There is a lot of frustration going around Cowboys Nation right now, and it's not from just the fans. From the top to the very bottom, I don't think there is one person within the Dallas Cowboys organization who isn't frustrated. But, no two people have shown and voiced their frustration more here recently than Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant.
Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant let their frustration get the better of them this week during interviews with the media. Their frustration has nothing to do with anything happening off the field or within the locker room, despite attempts by several media members to convince Cowboys fans otherwise.
No, Prescott and Bryant are both frustrated with their lack of production on the field and how much the Cowboys offense is struggling as a whole.
It's been building up for some time now, but things finally came to a boiling point after an emotional loss to the Seattle Seahawks. And as we all know, when things come to a boil, you have to let off a little steam.
Unfortunately, with just one game left in the 2017 season, I don't see that frustration dwindling anytime soon.
In fact, I think it's going to be something that continues to nag at them throughout the off-season. But, it could end up being the driving force to motivate them to develop a better working bond with one another for next year.
That's what we are all hoping happens, but I'm not sure it's possible.
You see, I personally believe that Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant aren't a good match as a quarterback and wide receiver duo, based on their individual skill sets. I know it sounds a little odd to suggest such a thing, but I will tell you why I believe this way.
Dez Bryant's strengths as a wide receiver just so happen to be Dak Prescott's weaknesses as a quarterback, and vice versa. That's why we haven't seen them build that chemistry between one another, despite two years together. Bryant isn't a player who creates a lot of separation because he's not the fastest and isn't the best route runner. That means he has to rely on his strength and athletic ability to overcome his deficiencies, which he does really well.
Bryant is the type of player that has to be “thrown open”. That means putting the ball in a place where only he can go get it. Tony Romo was excellent at doing just that with back shoulder fades and throwing the ball high where only Bryant would have a chance to catch it. Unfortunately, Dak Prescott isn't that kind of quarterback.
Prescott's biggest weakness right now is that he hasn't been able to throw his receivers open. Prescott instead prefers to throw to the open receiver, which is why he tends to hold on to the ball too long.
The problem with that way of thinking is the Dallas Cowboys don't really have any receivers who can create that type of separation and get open on a regular basis. Cole Beasley of course is that kind of player, which is why he and Prescott were so successful in 2016. But, opposing defenses found a way to take Beasley out of the equation and Prescott and the entire Cowboys offense has struggled ever since.
Something definitely needs to change and in a hurry, because the Dallas Cowboys are too talented of a team to allow this to continue happening. Prescott either needs to learn how to throw his receivers open or the Cowboys need to find a way to get the WRs open with better playcalling.
There are three ways the Dallas Cowboys can fix this problem.
- They can release Dez Bryant and find another WR who better suits Prescott's skill set. That would likely be a possession/volume type of WR. Someone who can create separation on a regular basis, a Keenan Allen type of receiver if you will.
- Another way the Cowboys can fix all of this is to help Prescott learn how to throw his receivers open. There is no way of knowing for sure if he can develop that skill set. He may always be the “bus driver” type of QB, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it also isn't going to help the Cowboys passing game with their current receiving corps.
- The best way to fix this problem is to bring in a new offensive coordinator who can get the best out of Prescott, Bryant, and the rest of the offensive playmakers. Scott Linehan has failed to do so with Prescott at QB, and it might be time to find someone who can get the job done.
As bleak as all of this may sound, there are still ways of turning everything around. But, it's up to Jason Garrett and the rest of the Cowboys coaching staff to find the right solution for everyone involved. It's not going to be easy, but it's a necessity in order to get the best out of this ball team.
