Cowboys mailbag: Defensive coordinator, Dak’s rushing skills, and inconsistency

Every week, we take questions on X (Twitter) and Facebook about Dallas Cowboys players and other issues surrounding the team. So let's get right into it.

"What's your thoughts on the next defensive coordinator being Robert Saleh?" on Twitter)Mike: Saleh was a very good defensive coordinator when he was back at San Francisco, he had that defense as one the top defenses in the league and did that while team was still rebuilding the roster back up. Some coaches are better coordinators than they are head coaches. We've seen that plenty of times in league history, and by the looks of it that's the case for Saleh. You go back at look at the defenses he's had at each period, Houston, Seattle, they've all been productive defenses while he's been part of those teams. With Mike Zimmer attached to Mike McCarthy and the way it's going this year, more than likely we see Zimmer out the door next year which leave the vacancy open, why not bring in a proven defensive coach like Saleh.

Dana: I wouldn't be opposed to it. He is a very good defensive coach and did a great job on that side of the ball with the New York Jets . He took one of the worst defenses in the league in 2021 to one of the best in 2023. Last season the Jets defense was top three in yards allowed per game and their defense took the ball away 27 times. Saleh could be a real option if the Cowboys decide to let Mike Zimmer's contract expire.

"What is with Dak's inability or not wanting to even attempt to run? He isn't that old, what happened?" on Twitter)Mike: It's a fair comment with no real answer. We can speculate the reasons why but what we do know is when Dak gets those wheels rolling it adds an extra layer to the offense that opposing defenses really struggle to contain. Mobile quarterbacks are cheat-codes in todays NFL (college football even more so), so if Dak would let that safety catch off it would do wonders for this offense.

The top three reasons Dak isn't getting mobile and rushing for downs - play-calling is the most obvious one, Dak's mental capacity to want to rush after his horrific injury to his ankle, and lastly pressure from the front office to deny Dak to do it. The last one may seem crazy, but when you lose such an expensive player and you're the man writing the checks then you have quite a bit of pull in that regard. But as fans, every single one would get energized when Dak got rushing up field and collected first downs with his legs, just a shame we don't see it nowadays.

Dana: Although it is not fun to admit it, his ankle injury seems to be a big factor in Prescott's decisions when it comes to running. Whether it is his own confidence in running or the front office wanting to protect their investment, there is no doubt that the Mississippi State Dak is no longer on the field. Earlier this week, Jerry Jones mentioned that he would prefer that Prescott remain a pocket passer. However, Prescott countered those comments saying that he understands that he should be taking advantage when the opportunities are there.

"So what's up with the Cowboys and their Jekyll and Hyde consistency issues this season?" on Twitter)Mike: This is a team that struggles with adversity on the field. If the team gets behind then it's not a team set up to claw its way back. Sure, occasionally we see the team fight it out, but generally this team really has a hard time getting back in games when they play from behind. The opposite can be said when they get ahead. If Dallas starts off strong, score early and stay ahead they're a tough team to get a win from. This season we've seen plenty of chasing the score and that's ended up being their downfall.

On another note this is also a team that likes to bully or beat up on lesser opponents which really elevates the team through the season, but when they face better opponents it's becomes more of a challenge for them to find a win.