Dallas Cowboys: 5 Things We Know
By Reid Hanson
Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) is defended by Washington Redskins cornerback
Will Blackmon(41) on a 42-yard reception in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game at FedEx Field. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Things we know about the Dallas Cowboys #2: Dez Bryant needs the ball.
Dez Bryant is the most dynamic player the Dallas Cowboys have on offense and they need to find a way to force him the ball early and often. Now finally healthy, Dez has the ability to reclaim his spot in the NFL’s top-10.
Everywhere around the league WRs are blowing up and it’s time Dez gets in on the action. NFL rules favor the passing game and whether it’s Tony Romo, Matt Cassel, or even Shane Falco (classic movie reference) the Cowboys have to pass the ball downfield as often as possible.
When Matt Cassel released the ball on the 48 yard pass to Dez Bryant, #88 was not open. But when the ball came down, Dez made himself open and pulled in the biggest longest pass of the day. Dez has a special way of coming down with tough balls and now that he appears to be back to his old dominant self, Cassel needs to start trusting him.
It’s simple: Even when Dez isn’t open, he’s open.
Anytime Dez is in single man coverage, he has to be targeted, regardless of down and distance. It’s never been more apparent that this a big-play offense above all else. On all of the Cowboys scoring drives (save for the DeSean Jackson fumble), the Cowboys had a big play get them down field.
The team went 1-for-9 on 3rd downs on Monday and can’t be expected to sustain a methodical drive. Without Romo, they are among the worst in the league. Even a short pass to Dez holds big play possibilities and the Cowboys need to utilize the only working part of their offense.
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