Dallas Cowboys: 3 statistics that need abrupt improvement
By Brad Austin
One costly, avoidable loss has damaged the credibility of three Dallas Cowboys wins. To correct course these three statistics must improve.
It’s difficult to recall another 3-1 Dallas Cowboys start that seemed to instill less confidence in a destiny of coming playoff success. The avoidable loss in New Orleans unveiled so many recent past concerns it was excruciating to watch.
Coaching was timid and bland. Dak Prescott reverted back to costly inconsistencies. Ezekiel Elliott was a complete non-factor. And the defense, while not surrendering a touchdown, allowed the Saints offense to eat the clock for over 12 more minutes.
After that shameful performance, the first three wins over teams with a combined 2-10 record has the appearance of fool’s gold. Heck, the Redskins and Dolphins have yet to even win a single game in eight combined attempts.
With one quarter of the season complete, there are three glaring statistics that must abruptly improve if Dallas plans to overcome an approaching brutal schedule.
27TH RANKED IN PASS ATTEMPTS
The Cowboys have arguably the best trio of starting receivers in the conference. Granted Michael Gallup has been out. They have two tight ends with over 250 yards and three scores combined. Not to mention two highly capable receiving backs.
When a defense clearly has Zeke caged, the air attack must take precedent. And not just in late, desperation mode. A team ranked 5th in passing yards (1,119) and 2nd in net yards per attempt (8.6), has no business ranking 27th in pass attempts.
14TH RANKED IN SACKS
The 14th ranking in total sacks (10) isn’t awful on the surface. However, half of those sacks came last week. Yes it was a one-week improvement, but what is the reality? Three games of negligible pressure against awful teams, or one multi-sack breakout.
Free agent signing Robert Quinn has been phenomenal with three sacks in only two games. But where is his mega-deal signing bookend DeMarcus Lawrence hiding? For $21 million per season, six tackles and 2.5 sacks in four games is weak sauce.
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26TH RANKED IN TIME OF POSSESSION
The Cowboys defense ranks 26th in average time (3:01) of opposing drives. Allowing the opponent to hold the ball endlessly and sideline the offense is excusable when beating pushovers.
Dallas has yet to face a strong offensive team. Even New Orleans couldn’t capitalize on many gifts with Drew Brees out. If this continues, explosive, multi-faceted scoring offenses like New England, Los Angeles. and Philadelphia will be eating lunch for free.