The Dallas Cowboys have a lot riding on the 2024 NFL season Coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott are both eager to prove they can go beyond one-and-done as a playoff contender, while team owner Jerry Jones is busy. promoting his leadership amid strong external criticism. So how do the Cowboys spread the pressure inside? McCarthy hinted at two keys on Friday.
The first: Believe in the growth of the team. McCarthy learned about the ancient parable of the “Chinese bamboo tree” in February, he told 105.3 The Fan of Dallasand then emphasized the story to his own players. Legend has it that the tree can be watered for four years and still produce “nothing above ground,” only to sprout from “zero to 80 or 90 feet” at the start of Year 5. McCarthy, of course, is entering his fifth season on top. . The Cowboys staff, looking to finally maximize a talented roster when it matters most.
Another key: The ground game.
“We will always be committed to it,” McCarthy said. “You have to get the tests where they need to be… . [We need to] win the time of possession battle. … We will be pleased to take care of the football, and it is because we will commit to it.”
To be clear, McCarthy noted that running the ball isn’t the only way to maintain and sustain possessions, also emphasizing pass completion rate. His overt mention of a rush focus is noteworthy, however, given Dallas’ apparent imbalance of offensive personnel, with Prescott and CeeDee Lamb headlining a dynamic passing attack and a host of unproven or aging veterans manning the running backfield, including Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle . and the recently added Dalvin Cook, who is technically on the practice squad.
At the end of the day, McCarthy isn’t worried about the outside expectations for his team either.
“I think the nature of this business alone brings a lot of pressure,” he said.
