Three reasons why the Dallas Cowboys 2018 season derailed

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Offensive philosophy

There are so many different aspects of the bereft imagination and lack of progress this offense dealt with but I’ll focus on the three biggest ones in my opinion.

The first was a validation of sorts from a former player that everyone within and outside the organization holds in the utmost regard.

Directly after the bye week, the Dallas Cowboys played on Monday Night Football in front of recently retired tight end turned broadcaster Jason Witten. As he watched his former team struggle to put points on the point, despite a few gifts from their defense, Witten could no longer keep an open secret silent.

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With frustration in his voice, he discussed how the team essentially has to play perfect in order to have any chance. He cited that predictably, the Cowboys too often run on first and second downs, which often times put the team in unmanageable third down situations.

Witten expressed a reluctance for Dallas to play up-tempo football recalling frustrations he had as a player the year prior. He also alluded to the fact that the team plays not to lose too often instead of having a killer instinct.

I’m not sure you can get a more honest evaluation than that.

The second issue was this team’s failures within the red zone.

Dallas finished 26th overall in red zone touchdown scoring percentage. Only one other team finished 21st or worse and made the playoffs. For some perspective three of top five teams and five of the top eight made the playoffs. That one other team that was actually worse than Dallas lost in round one.

The red zone problems exacerbate the horrendous play calling. It’s not a talent problem. When you have Prescott, Elliott, with Amari Cooper, Tavon Austin and Beasley at receiver, you should be able to do some creative stuff.

Sadly, creativity is not something Garrett or recently fired offensive coordinator believe in. It showed, time and again, this year as Dallas either settled for field goals or didn’t score at all as often as they put six on the board from 20 yards out or closer.

Lastly is the progress of the quarterback.

As I’ve said countless times, Prescott could be one of the best quarterbacks in all of football. His intangibles are through the roof. He has great size and obviously has some skills that are beneficial as it pertains to how the game is played in 2018.

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There are also key aspects of his game that have not improved in three years, namely pocket presence and accuracy. These are things that can be taught, worked on and improved. You would think with three former quarterbacks by trade on the offensive staff, this would be a priority.

Instead, the same issue Prescott had coming into the league are limiting the potential to be elite.

That’s on coaching.

That concludes the recap of the 2018 season. Feel free to leave your comments below.

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