/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57564957/615056182.jpg.0.jpg)
You can make a case for Tyron Smith as one of the two or three best left tackles in football. He’s exceptional in terms of both run blocking and pass protection, and there isn’t a line in the NFL (outside of the Browns, maybe, with a healthy Joe Thomas) that wouldn’t seriously consider swapping their left tackle out for him if they had the opportunity.
That’s why it’s a very big deal that Smith is going to be out Sunday against the Cowboys. The Falcons are now facing a Dallas team minus its best running back and stellar left tackle, an opportunity they really cannot afford to squander, especially at home.
The #Cowboys have downgraded OT Tyron Smith, who has battled back and groin injuries, to out vs the #Falcons. TE Geoff Swaim is also out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2017
Without Elliott and Smith, the Cowboys are almost certain to struggle to run the ball as effectively, though that doesn’t preclude them from having a solid game against an easily abused Falcons front seven. It does mean the pass rush has a better chance of getting home, and if Atlanta can just pull things together on offense, they should have a real shot at this one.
I’m considerably more hopeful than I was two days ago before word came down about Elliott and Smith. Please don’t disappoint us, Falcons.