3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys can't (and can) win the NFC East
Three reasons they can't
1. Projections on Dez Bryant's timetable to return from injury are all over the place, in large part because no one knows how quickly his foot will heal. As for Tony Romo, the details of his collarbone injury will be known Monday after scans give a fuller picture of his injury. But it's safe to say the Cowboys will be without both players until at least late October, with Romo likely out longer than that.
2. There still isn't a lot of depth in the secondary. The Cowboys' pass defense hasn't been challenged by a legit passing game. Let's see how it stacks up once it is.
3. Brandon Weeden got one start in Romo's absence last year, and it was an ugly performance in a 28-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at home.
Three reasons they can
1. Bryant and Romo will be back. Neither's injury is a season-ender. The Cowboys just have to find a way to stay afloat.
2. The offensive line still looks to be as good and deep as it was last year. If you have to plug in Weeden and hope wide receivers Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Devin Street pick up the slack for Bryant, it's nice to have the best group of blockers in the league creating space and time for those guys to work. Rookie La'el Collins looked very good in spot duty Sunday. He even showed his athleticism in the fourth quarter, when he chased down Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell after a fumble recovery. That underrated play saved a touchdown that could have cut the Cowboys' lead to 13-10. Instead, the Eagles gave the ball right back on their next play and never pulled within one score. And just a reminder: Collins was the Cowboys' third-string guard in Week 1. This is a stellar offensive line.
3. While losing their top two players, they went 2-0. Plus, four of Dallas' next six games are at home, including matchups with the Patriots and Seahawks. That's much better than playing at Gillette or CenturyLink. If they can steal one of those games, they just might survive being Romo- and Dez-less better than many think.
