1 week Ago
FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys have certainly proved they are good at giving up rushing yards through their first three games, but have lacked in gaining anything resembling those totals for themselves. After their ground game totals evaporated from Week 1 to Week 2, they dwindled again on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. There some factors that have played a role in the complete demise of the run game, namely the porous defensive efforts that have buried the Cowboys offense so abruptly their past two games.
Or, the presence of unproven talent across the offensive line and lacking personnel that the team refused to address in the offseason. Nonetheless, the Cowboys are three games into the season and the circumstances are immovable at this point. Andrew Dieb - Imagn Images However, what can Dallas try in attempt to improve or inject life into their rushing attack? First, focus on supplying touches to Rico Dowdle.
It seems this approach is already underway, but its worth continued development. The Cowboys' backfield was looked at as a two-back committee with Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott spearheading that combo. At this point, Dallas needs to see what it has in the younger back.
Perhaps its nothing and they explore options elsewhere after the season. But any outlying touches, namely to Deuce Vaughn, should go to Dowdle going forward. Second, they could look to incorporate Hunter Luepke more into their system.
Perhaps this could help more so in the passing game after the fullback made an impact as a receiver. But Luepke is a runner by trade and his blocking has improved from a season ago. As a fullback, Luepke projects more as a situational runner, but can provide necessary pass protection for Dak Prescott who has found himself under duress quite often this season.
Finally, the Cowboys should install Dalvin Cook and see what he can provide. In a loose sense, the Cook signing before the season has become a "break glass in case of emergency" move. At 1-2, Dallas may not be of complete despair in reality, but their season is quickly approaching an inflection point.
Related: Cowboys Flunk! Our Report Card from Ravens Loss There are likely few options to fix this mess with a trade and there no free agents with the pedigree of Cook. With few options left, it may finally be time for the Cowboys to perform their roster gymnastics and find a space for him on the 53-man squad. Altogether, the Cowboys are not playing complimentary football and that has butchered this team's prospects for this season.
Defensive performance has buried the offense and the offense has not provided any cushion for their defense. All the problems including run stop and adjusting to a new offensive line have impacted a run game that was going to need help. At this point, it has become a major doubt that any new tactic will change that truth.
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