The Cowboys’ Achilles heel for a while now has been penalties, so why should we be confident they can do it with Tyler Smith? I’m definitely optimistic that they can. What do you guys think? — MARK SOMMA / GAINESVILLE, VA
Nick: I think it’s something to monitor for sure. On one hand, you wonder who in the AAC was giving him so many problems that he had to hold. On the other, I was told that his strength and ability to manhandle his opponent led to some of these holding calls. We’re just going to have to find out. I bet he he’ll have less penalties now that he’s playing inside at guard. But we know that it can’t continue to be a big problem because it hurt the team in 2021 and fixing penalties has to be a major priority this year.
David: I think playing inside will probably help him in that regard. There’s so much less space on the interior, and while there are plenty of athletic freaks playing defensive tackle, I think you generally need to worry a lot less about losing step with a guy and a lot more about power. We know already that Tyler has size and power, so that should be something he adapts well to. I do wonder how quickly he can refine his technique to play tackle in the NFL, but hopefully he won’t be asked to do that a lot right away.
I saw a question about big run stoppers. I like the idea of being stout in the run game; however, I feel the need is to be a complete defense and get off the field on third down. Where does this defense need to improve to get off the field?— NATHAN MATTISON / GLENS FALLS, NY
David: To be fair to them, this unit was already pretty damn good at getting off the field. Dallas had the second-best third down conversion percentage in the league last year, trailing only Buffalo. If they’re going to maintain or improve, I have two thoughts. First is the obvious one: continue to get after the passer. With Randy Gregory gone, it’s going to be on Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong and De Williams to pick up the slack – not to…