Dallas Cowboys training camp: Storylines, position battles and what to watch

3 biggest Dallas Cowboys storylines for 2021

With the Dallas Cowboys, there is never a shortage of storylines. And as was stated earlier, the cameras from HBO will catch all the action. But what storylines will get the most attention?

3. Will Dan Quinn bring change?

Mike Nolan was clearly not the right choice as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys and they admitted it after just one season. After he was out, they decided to again go for a seasoned coach rather than a lesser-known up and comer.

Their selection was Dan Quinn, who was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-2020. He nearly won a Super Bowl in his second season but things went downhill from there. What was most alarming was how the defense struggled despite his pedigree as a defensive play-caller.

Still, Quinn does have a Super Bowl ring earned while coaching defense in Seattle. Perhaps he can get back on track now that his job is solely focused on side of the ball, but it will be a storyline to watch.

2. Can McCarthy get it figured out?

The head coach in Dallas also has a Super Bowl win under his belt, as Mike McCarthy won one with the Green Bay Packers. He joined the Cowboys in 2020 and things were a mess.

One issue was the defensive woes but they also lost Dak Prescott for the season. Even with Prescott being out, there were times it seemed the team was unprepared. All eyes will be on McCarthy who might get a pass for 2020 but won’t if they struggled again in 2021.

1. Dak’s health, contract extension

Dak Prescott broke his ankle in Week 5 and the Cowboys season went down the drain. They weren’t winning before Prescott went down but he at least gave them hope that they could compete.

Now playing on a repaired ankle, and with a new contract, Dak needs to prove he’s worth the investment and that he has no ill effects from the injury.