The Dallas Cowboys Suffered Another Devastating Blow to Their Offense
The Dallas Cowboys have continued to limp through the 2020 season as their playoff chances diminish. Dallas has dropped five out of their previous six games, which has pushed them to one of the league’s worst records. The Cowboys have now been dealt an additional crushing blow after losing another critical piece to their offense.
Cowboys’ 2020 season continuing to unravel
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2020 season with hopes of contending for a Super Bowl, but those aspirations were quickly dashed.
The Cowboys suffered significant injuries early in the year, with Dak Prescott sidelined with a season-ending ankle ailment in Week 5. Since then, the franchise has continued to stumble south with additional notable injuries and inconsistent play defensively.
Dallas may not be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with only three wins through their first 11 games; it’s hard not to look at the 2020 season as a complete disappointment. Dallas has received another devastating blow after losing yet another massive piece to their offense to injury.
Zack Martin placed on the IR
Injuries have ravaged the Dallas Cowboys throughout the 2020 season, which has significantly impacted their play.
Their offense has taken another notable blow after star left guard Zack Martin was placed on the injured reserve. The designation will require him to miss at least the next three games, which puts into question whether he will play another down this season. Martin exited the Thanksgiving day loss to the Washington Football Team due to a calf strain that dates ack to Nov. 16.
Martin has become one of the best offensive linemen in the league throughout his career. His resume speaks for itself as he has six Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro nods, and two Second-Team All-Pro nominations in his first six seasons. He has firmly established himself as one of the anchors along the Cowboys offensive line.
The 30-year-old may join teammates Tyron Smith and La’el Collins with possible season-ending ailments. The Cowboys’ trajectory over the next few weeks regarding their NFC East division title chances will likely indicate Martin’s status. The team may rule that out of the equation entirely to focus on getting healthy ahead of the 2021 season.
Even if the Cowboys were to get into the playoff picture, the road to postseason success would more than likely result in an early exit.
Playoff hopes slipping through Dallas’ hands
The Cowboys are entering the last month of the regular season with their playoff hopes on the ropes.
The New York Giants have taken control of the NFC East division title race after reeling off four straight wins. New York has looked like the cream of the crop in arguably the worst division in the league. However, they are coming off an impressive road win over the Seattle Seahawks without quarterback Daniel Jones.
Dallas has a tough matchup on Wednesday night against a Baltimore Ravens team hoping to snap their three-game losing streak. The Ravens received a significant boost on Monday with star quarterback Lamar Jackson activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Cowboys have struggled against the run this season, ranking second-worst, allowing 156.4 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the Ravens are second in the league with 157.6 rushing yards per contest. The blueprint may be there to see things quickly head in a discouraging direction for Dallas.
Their slim chances of a playoff berth may hinge on Wednesday’s game. Regardless of the result, the Cowboys should begin shifting their attention toward the 2021 season.
