Every week, we delve into questions raised on X (Twitter) and Facebook regarding the Dallas Cowboys players and various topics surrounding the team. Let’s explore these inquiries and provide insightful answers.

Assessing CJ Goodwin’s Chances of Making the Team This Year

(@Sammutjustin24 on Twitter)

Mike: Goodwin’s role and position within the team this season are indeed uncertain. The new kickoff rules have shifted the dynamics of his responsibilities, creating ambiguity around his future with the team. It’s crucial to note that we have seen this scenario before, where Goodwin was on the bubble for roster cuts but managed to secure his spot due to his contributions on special teams. His experience and reliability could play a significant role in his chances of making the final roster once again.

Dana: This is a topic I have been considering a lot lately, especially in light of the NFL’s recent kickoff rule changes. Goodwin has established himself as a key player on special teams over the years, which has earned him a position on the roster. However, it’s still early to gauge how these new rules will impact his effectiveness. Will his skills remain as valuable as they once were under the updated regulations? This uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to his potential for this season.

With evolving rules and the influx of younger players who could contribute in various roles beyond special teams, Goodwin’s job security is not as assured as it once was. Nevertheless, if he can demonstrate during the preseason that he remains a vital asset on special teams, there’s a strong possibility he will secure a spot on the final roster. His ability to adapt and prove his worth could be pivotal in his selection process.

Evaluating Mike McCarthy’s Play Calling and Mike Zimmer’s Defensive Impact

(@_bubz_88 on Twitter)

Mike: Describing McCarthy’s play-calling as less than ideal might be fair. However, it’s important to remember that last year marked McCarthy’s inaugural season in charge of calling plays on offense. This role transition resulted in Dak Prescott achieving a career-high season, with the Cowboys’ offense finishing first in the league for total points scored and fifth in overall yards per game. This improvement showcases the potential of McCarthy’s strategies, but there were moments that certainly had fans scratching their heads.

There were instances that sparked substantial confusion, particularly his tendency to call running plays on second-and-ten situations. It would be beneficial for McCarthy to diversify his play-calling. Mixing up strategies could enhance the team’s offensive performance this year and maintain defenses guessing, ultimately leading to improved outcomes on the field.

Dana: Mike McCarthy’s play-calling, particularly his implementation of the “Texas Coast” offense, has been instrumental in Dak Prescott leading the league in passing touchdowns and CeeDee Lamb achieving the highest reception totals. The Cowboys emerged as the highest-scoring team in the NFL last season, which speaks volumes about the positive impact of McCarthy’s strategies. However, one area that remains a point of criticism is the running game. While improved efforts from the running backs and offensive linemen have contributed, the overall game plan and play-calling require enhancements to maximize efficiency.

One of the standout traits of Mike Zimmer’s defenses has been their discipline. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Zimmer emphasizes fundamental principles that lead to fewer penalties. For a team that has struggled with penalties in recent seasons, this focus should be a significant priority as they advance. Additionally, Zimmer has been vocal about the necessity to improve their run-stopping capabilities. Our colleague David Howman provided an insightful analysis covering Zimmer’s defensive strategies and their critical focus on stopping the run, an area where the Cowboys struggled last season. Zimmer’s expertise could be just what the team needs to address these challenges.

Will McCarthy Remain as Head Coach Through the Season?

(@fredflunk on Twitter)

Mike: It’s quite unusual for the Cowboys to dismiss a head coach mid-season. The last instance was Wade Phillips, who faced termination after a disastrous start to the season. Reflecting on Jason Garrett’s tenure, the number of times fans anticipated his departure only to see him retained illustrates the patience that Jerry Jones and the organization often exhibit toward their head coaches. Whether this approach is beneficial is a different discussion altogether.

Dana: Coaches for the Dallas Cowboys rarely face mid-season dismissals. For a change to occur, the team would need to experience a significant crisis in the early part of the season. Given McCarthy’s track record, particularly since joining the Cowboys, such a scenario appears unlikely. His teams have consistently reached the playoffs in recent years, and the 2024 squad is expected to be competitive for a playoff spot once again. I anticipate McCarthy will lead the team throughout the entirety of the 2024 season. However, his future beyond that largely depends on the outcomes of the postseason.

Identifying the Lead Running Back or a Committee Approach This Season

(@MrEd315 on Twitter)

Mike: At this point, as we approach training camp, it appears that Rico Dowdle is positioned to take charge as the lead back in the running back corps. However, he faces considerable competition, and although Dowdle has shown promise, there remains uncertainty about his performance under the pressure of being the starter.

That said, the team seems inclined towards a committee approach this season, a strategy that has historically benefitted many Super Bowl-winning teams, like the New England Patriots.

The Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns may not provide a clear picture of how the running back situation will unfold, especially considering the team will start two rookie offensive linemen. This could lead to a disjointed running game that week. However, by Week 4, we should have a clearer understanding of the offensive strategy for the running backs and the specific roles each player will assume within this committee.

Dana: McCarthy has publicly discussed the running back-by-committee strategy they are embracing this season. We can expect a fairly even distribution of carries among the top running backs, with others getting opportunities as well. Nevertheless, it’s likely that one running back will emerge as the standout, receiving more carries than the rest. I anticipate Rico Dowdle will take on that prominent role.

Be sure to follow Blogging The Boys along with @kenfigkowboy and @day_nuh_bee on X (Twitter) and Facebook for the weekly posts, inviting your questions to be included in our weekly mailbag. Thank you to everyone who submits their questions and participates in the polls.