The 2017 NFL season has not even started and the Dallas Cowboys are already having problems.
As if the constant off-field problems from several players weren’t enough, it was revealed a few days ago that their starting running back will miss the start of the campaign. According to several reports, the NFL decided to suspend Ezekiel Elliott for six games. The reason wasn’t revealed, but it was due to the domestic violence accusations against the second-year player.
It’s safe to say that’s not the way to start the season. Elliott will have the chance to appeal, but let’s be clear. The NFL is not going to overturn their ruling, so Dallas needs to prepare for life without their star tailback. And that’s not going to be easy. After all, Elliott led the league in rushing yards last season. And was one of the reasons why Dallas finished with the best record in the NFC.
The main question then should be “how can Dallas replace Elliott effectively?”. It turns out the answer is easier than what many experts believe. And no, it does not involve a trade or signing a new player. As it turns out, Dallas already has a lot of depth at the running back position.
If we take a look at their depth chart, the Cowboys have Darren McFadden, Rod Smith and Alfred Morris to replace “Zeke”. And while none of them is actually as good as Elliott, they can fill the gap in a short period of time. Right now it seems McFadden would start, while Smith and Morris will battle for playing time.
But what if neither can take over the running game? That’s an unlikely scenario considering one of Dallas’ strengths is their offensive line. But if that’s the case, then Dallas would have to force Dak Prescott to take over games. He doesn’t look like a quarterback who’s ready to take over games – there aren’t many of those in the league – but he responded every time the team needed him.
And it’s not like Dallas doesn’t have weapons in the passing game, either. They have Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, and Jason Witten if they want to live and die by their passing.
Witten and Bryant would need to play big roles, but Dallas is not going to change their playbook just because they won’t have ONE PLAYER in the first SIX GAMES of the season. That doesn’t happen. And the Cowboys are talented enough to replace any player who’s forced to miss time.
There’s no question losing Elliott hurts for the Cowboys. But there shouldn’t many changes in their playing style once the regular season starts. They will try to win as many games as possible without their star running back, but they’ll be ready to welcome him back when he can return in Week 7 against the Washington Redskins.
Until then, Dallas needs to survive. And they have enough weapons to do so.