the pack. Dalvin Cook is a possible successor on the practice squad looming in the background. This group hasn’t demonstrated as a whole that it can handle traffic and compete for small advantages.
The offensive line must provide these backs with opportunity in light of such deficiencies. To do this, one must create running lanes, win the snap, and stay clear of penalties that force the offensive to revert to its earlier playbook. Smith needs to spearhead that effort because he is the most youthful and skilled member of this line. How much more effective can this offensive phase be against Baltimore’s run defense? Maybe not that much different. However, any enhancement could give a little extra push to an offense that needs it after a sluggish start to the season.