Through 13 weeks of the 2018 NFL season, we’ve learned the Dallas Cowboys strength lies on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, they rank as the second best scoring defense in the league and are coming off a great performance against the league’s premium scoring machine, the New Orleans Saints. It’s clear that the Cowboys’ defense is playoff caliber. The question is, can the offense aspire to make this team into a serious contender come January?
Currently, the Dallas Cowboys average 20.6 points per game, which ranks 24th in the league. Overall, it’s been a unit that has underperformed most of the season. Only six times this year have they put up more than 20 on the scoreboard.
Regardless, this offense is starting to take shape. Believe it or not, Cowboys Nation shouldn’t be that concerned about this team’s offense moving forward. The thing is, the unit is talented and is moving the ball efficiently.
When the season began, the Cowboys didn’t have any go-to guy on the passing game. Not a tight end, not a wide receiver. That much has changed since the team traded for Amari Cooper. The Dallas Cowboys now have a wide receiver whose presence is consistently felt on gameday.
Since his arrival to the team, the offense has ranked among the best in the NFL in many important categories. Out of 30 receptions with the Cowboys, Amari Cooper has moved the chains 23 times. Literally 77% of his catches are for first downs. That’s impressive. Not only that, but the entire team ranks third on third down conversions. Dak Prescott has completed 72% of his passes since he started sharing the field with Amari Cooper, which also ranks third on the NFL.
On the running game, Ezekiel Elliott continues to build his case for the top running back in the league. He ranks second in scrimmage yards and second in first downs in the entire NFL. He’s accounted for six 100-yard games.
You can win (and have won) with this.
Dak is moving the ball downfield at an above average pace. The key now is for the offense to execute better in the red zone. pic.twitter.com/zwIpzBKTxA
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) December 6, 2018
The tweet above is a great example of how the Dallas Cowboys are moving the ball on offense. They’re moving the chains, they’re getting yards and most importantly, they’re controlling the time of possession. Even though the offense only scored 13 points versus the Saints, the fact that they held on to the ball with long drives helped a lot. For 37 minutes, the Cowboys had the ball. Keeping an offense like Drew Brees’ off the field is important to win big games like this one.
But even more important, is scoring. This is where the Cowboys have struggled all year. Yes, they control the time of possession. Yes, they get first downs. But once the they’re knocking the door on opponents’ red zones, everything seems to crumble.
At times, it’s play-calling. At times it’s execution. If the Cowboys are able to fix this as they begin the regular season’s final stretch, this is a serious contending team. You see, they should be able to fix it. We’re talking about a team with a great WR1 in Amari Cooper, an All-Pro RB in Ezekiel Elliott and an above-average offensive line.
This offense is really not far from being a playoff caliber unit. If they fix their red zone efficiency, this team will be no joke on the playoffs and could make a serious run for the big one.
You are spot on. Just a little more focus and a little better execution. That should solve our problem. I’ve always thought that we had enough talent to compete for a SB. Just were not polished enough. Maybe we still aren’t. But i do know we are peaking at the right time.
Yup. Just a good QB away from an elite offense
AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!!!!!!
Clifford
Sta. Monica
I’ve reached the point where I can’t stand Dak Prescoott… He doesn’t see wide open receivers, or he MISSES receivers when they’re wide open, or he doesn’t make critical third down chain moving throws in high stakes situations, or he does some times but not others which makes you wonder why he doesn’t do it more often. But Dak and his sock puppet coach both have just enough good personnel surrounding them that they generally win anyway….just not the BIG one….
What’s it been—three playoff victories in the past 25 years for Dallas??? Yes, his offensive line has had a patchwork quality to it ever since their three Pro Bowlers have gone down with injuries or illnesses or whatever…But even when he’s had time to throw, too often he f*cks things up when it’s mattered most…today’s game providing yet another case in point. His screw ups have the cumulative effect of demoralizing a defense which has overall has been somewhere between pretty darned good and great–particularly over the past five contests. But the way things are going it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if they indeed “choke” away a game they should have won handily…
All of that noted, this coaching staff will NEVER do what’s necessary and develop either one of the quarterbacks behind Prescott—particularly 6’5” Mike White who has far better touch and a much stronger arm…
Disgusted,
Clifford