If you were to place a snapshot of the 2014 Dallas Cowboys and the team that lost to the Atlanta Falcons 39-28 in Week 3 side by side, you'd have a hard time believing that things have changed so quickly due to injuries and free agency. We're stumped about this team right now, but here's 3 things we do know about the team after Week 3.
1. The Defense Has Issues
With today's game added in, the Cowboys are giving up 25 points per game so far in 2015. It's been a Jekyll-and-Hyde start for the unit. Last week's shutdown of the Philadelphia Eagles was impressive. This game and the team's 27-26 opening week win over the NY Giants, less so. Both the rush defense (Devonta Freeman: 30 carries, 141 yards, 3 TD) and the secondary (Matt Ryan: 24-of-36, 285 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT) were bented completely out of shape on Sunday. Things may get easier against a depleted New Orleans Saints team next week, but the high-powered New England Patriots are looming the week after. Can Jason Garrett and Rod Marinelli stabilize the unit before then? We'll see.
2. Running Game Is The X-Factor
Joseph Randle had 14 carries for 87 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. While those aren't exactly DeMarco Murray 2014 numbers from a usage and total yards standpoint, he's still a dangerous weapon for the Cowboys to lean on while the quarterback situation stabilizes itself (one way or another). Darren McFadden was also effective in limited action (6 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD), so don't be surprised if it's the running game once again that buoys the Cowboys going forward.
3. We Have No Clue How To Evaluate This Team
Brandon Weeden was impressive from a completion standpoint against the Falcons (22-for-26), but his overall production (232 yards, 1 pick) is that of a QB which was tasked with "just not screwing things up" rather than actually making any downfield throws. Without Tony Romo (broken clavicle) and Dez Bryant (foot injury), the offense is a complete 180 personnel-wise from what it was last year with the Romo/Bryant/Murray trio leading the way. The defense seems overworked. The offense is in flux. How can we really assess this team right now, 2-1 record or not.
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