The Dallas Cowboys are back on the road this week to face the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dallas is 3-2 this season and has used its elite defense to make a huge difference in games, but will enter this one coming off its worst loss of the season. Adding intrigue to the matchup is the presence of Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who joined the team after being let go by Dallas in the offseason.
“He’s got a great feel for offenses and defenses,” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert told members of the media earlier this week. “He’s done a great job communicating with us what he expects, what he sees, and all the things that go into a gameplan each week.”
Despite injuries to crucial players like Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, and wide receiver Mike Williams, Moore’s Los Angeles offense ranks as one of the best in the league through four weeks — averaging fifth-most in yardage and seventh-most in points.
San Francisco is the only team Dallas has played so far with comparable numbers on the offensive side of the ball.
Last week’s loss to the 49ers might be weighing on the Cowboys, especially with the inevitable comparisons between Moore’s offenses and the current strategy deployed by Mike McCarthy. Still, the head coach remains confident in his plan.
“I’m into the plan of how we’re going to attack their defense,” McCarthy responded when asked about the scheme changes on Friday. “I’m more focused on attack mode. We’ve done our self-scout. I think a big thing is what we’ve put on tape, particularly in the details and mannerisms in how we’ve played and how it stacks up against these guys.”
The Cowboys offense has had its share of struggles this offseason, particularly in the red zone and its passing game. Quarterback Dak Prescott ranks 17th in passing yards through the first five games with five touchdowns and four interceptions, and there has been a noticeable lack of pushing the ball down the field, a sharp difference from Moore’s playcalling.
Still, this week may provide respite for the struggling attack. The Chargers have one of the worst defenses in football and the worst passing defense, allowing 299.8 yards through the air per game.
It seems like a good recipe for the unit to get on track after a lackluster start to the season.
The Cowboys (3-2) and Chargers (2-2) will kick off at 7:15 p.m. CT on Monday.