Hall of Fame RB already seems concerned about Cowboys' playoff chances

Smith, the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards (18,355), also expressed concern about the team's depth. 

"We didn't rise up like we should have," Smith said. "And maybe we don't have that talented of a football team to rise up and do what people expect. We do have a few injuries here and there, but the bottom line is next man up." 

The Cowboys' roster features stars such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, edge-rusher Micah Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott. However, it may lack depth.  

The Cowboys lost key contributors this offseason, including running back Tony Pollard and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Dallas did little to replace them. According to OverTheCap.com, it spent $17.335M in free agency, last in the NFL. 

Dallas' unwillingness to invest in free agents may explain the team's early problems, specifically, its apparent inability to stop the run. The Cowboys rank 20th in the league in rushing yards allowed (141.5). 

Despite the embarrassing loss to New Orleans, the Cowboys aren't in a terrible position. The Athletic's playoff projections give them a 66% chance to make the postseason, tied with the Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) for the eighth best in the league. 

Still, they must rebound vs. the Baltimore Ravens (0-2) on Sunday. If the Cowboys lose a second consecutive home game, that may raise more doubts about the club's postseason prospects. 

"Yeah, I think the mentality is to bounce back, stop this run, and show people you can stop the run," Parsons said Wednesday, via Patrik Walker of the team website. "I think it's a prove-it game when you get a game like this back-to-back." 

Sunday's matchup with Baltimore could be a potential must-win for the Cowboys.