Cowboys coach on what’s needed at WR: ‘No. 1 group, not a No. 1 WR’
By Reid Hanson
Let’s clarify, the Dallas Cowboys are building a No. 1 group of receivers but they also plan to find one of them to become the No. 1 receiver.
There is much debate as to whether the Dallas Cowboys need a No. 1 receiver or not. Depending on which side of the debate you reside, your stance probably depends on your definition. Yesterday we started the conversation when we said, “The Dallas Cowboys must still find their WR1”.
It’s likely people in complete agreement with that statement, disagreed with the article because they disagreed with the definition. Likewise, it’s possible some wholeheartedly rejected the premise of it despite 100 percent agreeing with the point being made.
The main takeaway is to stop getting hung up on labels and start focusing on the message itself.
"“One, it’s semantics to call ‘em a No. 1 receiver,” receiver’s coach Sanjay Lal. “I think everyone’s vision of that is different. To me there’s maybe a handful of true No. 1 guys who can win, play in and play out, in this league…”"
To me and likely many of you, WR1 and No. 1 WR are interchangeable. But both are a far cry from Elite. But what Lal suggested, and many in Cowboys Nation agree with, all three could be interchangeable. I’m not sure why some choose not to draw some distinction between the labels. But again, that’s not the point.
The point is the definition and not the label.
"“I think if you have a series of guys compete -compete for the ball – and everything that entails, meaning violent route-runners playing away from the ball. Collectively the group feeds off that and you end up with a No. 1 group if not a No. 1 receiver. And you can get a lot done with that.”"
No. 1 Group of Receivers
Sanjay points out he’s looking for a group of guys, not one particular go-to option. Banishing Dez Bryant has allowed that to happen since he commanded a certain number of targets per game. If not, beware of the repercussions. Sans Dez, this is completely Dak Prescott’s offense to run. No one will pressure him for targets anymore and historically, that’s when Dak’s at his best.
On 103.3 ESPN, #Cowboys VP Will McClay says when #Dak was in college, he threw the ball to guys who were open. He never had the traditional No. 1 receiver.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) May 1, 2018
To Sanjay, a No 1. group of receivers is likely a squadron of reliable route-runners who can deliver when called upon. And to Cowboys Nation, that sounds pretty appealing.
But the point I made yesterday. The point Sanjay knows all too well. Is that when all things are equal – when defenses are playing the run and pass honestly and there isn’t one clear advantageous option out there, will the Cowboys have someone be the tie-breaker?
That’s a No. 1 receiver to me. And that’s what the Cowboys need to find in training camp. Sanjay knows that, regardless of how he personally defines WR1, No. 1 receiver, and elite. Said Sanjay Lal in the same Doomsday interview:
"“I see someone by the end of training camp is going to ascend into a “No 1” role or someone we trust more than others and he’s going to get fed.”"
Someone is going to become the No. 1 receiver here in Dallas. And as Sanjay said, “he’s going to get fed.” That’s because a No 1 WR is important. There is no perfect offensive attack that always provides clear-cut answers to its passer. Not even in an RPO.
Eventually, you need players to step up and win individual battles.
Next: Will Zeke lead the NFL in rushing?
The Dallas Cowboys are working to develop a No. 1 group of receivers but they know they need one guy to stand above all others at the top of the pecking order. That man will be the No. 1 receiver and that man “is going to get fed”.