The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 season where they missed the playoffs on the heels of a 13-3 campaign the year prior. Improved play from the defense will be crucial to their success, especially with the transition occurring on offense in the passing game.

Long-term staples of Dallas' passing attack, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, are no longer with the franchise. Witten retired in the offseason, while Bryant was cut to save $8.5 million in cap space.

Bryant recorded his best year in terms of receiving yards since 2014, but his overall effectiveness continued to decline. Even though he again led the team in yards through the air with 838, he failed to record 1,000 for a third-consecutive campaign. On top of the raw numbers, Bryant struggled to create separation from opposing defensive backs and failed to win as many 50-50 balls as he used to deep down the field.

With both Bryant and Witten out of the picture, the Cowboys are reportedly experiencing some growing pains in training camp. Here are ESPN's Todd Archer's observations:

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Cowboys News
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs to score a touchdown on a pass reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Jacksonville won 20-10.
Cowboys’ George Pickens claims he ‘forced’ Steelers tradeMalik Brown ·
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue next to LB Jack Sanborn and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Dallas Cowboys.
3 Dallas Cowboys hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys rumors: Mike Florio blasts Dallas for fumbling Micah Parsons situationJaren Kawada ·
Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) runs on to the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium.
Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas opens up about Mike McCarthy after ‘fun again’ postRichard Pereira ·
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) tries to break free from Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13) during the first half Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Cowboys get ‘optimistic’ update on defensive starLorenzo J Reyna ·
cowboys, Mazi Smith
1 Dallas Cowboys player with most to prove at OTAsGarrett Kerman ·

Anecdotally, however, the offense has struggled in getting the ball down the field. In the most competitive part of consecutive practices on Thursday and Saturday — either two-minute or play-it-out situations — Prescott had nine straight incompletions.

Head coach Jason Garrett acknowledged the offense's struggles establishing chemistry, calling on the entire unit to pick up their play:

“To me it’s a great lesson for all of us, just the importance of everybody has got a piece of this thing,” head coach Jason Garrett said. “The ball has got to come out. We’ve got to protect well; got to make a lot of little plays in those situations but often times those situations can become more challenging as you go because you’re kind of digging yourselves out.

Quarterback Dak Prescott expressed confidence in that chemistry coming with time, but the biggest thing they need to do is establish roles for their receiving corps. Outside of Cole Beasley in the slot, there's a lot to be decided leading into the regular season in just over a month.