We are nearly a third of the way through the 2019 season and the Dallas Cowboys are currently 3-2 after back-to-back losses. Despite all the rumblings and grumblings around Cowboys Nation, this is pretty much how we expected things to go down, at least as far as wins and losses are concerned. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t expect better.
Anyway you slice it, the majority of us are frustrated with the way this years Cowboys team has played. They’ve looked brilliant at times, but at others they’ve looked undisciplined and self-destructing. That’s where the majority of the frustration lies right now.
With that in mind I thought I would go ahead and feed that frustration “monster” because nobody really wants to look on the positive side of things after losing two consecutive games, especially winnable ones. That’s why I thought I’d try something new and play a game with all of you… the BLAME GAME.
Here’s how this will work…
Naturally, I will be the host and will give out different clues in order to help you try to figure out who that particular culprit is. The clues could be completely random or spot on. It’s completely at my discretion as to how detailed, or not, I go into describing each of these culprits. At the end of the article I will provide the answers. Try not to cheat.
Want to play? Good! Let’s get started…
Culprit #1
- Former NFL player turned coach
- Has been a part of numerous championship teams
- Former quarterback
- Has held the title of Offensive Coordinator in the NFL
- Married with children
Culprit #2
- Fantastic leader with a likable personality
- Has been in numerous commercials
- Came out of nowhere to become a starter
- Still playing under a rookie contract
- Was born in Louisiana
Culprit #3
- Former NFL player turned coach
- Was a backup on several teams in his NFL career
- Has a Super Bowl ring
- Leader of men
- Infectious personality
Culprit #4
- Ball of energy
- Teammates feed off of his production
- Member of several championship teams
- One of highest-paid at his position
- Comes from a family of athletes
Culprit #5
- Former NFL player turned coach
- Mostly a backup for several teams in his NFL career
- Has a Super Bowl ring
- Has held the title of Offensive Coordinator in the NFL
- Loves to clap
Okay, so there are your clues. Some of them are obviously easier than others. I hope each and every clue makes you think a little bit about who that particular culprit is and why they could be responsible, at least partly, for the Dallas Cowboys 3-2 start this year.
Are you ready for the answers? Do you know the identity to each culprit?
Answer Key
Culprit #1 – Kellen Moore
At times this season Kellen Moore has been a breath of fresh air since taking over as OC for the Dallas Cowboys. But, he still trying to figure out the right balance of pass/run and I believe it’s hurt the offense at times this season, especially the last two games. I do believe he will get better, although we may see a little more bumps in the road before he does so.
Culprit #2 – Dak Prescott
I doubt anybody was surprised to see Prescott’s name make the cut in the BLAME GAME. There’s no denying he’s improved as a passer thus far this season, but recently he’s been throwing it to the wrong team far too often. His recent interception streak has unfortunately given some good teams extra opportunities to put points on the board which has led to the Cowboys two game losing streak.
Culprit #3 – Kris Richard
The impact Richard had on the team last year in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys couldn’t have gone better if it had been scripted. His infectious/fiery attitude provided the spark the defense needed, so much so he eventually took over the defensive playcalling from Rod Marinelli. It was expected he would help take the defense to a different level this year, but so far it looks as if they may have regressed.
Culprit #4 – Ezekiel Elliott
It may surprise you, but Ezekiel Elliott is currently off to the slowest start in his career. He has the fewest amount of carries (85) and rushing yards (386) of his career through the first five games of the season. The games so far this season has dictated his amount of touches, but there’s no denying the Cowboys are at their best when No. 21 is allowed to eat. Either Zeke has to be more productive on lesser touches or Dallas needs to get him more involved, because without his usual production they are losing.
Culprit #5 – Jason Garrett
Out of all the clues I gave for all of the different culprits above, Jason Garrett’s might have been the most obvious. Did the clapping thing give him away? Regardless, he may be the most responsible for the Cowboys 3-2 start this season. As a head coach, he couldn’t ask for a more talented roster. Unfortunately, his team isn’t playing up to their talent right now. They continue to shoot themselves in the foot with numerous penalties and turnovers and that lack of discipline falls on Garrett’s shoulders.
Tacky. Why are you people always pointing fingers. Always looking for someone to blame
IT’S A GAME!!! Someone will always lose. Find another topic!!!#
Except for one number 3.Thanks
Honestly, no. There’s so much blaming in sports nowadays and it’s so loud. I appreciated the relative lack of volume but I probably wouldn’t play again.
In 2017 and early 2018 – the sputtering offense was to blame.
But since the arrival of Amari Cooper, things have changed.
These days: 80% of the “blame” goes to the defense.
Why 80%…? Welp, over the last 3 years, 80% of Cowboys’ losses occur when they can’t stop the run. Of the 20 losses suffered during that time (including 2 playoff losses), 16 of them occurred when the defense allowed opposing team to surpass 100 yards rushing and control the clock).
17% of the blame goes to the offense.
Why 17%…? The Dallas offense doesn’t turn the ball over very often. But when they do, they lose. (As they did vs Saints, vs Packers.) When a team repeatedly gives their opponents a short field, the team will fall behind and the offense will be forced to abandon the run.
3% of the blame goes to the coaches.
Why 3%…?
They don’t teach their guys to fumble the ball. They don’t throw into triple coverage. They aren’t out there missing tackles. (But they should have had the foresight to dress DT Daniel Wise when Antwaun Woods got hurt – and the smarts to start Jourdan Lewis over Anthony Brown – and the chutzpah to push for a Safety at pick #58).
Is that cool? Not really. Blaming people isn’t cool. None of what I just wrote really reflects the subtle reality of a football game unfolding in real time.
The whole team needs to take a deep breath and execute. Case solved.