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Dallas Cowboys: 3 key things the coaching staff must prove in 2018

By Gillia Baattai

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the field during warm-ups before the footbal game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the field during warm-ups before the footbal game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

#2. The coaches must prove they can withstand injuries

In 2016, the Dallas Cowboys experienced remarkable health to their team. In 2017, the same fortune escaped them.

Seldom do teams enjoy seasons like the Cowboys did in 2016. The teams’ lack of preparation and adjustment to injuries in 2017 cost the team the season. Other than the running back spot, the teams mismanagement of the linebacker and offensive tackle positions really hurt the team.

Offensive lineman Chaz Green‘s movement inside to guard damaged his ability to be the swing tackle, and the culmination of that was in the debacle in Atlanta. It was that game without left tackle Tyron Smith that sent the season spiraling into an eventual 9-7 finish.

After losing two starters going into the season, the staff did not have a good plan for how to stock and employ depth in the group.

The personnel seems to be there in 2018 with the drafting of guard Connor Williams and signing of swing tackle Cameron Fleming; now it is up to the coaches to prove they have a working plan.

This applies to the linebacking corps even more, as veteran linebacker Sean Lee is one of the most injury-prone players on the team.

Losing veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens may prove to be a huge loss or not a loss at all. The team has seemingly made the moves necessary to stock the group with youth, talent, and depth. Again it will be on the coaches to fully alleviate this worry.

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