Where do the Cardinals fit in the stacked NFC West?
Mike Sando, national NFL writer: I’d place the Cardinals third behind the Seahawks and Rams. Arizona beat the 49ers in Week 1, which counts for something. San Francisco has had additional injury and performance issues since then, so unless the 49ers build on their Sunday night victory over the Rams, I’ll keep Arizona in front of them for now. We’ll find out much more once the Cardinals play a good team, starting with Seattle in Week 7.
What can be done about Elliott’s fumbling issues?
Jon Machota, Cowboys beat writer: That’s a great question. Some on Twitter were blaming Elliott always wearing long sleeves, potentially causing him issues with keeping the ball tight against his arm. Elliott always carries the ball in his right hand. Obviously his opponents know this and they’ve identified something on film. Five fumbles in the last five games is way too many. The strange thing is that it hasn’t been a major issue in the past. He fumbled three times all of last season. If it continues, Mike McCarthy will try to take him out and put in Tony Pollard. The problem, Elliott is by far their best blocking back. And with how poor the offensive line is playing, they need Elliott to pick up blitzes.
How can the Cowboys help Dalton?
Machota: Block better. Every team should blitz them just like Arizona did Monday night. There were way too many problems picking up those blitzes. Dalton isn’t Dak Prescott. He’s not going to be able to get out of trouble as much as Prescott did. They really need the running game to work to take some pressure off, but that’s difficult to get going when your star running back is struggling to take care of the ball. Dalton never looked comfortable Monday night. The offensive line has to find a way to hold up better. If they don’t, it won’t matter how talented Dallas’ wide receivers are, they won’t be getting the ball.
Unfortunately, Dallas is running out of players up front. The Cowboys were already thin at the position before Martin was hurt. Connor McGovern, last year’s third-round pick, stepped in to play right guard, but he doesn’t have much experience. The line is completely banged up, which is never good, but especially with a new QB making his first start of the season with a new team. There’s not much they can do with a line that’s playing a rookie center and two undrafted players at tackle.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
