The Dallas Cowboys had struggles in the passing offense in joint scrimmage against the Los Angeles Chargers

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense looks like a top-10 unit. The Cowboys’ offense, however, is still a work in progress. 

During the Cowboys' joint practice against the Chargers on Wednesday, the defense played well. Second-year linebacker Micah Parsons dominated, registering multiple sacks. Parsons, coming off a Pro Bowl season, said disrupting the Chargers' high-scoring unit was important. Los Angeles, led by star third-year quarterback Justin Herbert, had the fourth-best offense in the NFL last season.

“I thought we did a great job, knowing what they have on offense," he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We want to be a dominant defense. That just sets the tempo and standard of what’s to come this year.” 

Defensive tackles Osa Odighiwuza and Neville Gallimore commanded the line of scrimmage, each earning a sack. Defensive end Tarrell Basham intercepted Herbert. In the secondary, safety Malik Hooker and defensive back Trevon Diggs seem to be developing chemistry.

 Turnovers by the Cowboys' offense, however, are a concern.

Quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions as the passing game sputtered. Young wide receivers T.J. Vasher, Semi Fehoko and Jalen Tolbert never found a rhythm, which played a large role in Prescott’s incompletions. He completed just 9 of 16 passes. 

Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's absence was glaring. He told the Dallas Morning News that he “sustained a cut that required stitches”  on his right foot. The injury forced him to miss the scrimmage, though it's not considered serious. The Cowboys are waiting for receiver Michael Gallup to return from an injury to his left knee, which could cause him to miss Week 1. Wideout James Washington, signed as a free agent in the offseason, will miss significant time with a right foot injury. 

Dallas' offensive line held its own against two of the better pass-rushers in the NFL--defensive end Joey Bosa and outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Aside from Mack attacking the backfield, the offensive line pushed the Chargers' defense throughout the scrimmage. 

Running back Ezekiel Elliott capitalized on the strong run blocking, breaking a long run early. Elliott, entering his seventh season, is a big part of Dallas’ offensive formula. He’s entering a period in his career when many running backs decline. Elliott averaged 58.9 yards rushing per game last season, the lowest figure of his career.