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The Dallas Cowboys' season took another hit as they dropped to 2-4 following a loss to the Green Bay Packers, and the team is increasingly resembling a shadow of the contender many expected. The defeat shed light on several troubling trends that have plagued Dallas in recent weeks.
Key Analysis
Nothing has come easily for the Cowboys in their last two outings. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the team continues to compound its problems with dropped passes, missed blocks, and untimely slips. In the first half against Green Bay, the defense performed well on early downs but failed to get off the field on third down, regardless of the distance. Whether blitzing or dropping into coverage, the Cowboys had no answer for Packers quarterback Jordan Love. The offense mirrored the defense's struggles, managing zero points and committing two turnovers on the plus side of the field, resulting in a 17-point halftime deficit. The defense tightened up after the break, allowing just six points, but the offense never found its rhythm, scoring only two touchdowns all night.
The offensive unit remains lost. A zero-point first half and just 13 total points at the final whistle are unacceptable for a team with so many playmakers. For the second consecutive week, Dallas could not adjust to an opponent's blitzing onslaught. Dak Prescott was under constant pressure, absorbing hit after hit, some of which drew personal fouls. The offense is out of sync, and until it learns to beat the blitz, opposing teams will continue to exploit this blueprint.
The rushing attack was virtually nonexistent. Despite finding success on the ground, the Cowboys refused to stick with it. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has shown little interest in balance through six weeks, and especially in the last two games. Javonte Williams carried the ball only ten times, with his final carry coming with nearly two minutes left in the fourth quarter—an inexcusable decision given the game was within reach for the entire second half. Dallas ran the ball five out of nine plays on its opening drive of the second half, resulting in a touchdown, but then abandoned the run entirely until the waning moments. The play-caller may have felt pressure to score points and perhaps didn't trust the defense to get stops, but the rushing attack was working and was discarded unnecessarily. This offense needs balance to survive, and Prescott cannot be asked to throw 50-plus times each week without suffering the consequences.
Originally reported by yahoo.