Are the Cowboys missing Zeke and Schultz in the red zone?

[Jake]

I know some will scoff at this, but they combined to score 35 TDs the past two seasons (22 of them by Zeke). Almost all of them were in the red zone.

So far, their replacements haven't had a ton of success replicating those red zone scores. Should Luepke get some carries there? Will a TE step up?

The Cowboys 40% red zone TD rate is ahead of only 3 teams, and the same as the NY Jets.

 

[pansophy]

If the scheme is essentially the same then the answer must be yes. But I have to think McCarthy is calling plays differently and different concepts are being used.

Maybe better off using the WCO between the 20’s and then do what made us the best red zone offense the previous 2 years.

 

[RomoIsGod]

Yep

 

[Plankton]

I think the Cowboys are missing not having their starting offensive linemen available as much as anything. Being good in the red zone is as much about being able to run the ball when you want to as anything else, and not having the full starting crew available has limited their ability to do just that.

You're never as good as you look on your best day, or as bad as you look on your worst. The Cowboys are a good team, but, IMO, still a cut below the 49ers and Eagles.

 

[Captain-Crash]

I blame KM and Romo

 

[Cowboys93]

Dak needs to be a running threat in the RZ. I’m not saying he needs to be Lamar Jackson, but he needs to take opportunities that are there. Idk if it’s his hesitation or the coaching staff but honestly it’s perplexing

 

[Mr_437]

I don't think so. I feel Luepke can score short yardage TDs if necessary. Also, TP didn't really get good opportunities because they were throwing and 7+ yards from the goaline.

I feel the TEs just need more opportunity to make the plays Shultz did, but this is a different offense.

 

[stinkface]

Apparently.

 

[lopey]

They miss Zeke. But mm scared to allow qb to throw in end zone because he’s afraid of ints. Dak under throws receivers, or behind them. You have to be accurate in red zone. Small window.

 

[Tabascocat]

Dallas needs to stop getting tackled around the 10yd line. Get tackled inside the five and it will look much better

 

[rags747]

NO

 

[Calvin2Tony2Emmitt2Julius]

Yep, by Nov not so much

 

[RonnieT24]

Of course they miss Zeke and Schultz in the red zone.. but I am holding out hope that one of the young TEs will emerge as a viable red zone option and I think once the line gets healthy (yeah I know when will that ever be) they will get a lot better at moving people down there. It's early yet and they're still adapting. McCarthy and Schotty will figure it out. One thing they can change to make it instantly better is tell Dak he needs to be more decisive when he gets out on the edge. He's not fast enough to wait for the defenders to commit. He needs to take off and press the issue. If he does that he will run through most DBs and drag most LBs for positive yards.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Are the Cowboys missing Zeke and Schultz in the red zone?​

The Cowboys 40% red zone TD rate is ahead of only 3 teams, and the same as the NY Jets.

The ball isn't going into the end zone. The Cowboys rarely try to score until it's obvious and the defense is waiting for it. It's run, swing pass, dink and dunk. Short stuff. I understand we don't want interceptions but McCarty has to call plays for the quartback has to throw the ball in the end zone. We had 2 TE's score in the Jets game. From 1 and 4 yards. The WR's haven't scored yet! Throw the ball in the end zone!

 

[Carson]

Somewhat yes

But the play calling has been absolute dog water.

Run, Run, Pass. Bull crap end arounds etc

 

[Tabascocat]

The ball isn't going into the end zone. The Cowboys rarely try to score until it's obvious and the defense is waiting for it. It's run, swing pass, dink and dunk. Short stuff. I understand we don't want interceptions but McCarty has to call plays for the quartback has to throw the ball in the end zone.

When they do throw it into the endzone, it is usually that corner fade that Dak is terrible at. The Raiders had some really nice plays last night that MM needs to watch.

 

[acr731]

The ball isn't going into the end zone. The Cowboys rarely try to score until it's obvious and the defense is waiting for it. It's run, swing pass, dink and dunk. Short stuff. I understand we don't want interceptions but McCarty has to call plays for the quartback has to throw the ball in the end zone. We had 2 TE's score in the Jets game. From 1 and 4 yards. The WR's haven't scored yet! Throw the ball in the end zone!

Which is why some are now saying MM doesn't trust Dak.

 

[mrmojo]

We probably do, but nothing we can do as they are not here anymore......need to figure this red zone out or the Boys aren't going anywhere this year. Thats why stats dont tell the whole story if you look at the offensive numbers.

 

[Creeper]

The answer is yes to both players, although I think they miss Zeke more than they miss Schultz. But players come and go on every team. MM and Dak just need to develop new options. I would suggest using Luepke on occasion inside the 5 yard line. He is showing he is not just a straight ahead plodder. The guy has a first cut, vision to the whole and some power. Pitch out to him and let him plow through the DBs for 5 yards.

As for the Schultz question, Dak needs to develop chemistry with someone else. Schultz wasn't especially talented but Dak trusted him. Maybe Ferguson can be that guy or even the 2nd round pick who reminds me of David LaFleur.

But really they just need to be more creative on those goal to go situations.

 

[KJJ]

We’re definitely missing Schultz in the redzone. He had 13 TDs his last two seasons with the Cowboys. None of our WRs have a single TD this season. They’re struggling to separate, especially when we’re in scoring position.