5 Cowboys that have to make huge improvements this offseason

3. Tyler Biadasz, Center

An often overlooked, but looming issue for the Cowboys in 2021 was the performance of starting center, Tyler Biadasz. Many fans focused on the struggles of other linemen, as the idea that Biadasz was a solid and young starting center formed in minds across the fanbase, but he was quite frankly not good enough last year.

He was a huge contributor to an issue that plagued Dallas for the entire season: penalties. With a career-high of 11, Biadasz consistently moved the Cowboys’ offense backward and eliminated key plays with holdings and false starts.

The main issue for him revolves around general strength, something a lot of young centers struggle with. The specific problem is that Biadasz is moving towards the point where Dallas can’t excuse lapses on youth as they prepare to face some nasty interior defensive lineman this year.

Enter Matt Farniok, the second-year center from Nebraska that Dallas selected in the 7th round in the 2021 NFL Draft. The word from inside Fort Worth is that he has put in a ton of work in the weight room, and there may even be a push from him to start at center.

This, if true, is nothing but a positive for Dallas, and potentially for Biadasz as well. Since taking over for veteran Joe Looney there has been virtually no competition for him, and if Farniok can light a fire under Biadasz and create competition, it may actually elevate his ability.

If his 2022 performance strongly resembles his 2021 play, new faces like Eagles DT Jordan Davis are going to have a lot of fun at the expense of Dak Prescott and the referees’ whistle. This is a crucial year for Biadasz, as he could end up replaced during or before the season if he does not show true improvement. Dallas needs him to step up his game in a big way.