Dallas Cowboys: 5 ways Dez Bryant’s injury affects offense

2. The offense will have to look different

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams (83) has a pass broken up by New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s face it, the Cowboys lost a great outside receiver presence with the loss of Bryant for at least the next four games, so it is all but certain the game plan of the Cowboys will be different, and that’s OK if they can make it work.

Terrence Williams is a quality receiver, but he’s not a true No. 1. He does make things easier in this process of life without Dez. Williams will most likely produce some solid numbers. Those numbers won’t jump off the page, but he’ll do good work, and that’s all anyone can ask for. I just don’t see the Cowboys able to throw the ball downfield as much as we are accustomed to seeing.

What I’m expecting is more passes to Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar in two tight end sets, especially Witten with some mid-field passes. Remember the Cowboys’ first drive of the Giants game that took over half the quarter? Expect more of that style of play for the next few weeks.

It may not be the most exciting style of football, but what can this team do but have short passes to receivers and tight ends, and hopefully gain more production from the running backs. As I’ve had some conversations with other football bloggers via text, the running backs weren’t awful, but in the run game, they left too many yards on the field in Week 1.

Next: Pass protection even more important