Insider Makes Cowboys' Biggest Concern Perfectly Clear

FRISCO — It's been a whirlwind offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. Polarizing coaching change, intriguing draft selections and a bold trade for George Pickens defined months of realignment after a hideous showing in 2024. As of now, there's a bubbling optimism around the fanbase. 

The Cowboys get a strong No. 2 for Dak Prescott in Pickens, fans are raving about first-round rookie Tyler Booker and the team has rallied behind new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. All those points check the boxes for improvement in 2025. 

But with the positives there are still some lingering concerns for the Cowboys. After all, this team posted a 7-10 record last season, stumbling across the finish line. 

Looking toward the upcoming season, ESPN's Todd Archer identified what he believes to be the team's biggest concern. And it's something that's become nightmare fuel for Cowboys fans. 

"Can they slow down the run? They have not made big adjustments in personnel in name or size. How new coordinator Matt Eberflus will attack the issue is with effort and running to the ball. It will also help if the offense can put up a ton of points so the opposing team can't run the ball as much. Until the Cowboys actually show they can contain the run, it will be the biggest concern."

The Cowboys struggled in many places last season but the run defense was a glaring weakness almost immediately. They looked helpless early in the season, showing no resistance against the New Orleans Saints or the Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 2 and 3. 

That set the precedent for an ugly average concession of 137.1 rushing yards per game, good for fourth worst in the league. Fortunately, the Cowboys re-signed Osa Odighizuwa to a considerable contract extension and added Solomon Thomas and rookie Jay Toia to the mix as well. 

Dallas will need third-year pro Mazi Smith to make some major strides this season as the former first rounder has yet to truly breakout since reaching the pros. 

Cleaning up this area will not guarantee this team's success in full, but it will go a long way in helping the Cowboys contend with the better teams in the NFC, all of which can run the ball.