Cowboys' key concept is helping Cooper Rush flourish
Cooper Rush has stepped up in a big way for the Dallas Cowboys. He has answered the call with Dak Prescott sidelined, guiding the team to three consecutive wins. Rush has displayed complete command of the offense. He is making changes at the line of scrimmage and is, largely, making smart decisions with the football. […]
Cooper Rush has stepped up in a big way for the Dallas Cowboys. He has answered the call with Dak Prescott sidelined, guiding the team to three consecutive wins.
Rush has displayed complete command of the offense. He is making changes at the line of scrimmage and is, largely, making smart decisions with the football. As a result, the Cowboys have been in positions to win ball games.
There was a lot of panic when Prescott went down in week one. Fortunately, Rush has not looked overwhelmed and the Cowboys have put the veteran signal caller in positions to succeed. In fact, there is one key area where Rush is really thriving.
Rush excelling at play-action
Cooper Rush has thrown for 737 yards and four touchdowns thus far this season. He has completed more than 60-percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception.
All of that has played a key role in the Cowboys jumping out to a 3-1 start on the year. Dallas currently sits just one game back of the 4-0 Philadelphia Eagles.
Kellen Moore has utilized the play-action game in a big way with Rush. The offense has leaned on the ground game and taking care of the football with Prescott out. Play-action has worked wonders for Rush and the Cowboys.
Cooper Rush is the highest-graded quarterback in the NFL on play-action passes, according to Pro Football Focus. In fact, he has made a pair of what PFF calls "big-time" throws, too. It is evident that Moore is getting the most out of Rush, and the two are working great with one another.
Rush has struggled without the play-action game, though. That makes getting the ground game going a big priority for the Cowboys. Handing the ball to Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard sets things up for the passing game to open up where Rush plays his best.
At some point, defenses will stack the box and force Rush to beat them with his arm. Still, Rush is succeeding at what is asked of him, and the Dallas Cowboys have brought the best out of him through the last three weeks.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
