'No Jump Start!' Cowboys Coach Reveals How 'Texas Coast Offense' Was Shut Down
The Dallas Cowboys were handed a brutal reality check by the Buffalo Bills in a 31-10 loss in a game that raised more questions about the Cowboys' validity as Super Bowl contenders. ... and points to what might be one "trigger'' that leads to success or failure for the "Texas Coast Offense.''
While Bills running back James Cook had his way with Dan Quinn's defense as he had 221 total yards (179 rushing, 42 receiving) and a touchdown, the Cowboys' offense also had a poor outing.
Dak Prescott and the "Texas Coast Offense" were kept in check as they could only muster 195 total yards (worst of the season) and it took until 2:53 left in the fourth quarter for the offense to score a touchdown.
And why?
Said Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer: "There was a number of things we've talked about, finding a rhythm, getting going, and getting some things that jump-start you and honestly, we were not able to stay on the field enough to find that game-changing play or that momentum swing.''
A "momentum swing'' can come at any time. But a "jump start''? Maybe we should key in on that, as The Eye Test tells us that when Dallas' offense opens well, it rolls. ...
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense failed to get anything going against the Bills.
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Could it really be that simple?
On the Cowboys' second play of the game, Prescott dialed up the launch codes as Brandin Cooks had blown by his defender - and Dallas took a deep shot.
Dak had Cooks for a touchdown, but the ball sailed just out of reach.
Had that play hit and Dallas was able to strike back straight away after the Bills' opening touchdown, perhaps the dynamic of the game might have shifted. But alas just six plays later, the Cowboys punted.
It is that kind of momentum swing that Dallas has been hitting during its five-game winning streak, but against the Bills, it just didn't happen.
The 10-4 Cowboys now have to pick themselves up and get ready to face the 10-4 Miami Dolphins, who possess the attacking weapons to put points up on anybody.
If Dallas is to roll into Hard Rock Stadium, getting an offensive rhythm going early will again be crucial, and if the Cowboys can't get that early momentum and fall behind again, then it could be back-to-back weeks where the "Texas Coast Offense'' - very much in need of a "jump start'' right now - has failed to click when it was needed most.
