Despite some ho-hum results on the field, the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL. That won't change any time soon.
After posting an 8-8 record in 2019, the team parted ways with head coach Jason Garrett. The on-field results simply didn't match up with the amount of talent the team possessed, prompting owner Jerry Jones to reluctantly sever ties with his beloved coach.
Enter Mike McCarthy. The former Green Bay Packers leader spent the year without a gig after being one of the more successful coaches in all of football for an extensive period of time. Heading into the 2020 NFL season, there are a few things he should change if he wants to turn things around. Here they are:
1. Implementing an Up-Tempo Offense
McCarthy is no stranger to speeding things up on offense. Dallas… not so much. From 2014-2018, the Packers used an up-tempo offense at the third-highest rate in the league. The Cowboys' rate was less than half of that percentage.
By making the offense work quicker, opposing defenses will have a more difficult time subbing in and out. In addition to that, they'll also have to simplify their coverages. This will play to the advantage of Dallas, allowing Dak Prescott to have better matchups and a better chance of making big plays.
2. Not Allowing Playcalling to go Stale
One major gripe among Cowboys fans during — and after — Garrett's tenure was that he often got comfortable in regards to calling plays. If McCarthy follows in his footsteps, things could get ugly in a heartbeat.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. Part of the reason the Packers and McCarthy grew apart was that Rodgers wasn't a huge fan of his scheme. Prescott is a bit easier to work with, but the fans aren't. By keeping things interesting and implementing an effective game plan this time around, McCarthy can rebuild his reputation and improve the Cowboys' offense over time.
3. Inspiring Culture Change
A culture in which a team consistently falls short of expectations is never a good one. The Dallas Cowboys and their fans expect to be in contention for a championship year in and year out. Being their head coach is one of the toughest jobs in sports, as criticism will set in upon the first glance of struggles.
If Mike McCarthy truly wants to change things, it should first come in the form of a shift in the team atmosphere. The pieces are there for the team to win plenty of games. The end of the Garrett era left a sour taste in the mouths of many, but McCarthy can make everyone forget about that if he gets the team (and fans) to adopt a buy-in mentality. Culture is everything for championship-level teams, and Dallas will need a positive one if it has any hopes of winning a ring in the near future.
Follow Us
Subscribe