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Dallas Cowboys early offensive struggles an aberration?

By Steven Mullenax

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass under pressure from safety Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass under pressure from safety Budda Baker #36 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Are the Dallas Cowboys early struggles on offense an aberration or a true indication of their status as a contender?

At certain times this season, the Dallas Cowboys offense has looked absolutely anemic. And the fact their points per game average has dropped from 26.3 in 2016 to 21.3 this year only confirms the fact something is rotten in the state of Dallas.

Luckily, the Cowboys offense has been saved by the team’s defensive resurgence, specifically due to their much improved pass rush and production from their younger defenders. And it’s the excellent play of this defense unit that has been the most responsible for their current 2-1 record, as is the fact Dallas is currently in a three-way tie atop the NFC East.

But make no mistake, the Cowboys bread and butter for years has been their offensive play. And with a defense as inexperienced as the one in Dallas, it’s only a matter of time before some critical mistakes are made.

So, it’s imperative the Cowboys figure out a solution to their slow start offensively. And according to second-year starting quarterback Dak Prescott, those offensive woes could simply be an aberration due to their tough starting schedule of opponents.

"“We played three pretty good defenses in these first three games,” Prescott told the team’s official website. “I don’t think there are many teams in this league that can challenge us and do what these three teams have done of making us beat them over the top.”"

In their first three games, the Cowboys have faced the 2-1 Denver Broncos (5th in total defense), the 1-2 Arizona Cardinals (11th) and the 0-3 New York Giants (18th). Dallas’ next three opponents are scheduled to be the 2-1 Los Angeles Rams (24th in total defense), the 2-1 Green Bay Packers (10th) and the 0-3 San Francisco 49ers (20th).

So, are the Cowboys early struggles on offense simply an aberration? Or is it a true indication of their status as a legitimate contender? According Prescott, the team’s offensive woes are in large part due to the level of defensive talent the team has faced through the first three weeks of the regular season.

Next: Six Dallas Cowboys whose stock is on the rise

With two of their next three opponents possessing a defense ranked 20th or lower in total “D”, the Dallas Cowboys offense will have a chance to test Dak Prescott’s theory.

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