What’s Wrong with the Cowboys Offense?

After Dallas’ embarrassing home opener vs the Bucs, Cowboys nation is already stirring. What can be wrong with the Cowboys offense? On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys seemed ready. The defense was able to hold Tom Brady’s offense to 1 touchdown and 4 field goals. Heading into training camp, there were many questions surrounding this offense:  from their offensive line, to WR core and their RB situation. This writer breaks down what may be to blame.

Dak Prescott

As the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (aka “America’s Team”) you’ll have expectations that are lofty and come with considerable amount of pressure. Dak’s expectations year-round are reaching the Super Bowl. While there are some excuses for Dak’s play, he’ll need to learn to elevate the players around him. 

Dak completed 14 of 29 passing attempts for 134 yards and an interception. Additionally, he was sacked twice. Dak seemed to rush through his reads and continued to try to connect on short routes. Dak never seemed to gain his poise attempting to force throws on the run. This type of play led to an interception in an attempt connect with Noah Brown, whom was covered by two defenders.

Antoine Winfield picks off Dak Prescott

pic.twitter.com/RHSmBgegfQ

— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) September 12, 2022

It gets worse. Dak exited near the end of the game after taking two hits to his throwing hand. This will require right thumb surgery. Unfortunately, the timetable for his return is 6-8 weeks. Cooper Rush is the current backup QB and is the assumed next man up. If Dak is at-fault, the next few games will show this, however, if 2020 is a tell-tale sign the team is going to miss Dak.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will have surgery on his right thumb and now is expected to miss multiple weeks. pic.twitter.com/XizNL4D88W

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2022

WR Core

This WR group has seen a massive shift in it’s talent in a few months time. In the offseason, the Cowboys offense saw Cooper traded to the Browns and Cedrick Wilson leave in free agency. Gallup returned but is still not cleared to play. Tolbert, their 3rd round draft pick, was a healthy scratch. Their “splash” signing James Washington injured his foot in training camp.

In the game, this left Dak with unproven rookies and inexperienced players. While CeeDee expects to see WR1 numbers, he has continued to drop passes. These woes plague CeeDee and this offense in crucial moments of the game having caught 2 of 11 targets for 29 yards.

The Cowboys WRs will need to take a big step forward to help Cooper Rush from making too many forced throws.

Play-Calling

Outside of the first few minutes of play, Dak’s play was abysmal. Yet, this writer wonders if this Cowboys offense is set to “run the play as set-up” or if these in the moment decisions. As seen below, the Cowboys offense, attempts to continue their play with a defender in their face.

These small quirks coupled with the lack of ingenuity and creativeness continues to be a staple of the Cowboys offense. If the viewers can correctly identify the play, prior to snapping the ball, the opposing DC will know what’s coming.

When Cooper Rush stepped in for an injured-Dak, we did see Rush air it out a few times. This certainly raises the question if they are limiting Dak to the plays called rather than the best option.

The Jones Family

In my opinion, Jerry Jones no longer has the motivation to win games. He seems more pre-occupied with his podcast and making money, while he continues to drive this storied franchise into further mediocrity. Jones attempts to replicate the genius that was Jimmy Johnson, but continues to fail. He’s content on hiring the proverbial “yes men” to his coaching staff, drafting “his” guys, ignoring free agents and placing blame to everyone, but himself.

As long as Jerry Jones is in complete control of this franchise, including being their general manager, the Cowboys will not be able to reach another super bowl.

For other related articles from our writers!

• How ’bout them Cowboys by Nick Mitchell
• Cowboys I look forward to watching by Julius Luchs
• Three Cowboys Rookies that can make an impact by KP

If you like my content, please shoot me a follow me on Twitter at @KingpettyFFB!

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