One week ago, while the Cowboys were on a bye week and preparing for their game against the Rams, we delved deep into the offensive strategy under Mike McCarthy, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses after six games. The overall impression was that there were some positive aspects for McCarthy to build on, but also several critical areas that needed improvement.
It appears that McCarthy and his team may have taken note of our breakdown, as the Cowboys implemented a comprehensive set of changes in their game against the Rams. Although the defense and special teams made important contributions, the offense also had a standout performance with four touchdowns and two more drives resulting in field goals.
A brief summary of the latter:
- An anemic run game
- Not enough deep shots
- Limited use of tight ends
- Red zone woes
- Lack of motion at the snap
This game showcased the kind of offensive performance many had been hoping to see since McCarthy took charge. It seems that the coaching staff put in the work during the bye week to self-scout and make necessary adjustments.
While the running game didn’t set the field ablaze, it did show improvement, with Tony Pollard gaining 53 yards on 12 carries. McCarthy also involved CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks in the running game, a shift in the running game’s identity that appears to be working.
What a grab by @jqfergy11 🔥
📺: #LARvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/9M7KaISCHw— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023
There was also a more deliberate effort to stretch the field vertically, despite the Rams’ defensive strategy aimed at preventing such throws. Dak Prescott increased the number of passes thrown 10 or more yards down the field to 38.7%, with five passes going for touchdowns.
What’s noteworthy is that the deep passes were spread across multiple receivers, with Lamb, Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jake Ferguson, and KaVontae Turpin all getting deep targets. This diversified approach yielded positive results, including a touchdown from Ferguson.
The tight end position saw more usage in this game, with the Cowboys having four tight ends on the active roster for the first time this season. Several of them were targeted, and Jake Ferguson, in particular, made the most of his opportunities, showcasing the value of tight ends down the seam of the defense.
Coming into Sunday, the #Cowboys only used motion at the snap on 33 total plays (5.5 per game).
Against LAR, DAL utilized motion at the snap 18 times.
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 30, 2023
Improvements in the red zone were also evident, even if the 50% success rate in this game doesn’t fully reflect it. The first two red zone trips resulted in touchdowns, and the other offensive touchdowns came from just outside the red zone.
Additionally, the Cowboys incorporated more motion at the snap, a departure from their previous lack of movement. This shift in strategy was successful, and Dak Prescott had an outstanding game, throwing four touchdowns and surpassing 300 passing yards for the first time in the season.
It’s important to note that the Rams had been a formidable defense, allowing only four touchdown passes all year, making the Cowboys’ offensive outburst even more impressive. Overall, the changes and adjustments made by McCarthy and his coaching staff were clearly effective, addressing the concerns people had, and it paid off handsomely. This reflects a well-utilized bye week for the coach and the team.