The Dallas Cowboys are looking for a little offensive momentum. The team continues to struggle in the wake of the Tony Romo injury and things are simply not getting better. Lance Dunbar is out for the season leaving the team without their two top performers as Dez Bryant is not expected back until Week 7. As the team continues to search for a spark, could Jason Witten and Joseph Randle be the best the Cowboys have?
Randle is not exactly on the coach's good side at the moment. The running back was criticized for his ball security antics against in Week 4 which led to head coach Jason Garrett speaking out against Randle. However, Garrett via ESPN.com, Randle will start on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Many were wondering if Darren McFadden or perhaps even Christine Michael could see a start, but Garrett confirmed that Randle is their best option. However, expect Michael to be much more involved than he was in his debut with the team.
The best chance the Cowboys have at replacing Dunbar's production is continuing to lean on Witten for help. The tight end might be Brandon Weeden's best safety blanket while he struggles with deep passes. Witten is hopeful that the team can regroup and focus on getting a much-needed win in Week 5.
"Ultimately, when you lose your two franchise players like Tony (Romo) and Dez (Bryant), that's tough," Witten said, via NBCDFW.com. "But, that's what happens in this league. You've got to be able to regroup. I thought Brandon (Weeden) did a great job kind of leading the charge [Sunday night], coming out on the road and playing at a high level. We have lost our fair share, but this team doesn't make excuses. We'll get back at it - that creates opportunity and we kind of live by that next man up mentality."
Weeden has not exactly looked like the start that owner Jerry Jones hyped him to be. The quarterback has struggled with deep passes as Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley continue to go unused. Weeden has heard the criticism regarding his playing level at the moment. The quarterback told the media that he is paying no attention to social media and what other people are saying as he simply wants to record a win. Going up against the Patriots certainly will not be easy.
"I don't need that kid telling me, 'What the hell you thinking throwing to this guy?' I don't need that. I'm 32 years old. I don't need a 12 year old telling me how to play quarterback," Weeden said, via the Dallas Morning News.
The Cowboys are simply trying to buy their time until players begin to return. Dunbar is out for the year, but Bryant and Romo could be back sooner rather than later. The division remains up for grabs as the Eagles struggle, but the Cowboys cannot afford for the losses to pile up.