1. How the starting running backs look
On the Cowboy's side of the ball the starting running back looks to be Gus Johnson the undrafted free agent that's been turning heads during their training camp. Johnson will get the majority of snaps however he will be spelled by Lache Seastrunk another promising young running back. The real question is can Johnson start for the Dallas Cowboys?
He will most likely get a series with Tony Romo and the first team offense, so if he looks good and it's a good fit, will Randle end up playing a secondary role? On the opposite side of the ball Melvin Gordon will most likely get the most reps with the first team offense. Gordon has had some trouble pass blocking so he needs to prove if he can be an every down back this season. If he cannot handle pass blocking Danny Woodhead should come in on passing downs to provide extra protection. Gordon was one of the highest rated rushers coming out of the 2015 NFL draft so it will be interesting to see what impact he will have for the Charger's offense.
2. How has either secondary improved?
The Cowboys drafted Byron Jones as their first round pick and signed free agent corner backs Corey White and Robert Steeples. White and Jones have a talented level of versatility and can be used as safeties or cornerbacks in many of the Cowboy's defensive packages. How Byron Jones reacts to his first real NFL competition will show the Cowboy's how much they can depend on him. The Chargers did add 3rd round cornerback Craig Mager and resign Brandon Flowers to help solidify their secondary. How will the rookie perform against Dez Bryant and the Cowboys receivers?
3. How will the new wide receivers look?
The Cowboys brought in undrafted free agents Lucky Whitehead, Antwan Goodley, Deontay Greenberry, Nick Harwell, and George Farmer. They also signed AJ Jenkins in the offseason, the Cowboys need to replace the production of special team's ace Dwayne Harris and one of these guys are the most likely candidate to do that. Whitehead seems to be in the lead but he has also shown abilities as a slot receiver. Can any of the other Cowboy's receivers make an impact? The Chargers have signed Stevie Johnson and Jacoby Jones in the offseason so it will be interesting to see exactly what impact they can make. Johnson has been a favorite target of quarterback Phillip Rivers this offseason so he could be the Chargers next big playmaker. Jones will most likely have kick return duties and maybe some slot receiver work.
4. How will the franchise quarterbacks look/will they play?
Tony Romo should play a series but anything more would be a bit excessive, the Cowboy's receiving core has been together for a while so the chemistry should already be there. Rivers will play a couple of series where he will look to test out his chemistry with Stevie Johnson.
5. Will the new Dallas defensive line be more effective?
Dallas acquired Greg Hardy and second round pick Randy Gregory in the offseason. The next time fans will get to see both of them on the field will be around week 4 when Hardy's suspension is up. This means we will get to see some of the highest levels of production from the Cowboy's defense.
