The Dallas Cowboys are a mess right now. Defensively they are just as bad as last year, if not worse, and offensively they currently aren’t playing up to their talent level. The good news is we’re only five games in the season was time to turn things around, but whether they’re capable of doing so remains to be seen.
Surprisingly enough, the Cowboys most pressing issues can be helped by doing one simple thing better from here on out, running the ball. An improved rushing attack would have a positive ripple effect throughout the team, both offensively and defensively. And, there’s no reason to believe this isn’t easily accomplishable.
As things stand right now, the Cowboys are only averaging 81.6 rushing yards per game, ranking a measly 30th in the league. This is completely unacceptable considering Javonte Williams was one of the best running backs in the league last year, rushing for over 1,200+ yards and scoring double-digit touchdowns on the ground.
Sadly, he’s only managed to rush for a total of 276 yards in the ground this year, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. He has proven to have a nose for the end zone once again scoring six touchdowns in just five games so far this season, but is still unfortunately having difficulty finding consistency in the running game.
It’s true some of his lack of production can be tied to game situations this season, however, that doesn’t change the fact this is an area that can be better by leaps and bounds. That’s especially true considering the offensive line is at their best as run blockers.
Starting this week against the Green Bay Packers, establishing the running game early on should prove beneficial to the team as a whole. The Packers are currently allowing 127.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th in the league. By rushing the ball more effectively the Cowboys not only can control the time position, but also keep their struggling defense off the field.
This is a win-win for everyone. Brian Schottenheimer has been questionable as a play-caller all season, but an improved run game opens up the entire offense. Play-action suddenly becomes more effective as does opening up their lethal aerial attack. Defenses have to defend the entire field instead of pinning their ears back to rush the passer.
Christian Parker’s defense also benefits by not having to be on the field so often. By playing less and staying fresher, they should hopefully be able to execute better. At the very least, the less they are on the field the less they can mess up. By controlling the game clock with a strong rushing attack, it kind of kills two birds with one stone.
There’s still a lot of things the Cowboys need to clean up, but improving their rushing attack should be at the top of the list. It’s the easiest issue to fix right now that could have the biggest impact throughout the team. Hopefully it starts Sunday in the Week 6 matchup with Packers and continues throughout the rest of the season. It could be a true difference maker.
