Why legendary coach thinks Cowboys are going to 'make terrific strides'
So much has gone on in the Dallas Cowboys offseason – from a couple of trades for well-known veterans in March to drafting nose tackle Mazi Smith in the first round – that we might've lost sight of the biggest change that's taken place since they were eliminated in the Divisional Round in January:Moving on […]
So much has gone on in the Dallas Cowboys offseason – from a couple of trades for well-known veterans in March to drafting nose tackle Mazi Smith in the first round – that we might've lost sight of the biggest change that's taken place since they were eliminated in the Divisional Round in January:
Moving on from Kellen Moore and handing Mike McCarthy the keys to the offense.
Although the Cowboys have suggested only about 30% of the offense is changing, it's a very significant philosophical shift. After all, the Cowboys have lived in a similar Air-Coryell offense world since Jason Garrett was the team's offensive coordinator and now they'll have a West Coast-minded architect running things in Mike McCarthy.
Ironically, Air Coryell-based legendary coach Mike Martz believes the bet will work out for Dallas.
"I do believe with Tony Pollard not getting the brunt of it at running back that this team will emerge and make terrific strides," Martz said in a conversation with The 33rd Team.
Martz was the offensive architect behind the St. Louis Rams' prolific 1999 offense that was nicknamed the "Greatest Show on Turf." His unit made NFL history while quarterbacked by Kurt Warner, who the team signed "off the street" as HC Dick Vermeil said at the time.
"Now remember there wasn't conflict but there was a difference in Kellen last year as coordinator and with Mike McCarthy in terms of philosophy," explained Martz about the Cowboys' decision. "But it happens, nobody's to blame in that deal."
Despite the fact that Moore's offense was productive during his tenure as OC in Dallas, there were instances of disagreement between him and McCarthy. After having moved on, the Cowboys head coach said that at times he wanted the team to run the ball more often so that he could get the defense some rest. It's worthwhile to mention there are likely more philosophical differences between the two considering McCarthy's offenses were very pass-happy during his time in Green Bay.
"Now (McCarthy has) got control over all the details on offense and can oversee that," added Martz. "He's been very effective where he's been doing that so I would think that the Cowboys if there's a year for them to make a big comeback I think it's this year."
"Offensively, they'll be very solid and sound," he concluded.
At the very least, the Cowboys should be able to present something different to opposing defenses with McCarthy running the show. It's a high-risk bet as the former Packers Super Bowl-winning head coach hasn't called plays in years. But it's one that could provide a much-needed breath of fresh air for a team running the same offense for over a decade.
