Why the Dallas Cowboys are in full desperation mode

As the Dallas Cowboys offense continues to struggle, it’s time for this team to enter full desperation mode in order to be victorious this week vs. Detroit.

It’s only Week Four of the NFL season and somehow the Dallas Cowboys are in desperation mode already. Now, let’s clarify that last statement just a bit.

If the Cowboys happen to lose at home to the Detroit Lions this Sunday, they will not be eliminated from playoff contention. They won’t even be out of a playoff spot, let alone the divisional race.

So, how are they desperate in just Week Four? Because the identity of this team is in serious jeopardy. The Dallas Cowboys are supposed to hang their hat on their offense. Over the last six drafts, they have spent serious capital to build this team in the mold of a team who wears you down over four quarters.

There have been three first-round selections since 2013. Running back Ezekiel Elliott (fourth overall in 2016), guard Zack Martin (16th overall in 2014) and center Travis Frederick (31st in 2013) were purposely chosen to punish teams on the ground.

Second round choice in guard Connor Williams this year was brought in to replenish the cupboard along the line. Four other players were selected in the second or third rounds to help make this team an offensive juggernaut.

Instead of a juggernaut, it’s just not working. Quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for over 200+ yards just twice in his last eleven games. He has eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions in that span. Elliott has yet to be given 20+ rushes in a game in 2018. Seems like a waste of all those high selections along the offensive line and at running back.

The Dallas Cowboys chose to keep six wide receivers on the final 53 and added a seventh in Brice Butler this week. Aside from Tavon Austin, none of them have a touchdown reception. Currently, 74 NFL players have higher yards per reception than team leader Cole Beasley‘s 11.0 average.

Tight end Geoff Swaim is the only tight end to catch a pass in a game. He has eight catches for 65 yards in three games. Normally, this gameday column breaks down what to watch for each game. The intent is to give you, the fan, a perspective on how the Dallas Cowboys can win each week.

This week, it’s simple. If the Dallas Cowboys do not come out with the kitchen sink, it just doesn’t matter. This team’s skill position players may or may not be good enough to be a potent offense. If we’re going to find out in 2018, it needs to start today.

Until the offensive coordinator starts employing tactics from this century, this team will struggle to win games. Prescott has just four pass attempts over 20 yards all season. Seven NFL receivers with a total of 73 catches collectively, average 20+ yards per catch.

The Dallas Cowboys literally do nothing to create space or threaten opposing defenses. Dallas is wasting a truly epic defensive effort. This team is third in yards per game allowed, fourth in passing yards allowed and seventh in points allowed.

The offense is the alpha and the omega of all of their problems. Fix it and things will turn around. Fail to do so and next year will feature another high draft choice on offense.

Prediction:

Detroit Lions 20, Dallas Cowboys 16