FRISCO, Texas – After the Cowboys loss to the Texans in overtime, things have to change on the offensive side of the ball for America’s Team. Dallas could not get their running or passing game going against Houston’s 3-4 defensive front with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowny’s pass rush. The Cowboys’ offense made it into the end zone once throughout four quarters, on a three-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to Allen Hurns. This matchup marked the third straight loss for the club on the road and issues have to be ironed out now.
“ We were being outplayed. It is time to take risks…we had a tough time holding onto the ball and it is time to go to work, “ owner and GM Jerry Jones stated.
There is not one glaring correction that has to be made but several. The Cowboys are trying to fit Prescott into their offensive agenda and turn him into a pocket passer, instead of playing into his strengths and utilizing his ability as a dual-threat quarterback; extending plays with his feet outside the pocket and in play-action pass, like the team did in 2016 to keep defenses off-balance.
The lack of protection from the o-line has caused hesitation to his reads down the field.
Ezekiel Elliott remarked following the loss ““ It is tough, with it being as close as it was and the defense playing as well as they did. They were very active up front. A lot of line stunts and they did a great job against our run game. We have to do better giving Dak more time. “
Dallas’ offensive line has allowed 16 sacks on Prescott throughout the five regular season games played thus far in 2018. He has to feel secure to accurately release the ball in the proper window of time or hand off the ball. His reads have been rushed, resulting in incompletions after inaccurate throws.
“This offensive line has played the three worst games on the road, “ Jason Garrett stated. “Have to do better… Their defensive front is really good. J.J Watt and Clowny are elite pass rushers in this league. At times we blocked them well and other times we did not block them well. Ball had to come out and Dak had to move in the pocket. Some of his ability to progress through a pass pattern was diminished a little bit. He had to move around and make some plays with his feet…other times there were just some contested throws we did not make. “
This has been a transitional year for the o-line with center Travis Frederick’s diagnosis with Guillain Barre Syndrome, putting backup Joe Looney as the new centerpiece. Rookie guard Connor Williams is a young player still developing each week and getting used to the Cowboys’ playbook and playing at the pro level, but these issues have to be dissolved now or Prescott could wind up leaving the field on a stretcher.
The offense was predictable and the Texans were ready for Dallas’ game plan. Instead of screen passes and running Zeke up the middle gaining no yardage, the Cowboys need to mix things up with more slant routes, play action pass, and put the tight ends into the mix. Prescott had a perfect throw to Geoff Swaim for a gain of 43 yards to put the Cowboys at Houston’s 16-yard line, but a similar play was not used again.
I know Dak feels the need to target Michael Gallup and Allen Hurns to gain familiarity with them on routes, but it is more important to get into a rhythm and march down the field and score. The Cowboys need to stick to the guys Prescott feels most comfortable with including Cole Beasley and Geoff Swaim, and putting them into the scheme. The defense is the only reason the score was as close as it was and that the game went into overtime. Having to rely on field goals will not win a game.
