Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is stepping into the new season in a pressure cooker, his seat so hot it would make the fiery underworld blush.
But, how will McCarthy avoid the ax and perhaps even earn an extension? By running. No, not McCarthy himself sprinting down the sidelines, but by embracing a potent running game with vigor.
“We will be good running the football, and that’s because we’re going to commit to it,” McCarthy confidently stated on 105.3 The Fan.
The Running Revelation
Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. Simply committing to running the ball doesn’t automatically translate to success. Commitment without results just leads to frustration. The running game must be **effective** to justify sticking with it, leading to more opportunities, and ultimately, victories.
Blocking and Backfield Brilliance
The success of this revamped strategy hinges on a few key elements. First and foremost, blocking will be crucial. The offensive line needs to ensure that rushing lanes are open. Secondly, we need to see if Ezekiel Elliott can wind back the clock and deliver vintage performances, while Rico Dowdle steps up to share the load.
If you listen closely, you’ll often hear some “geniuses” in the room spouting off stats about a team’s success when they run the ball a set number of times or rack up a certain number of yards. That logic is flimsy. Teams don’t find success merely because they run the ball. They thrive because their running game is successful and the commitment to it is unwavering.
Commitment with Conditions
So, if the Cowboys are able to run the ball effectively, then yes, by all means, commit to it. But if they’re stalling, it’s time to pivot. After all, why squander the talents of a $34 million-a-year receiver and a quarterback potentially pulling in $60 million annually?
McCarthy knows the stakes, and as the Cowboys charge into the new season, the commitment to the running game must yield results. Otherwise, the calls for change will grow louder and more insistent, because in this league, success is the only balm for a hot seat.
