In spite of the Cowboys’ offensive struggles, Dak Prescott’s performance has been a factor in their disappointments

The Dallas Cowboys are currently experiencing numerous issues.

The Dallas Cowboys are experiencing difficulties. The defense is the target of the most criticism due to the fact that their performance has been subpar on an overall basis; however, injuries have placed them at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, there are few justifications for the offense. Despite the fact that the majority of their athletes are in good health, they are not meeting the expectations.

The problems are numerous. The offense’s inadequate performance is indicated by the ground attack, which serves as a flickering red light. This season, the Cowboys are the lowest-ranked team in terms of rushing yards.Rico Dowdle is rated 18th among running backs in EPA/attempt, according to advanced statistics, while Ezekiel Elliott is ranked 41st. This suggests that the Cowboys possess only one average running back, but as a collective, they are near the bottom of the league in terms of aptitude.

Another area of concern has been the offensive line.The Cowboys’ offensive line has a pass-block win rate of 57% (ranked 19th) and a run-block win rate of 71% (18th) as of Week 7, indicating that they are slightly below average in both categories.

The fault can persist with suspect play-calling or ineffectual route-running, and there are both positive and negative aspects to each. The offense is currently in the lowest quadrant of passing and rushing efficacy this season. However, it may come as a surprise that the pass EPA is significantly lower than the run EPA.

rbsdm.com/stats

How is it feasible for an offense that boasts Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to experience difficulties in the passing game? The Cowboys are third in the league in passing yards, which indicates that the overall volume is high. However, the statistics are influenced by other factors, such as the game script and the abandonment of the run. Prescott’s performance is a significant factor in the passing game’s lack of efficacy, which may or may not come as a surprise.

In order to emphasize Prescott’s performance, we intended to analyze several sophisticated statistics. Prescott’s value has experienced a substantial decline this season when considering the anticipated points added.

A comparable pattern is observed when the completion percentage exceeds the anticipated level.

Additionally, the same picture is depicted when these two metrics are combined.

The accompanying narrative is conveyed by these diagrams…

For the majority of his professional tenure, Prescott has been fluctuating between a top-10 quarterback and a lower-tier quarterback.

In 2018, his performance experienced a slight decline; however, this can be attributed to an insufficient receiving corps that consisted of seven games without Amari Cooper.

Dak demonstrated exceptional performance during the previous season.

This year, Prescott is exhibiting his least impressive football performance.

In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Prescott’s performance in comparison to other quarterbacks in the league, we have developed a season-to-season visual that illustrates the extent to which this year is unique.

Here are the quarterback efficiency graphs for the last seven seasons. Dak Prescott has lived in the elite quadrant for most of his career. This is the first time he’s been in the bad quadrant. While it’s not all Dak’s fault, we should admit that his play is part of the problem. pic.twitter.com/GG2pDNYeZX

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) October 19, 2024

This does not present a favorable image of the franchise quarterback of the team. Please feel at liberty to descend into the remark section and enter the following: “They should never have paid him $60 million a year.” We would not be astonished if it receives one recommendation for each game Prescott has played in his career (120). Nevertheless, this is not a “Dak is no good” article. It has already been demonstrated that he is proficient in the data points from the previous year. However, this is an attempt to suggest that Prescott is not performing well this season and is contributing to the offense’s shortcomings.

The solution is for him to simply improve his performance. It is not a matter of anticipating the future and replacing him with another individual, not because the financial ramifications of such a move are nearly impossible (which they are), but rather because he is capable of and will perform at a higher level than he has in the past.

The Cowboys must address other offensive issues as well, so this is not entirely Dak’s fault. However, he is responsible for a portion of the responsibility, and if he fails to make progress quickly, the team’s offensive difficulties are unlikely to be resolved.

Cowboys’ prospective $75 million star trade target denies reports

Alvin Kamara, a versatile running back from the New Orleans Saints, has the potential to assist the Cowboys right away. Kamara is a superb downhill runner who thrives outside of the passing game, having started his career with four consecutive seasons of 80 or more receptions.

At 29, Kamara isn’t quite what he once was, but he’s still an efficient back with a nice burst, as the Cowboys witnessed in Week 2, when he rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns in the Saints’ blowout victory. Wiseguys everywhere will point out that those figures reflect the Cowboys’ run defense more than Kamara’s talent, and there is some truth to that.

But Kamara is still a great veteran who might be available at the Nov. 5 trade deadline, particularly with the injury-ravaged Saints reeling from five straight defeats since defeating Dallas.

Former NFL quarterback and commentator Robert Griffin III said that if the New Orleans Saints continue to struggle, the Dallas Cowboys may consider trading for Alvin Kamara.

Alvin Kamara is not looking to be traded.

That makes some sense. Kamara is in the fourth year of a five-year, $75 million deal, but the Saints have moved most of that money to next season, when he is on the books for a $29 million cap charge, which would need a restructuring from the club and Kamara.

When rumors of a relationship between Kamara and the Cowboys circulated on Twitter/X, Kamara responded. One now-deleted story said Kamara had demanded a move.

“I didn’t request a trade, so that’s a lie.” “I’m in an orange robe on my way to Knoxville. #WhoDat,” he added.

When additional postings appeared, Kamara responded: “If there’s any news, I’ll report it from my couch asum.. or I’ll call my brutha @Cantguardmike (Michael Thomas) and have him break the news. Other than that, we vibed out.”

In response to a post stating that Kamara would most likely want to attempt to find a way to retire from the NFL as a Saint, he commented, “Correct.”

Cowboys Should Show Interest, Despite Obstacles

His contract would make a move more complicated, but not impossible. Kamara might sign an extension that replaces next year’s contract and distributes the money over two or three years. Griffin is correct that the Cowboys should ask, but doing so would require owner Jerry Jones to be proactive and imaginative.

That is not his strong suit.

The greatest concern, however, is whether Kamara can still be a huge danger in the run game—the five-time Pro Bowler has gone from a league-leading 6.1 yards per rush as a rookie in 2017 to 3.9 yards over the previous four seasons.

Again, his value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield would be particularly welcomed in Mike McCarthy’s playbook, and almost any new face in the Cowboys’ backfield would be considered an improvement over what is currently available.

However, Kamara does not sound like a guy looking to be moved. A nice notion, but unlikely.

Veterans must stand up for Dallas

DallasCowboys.com Staff: Bye-ology Report: Evaluation of the Cowboys at the Intermission

Anticipating the Cowboys’ return from the vacation.

Need (much) more from this individual…

Dak Prescott is Tommy. However, the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL must make plays to counteract the run game’s inability to open up the offense.

Nick – Zack Martin is one of my all-time favorite performers. I understand that as participants age, the experience becomes less consistent. However, the Cowboys must be able to rely on Martin more than ever due to the inexperience on this O-line.

CeeDee Lamb – Patrik: On this offense, he is who he is. The issue is that he has not yet destroyed a defense in four quarters. Offensively, it will unfold following his actions.

Anticipations between the present and Thanksgiving…

Patrik: It is impossible to predict the outcome of the bye week. Therefore, I will rely on McCarthy’s recent history and anticipate that they will leverage the humiliation suffered by the Lions, in addition to the bye week, as a springboard.

Nick: The initial six games have been evenly divided, with an unblemished record on the road and a winless record at home as an oddity. However, they will be in reasonable condition even if they are able to complete another division. Although I would not hesitate to overlook the 49ers’ subsequent game on the schedule, the Nov. 3 game in Atlanta appears to be an unequivocal necessity for this team.

Tommy: Devise an approach to achieve victory at home. Coming into this year, the Cowboys have maintained their 16-2 record at AT&T Stadium over the past two seasons, and the supporters have not departed. The remainder of the season will be significantly influenced by the team’s ability to regain the advantage and confidence on their home ground.

I am currently hearing Russini: Dianna Russini, The Athletic, describes Jerry Jones as a maestro of deflection.

Is Jerry Jones truly the maestro of deflection, as Russsini elucidates, or did he simply loose his composure in public? In any event, it is best to disregard any additional trades or coaching changes that may occur this year.

Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has succeeded in one thing: deflecting attention from his contentious exchange with local radio presenters.

Jones has entirely alleviated the pressure on his coaching staff and players during their bye week, despite the team’s humiliating defeat on his 82nd birthday. Jerry’s tirade has been the sole focus, with little attention paid to the Cowboys’ underperforming offense or their struggling defense.

Jones informed me at the owners’ meetings in Atlanta that he has no intention of terminating the contracts of any coordinators or head coach Mike McCarthy. Additionally, he stated that Dallas will refrain from making personnel adjustments prior to the NFL trade deadline in November. He may be a frustrated proprietor at the present, but he continues to have faith in the foundation that “Jerry the GM” has built.

Cowboys Corner: David Helman and Ralph Vacciano, Foxsports, evaluate the season thus far, assigning a grade of “F” to the defense.

Will Jerry Jones attempt to terminate all employees who do not submit to Jerry The Munificent?

Jerry Jones is the proprietor and general manager.

Vacchiano: He was already given a F for the offseason when he declined all available running backs, including Derrick Henry, who received a mere $9 million in guaranteed compensation from Baltimore. Currently, he has declined to pursue receivers such as Davante Adams (who was traded to the Jets) and his longtime companion Amari Cooper (who was traded to the Bills). In the interim, he persists in presenting the absurd rationalization that they lack the salary limit capacity to recruit any external assistance.

Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb were secured through long-term contract extensions, and he was credited with the successful execution of his strategy to secure Micah Parsons during the offseason. That is advantageous for the future; however, what about the present? It is possible that he will awaken prior to the trading deadline. However, at present, the sole positive action that Jones has taken to assist his team is to refrain from panicking. He may adopt a reactionary stance and terminate McCarthy or implement an alternative measure. However, he is at least astute enough to acknowledge that they are only one game behind in the NFC East and that the division and conference are both highly susceptible to capture. He must take action to assist them in obtaining it.

Letter grade: D

Mike McCarthy, the head coach

Helman: I have been a staunch supporter of McCarthy for a long time, as he has introduced a level of stability to Dallas that the organization has not experienced in decades. While it is permissible to ridicule the Cowboys’ playoff failings, the 2021-23 season marked the first time they had made three consecutive playoff appearances since they were winning championships in the 1990s.

In light of the aforementioned, I am uncertain as to what I am expected to defend six weeks into 2024. The majority of this team’s deficiencies are evident on both sides of the field, and McCarthy is responsible for a significant portion of this. He is undoubtedly responsible for the lackluster offensive performance, as he is in his second year as the playcaller. That unit appears to be facing numerous challenges. The Cowboys are unable to run the ball, their receivers are unable to generate separation, and they are unable to convert in the red zone. This offense does not contain any “easy” options. A portion of this may be attributed to the front office’s failure to enhance the personnel, but a proficient playcaller can mitigate some of the impact. McCarthy has not.

McCarthy may not supervise the Dallas defense on a daily basis, but as the head coach, he still has some responsibility for that aspect of the game. And, ouch.

In conclusion, McCarthy deserves credit for the Cowboys’ 3-3 record and their ability to outperform some of the more manageable teams on their schedule. However, this is not the norm or the expectation in Dallas.

Grade: D-

“Dallas Cowboys fan viewing guide for Week 7: Grouping games to watch during the bye” – Aaron Kasinitz, Lone Star Live

Despite the Cowboys’ absence this week, there are numerous compelling reasons to watch the NFL this weekend.

Monitoring the division

New York Giants (2-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2); 12:00 p.m. on Fox

The Commanders (4-2) will host the Carolina Panthers (1-5) at 3:05 on Fox.

The Commanders, Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants are all within two games of each other, which has resulted in a chaotic NFC East race heading into the Week 7 slate.

In recent years, Philadelphia has been the most formidable divisional opponent of Dallas. However, the team appeared to be disorganized during the final weeks of the previous season and is still striving to resolve certain issues after five games. Eagles could be in serious peril if they suffer a home loss to the Giants, while New York would further distance itself from contention with another setback.

Jayden Daniels, a rookie quarterback from Washington, currently holds the highest completion rate in the NFL at 75.3%. This achievement is sure to garner the attention of Cowboys fans and any other football enthusiasts on Sunday. The Commanders would maintain their position as the top team by defeating the underdog Panthers.

Conducting research on prospective adversaries

Noon on Fox; Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-2).

3:25 p.m. on CBS; Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) at San Francisco 49ers (3-3).

After their bye week, the Cowboys will play at the 49ers on Oct. 27 and then at the Falcons the following week. The two-game span is considered a critical component of the season, given the current state of the NFC wildcard race and the trajectory of the season.

The Falcons, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, are still striving to establish themselves as a contender in the conference title race, while the 49ers are optimistic about regaining their momentum in a Super Bowl rematch. San Francisco’s offense appears to be markedly different this season than it did when the team defeated the Cowboys in October, as running back Christian McCaffrey is currently sidelined and quarterback Brock Purdy is assumed additional responsibilities.

Mike Poland and Dana Bartholomew, BTB, respond to inquiries regarding the Cowboys’ bye week, offensive line, and top player.

Addressing your most pressing inquiries regarding the Dallas Cowboys.

“How appreciative are the Cowboys that they are currently enjoying a bye week following their dreadful home loss to Detroit?”(@MrEd315 on Twitter)

Mike:Fortunately, they are not expected to suffer a loss this week. This coaching staff must utilize the bye week as an opportunity for introspection and to determine the necessary actions to reestablish momentum for the upcoming season. The front office has announced that there will be no trades to enhance this roster. Thus, the sole remaining task for supporters is to maintain their grip and prepare for the journey. The Cowboys will confront the San Francisco 49ers, who are currently experiencing their own personal challenges, in order to instill a sense of optimism. This weekend, they will encounter the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers anticipate that the Chiefs will exert themselves and demoralize the team, which will serve as a prelude to their subsequent match against Dallas.

Dana:The bye week this week provides a significant advantage in that it allows injured athletes to recuperate. In order to remain competitive against the 49ers next week, the Cowboys will need to return as many players as possible. DaRon Bland, Caelen Carson, Tyler Guyton, Eric Kendricks, Nick Vigil, and Micah Parsons are all eligible to participate in Week 8. The 49ers’ injury report includes an extensive list of individuals. Therefore, the Cowboys possess an advantage over the 49ers in that they are not required to play the Chiefs this week, whereas the 49ers are.

“How can we improve this offensive line for the upcoming season, with the possibility of retaining Zack Martin?” Every team is aware that we are unable to carry the ball.(@Jörgen Veisland on Facebook)

Mike:Based on Martin’s current performance, it appears that retirement is imminent. It is a physiological phenomenon that whenever an individual discusses retirement, they have already retired in their mind. Martin may be experiencing this. Regarding the offensive line, it is not feasible to resolve the issue overnight. An offensive line is only as effective as its weakest connection, and there are a few weak links that require attention. This will necessitate the utilization of draft choices in the upcoming year or the acquisition of fruitful linemen through trade (an improbable outcome). Or, there is a possibility that a veteran lineman who is worth the time enters the free market next year and Dallas is able to secure him (also improbable).

Dana:Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton will have completed a season next season, and I anticipate that they will demonstrate growth from their performances this year. RG and RT are the primary areas of concern for the upcoming season. Regardless of whether Zack Martin opts to forgo retirement, it may be advantageous to identify a successor to initiate the development process. RT Terrance Steele, who is situated adjacent to him, has been unable to regain the level of performance that he possessed prior to his injury a few seasons ago. Additionally, it may be advantageous to investigate novel alternatives in that region.

The roles of two Cowboys players will decrease following the bye week, according to Mark Heaney of Inside the Star.

The umpteenth tirade regarding the reduced role of Ezekiel Elliott for the team.

Ezekiel Elliott: The RB1 Debate Is No Longer Relevant

[…] We cannot continue to perpetuate the notion that Elliott’s sluggish start is the result of a dearth of opportunities, a need to “warm up,” or offensive line issues.

It pertains to his diminishing capabilities in 2024. This is the reason he is experiencing difficulty in producing the same level of impact this year. He is currently experiencing career-lows in yards per carry, yards per game, and rushing success rate. For shouting out loud, his longest rush of the season, which he has completed in just under 40 attempts, is a nine-yard run.

[…]

It is evident that Rico Dowdle is the Cowboys’ most talented running back, and it is imperative that Mike McCarthy and the offense acknowledge this reality in their Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Dowdle achieved a career-best game in Week 5, surpassing Elliott’s finest yardage performance of the year. These two are no longer engaged in a debate.

Dak Prescott’s fiancée shares a heartfelt message for the Cowboys QB following their engagement

Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, is now engaged to his girlfriend Sarah Jane Ramos.

During the Cowboys’ bye week, the guy proposed. The happy pair shared the news on social media, along with pictures of the moment.

Margaret Jane Rose Prescott, Prescott and Ramos’s eight-month-old daughter, was very important in the proposal. She wore a shirt that said, “Hi Mommy, Daddy has a question for you!”

Prescott told everyone in an emotional post. This is the beginning of a new time for the pair and their family. “Mine Forever!” Prescott wrote. “The ideal friend, partner, fellow worker, parent, and now fiancé I could ever hope for!

Thank you, God, for this family and blessing! I will always love you, Sarah Jane!” Not long after that, Ramos sent Prescott her own letter. She wrote on Instagram, “I can’t wait to spend forever with you.” Before the season, Prescott signed a new four-year, $240 million deal. It’s been a crazy year for him.

Even though it’s a big deal, the Cowboys have had a rough season. They are now 3-3 after losing badly to the Detroit Lions 47-9. So far this season, Prescott has thrown for 1,602 yards, eight scores, and six picks.

An NFL Network host was moved to tears of joy by Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell

Kevin O’Connell gave Jamie Erdahl a great award as a surprise.

Good Morning Football had Kevin O’Connell, the coach of the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings, on deck on Thursday. There was a treat for one of the hosts that O’Connell brought to the show with him along with Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, Pete Schrager, and Akbar Gbajabiamila.

Before he talked about Erdahl, who grew up in Bloomington, Minn., just outside of Minneapolis, O’Connell said nice things about three of the hosts. Through tears, Erdahl saw him through the end of his speech.

SOUND THE GJALLARHORN 🙏📯

Coach Kevin O’Connell with a special surprise for our @JamieErdahl @Vikings | #SKOL pic.twitter.com/v7dsXb9ImH

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) October 17, 2024

“I love you Kyle, Akbar, Peter’s my guy,” O’Connell said. “But Jamie, you have a special place in this building because you’re from Minnesota and used to live in the Twin Cities.” We thought that the game against the Indianapolis Colts would be a great time to bring you back home. You must know a lot about our history and how great it is to be here at US Bank Stadium. Why don’t you come out and play our Gjallarhorn?”

On November 13, the Colts go to the Vikings.

O’Connell also brought up Erdahl’s conversation with Tom Pelissero yesterday, which was very Minnesotan. The NFL Network expert grew up in nearby Edina, Minn., so they were ready to insult Erdahl in a Minnesota accent, make jokes about the area, and say that the Hawks are really the heroes of “The Mighty Ducks.”

Hey Mom, can you come pick me up? I got in a fight with the kid from Edina. @TomPelissero @gmfb pic.twitter.com/y62PcWNZUK

— Jamie Erdahl (@JamieErdahl) October 16, 2024

That is about as middle-of-the-road as it gets.

This story was first posted on www.si.com as Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Made an NFL Network Host Cry Happy Tears.

Author: Stephen Douglas

Second injury report for the Lions in Week 7 is very scary for their game against the Vikings

While the Detroit Lions initiated their preparations for a significant Week 7 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, reporters on the scene expressed some concern regarding the open portion of practice. However, the injury report for the day was not as severe as it appeared to be.

Especially when notable names are included in a team’s initial injury report of a typical week, Wednesday injury reports can be simple to overreact to. However, they are also difficult to extract a significant amount of information from, as they frequently involve general leisure days or restricted participation as a result of a relatively minor injury.

However, the encounter on Thursday will be more significant in terms of the player’s inclusion in the final injury report of the week on Friday. In that regard, the Lions are facing a significant prospective concern with respect to Sunday’s game.

The Lions’ practice summary for Thursday is provided below.

The second Detroit Lions injury in Week 7 has raised significant concerns.

CB Carlton Davis (quad): Non-participant

OG Kevin Zeitler (groin): Limited participation

Database Brian Branch: Full participant (knee)

C Frank Ragnow (reserve): Active participant

Full participant: Dan Skipper, OT (ribs)

OG Christian Mahogany (illness)-Complete participant

Davis withdrew from the Cowboys’ Week 6 game; however, he successfully completed the concussion protocol and had the opportunity to return had the game not been a rout. He has now missed the first two days of the practice week due to the quad injury, which is a new (or previously undisclosed) issue.

On Wednesday, Ragnow and Zeitler were granted veteran rest days. On Thursday, Zeitler was added to the injury report as a limited player as a result of a groin issue.

After being restricted on Wednesday, Branch resumed a complete practice.

After failing to practice on Wednesday, Skipper was a full participant on Thursday.

Mahogany is recuperating from an ailment that prevented him from participating in training camp. He has 11 days remaining in the 21-day window to be added to the active roster, or he will be subject to season-ending injury.

Of course, the Lions will be confronted with Justin Jefferson this week, whom defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn referred to as the “best wide receiver in the NFL” during his Thursday press conference. Davis is expected to face Jefferson on Sunday, and if he is unable to do so, Kindle Vildor would be the likely replacement. Vildor is not a starting-caliber NFL cornerback, and the Vikings will have a target on his back if he is selected. I mean no disrespect to him. Ennis Rakestraw, a rookie, may also be eligible for a more significant role.