The Dallas Cowboys ended the 2023 season with the most points scored and the fifth-most yards gained in the league.
However, their offense has regressed significantly this year, ranking 20th in points per game (21.0) and 12th in yards per game (336.5).
The running game, in particular, has been underwhelming, averaging just 77.2 rushing yards per game with only two total touchdowns, the lowest in the NFL.
Despite this, quarterback Dak Prescott is still fourth in the league with 267 passing yards per game, though his six interceptions are tied for the third-most.
Efficiency has been a major issue for the Cowboys, both through the air and on the ground.
According to NextGen Stats, they rank in the bottom 11 in both Expected Points Added (EPA) per pass and per rush.
These struggles are especially evident in the red zone, where Dallas has managed just six touchdowns on 16 trips (37.5%), the second-lowest conversion rate in the league.
Head coach Mike McCarthy is currently in a precarious position, as he is on a lame-duck contract.
Team owner Jerry Jones cited last year’s wild-card loss to the Packers as the reason for McCarthy’s return without an extension.
During the offseason, there were rumors connecting Bill Belichick to the Cowboys, hinting that the legendary coach might be eyeing the team ahead of the 2025 coaching carousel.
The Cowboys chose not to add high-profile playmakers in free agency or the draft this offseason, opting instead to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott.
They passed on pursuing Derrick Henry, who is now leading the league in rushing for the Baltimore Ravens.
When asked about Henry on 105.3 The Fan, Jones dismissed the idea that the All-Pro could have boosted the Cowboys’ offense, saying, “Derrick is having a career year. I don’t know if he’d be having a career year in our situation.
We don’t run that type of offense at all.” Jones also cited the salary cap as a reason for not offering Henry a competitive contract, despite Henry’s $8 million-per-year deal being only the fifth-highest among running backs signed in the offseason.
The Cowboys’ most recent outing was a dismal 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The team was held to just 251 total yards, averaging a meager 3.9 yards per play, while committing five turnovers.
Dallas will travel to San Francisco in Week 8 to face the 49ers on Sunday, in a game that will be crucial for staying competitive with the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.
