Dallas Cowboys: 3 glaring concerns following the Carolina game

This wasn’t what we expected to see from the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. Here are three major concerns after their season opener.

The Dallas Cowboys opened the season saying that this year was going to be different. The offense was going to be more dynamic. Sadly, in the end, it looked like more of the same old play-calling as the Cowboys offense could not get anything going against a tough Carolina Panthers defense.

Here are just a few glaring issues the Cowboys offensive staff need to fix.

The first problem the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff must fix is the blocking up front. Quarterback Dak Prescott wasn’t able to get things going in the passing game much of the game. The same goes for running back Ezekiel Elliott in the running game and both of their problems start with the play of the offensive line.

Whether it was right tackle La’el Collins penalties or rookie left guard Connor Williams‘ inability to handle bull rushes from Panthers’ defensive tackle Kawaan Short and company. Both look like they are going to be major problems going forward.

Collins problem you can fix. But with Williams, it’s going to be difficult because his problem is just lack of strength being a rookie in the NFL. Either way, the Cowboys need to fix this fast. Giving up 6.0 sacks isn’t going to help win games.

The second problem is the receivers lack of creativity on offense to get open for Prescott. This receiver corps does deserve some of the blame for the loss. But the majority of this falls squarely on head coach Jason Garrett and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. There was nothing special about the play-calling in this game. Just more of the same from the Cowboys.

More out routes, slants, and hitches from the Cowboy receivers. The only reason wideout Cole Beasley was about to catch seven passes for 73 yards was his ability to get open in the Panthers’ zone coverage.

The next leading receiver on the team was Deonte Thompson with three catches for 27 yards. If the Cowboys have any hope of making noise this season they need to change up the play calling. Using more spread option perhaps?

The last thing the Cowboys need to address is the one we all could clearly see. Dak Prescott’s accuracy issues. Late in the second quarter, Prescott wasn’t able to connect with a wide-open tight end Blake Jarwin throwing it at his feet.

Later in the fourth quarter with the game on the line, Prescott missed Thompson, throwing it over his head and out of bounds.

Some would blame these throws on the heavy pressure that Prescott was consistently under. I like to think that the great quarterbacks in this league hang in that pocket and can still throw a perfect pass.

Prescott is in year three of his young NFL career and these throws shouldn’t be happening now. Dak and his new quarterback coach Kellen Moore must figure out how to fix this problem quickly.

What other problems did you see with the Dallas Cowboys offense? Now is the time to vent your frustrations. Let it all out. Tell us all about it in our comment section below and message me on Twitter at @Watson703.