The Dallas Cowboys are facing scoring struggles as Ezekiel Elliott returns for his much-anticipated homecoming against the New England Patriots. The Cowboys, who have been having trouble scoring touchdowns from inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, will be looking to Elliott to provide a solution to their red zone woes.
In their recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Cowboys reached the end zone just once in five trips inside the 20. This lack of scoring efficiency cost them the game, as they lost 28-16. The previous week, although they secured a 30-10 win over the New York Jets, they struggled in the red zone, only converting 2 out of 6 attempts.
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, along with new lead back Tony Pollard and the rest of the offense, will need to prove that they can score without a prototypical power back like Elliott, who was released in the offseason. The Cowboys cannot rely solely on Elliott’s return to solve their scoring problems.
Despite the Cowboys’ recent struggles, there are some positive aspects to their game. Pollard had his first 100-yard rushing game since taking over for Elliott, with an impressive 122 yards on 23 carries. However, the offensive line needs to get healthier for the Cowboys to improve their overall performance.
Against the Cardinals, the defense also had a tough time, allowing 222 rushing yards, their most in a loss since Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach in 2020. The Cowboys will need to tighten up their run defense if they want to have success against the Patriots.
The upcoming game against the Patriots holds significance for the Cowboys, as they have never been able to defeat Tom Brady’s Patriots in their five previous meetings. However, they have a strong record against all other New England quarterbacks, with an 8-1 record.
Overall, the Cowboys need to address their scoring struggles and find ways to convert in the red zone. They cannot solely rely on Ezekiel Elliott’s return to solve their issues. With a healthier offensive line and improved defense, the Cowboys have the potential to bounce back and secure a win against the Patriots.
