3 things the Cowboys must do to prepare for the 2022 NFL playoffs

2. Start Off Hot

The Cowboys boast a lethal offense, which includes a rejuvenated run game. It is the first time since the 2018 season that the run game ranks higher than the passing game. That’s partly due to Dak Prescott missing five games, but it feels different this season.

Dallas might own the best one-two punch in the NFL with Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott. The combo of Pollard’s big-play potential with Zeke’s pass protection and ability to wear down defenses means the opposition must constantly worry about a rested back looking to run the ball down their throat.

Utilizing both backs is a valuable formula for success. The offense’s floor is visibly high, but both backs getting their touches will raise its ceiling.

Big D needs to be in the lead early to maximize the usage of their running backs. Starting on the right foot enables the offense to run the clock out … literally. It opens up the playbook, allowing them to finish off their opponent with a thousand papercuts.

Of the three losses, only one came when entering the second half with the lead. That was their overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. In seven of their nine wins, the Cowboys were winning at halftime.

In those seven wins leading at the half, the pass rush sacked opposing quarterbacks 17 times in the final two quarters for an average of 2.4 each game. Being ahead opens up the defensive playbook too.

Dallas has a deadly pass rush headlined by Micah Parsons, but under-the-radar contributors deserve their credit as critical reasons for the overall dominance of the defense. Those are Dorance Armstrong, who has 8.0 sacks, and Dante Fowler, who has 5.0 sacks.

When you’re down, passing the ball is the quickest way to try and crawl back. America’s pass rush is more than able to put a stop to that by either forcing bad decisions or sacking the quarterback. That’s why the only team that could overcome it was Aaron Rodgers, who made his career doing just that.

It’s one thing to gain a lead, but another to hold it. Both are complex tasks, but the Cowboys need to hop on it early if they’re going to get past the divisional round.