Dallas Cowboys: 5 Players who need to play well to beat Chargers in Week 2

The Dallas Cowboys are short-handed as they face the Chargers in Week 2, so which players need to come up with big games to get the win?

Though the Dallas Cowboys opened up the season with a loss, there was cause for optimism as the defending-champion Buccaneers kicked a last-second field goal to take the game. After all, Dak Prescott and company went toe-to-toe with Tom Brady and gave them everything they could handle. And if not for a questionable no-call late, they might’ve won.

Alas, the Cowboys are 0-1 to begin the 2021 NFL season but the doubt is starting to creep in — and not unrightfully so. The injuries and roster subtractions have started to pour in entering Week 2, which would be bad enough, but Dallas is also hitting the road again to take on a talented Chargers team.

Facing Justin Herbert and a talented offense, this would be a tough game for the Cowboys in any circumstances. But given their current situation, it’s going to be tougher. So for this team to win in Week 2 and move to 1-1, they need these five players to show up and play at their peaks.

5. Dorance Armstrong needs to give the Dallas Cowboys a boost

With DeMarcus Lawrence out for several weeks due to a broken foot, the Dallas Cowboys pass rush was already down their best player. To make matters worse, though, Randy Gregory was added to the COVID-19 list this week and his status for the Week 2 game against the Chargers is not looking favorable. So that’s now the top two defensive ends on the team who will be out for this contest.

Throughout his young career, Justin Herbert has played extremely well when under pressure. Having said that, teams can’t just sit back and not get after him and think that’s going to end well either. Subsequently, we need to see someone step up front. While rookie Osa Odighizuwa can have an effect, Dorance Armstrong needs to make his presence felt on the edge.

Armstrong hasn’t produced at a high clip to this point but has continually provided flashes both in the preseason and regular season when given rotational reps. He has to be a big-time presence for the Cowboys to help protect a secondary that is still trying to figure it out and, if he doesn’t, Herbert and the Chargers passing game might have a field day.