I think the criticism is fair, especially when it comes to the run defense, but I’d separate “soft” from “not yet good enough.” Those aren’t necessarily the same thing. Especially on defense.
The offense actually showed today that it can be physical and impose itself when it needs to. Dak was decisive, Lamb was dominant, and there were stretches where Dallas dictated the game rather than just reacting to Washington. So I don't think it's fair to say the entire team is soft based on what we saw today.
Where I do think the criticism lands is the defense. Dallas still hasn't consistently shown that it can win at the line of scrimmage against a team that is committed to running the ball. And that's really the essence of TB's point. When the opponent knows exactly what you're going to do, can you stop them anyway? That's the standard that separates a physically imposing team from one that just has good individual players.
Special teams is another legitimate concern. You can't consistently give away field position or fail to make the routine plays and expect to win against the better teams in the league.
So I wouldn't say “this team is soft” as an absolute yet. I'd say they're still trying to prove they're a tough team. Today answered some questions on offense, but the defense and special teams still have to show they can impose their will when the other team knows what's coming. Until they do that consistently, the criticism is going to be fair. Let's just hope it doesn't take until November!!!
