Dallas Cowboys: 5 Obstacles to success in 2018

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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 12: Rico Gathers #80 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown against Folarin Grigsby #56 of the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of the preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

3. The tight end room needs clarity

One area that could be a major obstacle to success if the tight end room. With the retirement of Jason Witten, the tight end room seems up for grabs. The Cowboys did not address the tight end position in the 2018 NFL draft opting to move forward with the people already in the room.

Cowboys media and fans have had great fun this off season debate which direction the Cowboys will go with the “starting” tight end. Reality around the NFL is that the word “starter” has very little meaning anymore. With the onset of specialty players and sub packages, the word “starter” literally means any player on the field for the first play of the game. It has essentially lost all meaning.

The Cowboys will have to replace Witten with several players. They will need to find a player to block for the running game. Blake Jarwin and Geoff Swain are the leaders to play that role. There will also need to be a tight end who can be a receiver. Rico Gathers is an excellent candidate for that role although he still has a lot to learn in that department.

The success of the Cowboys in 2018 will depend on how these diverse candidates in the tight end room can solidify both the blocking and receiving aspects of the offense without becoming predictable. If the room can make it work, the Cowboys could be on their way to a successful season. If the room struggles out of the gate, it could be an obstacle to success in 2018.

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