3 Cowboys offseason decisions in 2023 that already look like a roaring success
By Jerry Trotta
![Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2942,h_1654,x_0,y_40/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/129/01hascqjhbge6jtpcgdv.jpg)
1. Firing Kellen Moore, promoting Mike McCarthy
In two games, the list of examples of Mike McCarthy scheming easy throws and catches for his top playmakers are endless. Week 1 notwithstanding (when Dallas was milking the clock by halftime), CeeDee Lamb lined up everywhere against the Jets' zone coverage and caught 11 passes on 13 targets for 143 yards.
Beyond Lamb, Prescott has been highly efficient under pressure. He's admittedly always been prolific against the blitz, but his newfound composure can be attributed to McCarthy's Texas Coast offense, which emphasizes a quarterback's footwork being timed up with his receiver's routes.
As a result, Prescott is completing 70% of his passes (would be higher if not for four drops in the opener) and is tied for first in QBR.
McCarthy also has KaVontae Turpin involved on offense. Last season, Kellen Moore had Turpin restricted to special teams. Turpin's impact has been minimal, but he has eight touches and is tied for fourth on the team in scrimmage yards.
In a vacuum, McCarthy's offense caters to his QB's strengths. Prescott is getting the ball out much quicker relative to last season, which will help reduce turnovers, and he's throwing to open receivers. In other words, McCarthy dissected the Jets' weaknesses and installed a game plan that allowed Dak to carve up a defense that made Josh Allen look like a middle-school QB the week prior.
Kellen Moore will likely achieve great things with the Chargers, but it's OK to admit McCarthy is a better fit with this version of the Cowboys.
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