5 nightmare scenarios for Cowboys in 2023 season and how to avoid them

The Cowboys have the high-end talent required to make a Super Bowl run, but their season could be derailed by these five nightmare scenarios. 

Expectations in Dallas are sky-high for the Cowboys heading into the 2023 campaign. Head coach Mike McCarthy has a roster capable of making a Super Bowl run but they need things to break right if they’re going to emerge as legitimate contenders.

Another thing Dallas needs to do is to make sure that none of their roster weaknesses torpedo their hopes. The organization has assembled quality star talent but the lack of depth of the roster could easily become an issue. Here are five nightmare scenarios that could damage Dallas and how the organization can guard against them.

Cowboys nightmare scenarios and how to avoid them

5. Mazi Smith can’t stop the run

Drafting a run-stuffing defensive tackle in Round 1 didn’t represent good value for the Cowboys front office but he does fill a potential void for Dan Quinn’s defense. Dallas struggled to stop interior runs last year and Smith has the potential to give his team an immediate boost in that regard.

Depending on a rookie to perform as a quality starter right away is a big risk for any organization. Dallas needs to ease Smith into the lineup cautiously if they want to avoid seeing him be overwhelmed by life in the NFL. The team should only deploy Smith on early downs during his rookie season to make sure he isn’t overwhelmed by the need to improve his pass-rushing technique. Letting him just focus on his strength will be the best way for Dallas to get the most out of their first-round pick.