QBs to confront a learning curve
Patchwork lines, varied receivers pose dilemmas
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dak Prescott and Cam Newton find themselves in similar situations entering Sunday’s regular-season opener at Carolina.
Both quarterbacks are adjusting to a new group of receivers and playing behind banged-up offensive lines.
The Cowboys will look to replace wide receiver Dez Bryant, the team’s career leader in touchdown catches, and tight end Jason Whitten, who retired after 15 seasons. That’s no easy task. The primary options to be slot receiver are Cole Beasley, Allen Hurns and rookie Michael Gallup. But Tavon Austin and Terrance Williams could be factors, too. Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin are the top two tight ends.
“I think each of the guys we have who are going to be up for this game are versatile,” coach Jason Garrett said. “You can put them in different spots.”
Dallas also has holes to fill up front with All-Pro center Travis Frederick battling a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome and doubtful for the game. Six-year veteran Joe Looney will get the start alongside rookie left guard Connor Williams of Texas.
Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin is set to start after dealing with a hyperextended left knee in the second preseason game.
Newton faces similar issues in Carolina.
The Panthers upgraded their speed at wide receiver in the offseason by trading for veteran Torrey Smith, signing free-agent slot receiver Jairus Wright and using a first-round draft pick on D.J. Moore. All three figure to play a role in the passing game alongside returning No. 1 receiver Devin Funchess.
“We don’t know what we have yet, and that is why Sunday is so important for everybody — because we finally find out,” Newton said.
Carolina’s offensive line was going to have a difficult time replacing All-Pro left guard Andrew Norwell — and that was before it was hit hard by the injuries.
Second-team All-Pro right tackle Daryl Williams, left tackle Matt Kalil and Norwell replacement Amini Silatolu went down with knee injuries in the preseason.
Kalil went on injured reserve, meaning Taylor Moton will make his first NFL start at left tackle.
Williams and Silatolu returned to practice this week, but it’s unclear if they’ll be healthy enough to play against Dallas.