Why Hiring Kellen Moore Would Be the Fastest Way to Get the Cowboys’ Offense Back on Track

The Dallas Cowboys are a storied NFL franchise with a rich history of success, but recent seasons have highlighted challenges for their offense. Despite a strong defense and notable individual performances, the offense has struggled to maintain consistency, leaving the Cowboys short of their ultimate goal: winning another Super Bowl. While the team has experimented with different offensive coordinators and strategies over the years, one figure has consistently demonstrated the ability to maximize the potential of the Cowboys’ offensive players: Kellen Moore.

As the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator, Moore’s tenure was marked by a dynamic and efficient offense that consistently ranked among the league’s best in scoring and total yards. After Moore’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers as offensive coordinator, there’s a strong argument that bringing him back would be the quickest way for Dallas to restore its offensive rhythm and get back to contending at the highest level.

1. Kellen Moore’s Offensive Philosophy: A Proven Track Record of Success

Moore’s offensive philosophy is rooted in a balanced attack that makes optimal use of both the run and the pass. His ability to adjust to personnel, scheme around his players’ strengths, and tailor game plans based on opposing defenses allowed the Cowboys to remain competitive year after year. Under Moore, Dallas averaged 27.5 points per game, ranked in the top 10 for total yards, and consistently placed near the top in red-zone efficiency.

Moore’s offense is dynamic, relying on a strong play-action game that sets up downfield passing opportunities. His schemes incorporated quick, efficient passing plays to help quarterback Dak Prescott settle into a rhythm early. This was crucial for Prescott, who often relied on quick-release throws and timing routes to take advantage of opposing defenses’ weaknesses.

Perhaps most importantly, Moore knew how to create mismatches. Whether it was utilizing multiple tight ends in creative ways or isolating a specific receiver against a favorable matchup, Moore’s offensive schemes excelled at putting pressure on opposing defenses and dictating the terms of the game. Moore’s flexibility in mixing up formations and his ability to read defenses was a game-changer for the Cowboys’ offensive line, quarterback, and skill players.

The Cowboys’ offense was built to be unpredictable, but it still had a clear identity, which is crucial for any team hoping to contend year in and year out. In particular, Moore understood how to maximize the potential of players like Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, and, most notably, Dak Prescott, who often thrived under Moore’s guidance. The result was a consistently potent offense that kept defenses guessing.

2. The Impact on Dak Prescott’s Development

One of the most compelling reasons to hire Kellen Moore is the potential benefit for Dak Prescott. Since entering the NFL in 2016, Prescott has faced an ongoing challenge to maintain his growth and consistency. Under Moore’s tutelage, Prescott flourished in many ways, particularly in his ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws.

During Moore’s time as offensive coordinator, Prescott posted some of his best career numbers, including a career-high in passing yards and touchdown passes during the 2021 season. The rhythm and structure Moore implemented in the offense helped Prescott become a more comfortable and confident passer, especially on third downs and in the red zone.

Furthermore, Moore’s ability to design plays that utilized Prescott’s strengths—such as his mobility, accuracy on the move, and ability to work in the play-action game—allowed the quarterback to operate efficiently. Moore’s system was designed to minimize Prescott’s weaknesses while exploiting defensive mismatches, creating a comfortable environment for the QB to thrive.

If the Cowboys were to bring Moore back, it could have an immediate impact on Prescott’s development, allowing him to return to the level of play he demonstrated during his most successful seasons. Moore’s familiarity with Prescott’s skill set and his ability to adapt the offense to suit the quarterback’s needs would provide a level of stability and confidence that would be invaluable in the pursuit of a Super Bowl.

3. Restoring a Balanced Offensive Attack

One of the most critical aspects of Kellen Moore’s success as an offensive coordinator was his ability to balance the run and pass games. The Cowboys, especially in the post-Romo era, have always been known for their strong offensive line and commitment to the running game. Under Moore, this balance was maintained while allowing for explosive passing plays when needed.

In recent seasons, the Cowboys have faced criticism for being too reliant on one aspect of the offense. The running game, in particular, struggled when defensive lines were able to neutralize Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, particularly during crucial matchups against top-tier teams. The Cowboys’ offensive struggles in the playoffs have been tied to this lack of balance at times, which can be traced to a reliance on passing or running without enough adjustments in between.

Moore’s ability to keep opposing defenses honest through the play-action game was one of the keys to his success. When a defense is focused on stopping the run, Moore could use that to his advantage, setting up deep shots down the field that stretched defenses vertically. With a running back like Pollard, who thrives in open space, Moore’s ability to manipulate the defense created opportunities for explosive plays in both the running and passing game.

Bringing Moore back would immediately restore this balance, ensuring that the Cowboys remain unpredictable and difficult to defend against. It would also give more freedom to Pollard to operate in space, making the most of his explosiveness while utilizing the play-action game to its full effect.

4. Maximizing the Talent on the Roster

One of the main challenges for any offensive coordinator is maximizing the talent at their disposal. In recent years, the Cowboys have assembled a talented group of skill players, including star wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, solid tight ends in Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson, and a versatile backfield led by Tony Pollard. However, for much of the post-Moore era, these weapons have not been fully utilized.

Moore’s ability to get the best out of his offensive players is one of the reasons why his return could immediately impact the offense. Under his schemes, both Lamb and Michael Gallup would find more opportunities to make plays downfield and in the open field. Lamb’s dynamic playmaking ability would be maximized by Moore’s attention to getting him open in space and using motion to create mismatches.

In addition, Moore’s affinity for targeting tight ends in his offense would help bring balance to the receiving corps. Tight ends like Schultz and Ferguson would play an integral role in the offense, offering Prescott more quick-hitting options in the middle of the field.

Lastly, Moore’s ability to utilize a backfield committee effectively would help maximize the talent of Pollard and any other running backs the Cowboys might employ. Pollard has the skills to thrive in an up-tempo offense, and Moore’s ability to implement a scheme that keeps defenses on their toes with a dynamic running game would allow Pollard to flourish.

5. A Fresh Start with Familiarity

When a team is struggling offensively, sometimes the best remedy is a fresh start with someone who knows the players, the system, and the potential for success. For the Cowboys, hiring Kellen Moore would represent just that—bringing in a familiar face with a proven track record who knows how to work with the team’s current roster and adjust to the evolving NFL landscape.

Moore’s ability to build rapport with players, particularly quarterbacks, is a significant factor in his success as a coordinator. His knowledge of the Cowboys’ existing roster and understanding of the team’s culture would allow him to hit the ground running and immediately make an impact.

Additionally, Moore’s time with the Chargers has allowed him to further develop his understanding of how to work with top-tier quarterbacks like Justin Herbert. This experience would only enhance his ability to adjust his schemes and strategies to take advantage of Prescott’s talents, which could translate into a more efficient and potent offensive attack for Dallas.