4 Week 2 Storylines to Watch: Will the Packers Get Their Revenge?

Can Dallas Win Without Dez?

No Cowboys fan can be happy with the news that came out of last week's game (aside from the improbable win) that Dez Bryant will be out for at minimum 4 weeks and at maximum 12 weeks depending on the report.

Set to take Bryant's role for the time being is Terrance Williams. Williams is a very efficient receiver when he actually hauls in his passes, having posted the second highest Reception NEP per target among receivers targeted at least 65 times in 2014. But Williams' efficiency doesn't come without shortcomings. He sported a 57% catch rate in 2014, compared to Bryant's 64% rate, part of which is a byproduct of him being targeted deeper down the field at a more frequent rate. But it's not clear if he'll be able to reel in the types of contested catches that Bryant can.

Part of Bryant's slack will be picked up by longtime tight end Jason Witten, the recipient of two Tony Romo touchdown passes last week, and Cole Beasley, the team's slot receiver.

But it's likely that the Cowboys will try and employ a more balanced offensive attack in Dez's absence, a strategy that served the team well in 2014, albeit with a much more talented running back in Demarco Murray. Joseph Randle seemed to carry the load fairly well in Week 1, boasting a -0.02 Rushing NEP per rush on 16 carries, which is about league average. And Darren McFadden's -0.15 Rushing NEP per Rush from Week 1 is about as bad as he's been for the past few years.

The Cowboys will definitely miss Bryant on the field. But if their offensive line can help bolster the output of their less-talented-than-Murray backfield, and if Terrance Williams can fill Bryant's shoes at least semi-admirably, they may be able to stay afloat in their division until Bryant's return. They'll get their first chance to prove their offensive mettle sans Bryant on Sunday against their division rivals in Philadelphia.