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

By Rucker Haringey

Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cowboys need Tyron Smith to stay healthy in 2023. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys need Tyron Smith to stay healthy in 2023. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tyron Smith misses significant time

Injuries limited Smith to just four starts in 2022. Predictably, the Cowboys’ offense suffered to protect quarterback Dak Prescott while he was out.

A deeper look at Smith’s season reveals that he wasn’t overly effective when he did play. He only gave up one sack but his PFF grade of just 58.6 should be troubling for fans hoping for a special season.

It’s easy to say that every team needs their star players to stay healthy and perform at a high level, but that statement is even more true for left tackles. Protecting Prescott’s blind side is essential if Dallas wants to light up scoreboards next year.

The only real thing the Cowboys can do to help Smith stay healthy is to avoid the temptation to put him through any preseason work that isn’t absolutely necessary. He shouldn’t see the field in any preseason game or scrimmage. Everything associated with Smith’s work before Week 1 should be with an eye toward helping his body hold up for a full 17-game regular season.

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