‘We Want Big Plays!’ Can Dak’s Cowboys Fix Red-Zone Problems?
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys' Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints has produced a resounding aftershock in the aftermath of a lackluster performance.
Some of that reaction stems directly from that contest, tearing away at any positive momentum the Cowboys collected from Week 1. However, there remains criticism surrounding aspects of this team that have not come to any resolution through a two game sample size.
The greatest of these revolves around the team's red zone scoring woes. Brandon Aubrey's near surefire leg nearly guarantees points when Dallas crosses into opponent territory. But they are calling upon him too often, or coming away with nothing.
The Cowboys are currently tied for the second-worst red zone touchdown percentage in the NFL (25 percent). Monday, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer reflected on the offense's overall disappointing showing against the Saints.
"We've got plenty of things running away," Schottenheimer said. "We want big plays, we know big plays are necessary for moving the ball, scoring touchdowns."
In moments, the Cowboys did see flashes of that big-play capacity. Dak Prescott found CeeDee Lamb for a 65-yard touchdown and connected with Jalen Tolbert in a one-one-one throw downfield.
But Dallas has seen very minimal big-play ability in their passing game and their running backs have one run of 10 yards or more. A general lack of explosiveness has contributed to those scoring issues.
Related: Micah vs. Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry: What's the Plan?The Cowboys - with their "Texas Coast Offense'' leading the NFL in scoring last year, it must be noted - have to finish drives, but they are not finding themselves in positions to threaten a defense, either.
In early stages of the 2023 season, they could get away with slow starts and sometimes count on a defensive score. That avenue has been closed off since.
Perhaps they start against Baltimore in Week 3 and rekindle the fire that made them the league's highest scoring offense a year ago. When looking at the evidence of the first two weeks, they have work to do.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024, 8:03 AM.
