It was an embarrassing and ugly loss for the Dallas Cowboys in Santa Clara on national television. Dallas was unable to get any production going for their offense as the game was progressing. The team was unsuccessful in finding a first down for the whole first quarter leading Brock Purdy to get back on the field to run all over them. This wasn’t even the last of it, this was only one half, and it only got worse from here.
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The dismantling of the loss against their bitter NFC rival all came down to Dak Prescott’s inability to find his targets down the field. It’s a lack of consistency after outscoring their first two opponents, 70-10 before being beaten by Arizona. They went back to illustrate a bounce-back to dominate Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Now, the Cowboys are in that same illustration that the Patriots by running into a brick wall in Levi’s Stadium, losing 42-10.
It’s looking like if Dallas’ defense doesn’t make big plays during the game, then the offense is nowhere to be found. The reliance of this team on the defense shouldn’t be a thing at all. Any side should be ready to step up. This is what Dallas always seems to fail every year, it’s not anything new.
Here are three ways the Dallas Cowboys can improve their offense if they want to have success in the season and replicate it for the playoffs.
The last three teams to have no more than 197 total yards of offense while committing at least 4 turnovers on offense as well all in a single game:
– 2023 Cowboys on Sunday night
– 2017 Browns who went 0-16
– 2015 Packers also coached/led by Mike McCarthy https://t.co/2GTbgXorDV— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) October 10, 2023
3 Ways the Cowboys Can Improve Their Offense After Ugly Loss
Run different plays to get receivers open
Yet again, the Cowboys are running the same plays every year. CeeDee Lamb was seen frustrated on the sidelines waiting for a chance to get the ball. Lamb finished the day with four receptions and only accumulating 49 yards. Brandin Cooks has been receiving a minimal role again, only collecting under 27 receiving yards.
Cooks was only able to capture one catch for seven yards out of the four targets. It seems like Prescott and his offense are falling victim to Mike McCarthy’s playcalling. If Dallas wants to get back in the playoffs, then they need to get creative quickly with their play calls. So, the only thing McCarthy can do is change up the playbook to make the receivers run deep smart routes.
Considerably, if their star receiver is being doubled then the temporary solution is to run a screen or an end around. This can build momentum for the offense to keep the defense on its heels to be more attentive to the run. If the Cowboys can use this to their advantage then they can start taking shots down the field. Because if they expect the run then let Dak do his thing and change up the play to do a quick pass.
Improve the run
Tony Pollard was only able to collect 29 rushing yards for eight carries. Pollard has had an impressive 2022 season bout where he made a name for himself in the league. This seems like it’s all gone now due to the new playcalling. The only way they can get back to improving the run is to be open to screenplays.
This can open the air for momentum for the offensive line to create holes for Pollard so he can finally break free. The run game was a key success for Dallas in 2016 when Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott took over in their rookie careers. However, times are different, teams have learned about Prescott for many years and now it’s only right for him to take control.
What it all comes down to
Playcalling and making smart decisions. This is a crucial time in the league, especially in NFC heavyweight games like these where Dallas needs to win these matchups. Momentum is a big thing and if the Cowboys want that on their side then Mike McCarthy should consider turning the page. Get creative and design new plays to keep the defenses disoriented.
There’s one thing Dallas Cowboys fans have not seen from the offense, and that’s Prescott running. If there’s anything that can open the holes for their running corps, that’s Dak running with the ball. The Cowboys have seen tremendous success with Dak under the run in the red zone and third-down possessions. This might be the flavor that Dallas is missing in their recipe.
So, it’s wise for McCarthy to put down his playbook menu and let Dak create his own buffet to feed his team.
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