Why key Cowboys coach is under the microscope in 2022
The Dallas Cowboys had a solid season in 2021. Dallas won the NFC East easily, hosted a playoff game, and looked the part of a legitimate contender for a good part of the season. A bitter end that saw the Cowboys fall to the San Francisco 49ers at home soured the success that Dallas enjoyed […]
The Dallas Cowboys had a solid season in 2021. Dallas won the NFC East easily, hosted a playoff game, and looked the part of a legitimate contender for a good part of the season.
A bitter end that saw the Cowboys fall to the San Francisco 49ers at home soured the success that Dallas enjoyed for stretches last season. That, combined with some questionable offseason moves, has fans on edge for next season.
Because of that, the Dallas Cowboys will be under even more pressure in 2022. Specifically, the offense will be under the microscope in a larger way. Kellen Moore and his unit looked spectacular through the first-half of last season before crashing and burning by the end of it.
Moore under pressure for 2022
Kellen Moore has ascended the coaching ranks and has become a potential head coaching candidate around the league. Moore starred at quarterback while at Boise State before spending time as a backup in the league.
He is among the smartest in the room and has shown glimpses of creativity while calling plays. Unfortunately, the Cowboys have yet to be as good on offense for a full season as the talent on the roster suggests.
Blame it on quarterback play or the injuries that Dak Prescott has suffered. Maybe the declines of Ezekiel Elliott and the offensive line have played a part in that. Whatever you want to direct the blame to, it's Kellen Moore's job to fix things and find a solution.
There are several things that Moore can get better at. For one, the Cowboys were around league average in explosive play rate last season. In a passing league filled with explosive plays, the Cowboys have to be better in that regard.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have been among the worst in the league in scoring touchdowns on opening drives since the 2020 season. Prescott, of course, missed the majority of that 2020 season. But the point remains: the Cowboys should have much more than four touchdowns on opening drives.
Now, the Cowboys must find a way to replace Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson, and La'el Collins while also becoming more dynamic and effective on offense. Prescott gives them a chance to do just that, but Moore must put his players in the position to capitalize.
To add, the Dallas Cowboys were terrific on defense last season. Dan Quinn unlocked Micah Parsons and the unit, while Moore saw his unit fail in big moments. That is yet another dynamic that puts Moore under even more scrutiny heading into next season.
There is no guarantee that the defense will be as good next year. Defensive success from year-to-year is difficult to project, and it is unlikely that Trevon Diggs has another double-digit interception campaign. Therefore, the offense must step up.
The Cowboys offense has to be better next season. That starts with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
