3 nightmare scenarios for the Cowboys in 2023

On the heels of two 12-win seasons in a row (don't tell Colin Cowherd that's a good thing), the Dallas Cowboys are aiming for another playoff run. They've tried to address some of the concerns that have held them back in recent seasons including bringing in one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Stephon Gilmore and a solid No. 2 wideout in Brandin Cooks.

But as we know in the NFL, even the best-laid plans can sometimes fall apart. For the Cowboys, they could see that happen should one of these three nightmare scenarios occur.

3. TEs can't replace Dalton Schultz

Dallas didn't have to worry about tight ends for roughly 15 years at one point. Jason Witten was one of the best to ever play the position and is a top Cowboy player of all time as well. Unfortunately, father time remained undefeated as Witten began to slow near the end of his career.

Trying to replace him was a tough job and they were fortunate to stumble upon a difference-maker in Dalton Schultz. However, Shcultz is now in Houston following a campaign played on the franchise tag. The Cowboys made the call to save some money and they now turn to a committee that includes Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot.

All three are talented but rather inexperienced. Ferguson and Hendershot each played well in their limited roles a season ago and Schoonmaker has a high ceiling. Still, there's a chance they all struggle without a veteran leader and if that happens, it could be a frustrating call back to the 2018 season when Geoff Swaim was TE1.