How the Dallas Cowboys Can Fix Their Biggest Problems This Season

As I sit here watching the latest Cowboys game, I can't help but notice the same patterns that have plagued this team for years. The parallels between what's happening on the football field and what we see in baseball are striking, especially when you look at tomorrow's MLB matchups. The Athletics-Pirates game features Severino's veteran polish against Pittsburgh's lineup questions, while the Braves-Tigers matchup highlights how starter length and timely defense can swing momentum. These baseball scenarios perfectly illustrate what the Cowboys need to address: situational execution and roster depth management.

Looking at Dallas's current situation, I've identified three critical areas that demand immediate attention. The offensive line's inconsistency has been particularly frustrating to watch. Through the first six games, they've allowed 18 sacks - that's three more than through the same period last season. What's worse is their run blocking has regressed significantly, with Ezekiel Elliott averaging just 3.8 yards per carry compared to his career average of 4.4. I've noticed that when they face disciplined defensive fronts like Tampa Bay's, they struggle to establish any rhythm. It reminds me of how the Pirates must approach their game against Severino - they need to solve their situational hitting problems, just like Dallas needs to fix their situational blocking.

The defensive secondary continues to be a revolving door of injuries and miscommunications. I've tracked their performance metrics closely, and the numbers are concerning. They're allowing a 68% completion rate against them on third downs, which ranks them 28th in the league. Their red zone defense is even more alarming, giving up touchdowns on 72% of opponent trips inside the 20-yard line. Watching them reminds me of the bullpen depth issues facing the Athletics - when your key pieces aren't performing, the entire structure collapses. I've seen enough Cowboys football to know that this isn't just about talent; it's about preparation and adjustment during games.

Special teams has been quietly undermining this team's chances in close games. The kicking situation has been inconsistent at best, with Brett Maher missing 4 of his last 8 attempts from beyond 40 yards. The return game lacks explosiveness, averaging just 6.2 yards per punt return. These might seem like small things, but in close games against division rivals, they become massive factors. It's similar to how the Braves-Tigers game could swing on timely defense - those momentum-changing plays that separate good teams from great ones.

What really troubles me is the coaching staff's inability to make in-game adjustments. I've watched Mike McCarthy closely this season, and his decision-making in critical moments has been questionable. The analytics department must be pulling their hair out when he opts for conservative play-calling with leads. His challenge flag usage has been particularly puzzling - he's 1-for-4 this season on challenges, which tells me either the communication from the booth needs improvement or his gut instincts are off. This managerial chess aspect is exactly what makes the MLB matchups so compelling tomorrow, and it's what's missing from the Cowboys' current approach.

The salary cap management has created some real headaches. They've got approximately $12 million in dead money this season tied up in players who aren't contributing, while key positions lack quality depth. I've studied their cap situation extensively, and the decision to restructure Dak Prescott's contract has pushed significant money into future years, limiting their flexibility. They're essentially betting that their current core can win now, but the early returns aren't promising. It's reminiscent of how the Pirates must balance veteran presence with developing talent - sometimes you need to make tough decisions about resource allocation.

From my perspective, the solution starts with being honest about what this team actually is. They're not the dominant force they were in the 90s, and trying to recreate that identity isn't working. I'd love to see them embrace a more modern approach to roster construction and game management. The analytics revolution has transformed how successful teams operate, yet Dallas seems stuck between traditional methods and modern thinking. They need to pick a lane and commit fully, much like how the teams in tomorrow's MLB games have clear identities and approaches.

The good news is that the NFC East remains winnable. At 4-2, they're still very much in the hunt, but the problems I've outlined will only become more pronounced as the season progresses. I've seen this movie before - early success followed by December disappointment. What gives me hope is that the solutions are identifiable and implementable. Better situational awareness, improved health management, and more creative play-calling could transform this team's fortunes. The blueprint exists in how other successful franchises operate, and in how the MLB teams approaching tomorrow's games have structured their approaches around their strengths.

Ultimately, fixing the Cowboys requires acknowledging that their issues are systemic rather than isolated. It's not just about one player underperforming or one bad coaching decision - it's about creating a culture of accountability and innovation. Having followed this team for decades, I believe they have the resources and talent to turn things around, but it will require difficult conversations and bold decisions. The path forward is clear if they're willing to be honest about where they are and where they want to go. The season is still young enough for correction, but the clock is definitely ticking.