"America's Team'' is undergoing changes upfront, some involving the offensive lineman everybody knows about, and some involving some of the lesser lights.
For instance, in the latter, category? Call it naivety or confidence, but Dallas Cowboys left tackle Asim Richards is still bullish on the 2024 season.
With the Cowboys sitting at 3-6, dealing with poor form and a host of injuries, notably to Dak Prescott, there isn't too much to get excited about for Cowboy Nation.
Still, with eight games to go and not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there is still a sliver of hope that Dallas might amount to something despite it looking every bit the worst team in football over the last month.
second-year left tackle Richards thinks one game can change the entire outlook of the season.
“Taking a loss is always going to be a learning opportunity,” Richards said. “We always say just one game can change the trajectory of our season, so just taking one game at a time.”
"Change'' is the right word here. "Change'' includes what to do with erstwhile left tackle starter Tyler Guyton, the first-round rookie. And how to integrate swing tackle Chuma Edoga, who is getting healthy enough to play. What about budding star Tyler Smith and his best position? What to do about struggling right tackle Terence Steele?
And then the headliner, in the aforementioned former category, the offensive lineman everybody knows about. CowboysCountry.com has written in great detail how the team's "Blow It Up'' plan includes a Martin retirement after this season.
He has addressed this in the past, vaguely, by saying, "I think (retirement) is definitely in the realm of possibilities.'' But he's also stressed that he wants to focus on the now.
On Thursday, the question came up again, with the future Hall of Famer answering politely, "I'm just taking it one week at a time, my guy.''
At some point, as the Cowboys inch toward "Organic Tanking,'' Martin may be asked to sit down. It'll be an unfortunate day ... but a look toward the future and an opportunity for the likes of Richards, who is perhaps in a confident mood right now because he got his first NFL start in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, stepping in for the injured Guyton.
Both head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer praised Richards for his play, as he acquitted himself well, and earned a decent pass-blocking grade by PFF (73.1) with only Tyler Smith posting a better grade.
And Asim was just grateful to get a chance.
“Really just getting an opportunity to go out there and actually play in a regular season game, especially against the Eagles, (my) hometown team," Richards said.
With Richards giving the coaching staff something to think about with his play, there's ample competition at the left tackle position. Who suits up to protect Cooper Rush's blindside against the Houston Texans on Monday night is up for grabs, but Richards will be looking to build on his efforts against the Eagles and be part of the team that finally snaps this four-game losing streak. ... While Martin will keep taking it one day at a time on the way to the end.
