3 things to get the Dallas Cowboys offense rolling again
The Dallas Cowboys finally have a defense that is championship caliber — something that still feels so strange to say. Unfortunately, the offense — which was thought to be the strength of the team — has sputtered. Dak Prescott has not performed at an MVP level since returning from injury. The running game has been […]
The Dallas Cowboys finally have a defense that is championship caliber — something that still feels so strange to say. Unfortunately, the offense — which was thought to be the strength of the team — has sputtered.
Dak Prescott has not performed at an MVP level since returning from injury. The running game has been stagnant. Kellen Moore has lost some of his shine. The receivers have struggled. Injuries have taken a toll on the offensive line.
There have been so many factors in the offense sputtering over the last month or so. It is difficult to single one thing out. If that was the case, the Cowboys would have likely figured it by now.
There are a few things that could get the offense back in a groove going into the playoffs.
PLAY POLLARD MORE
Tony Pollard is the best running back on the Dallas Cowboys roster right now. There is no other way to put it. He is more explosive, he is a bigger weapon in the passing game, and the offense is simply better when he is on the field.
Pollard, who suffered a torn plantar fascia against the New Orleans Saints, is banged up but he is still the best option for the Cowboys moving forward. He returned to the field in the win over the Giants after missing the win over Washington.
Against New York, Pollard led the team in rushing with 74 yards and in yards per rush at 6.2 yards per carry. That was a full three yards more than Ezekiel Elliott, who totaled 3.2 yards per rush on only four more carries than Pollard.
The offense needs to get Tony Pollard more involved. It is on Kellen Moore to incoporate him more into the game plan. The one advantage that Elliott has over Pollard at this stage is in pass protection; however, teams are not blitzing the Cowboys anymore due to how good Prescott is against it.
It is time for Tony Pollard to take over lead-back duties in the Dallas Cowboys offense. Feed Pollard and increase his role heading into the postseason. The offense will be better because of that move.
COWBOYS OFFENSIVE LINE
Tyron Smith has missed multiple games due to injury. There has been musical chairs at left guard between Connor Williams and Connor McGovern. Terrance Steele has played some at left tackle and some at right tackle. Ty Nsekhe is rotating in and out.
There is just so much going on along the Cowboys offensive line that is difficult for anybody to gel. Offensive line is the last position unit on the field that you want to constantly change week to week. That has undoubtedly played a big role in the Cowboys' offensive struggles.
Connor Williams played well against the New York Giants, and it looked to have a positive impact on the running game. It is also looked to have a positive impact on Dak Prescott trusting his surroundings. The Cowboys need to get their best five linemen on the field when Smith returns and stop messing with it.
GET DAK IN A RHYTHM
At the end of the day, the offensive struggles will always come back to the quarterback, for better or worse. Dak Prescott hasn't been as bad as some will have you believe, but he has not reached his early season play, either.
Prescott needs to get back in a groove before playoff football arrives. Fixing the offensive line and getting the running game going will both help that happen. Kellen Moore has a ton of responsibility in getting Prescott back on track, too.
Moore needs to allow Prescott to play fast and throw the football. Running the ball on first and second down has had a negative impact the offense, sometimes even halting an otherwise good drive. Allowing Prescott to play in that hurry up offense more and giving him the keys will help the offense turn the corner.
Getting Dak Prescott in a rhythm early in the game needs to be a priority. Let him get the ball to his weapons right out of the gate rather than trying to force the run when it's not there. When Prescott is feeling it and is confident, the offense is difficult to stop.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
