The lack of explosive play potential in the running game appears to be the most concerning weakness for the Cowboys with the running back by committee approach. I don't know what the longest run from scrimmage is for the backs currently on the roster, but I suspect the Cowboys are in the bottom half of the league in that category. Is that as much of a concern to you? – Petter Malliris/Eugene, OR
Nick Eatman: Yes, it is. Ezekiel Elliott is the projected starter and he hasn't had a 30-yard run since the 2021 season. As for the others - Royce Freeman, Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and Deuce Vaughn ... none of them have ever rushed for a 30-yard run in a game. Not saying it has to be 30 yards to be deemed explosive, but it's just an example of a big run that isn't really something these guys do. Maybe, the passing game will be so dynamic that it will open up big runs, but for now, I think it's fair to say it's something to watch. I don't know where that kind of explosiveness is going to come from.
Patrik: I think that's one of the biggest questions, yes, though I'd disagree that it's the biggest question — not when you're still trying to figure out how Zimmer is looking to use former first-round pick Mazi Smith and just how ready Smith is to take over the lead role of nose tackle in 2024. That's because, behind Smith, there wasn't a high-powered add in free agency at defensive tackle, at least not as of July 24, and that leaves a lot of youth when you also factor in rookie seventh-round pick Justin Rogers. The defense under Zimmer will depend largely on the success of the linebackers (a wonderfully rebuilt group) and the defensive tackle rotation, but the latter has yet to be ironed out completely and won't be until we see how things unfold in training camp.
