Heading into the 2024 offseason the Dallas Cowboys knew there were a handful of positions they needed to address in the draft or free agency. Many of those positions were addressed, they needed a left tackle so they drafted Tyler Guyton in the first round. They needed linebackers which led them to sign Eric Kendricks and draft Marist Liufau in the third round. Lastly, they needed a running back desperately and left empty-handed despite having multiple opportunities to strengthen their running back room.
Through the first three weeks, it’s already evident the two factors that will hold this Cowboys offense back and it’s the running game or lack of it. If the Cowboys want the offense to reach their full potential they need to figure out how to get their running backs rolling. That is the missing piece of their offensive success.
The Cowboys Offense is Missing a Vital Piece
Overlooking the Running Back Position
Between March 11th and March 13th teams were allowed to negotiate contracts with unrestricted free agents. It was clear that Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard would test the market. He would sign a three-year $24 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Six other running backs agreed to terms with other teams on the 11th but Aaron Jones and Derrick Henry were still available. The Cowboys didn’t land either so it was assumed they would address the position in the draft.
Multiple mock drafts had the Cowboys taking a running back between the second and fourth rounds. A few names constantly popping up were Braelon Allen, Jonathon Brooks, and MarShawn Lloyd. They had eight picks in the draft and a running back was not selected.
The Price You Have To Pay
Ultimately, they decided to reunite with Ezekiel Elliott and resign Rico Dowdle, which hasn’t helped the Cowboys, as both have been ineffective through two weeks. They’ve rushed for 56 yards a piece through two games and each is averaging just 28 yards per game. Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints they only rushed for 58 yards as a team. However, the game script became pass-heavy due to the Cowboys playing catchup all game.
As bad as they need to find their identity on the ground, Sunday’s matchup didn’t favor Dallas if they’re trying to establish a run game. They played against a stout Baltimore Ravens defense that’s only allowing 49.5 rushing yards per game and has only given up 99 yards through the first two weeks.
The Cowboys came into this game ranked 26th in rushing and are averaging 85 yards per game. They are in desperate need to get the run game going to become a balanced offense. They have three running backs on the active roster and added Dalvin Cook to the practice squad on August 28th. Cook who has rushed for 6,207 yards and 47 touchdowns in his career could add a much-needed spark. It wouldn’t hurt to move him to the active roster to help the struggling running back room.
Stats Don’t Lie
As good as Dak Prescott has been in his career like any and every quarterback he needs an efficient run game. Not saying the Cowboys have to lead the league in rushing and become a ground-and-pound team but they do need to find ways to take pressure off their quarterback. Statistically, the Cowboys offense is night and day when they are running the ball effectively.
Back in March, Colin Cowherd compared Prescott’s win/loss record based on the efficiency of the run game. When they rush for under 100 yards he has a 9-25 record, which includes Sunday’s loss to the Saints. However, he has a 65-17 record when the team rushes for 100 yards or more which includes the win against the Cleveland Browns in week one when they rushed for 102 yards.
Righting The Wrongs
It’s obvious the front office underestimated the value of the running back position and now it’s a price they have to pay. Unless they can figure out how to get the run game going a lot of the offensive production will fall on the arm of Prescott. There’s nothing wrong with believing in your guys but “We like our guys” doesn’t always seem to work out which is why they should’ve drafted or signed a running back in the offseason.
Main Image: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
