Here’s how the Dallas Cowboys can improve their offense

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys kneels on the ground after being sacked on third down with 47 seconds left against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys kneels on the ground after being sacked on third down with 47 seconds left against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

In play-action, the offensive line plays better because they get to run-block instead of dropping back. When Dallas’ players get to attack the defensive line, playing smash-mouth football, Dak has more time to throw the ball.

Dak also has easier windows to throw because line-backers tend to bite on the run because Elliott is too big of a threat to not respect. Play-action plays allow for bigger plays, with less risk.

In addition, Prescott needs to run the ball at least four times a game. When he gets his jersey dirty from good plays (not sacks), he plays with more confidence. This leads to big-time throws and decisions.

Also, the Cowboys need to incorporate receivers Cole Beasley and Amari Cooper more in the passing game. According to ESPN.com, Beasley was targeted five times for five receptions for 50 yards in Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That needs to become a regular stat-line for Beasley.

He gets open early and often, but the offense does not scheme him as one of the first reads. Beasley is a reliable target on manageable third downs and should be given more chances to damage the defense outside the numbers and inside the hashes.

Amari Cooper needs to get the ball every drive. Last week, Amari Cooper only recorded four receptions for 20 yards, according to NFL.com. For someone that the Cowboys traded a first round pick for, Cooper must get around 10 targets a game.

Something the Cowboys have found success in is throwing tunnel screens to Cooper. This, along with quick slants, stops, and drags should happen every drive. When Cooper has a great short game, his intermediate and deep routes become that much more effective.

Anytime Cooper gets the ball, there is a chance he takes it to the house. This has happened many times already in his short Cowboy career. Cooper deserves to be more involved in the game plan.

So to summarize, the Cowboys need to run safe, simple run and pass play in the red zone. They cannot afford to get cute inside the twenty. They should increase the number of play-action plays. And, as they try to move down the field, Cooper and Beasley need to be the chain movers, with Gallup as the big threat.

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Dak Prescott should run the ball at least four times a game. All along, never forgetting about the best player on the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke gets the most touches, then Cooper, Beasley, Gallup, and then whatever tight end is activated that particular game.

An improved offense could destine the Cowboys for a great run in the postseason.

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