Dallas Cowboys: 5 Obstacles to success in 2018
By Joel W. Cade
2. The young secondary needs to grow up quickly
The Cowboys have a very young secondary. They played well in 2018, the future looks bright at corner back. There are concerns remaining in the secondary when it comes to safety. The concerns have led to offseason speculation about acquiring Earl Thomas from the Seattle Seahawks.
The Cowboys seem to be set at corner back with a young core comprised of Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie. Together these two were able to push through the growing pains of their rookie year and develop into solid and at times, outstanding options at the position. The nickel corner back has been up for grabs with former first-round pick Byron Jones playing the position.
Lucky for the Cowboys that fifth-round pick Xavier Woods has developed into a dependable safety. The current safety group developed well over the season and looked primed to come back for a strong 2018.
Moving Jones to nickel would be a good move but it also opens up issues at free safety. The Cowboys have been on the market for a free safety and adding Earl Thomas is not out of the realm of possibility. But as it stands, if Jones is moved, the Cowboys are looking at Jeff Heath and Jameill Showers as possible starting safeties.
This all may work out for the Cowboys. But the question at safety and the possibility of a sophomore slump could be an obstacle for success in 2018.