Dallas Cowboys poor offense: What needs to change?

The Dallas Cowboys must find a way to kickstart their offense following another loss in Week Three. But what needs to change in order to make that happen?

Through the first three weeks of the young NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have fielded one of the worst offenses in the entire league. They have scored a total of 41 points in that span.

In Week One, Dallas lost in Carolina to the Panthers 16-8. In a primetime matchup versus their NFC East foes, the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys were able to secure their first win on the new season despite only scoring 20 points. Finally, this past Sunday, Dallas’ offense looked anemic against the winless Seattle Seahawks, posting just 13 points in an embarrassing loss.

Following their latest defeat, much of the blame for the team’s sluggish offense seems to be placed at the feet of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. And for good reason, as the Cowboys inability to make proper adjustments during the game are a real issue. And the fact the team flat out ignored the success of the run-pass option in Week Two was confusing.

But the offensive issues run much deeper than just Linehan and some questionable play-calling. A failure to execute is also a big problem. Quarterback Dak Prescott continues to be far too inconsistent in the pocket. This offensive line continues to struggle, and that’s across the board. The wide receiver corps is unable to create separation quickly enough for a quarterback under constant pressure. The list goes on and on.

But the Cowboys have won with this offense this season. And they can do so again. According to DallasCowboys.com football analyst Bryan Broaddus, one area Dallas really needs to improve in is in taking advantage when given the gifts of extra opportunities. It’s something they’ve really struggled with this season.

"This Cowboys offense currently lacks the ability to take advantage of an opponent’s mistake. It happened last week in the Giants game on the sack/fumble. Great field position but all they managed was a field goal. Something has to change here."

Against the Seahawks, Dallas got a rare second chance after a Running Into the Kicker penalty was called on Seattle wide receiver Jaron Brown on a punt late in the first quarter. But the Cowboys offense would go three and out following a one-yard run by running back Ezekiel Elliott and two incomplete passes by Prescott. So, the penalty ultimately only resulted in yet another punt attempt by Cowboys’ punter Chris Jones.

The Dallas Cowboys offense has too much firepower to only be averaging 13.6 points per game, the second-worst total in the NFL currently.  And their issues extend beyond just one coach or player. But Dallas needs a spark. And a new play-caller maybe the temporary solution.