Star Blog

3 Ways the Cowboys Offense Could Be Better in 2018

Published

8 months ago

April 8, 2018

Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Zeke Elliott

Truth be told, Dallas Cowboys fans have plenty of reasons to be upset about the very disappointing 2017 season. But one of the things that undoubtedly made it even a tougher campaign to get through was the offensive performance. After Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott took the league by storm in their rookie seasons, everyone (including non-Cowboys fans) had big-time expectations for America's Team.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Now, let's not try to find who is to blame, we could spend all the offseason arguing whether it was Dez or Dak's fault, coaching, Zeke's suspension or other key injuries like Tyron Smith's.

Don't forget for a second how talented this offense actually is. Sure, last season the wide receivers had anything but an impressive year and Dak could've played better at times, but that doesn't mean he's a bad quarterback at all.

If struggles continue to be there next season, then let's have a conversation about Prescott. Not now, though. He's still the guy this franchise should be betting on, without a single doubt. Add to that what still is among the NFL's finest offensive lines with a top running back in Ezekiel Elliott.

This is an offense that'll win games next season, despite having a rough year in 2017. Here are three ways it could be even more dominant.

Unleash 10 Personnel

We've wanted this for a long time now. Dak Prescott is a guy who can pass the ball or tuck and run with it when needed. Ezekiel Elliott is one of the NFL's best runners and a true three-down back. Cole Beasley is one of the best slot receivers in the sport. Dez Bryant, though unproductive the last few years, is still a very talented player. Allen Hurns will be a big upgrade at WR2. And hey, maybe put Ryan Switzer in the mix.

It's hard to imagine defenses stopping such a loaded offense in the red zone or anywhere on the field for that matter. The Cowboys should seriously consider playing from 10 personnel a lot more than they do.

Feed Zeke in the Passing Game

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

This is one of the things I fail to understand from the Cowboys' coaching staff. Ezekiel Elliott has reliable hands and as a very dangerous player in the open field, I don't comprehend why he isn't used a lot when it comes to the passing game.

He might not be able to make the damage that Le'Veon Bell is able to as a receiving RB, but I'm sure Elliott would thrive if given more opportunities. We've seen some explosive screen plays from him, let's hope Dallas looks to turn him into an even more dangerous offensive piece.

Use a Younger Tight End

Fellow writer Brian Martin wrote about how the Cowboys should follow the Charger's blueprints when handling Antonio Gate's situation. I love Jason Witten, he's my favorite Cowboy of all time. But we simply can't (or at least, shouldn't) pretend he's the same guy as before.

The Cowboys should be looking for a future tight end in this Draft, even if we're talking about the later rounds.

Is Jason Witten Looking At A Lesser Role In 2017?

Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

I would love to see them taking someone (or who knows, maybe the Rico Gathers fantasy comes true) who could harm opponent defenses by doing stuff Gold Jacket Witt can't. I don't want to see Witten gone by any means, simply because I'm not sure anyone can fill his shoes for the moment.

But adding a younger tight end to split the playing time and try some new stuff with the TE position would be huge for Dak's offense.

✭✭✭✭✭

I can't wait to see this offense back at it next season. It's easy to get pessimism get to you after a disappointing season, but the team has talent. Now, don't get me wrong, this team has a lot of issues it should solve. The team needs are plenty.

But I do believe this team will be winning football games this year.

Tell me what you think about "3 Ways the Cowboys Offense Could Be Better in 2018" in the comments below, or tweet me @MauNFL and let’s talk football! If you like football and are looking for a Dallas Cowboys show in Spanish, don’t miss my weekly Facebook Live! show, Primero Cowboys!

Related Topics:2018 Season Cowboys Offense Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

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Mauricio Rodriguez

I love to write, I love football and I love the Dallas Cowboys. I've been rooting for America's team all the way from Mexico ever since I can remember. If you want to talk football, I'm in... You'll find me at @PepoR99.

9 Comments

Earl Young

Get rid of Garrett and the offense coach Linahan
- Derek Robinson
  
  Hey Earl, are you a Philly fan?
Derek Robinson

The offence just needs a little tune up. They’ve always been able to score. “when all the pieces where in place” Look everybody wants to blame Dez. I know you’re going to have haters. It comes with being a cowboy fan. But some of the articles I’m reading on line about D. Bryant are just hateful BS. I’m confident that the cowboys offence will be one of the best in the NFC this season. Dak will have his boy back, “Zeke” a few new toys to play with. And a brand new coaching staff. “ALL OR NOTHING”
Raheem Tld

I concur!
Dominique Lewis

Great article. I can’t agree with you anymore. My buddy always talk about cowboys going 10 personnel (4 we split) all the time. I also do feel that Dallas can more vertical in their passing game with an athletic TE. No slight on Witten, but I don’t expect a 15-30 yard play out of him.
William Pep Hatcher

Witten needs to get cut or retire. If they can release Ware and Emmitt then Witten must go. Rico will shut up all the haters.
Russ_Te

The Cowboys are a run-first offense and for good reasons. So while I like the spread sets the Cowboys would need to run out of those at times if they want to use it as a staple formation & still keep defenses guessing. I don’t think they practice it enough, and there are some games where it makes sense with the defensive matchups to just get in it and stay in it. And be able to go no-huddle from it also.

They may decide to use it more this year due to Witten slowing down and Gathers being a project to work in gradually, especially due to his blocking curve.

I still believe it’s a big chip handed to defenses, if the Cowboys do not value WR’s who can stretch coverages and get behind secondaries down field. You can add Hurns and still have most of the same problems as last year, particularly with regard to not opening up space for Dez to work. I don’t see much upgrade yet in the unit.

There are 2 WR’s down this draft with 4.3 speed (and none up the draft with it). Project guys, obviously. Take one of those, or both if possible.
Gbear

Garrett doesn’t know how to utilize talent but he knows how to clap.
John Williams

So with you on using more 10 personnel. I know they like to keep Witten on the field so they can run more, but they can run out of 10 too. Witten is Mr. Cowboy at this point for me, but his effectiveness is dropping off year by year. Give me a lineup with Dez and Switz on the outside. Hurns and Bease in the slot and Zeke in the backfield and you are going to be moving the chains.

Star Blog

Where In The World Is DE Taco Charlton?

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2018

Kevin Brady

Sean's Scout: Defense Comes Alive In Loss At LA Rams 2

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Over pretty much the last decade, the Dallas Cowboys have been rock solid with their first round picks. With selections of Ezekiel Elliott, Travis Frederick, Byron Jones, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Leighton Vander Esch (just to name a handful), Dallas has rebuilt the core of their roster through the NFL Draft.

It's nearly impossible to bat .1000 in any round of the draft, however, and this appears to be the current case with the Cowboys' 2017 first round pick.

Defensive end Taco Charlton has not had the sophomore season that he, or anyone, had hoped for. A healthy scratch last Sunday, Charlton has only been active for 1 of the Cowboys' last 5 games, and has not recorded a sack or tackle since week 9.

Prior to disappearing with injuries and "attitude issues," Charlton had only recorded 1 sack on the season and was beginning to fall behind his Hot Boy-brethren. Defensive end Randy Gregory has reached his form over the last few weeks, Tyrone Crawford is having arguably a career year, and DeMarcus Lawrence is one of the best ends in all of football.

This doesn't leave much room for Charlton, who's now having issues even getting on the gameday roster. Rod Marinelli dodged questions about Taco Charlton earlier this week, vaguely saying they are "moving forward" and that he'd like to talk about other players on his defensive line who are performing.

Calvin Watkins on Twitter

Rod Marinelli on Taco Charlton's benching and being inactive last week: "We just keep moving along keep going forward. It's kinda been out there I'd leave it at that. I'd rather talk about our two tackles.

Charlton has not been quiet about his displeasure as of late, either. He's taken to Twitter to voice his frustrations, saying that not only is his shoulder fine but that the Dallas media is making up stories about his absence. He's also posted some cryptic tweets such as this one, with a picture of Allen Iverson and a caption reading "Every players needs that one coach to believe in them."

https://twitter.com/TheSupremeTaco/status/1072203745868554240

Maybe Taco is right. Maybe he just needs increased opportunity and a support system/coach that believes in him whole-heartedly. After all, Charlton has faced nothing but doubters and detractors since the second he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.

But in the NFL, the ultimate "what have you done for me lately" sport, it's hard to imagine he'll get that unwavering support anywhere in the league. He's going to have to "earn" his playing time, as head coach Jason Garrett spoke to earlier in the week. But with the plethora of talent the Cowboys are already putting out there on the defensive line, it's becoming difficult to see exactly where Taco Charlton can fit in on this defense.

It's possible, and fine, if it is simply not a fit between Charlton and the Cowboys at this point. But I'd also be wary of giving up on your first round pick in just his second NFL season. Another offseason with the team, working on his craft and getting fully healthy, should do Charlton wonders, and hopefully allow us to get a better read on his future with the Cowboys going forward.

Until then, we are all left to scratch out heads and wonder what in the world is going on with the Cowboys and Taco Charlton, and if the former first round pick will have a future in Dallas at all.

Star Blog

Cowboys, Bears Proving Defense Can Win the NFC

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2018

Mauricio Rodriguez

Cowboys, Bears Proving Defense Can Win the NFC

2018 has seen the emergence of high-powered offenses in both NFL conferences. The Kansas City Chiefs sit atop the AFC and the NFC is spearheaded by the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams. Through 14 weeks, these three teams are the top three offenses in the NFL, each averaging over 30 points per game. This year, for the first time in NFL history, two teams scored more than 50 in the same game.

Thanks to this consistent impressive offensive performances, you would think "offense" is the name of the game for the 2018 NFL season. Well, not so fast, my friend. Despite sitting atop the NFC, the Saints and the Rams have recently suffered losses that indicate hope is anything but lost for defensive teams in the league.

The Chicago Bears were able to bring down the Rams last Sunday Night 15-6. The same offense that averages 33 points per game was limited to six points. Sean McVay's remarkable offense went home with no touchdowns to talk about on the plane back home. Instead, they probably discussed Jared Goff's four interceptions.

Weeks earlier, the Dallas Cowboys shocked the world when they brought down the Saints. Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas simply couldn't move the ball against Leighton Vander Esch, DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Jones. 13 points were all the Cowboys needed to score to beat an offense that was averaging 37 per game heading into week 13 but was only able to put up 10 in Dallas.

The Cowboys are the #4 seed with the Bears slightly ahead of them as the #3 seed in the NFC. Together, these teams have defeated the top two in the conference. Now granted, playoffs will definitely be different.

For starters, if they are to advance to the divisional round, they'll be on the road. Chicago was surely benefited by playing in such a cold weather versus a Los Angeles team. As far as the Cowboys are concerned, few times has AT&T Stadium been as loud as when they beat the Saints.

Hopefully, we'll get to see both of these elite defenses advance to the Divisional Round to square off against this couple of high-powered offenses again. We will not only be witnessing amazing football games, but a great discussion regarding the everlasting debate between offense and defense.

For years, "defense wins championships" has been a widely accepted statement in football. The Cowboys and Bears have made that same statement resound recently with their impressive wins.

Can they do it again in January football? Can they do it on the road?

Tell me what you think about "Cowboys, Bears Proving Defense Can Win the NFC" in the comments below, or tweet me @MauNFL and let’s talk football! If you like football and are looking for a Dallas Cowboys show in Spanish, don’t miss my weekly Facebook Live! show, Primero Cowboys!

Star Blog

Cowboys en Español: Los Colts No Son Cualquier Rival

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2018

Mauricio Rodriguez

Fantasy Football - Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - Week 2 2

Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Al igual que el resto de la afición de los Dallas Cowboys, parte de mí se siente confiada respecto a este equipo visitando a Indianapolis Colts y resultando victoriosos. ¿El problema? Los Colts no son un rival sencillo de vencer. Si crees que la racha de los Cowboys los intimidará, piensa de nuevo. Los Houston Texans llevaban nueve victorias al hilo antes de enfrentarse a este equipo.

Siendo objetivos, este puede ser el partido que evite que los Cowboys cierren su temporada con ocho victorias al hilo para terminar el año con un récord de 11-5. Ni los Tampa Bay Buccaneers ni los New York Giants deberían presentar amenaza alguna contra Dallas. Lo mismo no se puede decir de Indianapolis.

Por primera vez en mucho tiempo, Andrew Luck está realmente de vuelta. Gracias a una reconstrucción de su línea ofensiva, su nivel de juego a regresado al nivel que conocíamos de él desde que llegó a la NFL. Afortunadamente para los Colts, Luck se ha mantenido sano toda la temporada y no se ve rastro alguno de sus lesiones anteriores en el emparrillado.

T.Y. Hilton está teniendo un muy buen año y sin duda alguna presentará un reto para Byron Jones y el resto de la secundaria de los Cowboys. Eric Ebron en la posición de tight end también será un dolor de cabeza para la defensiva.

Lo más interesante se dará en las trincheras. Los Cowboys han hecho un muy buen trabajo presionando quarterbacks opuestos en la temporada, pero si el centro de los Colts, Ryan Kelly está sano el domingo, se enfrentarán al mejor duo de centro-guardia en la liga actualmente. Con Quenton Nelson al lado, Luck estará muy bien protegido.

Sin embargo, Kelly no ha jugado debido a una lesión y aún está por verse si tomará el campo el domingo por la mañana. Los Cowboys hicieron un muy buen trabajo a la entonces ofensiva #1 de la liga, los New Orleans Saints, pero eso no significa que la ofensiva #8 que tienen los Colts no los retará.

Promediando 27 puntos por juego, la defensiva necesitará ayuda de Dak Prescott y compañía para ganar el partido. Dallas continúa moviendo el balón efectivamente, pero es tiempo de anotar touchdowns y no goles de campo.

Ezekiel Elliott será, una vez más, clave para la victoria. Enfrentándose a una defensiva Top 10 contra el juego terrestre, mover las cadenas con Zeke no será tan fácil. El novato Darius Leonard como linebacker ha sido algo espectacular otra temporada al igual que Leighton Vander Esch. Liderando a toda la NFL en tackleadas, estará listo para recibir a los Cowboys al Lucas Oil Stadium.