The Cowboys were an elite offense most of the 2023 season. Finishing first in points, fourth in yards, second in EPA/play and third in success rate, it seems as if the offense is the least of their worries heading into the offseason.
But frequent disappearing acts against key opponents suggests otherwise. Dallas scored only 10 against San Francisco, 10 against Buffalo, 20 against Miami, 20 against Detroit, and then finished the season with a disappearing act in the first half against Green Bay. It all signals the offense isn’t quite as resilient as it needs to be, and nowhere near playoff level even if the cumulative data suggests otherwise.
Being more resilient on offense and squeezing the most out of every opportunity should be of highest priority for Mike McCarthy. McCarthy, the offensive play caller and chief play designer, just got a firsthand education on what successful offenses do to stay successful against the NFL’s best.
Super Bowl coaches Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan are regarded as two of the most offensively brilliant minds in the NFL. The Cowboys and the other 29 teams who didn’t play in the Super Bowl would be wise to take notice of what they’re doing. Neither offense is particularly similar, but both are widely successful in critical games.
Reid’s offense in Kansas City is a west coast offense similar to that of McCarthy. He focuses on high percentage passes to move the ball – often in place of a running game. Shanahan’s offense is a new adaptation of the old Shanahan offense. Instead of living and dying by wide zone and play-action passing like the days of old, it adds in motion at the snap and versatile personnel to exploit mismatches and create space downfield.
The Chiefs like to line up in shotgun and spread out. The 49ers like to play under center and in tight formations. KC likes to pass. San Fran likes to run. The differences across the board are significant so when a common trait is discovered, it stands out in a big way.