Ideally, the Dallas Cowboys will come out of the season opener towards the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the 2024 season and appear like they’re already in midseason kind. Sadly, this can be unrealistic contemplating that almost all starters don’t have any preseason snaps, and due to that, could be a little rusty early on.
Rust may very well be a big issue within the final result of this Week 1 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys' choice to relaxation many of the starters on each the offensive and defensive sides of the ball within the preseason might be hoped that any rust they wanted was performed in coaching camp.
Sadly, coaching camp practices aren't sufficient to fully take away all rust. There are two huge components that would make for some boring play on this Week 1 matchup with the Browns. For one, the offensive line might not have the continuity it actually ought to have at the beginning of the season.
As issues stand proper now, it seems just like the Cowboys can be beginning two new faces at two vital positions on their offensive line. Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton ought to each be at their greatest this 12 months towards Cleveland and their gifted defensive entrance. Communication is essential, typically by working towards reps with different newcomers.
If that wasn't concern sufficient, the pairing between Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will solely have just a few follow reps to get again to the place they had been final season because of No. 88's holdout. The 2 mixed for 135 receptions for 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. I hope there is no such thing as a rust of their synchronicity.
We are able to solely hope that CeeDee Lamb has been placing within the work throughout her time away from the crew whereas contract negotiations are ongoing. Even when he was, he nonetheless wasn't precisely in “soccer” form. It would take him a short time to get a little bit rusty, and he may battle a bit in Week 1.
Gamers could also be extra involved about being a little bit rusty on the defensive aspect of the ball as effectively. Not solely are they nonetheless studying Mike Zimmer's new defensive scheme, however a lot of them haven't participated in any preseason. Moreover, accidents and free agent additions may even be an element.
Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph haven't had a lot time to acclimate themselves in Dallas apart from coaching camp follow. That alone might have a ripple impact from Dallas' younger linebacker corps via the remainder of the protection to their secondary, the place they appear to start out rookie CB Galen Carson whereas filling in for Darron Bland's harm on the surface.
So sure, whereas the abbreviated preseason will assist stave off early accidents, many Cowboys gamers should still have a little bit of rust left. That might trigger a slowdown in all three phases within the season opener towards the Browns, however solely time will inform how a lot of an element it will likely be within the final result.