No. 3: Safety
To many in Cowboys Nation, Zeke’s absence is a concern. But since an extended holdout will result in an extra year before free agency, we can feel pretty certain this “holdout” won’t last much beyond another week.
History has also taught us running backs are largely replaceable. Not that there isn’t a falloff in talent behind Zeke, but without Zeke the entire complexion of the offense changes. If Zeke’s gone, Dallas will likely run the ball less. Since passing provides more EPA per attempt, this would have a positive impact on the offense.
Again, Zeke’s not going to sit out games since extending this protest will also extend his service before he can be an unrestricted free agent. It’s a lot of worry about nothing. But safety is a different issue…
When free agency started, we tabbed safety as the position most in need of upgrade. Remember when we were obsessing about Earl Thomas? When the draft started we labeled safety as the Cowboys biggest need. Remember all the safeties the Dallas Cowboys met with?
Fast-forward to today and we’re in basically the exact same position we were in when the season ended. Forgive me if I’m not at peace with the additions of George Iloka and Donovan Wilson (although I love Wilson’s potential).
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Generally every part of the Dallas Cowboys starting unit is solid except for the safety position. Xavier Woods is at the top of the ranks, but after him there’s a steep falloff. Considering Dallas often employs triple safety packages, it’s a scary situation right now.
The only comforting news is that Dallas’ second safety is regarded as a replaceable part on this defense. Using safety-by-committee lets them roll out specialists for the given scheme. Iloka and Jeff Heath have experience and Wilson has potential. Together they can be serviceable alongside Woods.
But who feels good about “serviceable”?
There it is. My three biggest concerns of Cowboys Camp (and Zeke ain’t one of them). Do you have greater concerns?