The Dallas Cowboys offense took a major step back in the 2017 NFL season. Needless to say, their lackluster scoring performance did not go unnoticed by former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski.
The Cowboys are known for their run-heavy scheme behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, Jaworski said that their approach on that side of the ball has become a bit outdated during an appearance with Shan & RJ Show on 105.3FM the Fan:
“Yes,” he said bluntly when asked if the Cowboys' offense has gotten stale. “There's an evolution to the game all the time. The game changes not every year, but week to week. I never thought the spread offenses would be successful in the NFL. I was dead wrong. I was an old two-back guy, maybe multiple tight ends.”
Jaworski added that a pass-heavy scheme has become the norm for teams throughout the league.
“The league average right now is about 75 percent 11 personnel – one back, one tight end, three wide receivers. Everyone is spreading the field, and why not? The rules are so relaxed. You can get the chunk plays by spreading the field; pass interference, all those things that help the offense. The old ground and pound is over with. If you've got to kill the last two minutes, the ground and pound is great, but for the other 58 minutes, we're going to throw the football.”
Despite the Cowboys' struggles, owner Jerry Jones was surprisingly adamant about head coach Jason Garrett and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's job security. Dallas quickly went from being one of the promising up-and-coming teams to one of the year's biggest disappointments.
Regardless, there is no reason to scratch the playbook completely. Their run-first approach had worked just fine when running back Ezekiel Elliott was toting the bulk of the carries. Unfortunately, his six-game suspension put the offense in a state of flux midway through the year.
There is no doubt that some adjustments will need to be made come next season. However, to say that the Cowboys need a complete re-tooling of the offense is a bit of a reach after just one down year.
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