Dallas Cowboys assistant coach: ‘Our receivers don’t win’

The Dallas Cowboys have a problem at wide receiver. And it’s an issue that seems to go deeper than just running routes or gaining separation.

Through the first five weeks of the regular season, the Dallas Cowboys possess the 28th worst passing offense in the NFL. And that’s fine considering this team has been built to run the football, with four first-round selections being spent on the offensive line and running back since 2011. Plus a second-round pick that was used on starting left guard Connor Williams earlier this year.

With 2016 fourth round quarterback Dak Prescott under center, the Cowboys are considered a very conservative passing offense anyway. What Dallas really needs are receivers who step up when their number is called, especially when opposing defenses stuff the run. And through the team’s first five games, the Cowboys’ receiver corps has not been able to do so.

Dallas receivers Cole Beasley, Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, Terrance Williams, Tavon Austin, and Deonte Thompson have amassed a total of 50 receptions in five games. To put their poor production in perspective, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has posted 47 receptions in the same amount of contests by himself.

A not-so-surprising revelation was made about the team’s current crop of receivers by DallasCowboys.com beat writer Nick Eatman during the Cowboys Break podcast on Monday.

"“A coach told me this the other day, one of the assistants told me: ‘Our guys don’t win. Our receivers do not win. They never win the ball.’ Me versus you. My two hands versus your two hands and I win the ball. They don’t.”"

The Cowboys coaching staff recognize the issues within their receiving corps. This a group that simply does not compete with opposing secondaries for the ball. Whether that be due to a lack of size, route discipline, speed, talent or some combination of each.

Eatman also mentioned looking into the possibility of bringing back Dez Bryant to help out the wide receiver corps. Although he pondered whether that bridge has been too far burned. Bryant would surely be the team’s top receiver if he were to be re-signed today. But the issues that spurred his release in the first place presumably still remain.

At this point in the season, the Dallas Cowboys only hope (outside of a trade) is that this group suddenly starts to play better or offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is somehow able to scheme them open more often. I’m not holding my breath for either to happen anytime soon.