Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys story being told by these two statistics

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Through two games of the 2016 NFL regular season, the Dallas Cowboys story is being told by these two statistics.

Watching the Dallas Cowboys through the first two weeks of the season and there is a lot to like about what the team is doing. They are 1-1, but could easily have been 2-0 (or 0-2 for that matter) and the Cowboys seem to have found a competent backup to quarterback Tony Romo.

There are also a few other things that have become apparent. One of them needs to get fixed in a hurry, which is actually very good news for the Cowboys.

First, let’s focus on the good. The Cowboys have been whizzes on third down. They have converted on 16 of their 29 third down attempts, good for second in the league. That’s an impressive number for a team with a rookie quarterback in Dak Prescott and a rookie running back, Ezekiel Elliott, who had limited participation in the preseason.

That success is essential for how the Cowboys aspire to play. Dallas wants to run the ball, control the clock and keep an undermanned defense fresh. Then, in the fourth quarter, at money time, Dallas’ offense can beat up on a worn down defense to finish out games. Converting on third downs is key to that strategy.

Which leads us to the other part where the offense has to have better: efficiency in the red zone. Sustained drives are nice, but the object is to score points and force teams to play catch up. Opposing offenses don’t have to work as hard if they only need to kick field goals to keep pace. Getting touchdowns and pushing teams to match those six/seven points is a tougher proposition, especially considering Rod Marinelli’s bend but don’t break defensive approach.

The Cowboys are at only 50% in the red zone, good for 18th in the NFL. Their failures to convert on those opportunities is allowing teams to stay in games when Dallas should be getting out to bigger leads. As a result, the Cowboys are putting themselves in close game situations where one play can mean the difference between winning and losing.

By not scoring touchdowns, the Dallas defense is being asked to do more reacting and less attacking, which is not the plan. In 2014 the Cowboys forced 31 turnovers because they converted on third downs, scored touchdowns on red zone trips and played from ahead on the scoreboard.

This season, the Cowboys offense is moving the ball and converting on third downs, but leaving too many points on the field. Converting on more of those red zone trips would go a long way to having a winning season, no matter who plays quarterback.

The Dallas Cowboys’ season was always going to revolve around their offense, and these two categories are telling the story.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi