Cowboys' top priority for struggling offense should be crystal clear
While the focus of every complaint about the Dallas Cowboys offense has centered around the two first-half interceptions that resulted in 14 points for the Green Bay Packers, there is more to be concerned about. Particularly, the third-down offense. The numbers are really bad. As a unit, Kellen Moore's offense is 25th in the NFL […]
While the focus of every complaint about the Dallas Cowboys offense has centered around the two first-half interceptions that resulted in 14 points for the Green Bay Packers, there is more to be concerned about.
Particularly, the third-down offense. The numbers are really bad. As a unit, Kellen Moore's offense is 25th in the NFL in conversion percentage (37%). A deeper dive into the numbers reveals it's something to be concerned about. Even Dak Prescott's numbers are an issue in this conversation.
Over the last three games, the Cowboys have been much better as they rank as the 10th-best third-down offense (49%), but plenty of that is off of a 9-of-11 performance against the Chicago Bears.
Against the Detroit Lions and the Packers combined, Dallas converted 8-of-24 third downs (33%).
Simply put, there's no consistency in what people call the money down. And while it's true that third-down numbers have always been volatile and unpredictable, it's still a major issue when the numbers are this bad.
Consider Dak Prescott's numbers in third down this season, for example.
Dak has completed 13-of-28 pass attempts (46%) on third down for 188 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and four sacks. That's good for a 41.1 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference. Since Prescott's return in Week 6, Dallas is 23rd in dropback EPA/play on third down.
If you're wondering how bad these numbers are, Ed Werder via ESPN Stats & Info revealed Prescott's third/fourth down completion percentage is the worst since Tim Tebow!
This is not to say that he's not the right starting quarterback for Dallas or that he's overpaid or all the crazy talk going on on social media after any Cowboys loss in which everything falls in the QB, but rather a reflection of the offense's struggles.
For instance, both interceptions on Sunday came in third-and-long situations. Each of those was caused by a pass-catcher running the wrong route. How does that happen twice in the first half?
It's Week 10 in a gotta-have-it game!
As the Cowboys prepare to go on the road again to face the 8-1 Minnesota Vikings one of the priorities should definitely be third down offense. Your starting quarterback is talented enough for those late-down numbers to be an insult.
For more on the Cowboys' third-down offense, check out Monday's episode of my nightly show A to Z Sports Primetime below!
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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