The Dallas Cowboys have had a rollercoaster start to the season, with a record of 2-2 after the first month of football. As we transition into October, the team’s performance remains a mystery. From a convincing win to being steamrolled in consecutive weeks, and a narrow victory against a struggling team, the Cowboys have left fans wondering about their true identity.
Similar to the mysterious creatures that roam the streets in October, the Cowboys’ true nature is yet to be revealed. While we have some insights, there are still many aspects of this team that raise questions. Let’s delve into some key points that continue to cast doubt on the Cowboys’ potential.
Running back struggles persist
The Cowboys rank last in rushing yards in the league, with only 301 yards gained in four games. The trio of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn has failed to make a significant impact in the running game, averaging just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt collectively. Individually, their performances in terms of expected points added (EPA) are less than impressive:
- Rico Dowdle EPA: -0.6 (122nd)
- Deuce Vaughn EPA: -2.1 (153rd)
- Ezekiel Elliott EPA: -4.4 (172nd)
Elliott’s declining stats in yards per attempt, yards per game, and rushing success rate highlight a concerning trend. The lack of investment in proven talent during free agency has not yielded the desired results for the Cowboys.
Furthermore, the reluctance of the front office to address the running back situation adequately has left the team struggling to establish a strong ground game.
Challenges in offensive playcalling
Despite ranking in the top 10 in scoring, most of the Cowboys’ points have come from special teams rather than the offense itself. The playcalling from Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer has been criticized for lacking creativity and failing to maximize the team’s offensive potential.
The offense, led by talented players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, has underperformed in terms of EPA per play compared to previous seasons. The lack of innovation and reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team strategies have hindered the Cowboys’ offensive output.
| OFFENSE EPA per play | |||||||||
| 2024 | -0.07 | ||||||||
| 2023 | +0.06 | ||||||||
| 2022 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2021 | +0.08 | ||||||||
| 2020 | -0.06 | ||||||||
| 2019 | +0.18 | ||||||||
The lack of variety in offensive schemes and the heavy reliance on individual talent have hindered the Cowboys’ ability to consistently produce results on the field.
The #Cowboys offense has struggled with its playcalling and creativity, ranking low in key metrics such as shift/motion rate, RPOs, play-action rate, and bunch formation rate. This lack of innovation has limited the team’s offensive potential.
As the Cowboys navigate through the early challenges of the season, there is still room for improvement and turnaround. The team’s history of bouncing back from slow starts offers hope for a brighter future. However, the coaching staff must address the deficiencies in playcalling and offensive strategy to ensure the team’s success moving forward.
Defensive struggles in generating pass rush
The Cowboys’ defense, known for its dominant pass rush in recent seasons, has faltered in generating pressure on quarterbacks this year. The drop in pressure rate and increased time to throw for opposing quarterbacks signal a concerning trend for the defense.
With key pass rushers like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sidelined due to injuries, the Cowboys’ defense faces an uphill battle in disrupting opposing offenses. The shift in defensive strategy to a more conservative approach has not yielded the desired results, putting additional pressure on the secondary.