Dallas Cowboys: Is Scott Linehan’s job on the line Monday night?

After the firing of Dallas Cowboys offensive line coach Paul Alexander, should offensive coordinator Scott Linehan’s job be in jeopardy Monday night?

Last Monday, Dallas Cowboys offensive line coach Paul Alexander was shown the door. It seems Alexander was the scapegoat for the absence of center Travis Frederick, the troubles of All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith, right tackle La’el Collins, and rookie left guard Connor Williams, as well as the overall regression of the offensive line play.

I don’t believe for a second that an NFL coach with 27 years of experience forgets how to coach. Yet somehow, Alexander becomes the fall guy seven games into the season. Was he really the reason the team is under .500?

I believe the real culprit here is offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Linehan rightfully deserves credit when the offense puts up numbers. He should also be taken to task when the offense stagnates. Linehan’s penchant for calling plays that can’t possibly be successful is ruining the season.

It’s no secret that the Cowboys want to establish the run, which controls the tempo of the game by placing the offense in third and manageable situations. Yet Linehan keeps banging his head against the wall and trying to run on first down against ridiculously stacked boxes.

There are no play fakes on first down, quick slants out of the slot or deep throws to keep the safeties away from the line of scrimmage. Linehan’s plays are easily telegraphed, as quarterback Dak Prescott is rarely asked to hand the ball to running back Ezekiel Elliott from the shotgun formation.

Linehan seldom utilizes the draw plays that were so successful with former quarterback Tony Romo. This season, we were allegedly going to see a “Dak-friendly” offense. I’m not sure we knew what that was seven games into the season.

Whatever it is or was, clearly isn’t working. Obviously, execution plays a critical role in the play calls. That said, if it’s not successful, why continue to run the same plays? Why not try something else?

Linehan’s gimmick plays are the stuff of slapstick humor. He calls them at bad times and destroys the momentum of budding drives. Screen passes that have been so successful in the past are being sniffed out from the snap of the ball.

Film study is not a new thing in the NFL. Nor, is the study of cadences and formations. Opposing teams seemingly know what’s coming and are prepared. The game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night should be the make or break for Linehan.

The Cowboys will have had two weeks to prepare for an opponent that has been vulnerable on the ground but stingy through the air. If Linehan can’t come up with a scheme that will include new acquisition, wide receiver Amari Cooper, to win this game going away, then we should question whether he should be on the hot seat as well.

This is not to expect a blowout by any means. Fans want to see more rhythm, with fewer mental mistakes and breakdowns. A struggle to the final whistle is not ideal and not a good omen for the rest of the season.

Paul Alexander is no more. The microscope now shifts to Scott Linehan.