Independence Day: America's Team Cowboys must secede from predictable offensive tendencies
When it comes to their offensive tendencies, Dallas needs to declare independence from transparency. It's one of few advantages of having a first-time head coach at the helm — no one knows exactly what to expect.
Even though Schottenheimer has been in Dallas for two years, he's been stuck in a supportive role behind Mike McCarthy. With McCarthy now out to pasture and Schottenheimer seizing the play caller role, it's anyone's guess what an unbridled Schottenheimer offense looks like. And that's a good thing.
Opponents likely expect a run-heavy offense with ample inside-zone running concepts and a play-action-rich passing game as a complementary force. But Schottenheimer, and his newly hired offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, are well-versed in a wide range of concepts that will no doubt be put to use in 2025.
The new head coach has discussed his desire to run multiple personnel groups in variety of ways this season. Using versatile players in different alignments and formations can stress a defense, prompting misjudgments and mismatches for his offense to take advantage of. Running passing plays and rushing plays out of identical looks is something Kyle Shanahan has made famous in his brand of offense, and it's something Schottenheimer appears to be aiming for in 2025.
To what degree everything is applied is anyone's guess. Schottenheimer has dropped nuggets of information but has been strategically vague as to the degree and breadth of these concepts on his ideal offense. It makes for an exciting and unpredictable attack in 2025 and, with any luck, will keep opponents guessing into the postseason.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
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