Storylines to follow in tonight's Cowboys-Jets game

This is perhaps the area where the Cowboys are most vulnerable. They are likely going to be without Tyron Smith at right tackle, and they gambled by keeping only one backup, an undeveloped second-year player, Jermey Parnell. The Cowboys might go with nine-year veteran Derrick Dockery, but he's a career guard. Corner depth. With Terence Newman out and Mike Jenkins limited for weeks with a shoulder stinger (and a knee injury this week), the Cowboys are digging deep into their cornerback stash. Orlando Scandrick and Alan Ball will have to help against the Jets' front-line receivers. But the Cowboys will also have to call on fifth corner Bryan McCann and reserve safety Barry Church. Field goals and kickoffs. The Cowboys kept David Buehler for kickoffs, and his leg ought to produce touchbacks routinely. But the team is trusting a rookie for extra points and field goals. Dan Bailey was good early in camp, faltered, then rallied in preseason games. He hit from 37, 38 and 41 yards in the third preseason game. Run defense. Linebacker Bradie James said it: "It wasn't good." The Cowboys gave up 123 yards rushing a game in the preseason. This is where the Jets get their strength -- working and working the run. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff won't be pushed away easily, but the Cowboys must hold up on the ends, which is why they invested in Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears. Miles Austin. He is the Cowboys' most experienced receiver and their most disciplined route-runner. But he's been nursing a hamstring injury for three weeks, so it's hard to know how his breakaway ability and speed will be affected.

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Source: http://www.star-telegram.com