The Dallas Cowboys had so much success running the ball in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles that Brian Schottenheimer seemingly forgot, at times, that throwing the ball was an option on Sunday. This lack of aggression is a big reason why they lost to the Arizona Cardinals in a dispiriting fashion.
And Dak Prescott seems to know it.
When asked about the Cowboys' decision to run the ball on third down and effectively throw in the towel, settling for a field goal instead of trying harder to get a first down through the air, Prescott had a simple answer for reporters on hand in the bowels of AT&T Stadium:
"Yeah, I wish we were a little bit more aggressive there.Dak Prescott on last drive of regulation
"
That was pretty much the story of Dallas' loss to the Cardinals, and it paints a broader picture of the ways in which this offense, although still great, is not reaching its ceiling. This was especially true in Week 8 against Arizona, and there is no hiding from this fact any longer.
Dak Prescott admitted Cowboys' lack of aggression at the end vs. Cardinals was wrong
Let's start with what occurred in this scenario.
With the Cowboys up 27-17 and just under 4:00 remaining in the contest, the Cardinals stomped down the field and scored to make it 27-24. But a failed onside kick attempt, plus a penalty, gave Dallas the ball at the Arizona 20-yard line with 2:07 left. One first down to ice the game,
Instead of being aggressive and taking matters into their own hands to clinch the game with a touchdown or at least another first down or two, Schottenheimer clammed up. He called a basic run on first down, and after Dak was sacked on second down, he surrendered with another run.
This meant that the Cowboys would be settling for a field goal and a six-point lead, 30-24. And they gave the ball back to the Cardinals with 1:09 left; plenty of time to move downfield and score a go-ahead touchdown. Arizona did just that, except they missed the extra point.
Had Chad Ryland simply made the point after attempt, as NFL kickers do with incredible consistency, then Dallas would have lost this game in regulation. And the decision to settle for a field goal would have looked even more foolish than it does now because of how things went in overtime.
But this was just textbook Schottenheimer playing not to lose instead of playing to win. Coaching not to make a mistake instead of coaching to make something happen. Not helping out his defense. And it is emblematic of a larger issue that America's team has.
Dallas' lack of aggression was not limited to final drive of regulation vs. Arizona
Schottenheimer has gotten plenty of flak for his indecision and lack of aggression. Some may call it smart, as the Cowboys have one of the best kickers in the NFL, but others may call it playing scared. And if your quarterback is saying that he wishes you were more aggressive, you should have been.
The example that was asked about was far from the only time that Schottenheimer gave up on a possession by conceding on third down with a run up the middle. It's become a habit for Dallas to get behind the sticks and waive the white flag, as if they don't have an elite aerial attack to lean on.
In the postgame press conference, Prescott also talked about wanting to get Lamb and Pickens more involved. The only way to do that is by throwing the ball, and yet Schottenheimer dialed up 38 pass plays compared to 36 run plays. Things probably shouldn't be that even.
But it's not even about the exact numbers or the splits; it's about the mindset. The Cowboys should have the confidence that they can walk down any defense and have success through the air, even when their back is against the wall. Especially against an Arizona defense that struggles in that realm.
And yet, Schottenheimer continued to take the ball out of his star quarterback's hands, running the ball and calling screen passes when Dallas needed key conversions. The best player on the team should be responsible for making it happen in these scenarios, not just a cog in the machine.
It's almost as if Schottenheimer doesn't trust Prescott sometimes? If that's even possible? But his play-calling would indicate at times that this is the case, as instead of looking for the offense to make plays, Schotty is completely fine with just avoiding disaster and living with long field goals.
He needs to understand that pushing the envelope is perfectly acceptable and oftentimes a good thing when you have Prescott, Lamb and Pickens on your side. This is especially true when the Cowboys have an offensive line that can give them time to let routes develop.
Prescott can also get it done with his legs, as he reminded folks of on Sunday.
This lack of aggression was inexcusable, and it is a big reason why Dallas came up short. Prescott knows it, and Cowboys fans know it. Does Schottenheimer?
Add us as a preferred source on Google