Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 most intriguing matchups against the Chargers
By Riley Donald
Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line vs. Joey Bosa
The Cowboys’ offensive line faces yet another question mark as tackle, La’el Collins, received a five-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug-testing policy. This is a huge blow to a group already being patchworked together more than anyone would like. That said, not all is a loss.
Connor McGovern stepped in for Zack Martin last week being out due to a positive COVID-19 test. The Penn State product filled in nicely. You didn’t hear much of his name during the broadcast and that might be the best-case scenario for a lineman stepping on for a perennial Pro Bowl talent on short notice. Facing Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh was birth by fire and McGovern showed he can hang in there.
Martin should be returning for the Week 2 matchup against the Chargers. The plan, per general manager Jerry Jones, is to start Terence Steele at right tackle and slot Martin back into his normal guard position.
The Chargers will have defensive end Joey Bosa ready to continue his destructive path in the NFL. Bosa, who signed a 5-year, $135 million contract extension with the Chargers last year, started his 2021 campaign off by recording a sack in Week 1.
Steele stepping in outside creates the matchup of him and Bosa going at it. With Steele taking on a top-level pass rusher, the Cowboys must account for Bosa with a tight end and running back help to slow him down. This is a heavyweight battle in the trenches and one that may not be an advantage for either side, but at the worst, if the Cowboys can neutralize Bosa, it may be just as useful.