3 things the Cowboys must improve on offense after the Week 7 bye
1. Take more deep shots through the air
The reason the Cowboys acquired Cooks was to spread the field and likely take more deep shots. But that has not been the case in 2023.
Prescott is averaging just seven yards per attempt this season on 190 passes, which ranks 18th in the NFL. That number is down from his 2022 average (7.3) and is the second lowest of his career so far.
It appears head coach Mike McCarthy might be taking a safe approach with Prescott in the passing game this year. One example comes to mind from Dallas’ Week 6 win when McCarthy chose to run down the clock for a last-second field goal before the half instead of taking a shot for the end zone.
From the lack of deep shots to situations like that, it appears McCarthy might not fully trust Prescott to make some throws. His 15 interceptions last year could have something to do with that.
Mike McCarthy letting clock run to :03 and taking FG to end first half: "We just decided to play it safe. ...I just felt the way the game was going — I think we had a holding penalty earlier on the series. I just wanted to make sure we got the points and get out of there." pic.twitter.com/sTmY2kiP4K
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) October 17, 2023
But you don’t win games by being conservation. You have to take your shots and make big plays.
In 2023, the Cowboys rank 21st in big pass plays over 25 yards. They only have 10 on the season compared to the Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs who both lead the league with 18. Of the 11 teams below Dallas in this department, only the Cincinnati Bengals (5) and Cleveland Browns (9) have a record above .500.
Some of the best offenses in the league take their deep shots. The Cowboys have to do that more often, which includes getting Cooks open down the field and using his speed for big gains.
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