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
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.
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.
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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.
Get rid of Garrett and the offense coach Linahan
Hey Earl, are you a Philly fan?
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”
I concur!
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.
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.
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.
Garrett doesn’t know how to utilize talent but he knows how to clap.
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.