Debunking the Big Play Myth: Cowboys Will Be Fine on the Ground

After reading and hearing many pundits’ reactions to the Cowboys 21-7 victory over the Panthers, there is still a general concern that Dallas’ inability to stretch the field will prevent them from being a Super Bowl contender.

Well, I am here to tell you that there are two things wrong with this theory/myth.

First, the notion that Dallas cannot create big plays is not necessarily true. Seriously, was it not two weeks ago when the Cowboys had touchdown plays of 42, 66, and 80 yards? I know it was against a bad Tampa team, but facts are facts. Dallas got big plays from three different receivers and this actually forced the Giants to respect the aerial game and play two deep safeties for the majority of the week two contest.

Second, the Cowboys’ lack of big passing plays against the Giants was not the reason they lost, nor was it the reason they had trouble scoring against the Panthers. Allow me to elaborate.

I have heard a few quotes similar to the following: “It’s nice that Dallas can run the ball, but against the good defenses the Cowboys are going to need to stretch the field.” Well, didn’t Dallas prove that against a good defense (New York) they can easily win a game without getting big plays through the air?

I know the game resulted in a loss but believe me—there was never a point in the game where you felt that the Cowboys were a big passing play away from winning. Heck, if it wasn’t for the Cowboys trying to go deep once too many, they easily win that game in my opinion.

The point is this. The Cowboys running attack was dominant against a great Giants defense. Dallas was still a defensive stop away from winning a game against a good team behind the legs of Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, and Felix Jones. They did not need to stretch the field to win that game. The Cowboys were doing just fine grinding it out.

Against Carolina, Dallas had problems in the red zone—not between the twenties. I challenge anyone to explain to me the need to stretch the field inside the red zone, particularly inside the ten-yard line. How does throwing a 50-yard pass from the two-yard-line help your offense? Do you get extra points for completing a pass to a fan 30 rows up in the bleachers?

Sarcasm aside, I think you all should get the point. Dallas’ dominant running attack is good enough. With some better play-calling inside the five and with less penalties, the Cowboy offense puts up four touchdowns for the third straight week, which is excellent production despite not having those sexy 60-yard touchdown passes.

Surely, the Cowboys won’t get 200 yards a game on the ground every week, but there is no need to panic. First, they have proven once this year that can get big plays. Second, they have proven they can grind it against a great front seven. So even though they can’t expect 200 rushing yards a game a week they shouldn’t back down from trying against a stout opponent. And finally, this kind of success running the football will open bigger passing plays as the season goes on.

For now, the key for Dallas is to stay patient and hope Marion Barber and Felix Jones get healthy as soon as possible.