3 questions that have developed during training camp

Training camp is designed to answer questions, but sometimes it creates new ones. After five practices in Oxnard, the Dallas Cowboys have already seen several unexpected storylines emerge that could shape the rest of camp and even the regular season.

Here are three of the biggest questions now surrounding Brian Schottenheimer’s team.

Is the pass rush good enough?

The Cowboys have rebuilt their defensive front over the last few months. They have retained Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and have added Rashan Gary from free agency. Meanwhile, they are expecting young edge rushers Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence to make an immediate impact. On paper, the group looks capable of becoming one of the NFL’s best.

Through the first week of camp, however, the secondary has generated more buzz than the defensive line.

Dallas defensive backs have consistently forced tight throwing windows, but the pass rush hasn’t consistently collapsed the pocket. They have interior has flashed thanks to Williams and Clark, yet the edge group hasn’t produced the dominant performances many expected.

That doesn’t mean there’s reason to panic— training camp is about building chemistry— but it’s fair to wonder whether this unit will consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks once the regular season begins.

The preseason games should provide a better induction of whether this front is simply easing into camp or if the Cowboys still need another impact pass rusher.

Have the Cowboys quietly solved their linebacker concerns?

Coming into training camp, linebacker looked like one of Dallas biggest question marks.

Instead, it may be turning into one of the team’s deeper positions.

Rookie Jaishawn Barham has impressed early, while DeMarvion Overshown continues progressing after returning to action. Dee Winters and Shemar James have also flashed throughout practices, giving defensive coordinator Christian Parker multiple athletic options in the middle of the defense.

Because of those performances, speculation about Dallas pursing another veteran linebacker has cooled considerably.

The question now isn’t whether the Cowboys need outside help— it’s whether these young linebackers can maintain this level of play once the pads come on in preseason action.

Has Jaydon Blue already won the RB2 job?

Few players have improved their stock more Jaydon Blue.

The second-year running back has been consistently producing all throughout training camp, showing the speed and versatility that made him an intriguing developmental player. While Javonte Williams remains firmly entrenched as the starter, Blue appears to be separating himself from the rest of the running back room.

That development creates another question: What happens to the rest of the depth chart?

Phil Mafah, Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda are all competing for roster spots, but Blue’s strong camp could significantly reduce the number of offensive snaps available behind Williams. If he continues producing in preseason games, Dallas may have already found its clear No. 2 running back.

For an offense looking to become more explosive in Brian Schottenheimer’s second season, Blue’s emergence could become one of the most important developments of training camp.

Training camp always changes expectations, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Dallas. The next step is proving these practice performances translate to preseason games. If they do, the Cowboys could head into Week 1 with several postion battles already settled— and a few lingering concerns still demanding answers.