In the grander scheme of things the Dallas Cowboys really have nothing to lose in the Week 15 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. This game has absolutely no bearing on whether or not the Cowboys make it into the playoffs, which means they can throw caution to the wind and not have to worry about the outcome. This should be good news considering the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams are trending in different directions right now.
The Rams are playing some of the best football they have played all season, but the Cowboys are currently on a three-game losing streak that could quite possibly turn into four this week with another loss. Luckily though, none of that matters.
Bearing all of that in mind, this is a rare and unique opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys.
This is their chance to do some things differently in hopes of turning things around before they have to face off against two of their division foes, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, to close out the 2019 regular season. Those final two games are the ones that matter and will determine whether or not Dallas is a playoff team or not.
If you’ve been watching this team play this season, then you already know the Cowboys have several things they can try to improve upon. It doesn’t matter if it’s offensively, defensively, or special teams, the Cowboys can stand to improve in all three phases of the game. That’s why I believe they should approach this game and play like they have nothing to lose.
What does that mean exactly? Well, let me explain.
Offensively, the Dallas Cowboys have been pretty good this season. They’ve been able to move the ball between the 20s this year, but once they get in the red zone they suddenly hit a brick wall. If I were Jason Garrett and Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore, I would work on the red zone offense. They can do that in any area of the field, not just when inside the 20. Sounds a little strange I know, but it could pay off.
Defensively, the Dallas Cowboys are a complete mess right now. Maybe the scheme has become too simplistic or maybe it’s execution, but something definitely needs to give. Rod Marinelli and Kris Richard should try to do something out of the norm. Maybe try to disguise their coverages or blitz more often. Maybe just maybe, they can hit on something that helps him when these games matter again.
As far as the special teams unit is concerned, I don’t know what changes can be made there except replacing Keith O’Quinn as the coordinator. This unit has been pretty terrible all season and it has been without a doubt a contributing factor in several of the Cowboys’ losses this year. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see them be a little more aggressive and let Tony Pollard actually return a kick or two for a change. He was after all one of the best return men during his time at Memphis.
I truly believe this is an opportunity the Dallas Cowboys can’t afford to let slip their grasp. They have to do everything within their power to turn things around, and this mostly meaningless game presents the perfect opportunity. Whether they take advantage of it or not is up to them. I personally hope they decide to throw caution to the wind and play like there’s nothing to lose.
