Dallas Cowboys: Zeke is Key to Offense, not Dak

After what many are calling a stunning win by the Dallas Cowboys, it has become apparent Ezekiel Elliott is the key to the offense, not Dak Prescott.

For weeks now we have been talking about how Scott Linehan needs to use Dak Prescott differently. It’s been about how Prescott needs to use more RPO, run more, improve his passing, and so on. Instead, we all missed Elliott was the one being misused, because as he goes, so does the Cowboys’ offense.

Sure, Dak needs to be able to pass and make adjustments pre-snap, but the Cowboys won against the Eagles, not as much because of Dak Prescott, but rather, because of Ezekiel Elliott and really good defense. Maybe we need to stop thinking of Dak as THE guy, but more of a complementary piece to Elliott. I know, there will be people who will get upset at this, but truth is, Elliott is the focal point and should be.

Regardless of your feelings on Dak Prescott getting an extension, the real player we should be focusing on is Elliott. Linehan has grossly misused (I.e. underused) Elliott. Sure, if the team is behind they would pass more, but Elliott can be a part of the passing game too. Either way, Linehan is an issue in his playcalling.

Before I get a ton of hate mail. I am not saying Dak won’t eventually be a franchise, sure-fire, quarterback, I am saying right now he might be one of the more replaceable parts of the offense. Elliott on the other hand, is not as replaceable. The Dallas Cowboys need Zeke to be Zeke, if he isn’t, they struggle, Dak stuggles, and basically everyone struggles.

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Say what you want about the offensive line, the wide receivers, even the playcalling, but at the end of the day the Cowboys needs Zeke more than they need Dak. Elliott sets up the passing game more than the passing game sets up Zeke.

The playcalling can’t be so predictable, but if Zeke can gain yards and stay ahead of the chains, the rest of the offense moves better.

Linehan is certainly a problem in playcalling, and if Zeke doesn’t get involved and is efficient, it only amplifies the offensive struggles. Dak’s accuracy can’t be relied upon to move the ball if Zeke doesn’t take pressure off. The offensive line can’t block well enough if Zeke doesn’t force the defense to try to stay in lanes. It all comes down to Zeke.

If the Dallas Cowboys want to even have a shot at the playoffs come the end of the season, they have to do better about using Zeke. If they are able to do that, then they will be able to use Dak better. If they can do that the whole offense will be good enough. The defense is doing their part, it is time the offense does too. It all starts with Zeke.

• Published on 11/13/2018 at 23:01 PM
• Last updated at 11/13/2018 at 11:57 AM