Dak Prescott’s debut in Kellen Moore’s offense a resounding success
The Dallas Cowboys’ new-look offense under Kellen Moore was impressive as quarterback Dak Prescott dismantled the New York Giants in Week One.
After pending contract extensions and a lengthy holdout by running back Ezekiel Elliott dominated the headlines this summer, the debut of Kellen Moore‘s offense took center stage for the Dallas Cowboys in their regular-season opener against the New York Giants Sunday afternoon. And the end result was resounding success for all involved and a decisive victory for the Cowboys.
Although it was initially believed it would be the defense that would lead America’s Team back to the playoffs this season, the Cowboys’ offense under Moore, the team’s first-year offensive coordinator, now appears to be the lead horse in Dallas. And the biggest beneficiary of this bold, new direction appears to be the passing game.
Against the Giants, fourth-year quarterback Dak Prescott put up some Patrick Mahomes-like numbers (Kansas City Chiefs wunderkind quarterback and Madden 20 cover boy). Prescott completed an impressive 25 of his 32 passes, throwing for a whopping 405 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions posting a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3.
This kind of performance is becoming routine for Prescott against the Giants as Dak threw for 387 yards, four scores, and no picks in a Week 17 matchup against New York just last season.
But what made this victory different and really highlighted Moore’s influence was just how many ways the Cowboys offense attacked the Giants. Prescott targeted eight different offensive players, with wide receiver Amari Cooper grabbing six of his team-high nine targets for 106 yards and a score. In fact, four different players scored receiving touchdowns.
Second-year wideout Michael Gallup had a breakout performance catching all seven of his targets for a jaw-dropping 158 yards. Free-agent signee Randall Cobb recorded four receptions for 69 yards and a score. Tight ends Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin also splashed in the end zone.
Despite the aerial assault, Moore did not neglect the ground game. Elliott still rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.1 yards a carry. Zeke and rookie running back Tony Pollard split carries equally against the Giants with 13 rushing attempts apiece.
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In the end, Sunday’s 35-17 victory over the New York Giants was one heck of a debut for the Dallas Cowboys and their new offensive coordinator. With Kellen Moore running the show, Dallas was able to post nearly 500 yards of offense. It’s a great start for an offense that struggled to score 21.2 points per game last season.