Dallas Cowboys: 5 big questions heading into the season

3. Can offensive line get back to form?

Something else to consider with the hopeful return of Travis Frederick, is the overall performance of the Cowboys’ offensive line. If the Cowboys want to be the team that they need to be, this unit has to get back to where they were.

At the end of the 2017 season, this unit was ranked number four, according to Pro Football Focus, and was even ranked number two heading into last season. At the end of last season, and according to the same source, they were way down the rankings at number 14.

This was quite a drop-off and if they want to be dominant as a team, this unit must get back to where they were, and Frederick will probably have a positive impact on that once he is healthy enough to return.

4. Can Linebacker corps maintain last year’s level of production?

Last year was quite the surprise when it came to the production of the Cowboys’ linebacker unit. Although it wasn’t a huge surprise, based on the pedigree of the players in that position, it was still a good feeling to have that unit be one of the strengths of the defense and the entire team.

While there were quite a few players that made contributions to that unit’s performance last season, the three main guys are Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and the oft-injured but superior when playing Sean Lee.

While Smith currently ranks as the number six linebacker by Pro Football Focus, Vander Esch is ranked at number four. With a plan reportedly in place to maintain Lee’s health this season, it is essential for this unit to play on par or better than last season in order for this team to succeed at the levels that they want to.