Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs goes after reporter outside locker room following criticism in loss Todd Brock The 2024 season is turning ugly in a hurry for the Dallas Cowboys. The first eight weeks of action have already featured a rash of injuries to high-profile players, a total breakdown of the once-vaunted rushing attack, a disastrous showing for the defense under a prodigal son coordinator, open questions in the locker room about effort, the contract-year head coach getting snippy with the media in a press conference, the owner threatening the jobs of radio talk-show hosts during a live interview, and fan tours- of all things- becoming a major talking point during the bye week. Now this. Cornerback Trevon Diggs went after a reporter Sunday night outside the visitors locker room, just moments after the Cowboys’ 30-24 loss to San Francisco went final. At issue was a post on X criticizing the two-time Pro Bowler’s seeming lack of effort during a third-quarter play. On 49ers tight end George Kittle’s 43-yard catch-and-run in the opening minutes of the second half, replays show Diggs covering wide receiver Chris Conley at the moment of Kittle’s reception at the Dallas 40. Diggs’s back is turned as he follows Conley through his route for another few seconds. By the time Diggs turns his head to realize that Kittle has the ball, he is five yards further downfield from Kittle. Diggs maintains his stride and pursuit angle, appearing to leave teammates Donovan Wilson, Eric Kendricks, and Malik Hooker – all much closer to Kittle than Diggs- to make the play. Except they don’t. Wilson falls after barely clutching at the back of Kittle’s jersey, and Kendricks never catches up. Hooker and Diggs finally converge on Kittle as he nears the pylon, with Diggs making a last-gasp push to force him out of bounds shy of the goal line. The 49ers would score on the next snap to re-take the lead which they never gave back. San Francisco scored 21 unanswered points in a third-quarter onslaught that demoralized the Cowboys on both offense and defense. While Dallas fought back to make the final tally close, the loss dropped their mark to 3-4 and provided very little in the way of hope for a dramatic turnaround, with four straight opponents with winning records coming down the pike. For some, though, that one play- along Diggs’s perceived lack of urgency and avoidance of tackling- summed up what’s wrong with the Cowboys in this frustrating season. Mike Leslie of Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA reposted video of the moment afterward, adding, “What is Trevon Diggs doing on this play?” Diggs apparently saw the post, and very soon after hitting the locker room. Still in full pads, the former second-round draft pick stormed back out to the media gaggle at Levi’s Stadium and got in Leslie’s face about it. “Out of that whole play, that’s what you took from that?” Diggs demands, in a clip from NBC DFW’s Newy Scruggs. “You don’t know football. You can’t do nothing that I do. You can’t go out there and do nothing. Stay in your lane, buddy. Stop playing with me, bro.” The confrontation continued, even after Diggs turned to go back into the locker room. “Just asking the question, Trevon,” Leslie replied. “I mean, I’m happy to have you answer the question.” Diggs came back and re-engaged with more of the same. “Out of that whole play, that’s what you took from that?” he barked. “That’s what you got from that? That whole play, that’s what you got from that?” With that, Diggs fired off a few expletives and retreated to the locker room, while Leslie attempted to get clarification. “We can talk about it more,” the reporter offered. “What were you doing then?” [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Since his rookie season of 2020, Diggs has gained a reputation as a dice-rolling defensive back who often makes the breathtaking interception, but also frequently gives up a monster play when the risk doesn’t pay off. He’s also been tabbed- perhaps unfairly- as a defender who is unwilling to tackle. In truth, Diggs has the third-most solo tackles on the entire Cowboys roster through seven games. It’s easy to debate- after the fact- that Diggs could have taken a different pursuit angle of Kittle or that he didn’t seem to have a lot of urgency in helping to make the play. The same could be said of several Cowboys players on several occasions Sunday night. That one play, though, didn’t cost Dallas the chance to win a game in which very few people thought they would come out on top. A six-point loss, halfway through the season, on the road, to the defending NFC champs, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t even the sort of thing that spells certain doom. But a star player apparently searching his own name on Twitter after a hard-fought game and before he’s even out of his pads to see what people have said about him… and then marching out into the tunnel fully-dressed to angrily confront and belittle a local reporter about some online criticism? That just might end up being the moment that really decided for sure that this 2024 Cowboys team is an unsalvageable wreck. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

Nothing that happened on Sunday Night Football should have been surprising. Aside from a late comeback, things went about as expected for Dallas in Week 8. So, when the game clock struck zero and the scoreboard read 30-24 in San Francisco’s favor, the Cowboys showed they are who many of us thought they were: an unserious contender. A fourth quarter surge fueled by a relaxed San Francisco defense allowed the Cowboys to fight back and narrow the lead, but it was too much to overcome. A KaVontae Turpin drop down the sideline ended the comeback attempt and handed Dallas a 3-4 record heading into Week 9. With Rico Dowdle out, Ezekiel Elliott was given the start. The veteran running back flashed early but couldn’t sustain it. He ended the day with 34 yards on the ground with a touchdown and 3.4 yards/carry average. The Cowboys were, once again, one dimensional and Dak Prescott had to, once again, do the heavy lifting. Finishing with 243 yards through the air, two touchdowns and two interceptions, it wasn’t enough. The defense was improved but inaccurate passes by Brock Purdy and drops by Deebo Samuel bailed them out on more than one occasion. Chauncey Golston is good, but what’s his long-term role? Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports It’s hard to find positives from the Cowboys performance over the last few weeks but the play of a certain fourth-year defensive lineman provides slight reason for optimism. Golston, part defensive tackle and part defensive end, has been a man without a position throughout his Cowboys tenure. Injures to the DE group this season fixed that issue. With the Cowboys top four edge players out, Golston has abandoned most of his nomadic ways and focused on the position he played in college. It’s paid off with big No. 99 playing the best ball of career during this recent stretch. Even with a healthy roster it seems Golston has earned a place in this rotation. His 6-foot-5, 268-pound frame gives him length and strength that can’t be taught. In seasons prior, Golston has been primarily a run stopper, whether that’s at DE of inside at DT. But during this recent stretch he’s also shown he can offer something on passing downs as well. Golston is a second-effort player who specializes in clean up sacks. It’s a role he can still play when Micah Parsons returns. Add redzone issues to the long list of problems (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) The Cowboys have issues running the ball. They have issues passing the ball. They have issues stopping the run. They have issues defending the pass. Might as well add redzone issues to the list. The Cowboys came into the game just around 37 percent in their red zone touchdown efficiency. After getting into the end zone on three of four trips into the red zone, some say the issue is improving. But the circumstances in Week 8 say this might be Fool’s Gold because coverage breakdowns led to two wide open Lamb touchdowns. That can’t be expected to continue. Red zone proficiency typically follows overall offensive efficiency so it’s not surprising the Cowboys are struggling but it’s an issue that must get fixed before Dallas can even dream about salvaging their season. Offensive line damaging Dak Prescott’s mechanics . (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) It’s impossible not to notice Prescott’s mechanics in Week 8. Reviewing his eight interceptions this season it’s clear his feet and throwing motion are both abnormally sloppy. Prescott didn’t suddenly forget his mechanics, rather he’s adapted to the pass protection issues surrounding him in 2024. Terence Steele and Tyler Guyton have struggled mightily in pass protection this season and it’s taking its toll. Prescott has often been unable to step up into his throws, leading to sailed passes and untimely interceptions. Short-arming the follow-through and unbalanced feet is a recipe for disaster and largely explain the problems on offense this season. Nothing will get fixed until the offensive line can be trusted. And that may not happen in 2024. [affdiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Don’t forget about special teams (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) While the offense and defense get most of the attention, the Cowboys special teams unit deserves scrutiny as well. Brandon Aubery has been nothing short of spectacular kicking field goals, but he made an egregious error on Sunday, missing the landing zone on a kickoff and handing the ball to the 49ers with possession on the 40-yard-line. As if that wasn’t enough, C.J. Goodwin made his case for losing a roster spot, coming dangerously close to getting flagged for returner interference when he made contact during a punt return. The no-call was an error by officials and an indictment on Goodwin who has more penalties than tackles this season.    Related articles Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Cowboys schedule: Is Dallas playing today? K.D. Drummond Will the Cowboys be on the field today in Week 8 of the NFL football schedule? Dallas had themselves a hopefully rejuvenating bye following a blowout loss to the Detroit Lions, 47-9, and now returns to the field October 27. Fans will just have to wait throughout the day to watch them perform as they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football, a team that has had their number over the last several years. Kyle Shanahan’s squad eliminated Dallas from the playoffs in both 2021 and 2022, and then pummeled them in Week 5 of 2023, 42-10. The Cowboys are now in the meat of their 2024 season, and things have not looked very good. After a modest two-game winning streak appeared to have their defense moving in the right direction, a bye-rested Detroit team came into AT&T Stadium and continued the Cowboys’ miserable home record. Dallas is 3-0 on the road and 2-0 in night games, so hopefully those things carry over. TEAM 2024 schedule Week Date Opponent Time (CT) Result 1 Sep. 8 @ Cleveland Browns 3:25 p.m. W, 33-17 2 Sep. 15 vs New Orleans Saints Noon L, 44–19 3 Sep. 22 vs Baltimore Ravens 3:25 p.m. L, 28-25 4 Sep. 26 @ New York Giants (TNF) 7:15 p.m. W, 20-15 5 Oct. 6 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (SNF) 7:20 p.m. W, 20-17 6 Oct. 13 vs Detroit Lions 3:25 p.m. L, 47-9 7 BYE WEEK 8 Oct. 27 @ San Francisco 49ers (SNF) 7:20 p.m. TBD 9 Nov. 3 @ Atlanta Falcons Noon TBD 10 Nov. 10 vs Philadelphia Eagles 3:25 p.m. TBD 11 Nov. 18 vs Houston Texans (MNF) 7:15 p.m. TBD 12 Nov. 24 @ Washington Commanders Noon TBD 13 Nov. 28 vs New York Giants (Thanksgiving) 3:30 p.m. TBD 14 Dec. 9 vs Cincinnati Bengals (MNF) 7:15 p.m. TBD 15 Dec. 15 @ Carolina Panthers Noon TBD 16 Dec. 22 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (SNF) 7:20 p.m. TBD 17 Dec. 29 @ Philadelphia Eagles 3:25 p.m. TBD 18 Jan. 5 vs Washington Commanders TBD TBD *prime-time game Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

The Cowboys come out of the bye week with a season-defining matchup against the San Francisco franchise on the docket. For years the rival 49ers have had Dallas’ number, bouncing them from the playoffs twice in the last three appearances and winning by an ever-increasing margin each game. For a team reeling like the Cowboys, a road trip to San Francisco couldn’t come at a worse time. Following the 47-9 beatdown by the Lions, Dallas is need of a Week 8 win in a very bad way. Seeing the boogieman 49ers on the schedule is far from a welcoming sight. The Cowboys roster is riddled with injuries. Not only do they lack any experienced receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, but they are decimated at defensive end and forced to play various practice squad players just to field a team. But luck goes both ways and in the case of the 49ers, bad luck seems to be flowing heavily for them as well. Christian McCaffery and Brandon Aiyuk are both officially out for San Francisco and there’s a good chance George Kittle and/or Deebo Samuel could join them. If there’s ever a time for the Cowboys to beat their boogieman, now is it. Matchups will be critical and since the status of Kittle and Samuel is still unknown, some of the bigger name matchups will be left pending until kickoff. Other matchups are fairly obvious and don’t need much pregame coverage. The Cowboys clearly need Lamb to have a big day and based on what he’s seen throughout the 2024 season, he can expect plenty of double and bracket coverages again in Week 8. Dallas will need Lamb to be a difference maker because he’s the biggest, and arguably only, playmaker the Cowboys have, but they’ll also need to win other key matchups to upset the 3-4 49ers. Jordan Mason vs Dallas run defense Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports It’s going to take a team effort to stop Jordan Mason and the 49ers rushing attack on Sunday night. Mason, 5-foot-10 and 223 pounds, has been the engine for the San Francisco offense in 2024. Averaging 5.2 yards per carry, Mason is licking his chops at the prospect of facing the Cowboys defense. The Cowboys are dead last in the NFL in rushing defense in 2024, allowing an average of 0.16 EPA/play on the ground. This unfathomably bad number puts the Cowboys on a historic pace and renders their pass defense pointless since yards are so easy on the ground. As always, the 49ers play condensed formations to execute their wide zone attack. It sets up big plays, misdirection, and play-action passes downfield. It’s bad news for a contact-adverse team like Dallas who struggle with both missed tackles and in following run fits. If the Cowboys can keep the San Francisco running game limited to just their average weekly performance, it would constitute an enormous win. If Dallas plays it like they’ve played the run most of the season, things could get ugly. Osa Odighizuwa Vs Puni and Banks Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images A case can be made Odighizuwa is Dallas’ only plus pass rusher on the roster. With DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons missing the game, it may come down to the Cowboys 3-tech defensive tackle to provide most of the pass rush in non-blitzing situations. Mike Zimmer is likely to blitz but he’s going to need the front four to handle business on their own as well. Moving Odighizuwa from side to side inside to matchup against the 49ers’ guards is a good way to generate that. Combined with stunts and various games, Zimmer might be able to engineer some pressure with his last true starting pass rusher. Jake Ferguson vs Fred Warner Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images Defenses have been homing in on Lamb this season, and for good reason. 2023’s receiving yardage leader is the only true weapon the Cowboys have on offense, so the 49ers would be fools no not double him up most of the day. In order for the Cowboys to unlock Lamb, they need Ferguson to have a big game. Occupying the All-Pro linebacker Warner on Sunday night will be key to getting the offense rolling. Brilliant in both run support and coverage, Ferguson will have his work cut out for him. The Cowboys want to run the ball and based on the 49ers injury situation, opportunities should be there. Getting thru the second level is key to getting explosive plays and that starts and ends with handling Warner. If Ferguson can be enough of a threat downfield, he can occupy Warner, and if he can handle his LB assignments on running plays, he could spark some explosive plays. Making Warner a non-factor opens things up over the middle and creates opportunities for the running game. Although that’s easier said than done. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Conclusion Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images Finding complementary pieces for Lamb is important coming out of the bye week. Ferguson and Jalen Tolbert will likely see plenty of opportunities for plays. It’s critical they make them. The Cowboys have to score points because even a beat-up San Francisco squad is going to move the ball. The Cowboys want to force Brock Purdy to beat them. They can’t let Mason dominate on the ground and control possession. Related articles (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys are going to have to wait at least another week for the debut of the Diggs-DaRon Boundary Duo. After it appeared All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland was trending towards making his season debut against the Lions, what has to be ruled a setback occurred late in the practice week. The troubling part is that after a bye, he missed all three Week 8 practices and still has not been added back to the 53-man roster. DT Jordan Phillips, who had a controversial move to IR with a wrist injury, has returned to practice this week, but the team did not activate the veteran for this matchup, either. The Cowboys lost TE John Stephens, Jr, earlier this week, suffering an ACL to the same knee that knocked him out of 2023. But all the news is not bad. The Cowboys are elevating RB Dalvin Cook from the practice squad; signaling his debut in a Dallas uniform. https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js As it stands, here is the 53-man roster Dallas will go into Sunday with, pending any additional moves (such as a second elevation, or moving players to IR). Quarterbacks (3) Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Dak Prescott Cooper Rush Trey Lance Running Backs (5) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Rico Dowdle Ezekiel Elliott Hunter Luepke Deuce Vaughn Dalvin Cook (1st of 3 elevations) Tight Ends (4) Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) runs with the football against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Jake Ferguson Luke Schoonmaker John Stephens, Jr. (Out) Brevyn Spann-Ford Wide Receivers (5) Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) walks the field before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images CeeDee Lamb Jalen Tolbert Kavontae Turpin Jalen Brooks Ryan Flournoy Offensive Tackles (4) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 30: Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton #60 of the Dallas Cowboys stretches during training camp on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Tyler Guyton Terence Steele Asim Richards Matt Waletzko Offensive Guards (3) Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) runs through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Zack Martin Tyler Smith TJ Bass Centers (2) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Defensive tackle Kobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams locks up with center Brock Hoffman #67 of the Dallas Cowboys during a skirmish between the two teams during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Cooper Beebe Brock Hoffman Defensive Ends (4) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 17: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) Micah Parsons (out) Chauncey Golston Tyrus Wheat Carl Lawson Defensive Tackles (4) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 30: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith #58 of the Dallas Cowboys throw punches aa they jokingly spar prior to a training session on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Osa Odighizuwa Mazi Smith Linval Joseph Carlos Watkins Linebackers (6) Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Eric Kendricks DeMarvion Overshown Damone Clark Marist Liufau Buddy Johnson Nick Vigil Cornerbacks (5) Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrate after Diggs intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Trevon Diggs Jourdan Lewis Caelen Carson Israel Mukuamu Andrew Booth Safeties (4) OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against safety Malik Hooker #28 and Donovan Wilson #6 of the Dallas Cowboys during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Malik Hooker Donovan Wilson Juanyeh Thomas Markquese Bell Special Teams (4) INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 11: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys watches his field goal with Bryan Anger #5, to take a 12-6 lead over the Los Angeles Rams, in a 13-12 Rams win during a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Brandon Aubrey Bryan Anger Trent Sieg CJ Goodwin

Cowboys vs 49ers Final Injury Report: Latest updates on Parsons, Bland, Samuel K.D. Drummond The news continues to be disappointing on the injury front for the Dallas Cowboys. Coming out of their bye week the hope was that they’d be able to see the return of two All-Pros, but as Friday came and went the verdict was solemn. Both DE Micah Parsons and CB DaRon Bland missed a third consecutive day of practice on Friday and have been ruled out of Sunday’s fight against the San Francisco 49ers. Those same 49ers are dealing with a number of injuries as well, but at least are still hopeful one of their dinged up stars could play. With WR Brandon Aiyuk moved to IR, Jauan Jennings was ruled out on Friday as well. However Deebo Samuel was given a questionable tag, giving him a shot at playing after spending part of the week in the hospital with pneumonia. TE George Kittle carries the same designation. Here’s a look at the full report for both clubs ahead of Week 8. Dallas Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey, NIR-Other | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate LB Micah Parsons, Ankle | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate CB DaRon Bland, Foot | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate CB Caelen Carson, Shoulder | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full Participant WR Ryan Flournoy, Ankle | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday: Limited Participant | Friday: Full Linebacker Eric Kendricks, Shoulder | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Limited Linebacker Nick Vigil, Foot | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday: Limited | Thursday, Friday: DNP LB Marist Liufau, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full Participant DT Jordan Phillips, Wrist | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Full Participant TE John Stephens, Knee | OUT Wednesday: Limited | Thursday, Friday: DNP San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel, Wrist/Illness | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday: Did Not Participate | Thursday, Friday: Limited WR Jauan Jennings, Hip | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate K Jake Moody, Ankle | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate DT Kevin Givens, Groin | OUT Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Did Not Participate TE George Kittle, Foot | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday: Did Not Participate | Thursday, Friday: Limited Safety George Odum, Knee | QUESTIONABLE Wednesday: Did Not Participate | Thursday, Friday: Limited WR Chris Conley, Ankle | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday: Limited | Friday: Full DE Nick Bosa, Elbow | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday: Limited | Friday: Full RB Jordan Mason, Shoulder | NO DESIGNATION Wednesday, Thursday: Limited | Friday: Full Wedensday Vet Day: LT Trent Williams Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

Cowboys desperately need return of explosive ingredient to fix their offense reidhanson The Cowboys have no shortage of problems in 2024. From their 24th ranked offense to their 30th ranked defense, their troubles on the offensive line to the catastrophe that is their DL. From their lame duck coaching staff to their problematically talkative owner, they have problems on all corners of this hexagon of doom. The running game in particular has been an issue in Dallas. Not only has the offensive line struggled to execute blocks and lead runners to the second level, but the runners themselves have been unable gain access to the open field in 2024. While the Cowboys’ passing game is trying it’s damnedest to carry the offense and create big plays, the running game isn’t remotely carrying its weight. In fact, based on the standardized measurement of 15+ yards, the running game has yet to chart a single explosive play in 2024. Even when adjusting for play type, which charts an explosive pass as anything 20 yards or greater and an explosive run as anything 10 yards or greater, things don’t look much better. Outside of scrambles and runs with CeeDee Lamb, the only Dallas rushers with explosive plays between 10-15 yards this season are Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle. Vaughn hasn’t been active since September so unless someone is added at the trade deadline, the onus falls completely on Dowdle. Based on the names floating around the rumor mill, it’s doubtful anyone available at the trade deadline is going to be the answer. This issue will likely require an internal solution, and it will need to be a total team effort. The Cowboys have the pieces on the offensive line to be a good run blocking squad. Even with two-thirds being rookies, the talent and pedigree are there to have more success than what’s currently happening in Dallas. Motion at the snap is something that’s been discussed incessantly this season, but it’s for good reason. Motion at the snap typically works. It changes the angles of blocks, changes run fits for defenders, and spreads defenses horizontally. It won’t work all the time, but it should be no surprise many of the best rushing teams in the NFL use motion at the snap on a regular basis. Better success downfield in the passing game would also help the running game with explosive plays. If Dak Prescott can draw more defenders into coverage the Cowboys running backs could see lighter boxes and better opportunities for explosives. But the passing offense has been uncharacteristically inefficient, ranking just 23rd in EPA/ drop back. Without a new receiver on the field, it’s hard to see that changing much on its own. More spread formations may help achieve the same goal of spreading the defense without the need for downfield success. More WR-rich personnel groups or splitting the tight end group out wide may pull players out of the box. Dowdle is averaging 6.7 defenders in the box and Elliott 6.29. Neither number is particularly high but if certain alignments and formations can bring that number down further, the Cowboys coaching staff owes it them. The Cowboys have to find a way to solve their explosive play problem on offense and it will likely be a total team effort. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.