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FRISCO, Texas — It’s a simple query with out a simple reply.
What adjustments in regards to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense in Dak Prescott’s return from a fractured proper thumb, probably as early as Sunday in opposition to the Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, CBS)?
Nothing and all the pieces.
Nothing adjustments, as a result of how the Cowboys (4-2) performed of their 5 video games with quarterback Cooper Rush beginning instead of Prescott is how they designed their offense within the offseason. When the staff traded broad receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and didn’t change him with a confirmed veteran or excessive draft decide, the plan was to be a run-first operation and play to the defensive power of the staff.
Every thing adjustments, as a result of Prescott can do greater than Rush. Regardless of the calls from sure segments of the fan base or nationwide media sorts wishing for drama, there was no quarterback controversy and there by no means was going to be. Even proprietor and common supervisor Jerry Jones’ feedback that he hoped there would be a controversy have been in regards to the staff successful video games with out Prescott.
This was not 2016, when Prescott took over for an injured Tony Romo. After dropping the opener, the Cowboys received 11 straight video games that season. They failed solely as soon as to attain at the least 24 factors throughout that successful streak.
Beneath Rush, the Cowboys topped 24 factors solely as soon as, scoring 25 in opposition to the Washington Commanders.
Whereas the Cowboys didn’t really feel handcuffed offensively with Rush as their quarterback, Prescott’s capacity and expertise opens up extra prospects. Nonetheless, the Cowboys don’t need Prescott to really feel like he’s returning because the conquering hero, needing to do all the pieces for the staff to succeed.
When Prescott has been at his finest, the Cowboys have had a complementary bent, even when he threw for 4,900 yards in 2019 and set a franchise file with 37 landing passes final season.
“I simply assume Dak must play his recreation — if he goes this week,” McCarthy stated.
Prescott stated after final week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that it’s his plan to play in opposition to the Lions. Talking on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday, Jones stated, “He appears to be like able to go.” He has been cleared medically.
“Dak’s as motivated of an individual as we’re ever going to fulfill in life,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore stated. “We’ll simply should undergo this factor the proper approach, and we’ll see the place it takes us daily.”
Each time Prescott returns, the Cowboys will proceed to depend on a operating recreation that has put up at the least 134 yards in three of the previous 4 video games. The Cowboys are averaging 118.8 dashing yards per recreation, up from 97 final season.
Operating again Ezekiel Elliott had his finest recreation within the loss to the Eagles (13 carries, 81 yards), and operating again Tony Pollard has the big-play capacity. He has two runs of at the least 46 yards and a 46-yard reception.
“We by no means thought that was a query, I feel that was a few of that exterior noise,” proper guard Zack Martin stated on questions relating to Elliott’s viability. “However he’s nonetheless our go-to again, and I feel Jerry [Jones] stated it at first of the yr: Lots of what we do goes via Zeke. Him and TP [Pollard], it’s enjoyable blocking for each of them.”
One factor that will probably be totally different now than within the season opener in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Prescott bought damage, is the passing recreation that surrounds him.
Rookie Tyler Smith is extra accustomed to left sort out after not taking a snap there all coaching camp. Extensive receiver Michael Gallup has returned from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Extensive receiver CeeDee Lamb is rising into the No. 1 function, whereas Noah Brown has change into a viable receiving possibility. Whereas a knee harm has slowed down tight finish Dalton Schultz, rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot have developed.
“Our greatest days are forward of us,” McCarthy stated. “I’m being ‘Captain Apparent’ right here, however we nonetheless have plenty of work to do. That is been our strategy. However clearly when Dak final performed, there have been some younger spots there. Dalton, hopefully we will get him again this week. We undoubtedly have an opportunity to enhance. Having Michael in there’s a massive plus. … Our enchancment is beginning to climb.”
There are numerous areas the place the Cowboys want to enhance.
They’re changing on third down simply 30.9% of the time, which is a giant cause why they’ve run solely 294 performs. They’ve simply 12 move performs of 20 yards or extra, together with none in opposition to the Eagles on Sunday evening. By way of six video games final season, the Cowboys transformed on third down 46.7% of the time, ran 420 performs and had 25 move performs of 20 yards or extra.
That offense is just not this offense, however Prescott’s return has everyone excited.
“Sky’s the restrict,” Lamb stated. “The offense is superb and everybody is aware of this. After we get him again, we’re going to point out everyone.”
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