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Why are the Cowboys having so much trouble getting the ground game going? We all know that not having Tyler Smith doesn't help, but that can't explain such poor production in consecutive games. T.J. Bass is no Smith, but he's a reliable and solid backup who could start for many teams. – Fred London/Morristown, TN
Nick: I wish there was just one quick answer, but there's really not. Maybe it's as simple as getting Tyler Smith back from injury, but I feel like there's more to it. And to be honest, that won't really help the situation for two more games since he has to sit out both Week 3 and Week 4 still since he's on IR-designated to return.
And I'll be honest, I thought they wouldn't miss Smith as much as they seem to right now. But there are some other issues. Brian Schottenheimer addressed it on Monday and said there is way too much movement backward on the O-line. There is a lot of push - going in the wrong direction. But he said there are things that just need "to be cleaned up." A lot of times, that means technique things.
Now, say what you want about the Giants and Commanders as football teams, but their D-line units are always pretty stout. I don't think the Cowboys have torched either team on the ground in recent years and that didn't change this year.
Schotty also said the plan was to come out and throw the ball over the yard and that's what they did. It was the most favorable mismatch and Dak capitalized with four touchdown passes and the passing game dominated the four quarters of play. But I think we all know there needs to be some consistency there in the running game. Personally, I'd like to see lead blockers - and not just tight ends. Hunter Luepke is a fullback - I think they should use him. Honestly, I wouldn't be opposed to using some D-lineman with some quickness, maybe an LT Overton or even Drew Shelton
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