Cowboys’ defense is peaking, but the offense is still seeking

The Dallas Cowboys defense is an absolute powerhouse. While they may not be the best outright defense in the league, they are among the best at taking the ball away.

The defense came to play again in Week 15 vs the Giants, led by some very familiar faces. You know, the Hot Boyz and company.

Micah Parsons didn’t splash as he tends to do, but was once again all over the field, even making plays outside of the hash marks as well.

Randy Gregory continued to cause havoc along the front, adding to what that talented defensive front has been able to do all year long when right. DeMarcus Lawrence wrecked the Giants the whole game — flat out.

They don’t call the man Tank for nothing.

Not only did he force two turnovers by his lonesome, but he did everything to give the Giants nightmares. He tipped a pass by Mike Glennon that led to an interception by Jourdan Lewis. He also caused issues for the run game too.

Check out the following play. What a Peanut Punch by Tank Lawrence here.

As a part of a defensive effort that forced four turnovers, Trevon Diggs (of course), Jourdan Lewis, and Malik Hooker looked as though they are continuing to head where they need to be if the Cowboys want to make a postseason run.

They are peaking at the right time. As far as quarterback Dak Prescott, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and the rest of the offense…they are still seeking.

Dallas Cowboys defense is peaking, but the offense still seeking

As it continually has been for the last few weeks, the Cowboys’ offense didn’t kill them, but they didn’t help. CeeDee Lamb has to make a better block, period. Prescott has to be more aware when scrambling. He gave up a fumble because he had no idea that the defender was peeling down on him. To be fair, Lamb was supposed to pick up that block.

They should both be better there, but you can take encouragement away from the fact that both Prescott and Moore were looking for something big there. That’s what this offense is missing.

Although not often, the offense has shown an ability to string plays or a drive together. Making the big play or the play big enough to get into the box for a touchdown has been something different.

Prescott both made some really good throws and missed some key ones against the Giants. But you can’t blame it all on him. The entire offensive unit needs to be better, sharper, and crisper as they look to close the season. This current game plan isn’t going to cut it in the playoffs.

Dak Prescott isn’t the only person to blame for Cowboys’ offensive struggles

As much as people are pointing the finger at Prescott, there are many people on this offense who aren’t performing as well as they should be. Lamb wasn’t accurate with his timing and dropped several passes. Lamb was a third of a finger away from a catch on one of Prescott’s best throws of the day. The quarterback had perfectly placed a pass between two defenders to hit Lamb in perfect stride, and the receiver outright dropped it.

Offensive success is multi-faceted and up to everyone: players and coaches. The offensive line has to continue to give their quarterback time. The receivers and backs have to produce far more. And, of course, Prescott has to step up and find those big or essential plays for this offense.

On another note, Ezekiel Elliott looked (relatively) spry against the Giants. And, so did Tony Pollard. The run game wasn’t as explosive as it can be, but it was much improved from Week 14. The line also wasn’t awful, which was a good sign, especially without Tyron Smith.

If everyone can work together and do their part, this offense can get back to being a potential postseason run-worthy unit. For now, the Week 15 win once again showed that the defense is peaking and the offense is still seeking answers. The defense has allowed this team to win games. The offense needs to join the party, too.

They’ll find it though. All the signs and tools are there. They just have to execute. Practice ahead of the Week 16 matchup vs WFT will be key.

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