Why Dak Prescott is Not the Problem for the Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones did exactly what Jerry Jones does. The infamous owner of Dallas Cowboys expressed his thoughts on Dak Prescott earlier this week via 105.3 the fan because he can. Jones said, “I don’t want to say ‘slump,’ but that’s probably fair.” Sure Prescott’s stats have not been up to his usual standard, but the […]
Jerry Jones did exactly what Jerry Jones does. The infamous owner of Dallas Cowboys expressed his thoughts on Dak Prescott earlier this week via 105.3 the fan because he can. Jones said, “I don’t want to say ‘slump,’ but that’s probably fair.” Sure Prescott’s stats have not been up to his usual standard, but the quarterback is not the problem.
Over the last six or seven weeks, the offense has hit a speed bump, that much is true. With the exception of the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas has seen a lack of production on the offensive side of the football, but it’s not Dak’s fault.
Coming into 2021, fans expected the Cowboys to see some struggles on defense, but still find a way to win games offensively. Though that has not happened, it’s the opposite. Prescott has told the media, he is the one whose struggles have impeeded offensive performance. Prescott is a team player and a great leader, but his humility is misleading fans.
Offensive Line/Blocking
Stability has been rare for this position group this season. What once was seen as the top of the line in the league is now mediocre at best in the second half of the season. Due to COVID, injuries and suspensions, the front five for Dallas has seen seven different starting lineups this season.
The Dallas front should be held accountable. Defenses recognize the interior offensive line is the weakest link in the offensive chain. Everyone not named Zack Martin needs to be partially blamed for poor the Cowboys’ poor offensive production. Some of Prescott’s errant throws are caused by pressure, usually from up the middle. Prescott has the intangibles to make any throw on the field, but every quarterback has a few misfires when pressure is in their face.
Last week against Washington the rushing attack was slowed to a halt and Prescott had trouble stepping into his throws.
Miscommunication/Coaching
Again, injuries and instability are the common denominators here. Early in the year, Michael Gallup missed significant time, Amari Cooper has been in and out of the lineup due to health and safety protocols which is the cause for receivers and Prescott not being on the same page.
The receiver carousel has put Gallup, Cooper and even Ceedee Lamb in positions they normally are not in. Due to injuries, these guys have had to step up and play each other’s positions. The big three have played in just a few games this season and that has caused some clutter.
Kellen Moore has to wake up as well. The sixth-year coordinator has been a change of pace this year and for the most part, has been great. His innovative approach and creativity are what the Cowboys eagerly awaited. The problem with Moore is not what he is calling, it's the timing of his play calls that impeded this offense.
Moore has gotten a little screen happy as of late. Some head-scratching screens on third and long making fans turn away from the television. Not only have screen passes been called at poor times, but they have also been ineffective at best.
The goal-line package with an offensive lineman at fullback and tight end is old-school power football. Getting your best blockers in the game to run the football is ideal, ON THE GOAL LINE. Why is Moore implementing this package on first at 10 in Dallas territory is beyond comprehension. On a third or fourth and short, send the dogs. A position group like this one gets two to three yards every time.
Here are a few miscommunications and mediocre play calls last week.
This week against the New York Giants, Dallas has a great opportunity to get back on track and get a stranglehold on the NFC East.
Featured Image Via: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
