Cowboys pivot to explosive offense to offset defensive struggles
Dallas plans to prioritise big plays from CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens against Washington after a defensive performance ranked near the bottom of the league.
The Dallas Cowboys intend to shift their offensive strategy towards explosive plays in Week 2, a tactical adjustment designed to compensate for a defence that has struggled to find its footing since the start of the 2025 season. Following a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants in the opening round, the team’s defensive unit ranked 574th out of 576 defensive performances based on expected points added per drive, according to data from TruMedia.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott have emphasised the necessity of starting fast to maximise limited offensive possessions. In Week 1, the Cowboys managed only two drives in the second half, both of which resulted in touchdowns, yet they still fell one drive short of securing a victory. The Giants dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36 minutes and 40 seconds compared to Dallas’ 23 minutes and 20 seconds, while converting 82 per cent of their third-down attempts.
To address these limitations, the Cowboys plan to target wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for "splash plays" earlier in drives. Schottenheimer indicated he may alter his play-calling to feature the duo more prominently, moving away from the reliance on running back Javonte Williams that characterised the team’s first two drives in the previous game. Pickens, who finished the 2025 season with 1,429 receiving yards, ranked third in the NFL, while Lamb remains a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
The upcoming match against the Washington Commanders presents specific defensive challenges that align with this offensive approach. Washington’s defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, previously led the Minnesota Vikings to the highest blitz rate in the league at 47.1 per cent over the last three seasons. Additionally, head coach Dan Quinn is expected to employ man coverage, a tactic he favoured when serving as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023.
Lamb noted that the team must remain adaptable to the unpredictable nature of NFL games, stating that the offense’s primary role is to put the ball in the end zone when opportunities arise. Prescott expressed confidence in the defensive unit’s ability to make adjustments, citing the team’s optimism as they prepare to face a Washington defence that blends aggressive blitzing with man-to-man coverage.
The Cowboys’ new-look defence, under coordinator Christian Parker, yielded four touchdowns, one fumble recovery, and a punt across seven defensive possessions in Week 1. By prioritising vertical threats and early explosive plays, Dallas aims to reduce the number of possessions required to score, thereby mitigating the impact of their current defensive inconsistencies.
