The Dallas Cowboys can survive without their trouble-prone RB
By Dink Kearney
Ezekiel Elliott dodged a bullet by escaping suspension this time, but the trouble-prone running back may not be so lucky next time – luckily for the Dallas Cowboys there’s a plan in place.
The Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott made a visit to the principal’s office on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday. No, Zeke didn’t go visit the regular Principal’s office. Zeke’s visit was more of the proverbial type.
Because of Zeke’s latest off-the field incident at a Las Vegas music festival with a 19-year-old security guard, Zeke had to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about his unfortunate mishap.
After Zeke wrote a passionate letter about his behavior and bad decision making, word leaked the NFL’s leading rusher would NOT be facing suspension. This time. But what about next time? Predicting when Zeke will will next find trouble is as unpredictable as winning mega millions in a lottery.
Nobody knows what Dictator Goodell will ever do because Zeke is a repeat offender and repeat offenders discipline can be harsh. And if that offense even smells like domestic violence Zeke faces and actual banishment from the NFL.
In the event Zeke is someday suspended, I feel confident saying the Dallas Cowboys will stay on track and still win. Yep… they will and I’ll explain why.
New offensive coordinator & new offensive weapons
One of the luxuries in the NFL is having a fresh and new offensive coordinator that opposing defenses don’t have any tape on. What’s even better is when the offensive coordinator has the weapons to go with his new scheme.
Kellen Moore is the new offensive coordinator and he knows the Dallas Cowboys offense and personnel better than anyone else-meaning he knows how to play to their strengths. For example, Moore can utilize Dak Prescott legs because he knows the “how” and “when”. He knows how to make Dak a dual threat with running the ball and passing.
When it comes to the passing game, Moore can implement different schemes with three/four wide receiver sets.
Because Amari Cooper and Randall Cobb are versatile to play on the outside or in the slot, imagine a scenario with Cooper and Cobb in the slot position and Michael Gallup and Allen Hurns on the outside. Or put Cooper on the outside along with Gallup-and ole man Jason Witten to pick up the slack.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys Linebackers: 2023 Position Overview
- Ballhawk University: Why the Cowboys will be takeaway leaders
- Dallas Cowboys Player to Watch: Sleeper TE John Stephens, Jr.
- Dallas Cowboys: The impact of Micah Parsons and a well-rounded secondary
- Dallas Cowboys still unsure about their left guard position for 2023
That’s a lot of receivers to defend-with Dak being a threat to run at any time. I don’t care how dominant opposing defenses are, they won’t be ready for it. Also, Moore is creating plays for Dak to release the ball quicker-similar to what New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels does for Tom Brady.
Further, expect Dak to take more shots downfield with Cooper, Gallup, Cobb, Tavon Austin, and this lightening fast, young man named Cedrick Wilson. Believe it or not, Dak ranked fourth in the NFL with a 115.7 rating when throwing the deep ball.
With the vertical threats and playmakers underneath capable of taking any pass to pay dirt, who can stop this offense? Pick your poison.
As far not having Zeke, Dallas can use a platoon of running backs to get the job done. Expect the load to carried by Tony Pollard, Mike Weber, Jr, and a free agent running back like running back like Jay Ajayi. As long as Dallas has a decent running game, it’ll still be a potent offense.
- Published on 07/04/2019 at 12:08 PM
- Last updated at 07/04/2019 at 12:08 PM