Dallas Cowboys: 3 Players who will make or break the 2021 NFL season

Aug 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (27) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (27) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Cowboys
Aug 21, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) blocs Houston Texans outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins (50) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to get back on top of the NFC East, and in order to do so, they’re going to need these three players to do their part

Entering the 2021 season, the Dallas Cowboys have their eyes set on getting back on top of the NFC East. They have a lot of key positions figured out with star players such as Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and their three-headed monster leading the way.

However, the supporting roles could use a lot of work. They do have players they believe in but they have to prove they can be counted on to consistently perform to their full potential.

Here we look at three such players who could make or break the season for Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys player who could make or break season No. 3: Tyron Smith, LT

Things are already looking bleak for the Cowboys when it comes to their offensive line in 2021. Right tackle La’el Collins, who missed all of the 2020 season, has missed time with a neck injury and might be less than 100 percent in Week 1.

They did just get him back in practice, along with Connor Williams who was on the COVID reserve list. The bad news is, All-Pro right guard was placed on that same list and will miss Week 1. They will also be without Brandon Knight, who is one of their best reserve tackles.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because they went through this all throughout 2020. While it wasn’t exactly COVID-related, they were shuffling their line throughout the year as one player after another went down.

That included starting left tackle Tyron Smith who played in just two games all year. With Smith out, their line wasn’t the same.

A 10-year veteran, Smith has been a stalwart left tackle and is considered one of the best in the business. He’s also dealt with one injury after another and has now missed 26 games since 2016.

Should Smith stay healthy, the line could hold up and keep Dak Prescott comfortable in the pocket. If not, this could look like a repeat of 2020.