In the world of football, a team’s rushing offense is often regarded as a cornerstone of its success. A potent ground game can control the clock, tire out opposing defenses, and open up opportunities for the passing game. For the Dallas Cowboys, however, last season’s rushing offense was a serious point of concern. Ranking 27th in the NFL, the Cowboys struggled to establish a consistent and effective running attack throughout 2024. This decline in the ground game had significant implications for the overall performance of the offense and, ultimately, the team’s playoff aspirations.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the Cowboys are facing a critical question: How can they fix their rushing offense and return to the dominant ground attack that characterized their earlier successes? To answer that question, it’s important to break down the issues from last season, understand what went wrong, and analyze the steps the Cowboys are taking to address their rushing woes in 2025.
The Cowboys’ Rushing Struggles in 2024
When analyzing the Cowboys’ rushing offense in 2024, several key factors contributed to their lack of success on the ground. To better understand why they ranked 27th in rushing yards per game, let’s take a look at the main issues that plagued the running game last season.
1. Injuries to Key Players
One of the most significant factors in the Cowboys’ struggles on the ground was the injury situation. Running back Tony Pollard, who had shown promise as the team’s lead back in 2023, suffered a number of nagging injuries throughout the season. While Pollard remained active for the majority of the season, his mobility was often limited by these injuries, and he wasn’t able to perform at the high level that fans had come to expect.
Pollard’s inability to carry the load on his own forced the Cowboys to lean on other backs, but none were able to provide a consistent rushing threat. Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle had flashes of potential but were not able to deliver on a consistent basis. Injuries and the lack of a clear, reliable backup plan made it difficult for the Cowboys to establish a rhythm in the running game.
2. Offensive Line Issues
While the Cowboys have a historically strong offensive line, 2024 saw significant struggles from this unit. Injuries and inconsistent play led to a breakdown in blocking schemes, particularly in the run game. Tyron Smith, the stalwart left tackle, continued to deal with injuries that limited his effectiveness. Zack Martin, while still one of the best guards in the league, wasn’t able to fully mask the struggles of the other linemen around him.
The offensive line’s inability to consistently open up running lanes was a major hindrance to the Cowboys’ ability to run the ball effectively. This issue was especially apparent in short-yardage situations, where the Cowboys often found themselves unable to convert on third-and-short or near the goal line. If the offensive line isn’t winning at the point of attack, it’s nearly impossible for the running backs to gain any meaningful yardage, and the Cowboys were often forced into obvious passing situations, reducing the effectiveness of their offense.
3. Lack of Offensive Balance
Another factor that contributed to the Cowboys’ inability to establish a strong rushing game was a lack of balance in their offensive approach. Dak Prescott is a talented quarterback, but the Cowboys relied far too heavily on him in the passing game, particularly in high-pressure situations. When teams began to understand that the Cowboys’ rushing offense was underwhelming, they were able to stack the box, slowing down the running game and forcing the offense to become one-dimensional.
The Cowboys’ offensive playcalling also lacked the creativity and variety necessary to keep defenses guessing. They were often predictable in their run-pass ratios, making it easier for defenses to key in on Prescott’s arm and neutralize the ground game. Without a balanced offensive attack that keeps the defense on its heels, it’s difficult to sustain any long-term success, and the Cowboys’ offensive struggles in the running game were a direct result of that imbalance.
4. The Loss of Ezekiel Elliott’s Power Running
The Cowboys’ rushing offense was significantly affected by the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, who had been the centerpiece of the team’s ground game for several seasons. While Elliott had seen a decline in his performance over the last few years, he was still an integral part of the Cowboys’ running back committee.
Elliott’s power running and ability to pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations were missed in 2024. The absence of a bruising back who could take over those critical situations left a gap that Pollard, who is more of an elusive back, was not equipped to fill. Pollard’s skill set is best suited for open-field running and breaking big gains, not for grinding out tough yards between the tackles. Without Elliott’s presence, the Cowboys were left searching for a solution that they couldn’t quite find throughout the season.
5. Lack of Playmaking at the Running Back Position
While Pollard showed flashes of brilliance, he wasn’t consistently able to produce as the primary back. His speed and explosiveness are assets, but he wasn’t able to maintain a high level of performance over the course of the season, especially given the limitations of the offensive line.
The Cowboys’ depth at the running back position didn’t offer much help either. Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle had moments where they appeared capable of contributing, but neither proved to be a consistent option in a lead role. Deuce Vaughn, the Cowboys’ rookie in 2024, showed promise but wasn’t yet ready to take on a major role in the offense.
What the Cowboys Are Doing to Fix Their Rushing Offense
The Cowboys are aware that their rushing offense must improve if they want to remain competitive in a crowded NFC. To that end, they have taken several steps to revamp their ground game heading into the 2025 season.
1. Investing in the Offensive Line
The Cowboys have made several key investments to improve their offensive line heading into 2025. First and foremost, they made sure to retain key players like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin while adding depth to the unit through the draft and free agency. By strengthening the line, the Cowboys are hoping to generate more push in the run game and ensure that their backs have enough space to gain yards consistently.
The Cowboys have also focused on improving their offensive line’s communication and cohesion. Last season’s struggles were often due to breakdowns in blocking assignments, and this year, the team is focusing on eliminating those issues through more practice time and team-building activities.
2. Adding Depth to the Running Back Room
While Tony Pollard remains the starting back for the Cowboys, the team has made moves to add depth to the running back position. Deuce Vaughn, the dynamic rookie from Kansas State, is expected to take on a larger role this season. His versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield could provide a much-needed spark to the offense. Additionally, the Cowboys signed Kenyan Drake in free agency, who brings a veteran presence and another option in short-yardage situations.
By diversifying their running back stable, the Cowboys hope to create a more dynamic and unpredictable rushing attack. Pollard, Vaughn, and Drake each bring different skills to the table, and the coaching staff plans to use them in tandem to create a balanced and effective running game.
3. Embracing a More Balanced Offensive Approach
To prevent defenses from keying in too heavily on the passing game, the Cowboys are looking to embrace a more balanced offensive approach in 2025. With Mike McCarthy at the helm as head coach, the team has signaled that they will commit more to the run game, using it to set up play-action and keep the defense off balance.
The idea is to mix up play-calling more effectively, not only to protect Prescott but also to create opportunities for the running backs to find space. McCarthy’s offense will be designed to incorporate more run-first strategies while still allowing Prescott to work his magic in the passing game. A more balanced approach will force defenses to spread themselves thin, opening up more opportunities in both phases of the offense.
4. Enhancing the Run Blocking Schemes
The Cowboys’ coaching staff is focusing on adjusting their blocking schemes to be more effective in the run game. This includes a stronger emphasis on zone blocking, which has become a more common trend in modern NFL offenses. Zone blocking can allow the offensive line to create better angles and cutback lanes for the running backs, making it easier for them to gain yards.
Additionally, the Cowboys are looking to utilize more motion and misdirection to confuse defenses and open up running lanes. This added element of unpredictability can help mitigate the impact of any weaknesses on the offensive line.
