Cowboys Mailbag:Mick's Mail: 07/27

Any reason for the consistently slow starts? The Cowboys have now been outscored 109-49 in the first quarter this season. In the other quarters combined they are outscoring opponents 332-277. Why is this such a problem? Is there a fix? 

What would you rather have at tackle, a great run blocker and not so great pass blocker? Or a great pass blocker and below average run blocker? Has shoring up this position become a need?

Considering the Cowboys had to play four games in 18 days, including three straight against playoff-caliber opponents, how much do you think that stretch contributed to the loss in Detroit? It really felt like the overall energy and physical intensity weren't at the same level as in the previous games. Do you think fatigue from that brutal stretch played a major role?

Will the Lions be the biggest test the Cowboys' run defense has faced and will face the remainder of the season? They've looked great since the addition of Quinnen Williams, but how do you think they'll do against Detroit's two-headed rushing monster? 

KaVontae Turpin is seeing more snaps on offense and has made some great plays, but his punt and kickoff return averages are down this year. Is the additional time on offense taking away from his return abilities? Should the Cowboys go back to using him primarily as a return man? 

While Dak Prescott has been playing at a mostly MVP level this year, I haven't heard anything about him being Comeback Player of the Year. Based on his injury last year and his level of play this year, do you think this is a possibility? 

I'm loving this five-man front the Cowboys are utilizing. They stopped the Eagles run game and shut down Jalen Hurts, a quarterback who has been criticized for not being aggressive enough. But there's definitely no such criticism about the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, who is mobile and will sling it around with the best of them. Do you see the Cowboys doing anything different defensively to contain him? 

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has talked a lot about changing the Cowboys' culture. How big of an impact on their culture can the dramatic win over the Eagles have? Or will whatever impact there is be lost if the team can't keep this streak going? 

The Cowboys are now in the middle of this gauntlet where they're playing four games in just 17 days, including the next three in a span of only 11. How difficult is it for the players, especially considering the teams they will be facing? By the end of this stretch could they be completely beat up and worn out? 

I think what we saw in Las Vegas is what we all envisioned the Cowboys to be. But when does the defense become legitimate? Is it already, or will they have to handle business against Philadelphia, Kansas City and Detroit before can we believe them to be legit?

Regarding CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens being benched to start the game in Las Vegas, part of me is happy that head coach Brian Schottenheimer disciplined two players, no matter their star power. But on the other hand, it's disappointing that two star players even needed discipline, especially coming off a difficult week. What are your thoughts on the situation?