NEW INSIGHT: Is McCarthy going to stick with his hot hand?

 

Could we see a greater focus on the run game considering that the Panthers play against Dallas, which has the sixth-ranked pass defense and has only allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season, as opposed to one of the worst run defenses in the league, which has allowed 15 rushing scores? Or do you believe Dak Prescott will be let to cook by Mike McCarthy, sticking with the hot hand? Randy Childs, North Grafton, Massachusetts

Patrik: I will always support the strategy of first determining what the defense will permit, then taking advantage of that to access what they won’t. Although this appears to be more of a game to establish the run, I believe Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s play should not be limited.

Individually, the two are playing at an MVP caliber, which has propelled the offense to become one of the best in the league. Unless you find that, on any particular week, it’s not operating as it typically does, you don’t meddle with that mojo. Therefore, I would put the Panthers’ secondary to the test because there’s no escaping the fact that you’ll have to face elite secondary defenses in the postseason, and this is an excellent opportunity to see how you do against one that’s almost in the top-5.

Take it as a test, but within reason, because if things aren’t working out as planned, unleash Rico Dowdle and Tony Pollard to force them to play run defense, which will help weaken the pass defense, and so on. Right now it’s searing, so take the hot hand.

Nick Eatman: Honestly, I don’t believe it’s all that difficult. McCarthy’s goal is to just move the football. The Cowboys will run the ball, and they will keep running if they are successful. However, teams will ultimately take it away, and when that occurs, Dak will undoubtedly be allowed to cook, eat, and use any other metaphor involving food that you choose. All I can think is that the offense is set up to involve a lot of weapons. Perhaps the running game is playing better than normal, but it still seems like a full-on assault to me. Of course, the running game will have plenty of opportunities if the Cowboys take an early lead once more.

But, it seems like the strategy is to show up prepared and adaptable to accept whatever is offered.