With Dak Prescott, what will — and won’t — change for Cowboys’ offense?

FRISCO, Texas – It’s a straightforward query with out a straightforward reply.

What adjustments in regards to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense in Dak Prescott’s return from a fractured proper thumb, probably as early as Sunday towards the Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, CBS)?

Nothing and the whole lot.

Nothing adjustments, as a result of how the Cowboys (4-2) performed of their 5 video games with quarterback Cooper Rush beginning rather than Prescott is how they designed their offense within the offseason. When the staff traded vast receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and didn’t change him with a confirmed veteran or excessive draft choose, the plan was to be a run-first operation and play to the defensive energy of the staff.

All the things adjustments, as a result of Prescott can do greater than Rush. Regardless of the calls from sure segments of the fan base or nationwide media varieties wishing for drama, there was no quarterback controversy and there by no means was going to be. Even proprietor and common supervisor Jerry Jones’ feedback that he hoped there can be an argument have been in regards to the staff profitable video games with out Prescott.

This was not 2016 when Prescott took over for an injured Tony Romo. After dropping the opener, the Cowboys received 11 straight video games that season. They failed solely as soon as to attain at the very least 24 factors throughout that profitable streak.

Underneath Rush, the Cowboys topped 24 factors solely as soon as, scoring 25 towards the Washington Commanders.

Whereas the Cowboys didn’t really feel handcuffed offensively with Rush as their quarterback, Prescott’s capacity and expertise opens up extra prospects. Nonetheless, the Cowboys don’t need Prescott to really feel like he’s returning because the conquering hero, needing to do the whole lot for the staff to succeed.

When Prescott has been at his finest, the Cowboys have had a complementary bent, even when he threw for 4,900 yards in 2019 and set a franchise document with 37 landing passes final season.

“I simply suppose Dak must play his recreation — if he goes this week,” McCarthy mentioned.

Prescott mentioned after final week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that it’s his plan to play towards the Lions. Talking on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday, Jones mentioned, “He seems able to go.” He has been cleared medically.

“Dak’s as motivated of an individual as we’re ever going to fulfill in life,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore mentioned. “We’ll simply need to undergo this factor the fitting means, and we’ll see the place it takes us daily.”

Each time Prescott returns, the Cowboys will proceed to depend on a operating recreation that has put up at the very least 134 yards in three of the previous 4 video games. The Cowboys are averaging 118.8 dashing yards per recreation, up from the 97 yards per recreation they averaged a season in the past.

Operating again Ezekiel Elliott had his finest recreation within the loss to the Eagles (13 carries, 81 yards) and operating again Tony Pollard has the big-play capacity. He has two runs of at the very least 46 yards and a 46-yard reception.

“We by no means thought that was a query, I feel that was a few of that outdoors noise,” proper guard Zack Martin mentioned on questions concerning Elliott’s viability. “However he’s nonetheless our go-to again, and I feel Jerry [Jones] mentioned it to start with of the 12 months: A variety of what we do goes via Zeke. Him and TP [Tony Pollard], it’s enjoyable blocking for each of them.”

One factor that shall be totally different now than within the season opener towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Prescott received harm, is the passing recreation that surrounds him.

Rookie offensive sort out Tyler Smith is extra accustomed to left sort out after not taking a snap there all coaching camp. Broad receiver Michael Gallup has returned from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Noah Brown has turn into a viable receiver possibility. Broad receiver CeeDee Lamb is rising into the No. 1 function. Whereas a knee harm has slowed down tight finish Dalton Schultz, rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot have developed.

“Our greatest days are forward of us,” McCarthy mentioned. “I’m being ‘Captain Apparent’ right here, however we nonetheless have numerous work to do. That is been our method. However clearly when Dak final performed, there have been some younger spots there. Dalton, hopefully we are able to get him again this week. We positively have an opportunity to enhance. Having Michael in there’s a large plus … Our enchancment is beginning to climb.”

There are various areas the place the Cowboys want to enhance.

They’re changing on third down simply 30.9% of the time which is an enormous motive why they’ve run solely 294 performs. They’ve simply 12 move performs of 20 yards or extra, together with none towards the Eagles Sunday night time. By means of six video games final season, the Cowboys transformed on third down 46.7% of the time, ran 420 performs, and had 25 move performs of 20 yards or extra.

That offense just isn’t this offense, however Prescott’s return has all people excited.

“Sky’s the restrict,” Lamb mentioned. “The offense is excellent and everybody is aware of this. After we get him again, we’re going to indicate all people.”