The Dallas Cowboys fell to the New York Giants, 28-20, in Week 1, and a large segment of the fanbase is already pushing the panic button. Maybe it’s the media's high expectations leading into the season that caused the fallout over the opening-day loss, but it’s too early to know what this loss means for the season. It could’ve been a bad matchup for Dallas, an unprepared defensive unit, or just a bad team overall.
Heading into Week 2 and the Cowboys' home opener, there are plenty of unanswered questions ahead of the game against the Washington Commanders; storylines about who should play and how much, Tyler Guyton's improvement, and the ability of the second-year head coach lead the way. This is already a must-win game for Dallas, even with
15 games left in the season.
Is it finally time to rely on Brevyn Spann-Ford?
Jake Ferguson is a comfort blanket for Dak Prescott and gets the majority of snaps, but his production is slipping. He had two receptions on two targets for six yards in the opener, and his blocking isn’t at the level of Brevyn Spann-Ford. Ferguson should still get the high share of snaps due to his familiarity with the quarterback, but maybe not 44 for him to 13 for Spann-Ford.
The more concerning issue is the continued snap share of Luke Schoonmaker, who is finally listed as the third tight end on the depth chart but had the same number of snaps as Spann-Ford. The production as a receiver is lacking, and the blocking ability isn’t in the same stratosphere for Schoonmaker as it is for Spann-Ford, but he had the same 13 snaps. Is it time to let loose the newly extended tight end, allowing him to earn his higher salary?
Is Guyton finally the LT of the future?
The ability was there for Guyton when he was drafted in the 2024 draft's first round. He had the size, frame, and athleticism, but needed experience, technical development, and a track record of health before he could be seen as a staple. Going into training camp, he was competing with Nate Thomas for the starting job, but ended that battle quickly.
In Week 1, the Cowboys were facing an excellent pass rush from Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter. Guyton more than held his own, with just two pressures allowed on 36 pass rush reps, while allowing zero sacks. His matchup with Burns was a win for Guyton; 20 reps, no pressures allowed. Even more impressive was his run blocking. He moved bodies and pancaked defenders on his way to a Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade of 84.8. Now it’s about consistency and continued development.
Is the head coach a problem?
It's now Year 2 of the Brian Schottenheimer regime, and the results are a mixed bag. The overall offense is top-five statistically, and Schottenheimer deserves credit for that, but with Prescott at quarterback, possibly the best receiving core in the league, a solid offensive line, and a bell-cow running back, is the offense more about the talent? The issues that plague Dallas seem to be the same throughout his 18-game tenure. Slow starts and conservative play calling, plus poor discipline on his side of the ball. They began the game with a three-and-out, which happened four times last season, and they also punted on fourth-and-inches.
The other areas of the team are the defense, which continued its poor play, but is brand new, so that’s understandable. The special teams unit has fallen off under Nick Sorensen's leadership. Their return and coverage teams aren’t anywhere near what they were under the previous regime, and even the All-Pro performers (Brandon Aubrey, Kavontae Turpin) have slipped some.
This is part of the head coach's responsibility and hasn’t improved at all during his tenure. A 7-10-1 record isn’t great on his resume either. Schottenheimer still has time, but the questions are beginning now, and he will need to duplicate the kind of improvements the offense made in red-zone efficiency in these other areas quickly.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Three Week 2 Storylines: Is Schottenheimer in over his head as Cowboys HC?
