Dallas Cowboys: Are the distractions starting to take a toll?

The Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team and with the nickname comes the attention of the entire nation. Are this year’s distractions too much to handle?

The Dallas Cowboys seem to be the center of attention no matter the time of year. Last year’s 13-3 team stayed in the spotlight because of their dominance on the field. This year’s team is singing a different tune as the problems seem to never end.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott has had an ongoing battle with the NFL over domestic abuse allegations. The NFL’s investigation alone took nearly a year to come to a conclusion which left Elliott with a six game suspension.

Appeals, temporary restraining orders, Texas and New York courts, injunctions, along with all the legal jargon, have kept Elliott on the field for the first five games. Entering Week 6, the battle continues in the courts and a forefront on most news sites.

Although Zeke has been able to play, other Cowboys players haven’t been so lucky. Defensive end Randy Gregory had been long-expected to miss the entire season but none the less a small distraction. His suspension stems from numerous failed drug tests.

Fellow defensive end Damontre Moore served a two-game suspension which came from a drinking and driving incident. He was not alone in this category as recently released corner Nolan Carroll was arrested in the offseason as well for suspected drinking and driving.

Linebacker Damien Wilson was arrested for an incident that occurred in Frisco, TX on July the fourth. he was arrested for alleged brandishing his weapon and assaulting a woman with his vehicle. The charges against Wilson were dropped this past week. But I’m still sure this was weighing on the young linebacker and the Cowboys coaching staff.

Defensive end David Irving returned last week after serving a four-game suspension due to performance enhancing drugs. His presence was missed along the defensive line as many already thought the line would struggle even with him on the field.

Finally a Week 6 bye, time to relax and regroup so the problems can die down. Not with America’s Team.

Starting defensive tackle Stephen Paea suddenly retires. The New Zealand-born player was rumored to have lingering knee issues that forced his hand.

With all the player issues Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones couldn’t resist the spotlight as well. He publicly told the media that any of his players disrespecting the flag will not play.

This only brings more attention to Dallas and more tension between players and owners. The Cowboys organization held two separate meetings about Mr. Jones’ comments with the last one having Jerry Jones himself in attendance.

That was time the Cowboys could have used in preparation for the next 11 weeks trying to catch the division leading Philadelphia Eagles as they currently sit at 5-1. Two and a half games back, the Cowboys certainly aren’t helping themselves.

Next: Dallas Cowboys 2018 draft needs already clear

The Dallas Cowboys are littered with rookies and young players that have major roles. The troubles of the world may be weighing down on this team and holding them back from their true potential. As the season progresses, the problems will either be solved or they’ll endure. Either way, this team needs to start winning after a 2-3 start.