In the 2021 season, many eyes will be on the Cowboys offense. With the return of Dak Prescott and the starting offensive linemen, the cowboy attack could be one of the most dangerous in the NFL. Of course, much of this will depend on Kellen Moore’s work as Dallas’ offensive coordinator.
While the Cowboys’ attacking performance this year raises high expectations, Kellen Moore feels calm and carefree. This was what he revealed this Friday during a press conference in Oxnard, where he spoke of the return of quarterback Dak Prescott and other important points.
One of the things that most concerned the coaching staff (and some analysts) regarding Prescott’s return from injury had to do with the mechanics of his position. After a serious injury, many players must go through a process of physical and mechanical “relearning”. However, according to Moore, this was not necessary in Dak’s case.
Besides, there is also concern about Prescott regarding many aspects of the game: mobility, hits from defenders, among others. It was even speculated that the quarterback would be limited in his style of play after the terrible injury suffered last October. However, the Cowboys offensive coordinator cleared up any doubts about it.
Cowboys OC Kellen Moore says it would be “foolish of us” to tell Dak Prescott to nix his running mentality because of injury. “Part of what make Dak Dak.” Be smart, but don’t abandon that physicality. pic.twitter.com/8UU1PDa4mC
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 23, 2021
“Obviously you have to be smart and understand situational football, but it would be silly of us to take that away from him.”Moore said when asked about Prescott’s mobility after his injury. “He can still make plays with his legs. Sometimes he has a runner mentality. We just have to find situations where that’s appropriate and where he can play football well. “
Kellen Moore stressed the importance of mobility for a quarterback in today’s football. As we’ve seen, a number of top quarterbacks these days are usually quite mobile. This is also characteristic of Prescott, and that may be key to the offensive performance of the Cowboys in 2021.
“In today’s NFL you have to be able to move around and make unexpected plays.”the Dallas offensive coordinator told the media. “You have to be able to make plays moving in or out of the pocket, run if you get a chance, fight for the first down… We still need that from Dak.”
Dak Prescott in action ????
(???? jonmachota)pic.twitter.com/kJamD3BQmr
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 24, 2021
However, Prescott is not the only return from injury that excites Kellen Moore. During Friday’s press conference, the offensive coordinator spoke of other offensive elements who joined the camp after recovering from their injuries.
“It’s great to see the boys walk to the field”Moore told reporters in Oxnard. “Seeing the big three (La’el Collins, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin) walk together, Dak Prescott, obviously Blake (Jarwin)… It’s a lot of players who went through a few things last year so I think we’re really in a good place”.
Cowboys training camp practice No. 1 pic.twitter.com/aS3D7Qj0G1
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 22, 2021
Good expectations for Moore with two offensive pieces from Dallas
Other offensive players Kellen Moore spoke about during his press conference were catcher CeeDee Lamb and running back Ezekiel Elliott. In fact, Moore hinted at how he could use two of his best offensive weapons this season.
Regarding Ezekiel Elliott, Moore highlighted his great physical condition. The running back’s offseason preparation with private coach Josh Hicks has paid off, and he’s not going unnoticed. Taking advantage of Elliott’s status, Moore intends to use him in different schemes and plays.
“It looks faster, this is what maybe we all noticed”Moore said of Elliott on Friday. “I think he will be a versatile player and that is what we have worked on. We have many versatile players. I think we can align them in different places, creating different confrontations “.
On RB Ezekiel Elliott, Kellen Moore says he “looks great.”
Describes his approach throughout the offseason as “phenomenal.” This season, the goal is to use him as a “versatile player,” lining him up in multiple positions to create mismatches.
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) July 23, 2021
As for CeeDee Lamb, much has been said about how limited he was in 2020 playing as an inside receiver. However, Moore assured that Lamb will have a more expanded role in his second year in Dallas.
“Last year with the offseason compressed, he played a lot as an intern”Moore said of Lamb. “Obviously we want to move it a lot more. He will be lined up in different places across the field, and we will have fun doing it. “.
Cowboys OC Kellen Moore said the team mainly limited WR CeeDee Lamb’s usage to the slot last year as a rookie in a compressed offseason. This is a new year. “He’s going to play all over the field, …and we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it.” pic.twitter.com/Wpt1sqWBO5
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 23, 2021
There is no doubt that there are high expectations surrounding the Cowboys offense in 2021, and that much of the responsibility falls on Kellen Moore. However, if the young offensive coordinator has shown one thing, it is that he has the ability and the strategies to do a great job. For something he was the only survivor of the 2019 coaching staff, and for something the Cowboys have him as a candidate to be a head coach in the future.
