Dallas Cowboys: Will off-field issues hurt performance?
By Jimmy Long
The Dallas Cowboys have been in the news quite a lot this offseason, and not for the reasons we want. Is it time to sound the alarm?
It seems that almost every day, at least recently, the Dallas Cowboys have found a way onto the front page for all the wrong reasons. For a team that preaches the “high character” and “right-kind-of-guy” mentality, something just seems a little off.
First, the NFL started rearing its ugly head again in regards to the on-again, off-again investigation into running back Ezekiel Elliott’s domestic violence case. And, keep in mind, Elliott wasn’t charged. Furthermore, the authorities in Columbus even released a statement revealing that the lead witness in the case was told to lie about the incident to police.
Very few things seem as inefficient as the NFL’s investigatory committee. Considering that they have been “investigating” for over a year, you’d expect a verdict by now. But Elliott’s ongoing case is the least of the worries here.
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The NFL is also looking into a bar fight involving the Cowboys running back. There’s also Elliott’s parade float incident. However, the rest of the roster hasn’t been immune to their share of negative headlines.
Let’s just speed through a few. Darren McFadden missed the team charter to training camp. Dez Bryant missed a conditioning run after a night of barbecue. Nolan Carroll was arrested and charged with a DWI. And Damien Wilson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Clearly, the Dallas Cowboys have been busy, but is it time to panic in terms of how the on-field production could be affected? I don’t think so. Most of the players that have been handed serious charges aren’t vital to the Cowboys’ success. Even if Elliott is hit with a suspension handed down by the league, it doesn’t appear that it will be of great length.
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Not to mention, Elliott is young. He has time to mature, and being around Dak Prescott every day for the next seven months should help. Bryant has always had his offseason antics, but he usually performs on the field. With that said, the Cowboys do need to make sure they don’t have a serious issue in their locker room. Head coach Jason Garrett should be able to take care of that.