Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys offense dominating with 2014 reboot

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:57 p.m. ET

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Through four games in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys offense is duplicating 2014’s winning formula and turning in the numbers to prove it.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talk with NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya after the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

With the first quarter of the NFL season in the books, the Dallas Cowboys are showing uncanny similarities to the 2014 playoff team.

Riding the back of a balanced, ball control offense while playing enough timely defense to survive was the winning formula two seasons ago.

Tony Romo led all quarterbacks with an astounding 113.2 QB rating. DeMarco Murray’s 1,845 rushing yards soared 484 yards above the next best runner.

While the offense appeared run heavy, the efficiency came from a balanced attack. 508 runs and 476 passes led to a 52/48 balance ratio.

The 2014 offense finished 5th in points (29.2 ppg), 7th in yards (383.6 ypg), and 3rd in yards per play (6.1 y/p).

They also ranked 3rd by scoring on 43.6% of 179 total offensive drives.

While protecting a mediocre defense, the offense’s most crucial stat was leading the NFL in time of possession (30:32 mpg).

The 2014 offense was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. After all they carried Dallas a play away from the NFC Championship Game.

Through four games in 2016, the current offense is duplicating 2014’s winning formula and posting comparable numbers to prove it.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2016 COWBOYS TEAM OFFENSE

With Romo rehabbing on the side and Murray long gone from the division, rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have swiped the 2014 torch with force.

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Behind accurate passing and dicing runs, the Cowboys offense has created a mirror image of balance. 140 runs and 131 passes matches the past 52/48 ratio.

The offense is ranked 9th in points (25.3 ppg), 2nd in yards (398.5 ypg), and 9th in yards per play (5.8 y/p).

While ranked 4th in the NFL, 48.7% scoring on 39 total drives is higher than 2014.

Again tasked to protect a vulnerable defense, the Dallas offense ranks 2nd in time of possession (35:20 mpg), nearly 5 minutes longer than 2014.

An even more impressive mark is their league leading 24.8 first downs per game.

The players moving the ball may have changed, but the new offensive leaders are proving every bit as effective as the 2014 playoff team.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2016 COWBOYS PASSING OFFENSE

Rookie sensation Prescott’s QB play has been every bit of the word sensational.

While Dak’s 98.3 QBR lags behind 2014 Romo’s outlandish mark of 113.2, he’s also yet to turn the ball over. No fumbles, no interceptions, no damage.

Prescott’s 67.9% completions and 7.7 yards per pass attempt only slightly trail 2014 Romo (69.9% , 8.5 y/a).

The ball distribution of the novice passer has rivaled that of a savvy veteran. Prescott has connected with 10 different receivers in only 4 games.

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Each of his 3 passing touchdowns were hauled in by a different target. Four receivers have double digit catches (66 total) and 150+ yards receiving.

The success kept coming even though the least productive of the top four targets was injury-limited, All-Pro Dez Bryant (11 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD).

Prescott displays command of the offense through heavy usage of middle routes. Cole Beasley and Jason Witten have already piled up 44 catches for 468 yards.

Dak is locating the open man without prejudice and taking full advantage of his safety nets. The sky is the limit for a rookie showing veteran craftiness so quickly.

October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the football past San Francisco 49ers safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the third quarter at Levi

2016 COWBOYS RUSHING OFFENSE

With a defense lacking play makers and destined to struggle, many Cowboys fans were praying for defensive help with the 4th overall pick in the draft.

The irony of selecting Elliott at running back is the multi-talented rookie is providing more help to the defense than bypassed corner Jalen Ramsey ever could.

Elliot leads the league in rushing (103 ypg) and has scored as many touchdowns (3) as Darren McFadden did all last season.

Between Elliott (3), Prescott (2), and back-up runners Alfred Morris (2) and Lance Dunbar (1), Dallas leads the NFL with 8 rushing touchdowns.

Just how dominant is the Cowboys rushing attack at holding the ball? The run unit has racked up 44 first downs on the ground, 15 more than the second best Patriots.

Elliott has 94 carries in 4 games, which puts him on pace for a whopping 376 carries.

Adrian Peterson led the NFL with 327 carries last season, which is 49 fewer than Zeke’s current pace.

While Murray had 392 rushes in 2014, it would be a good idea to lighten Zeke’s load some going forward and expand Morris’ solid production.

After all, the four year starter has 4.0 ypc and is scoring a TD every 12 carries.

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