Dak Prescott isn’t sure the Cowboys’ offense has an identity worth celebrating. Dallas remains a high-scoring team, but it has leaned more heavily on predictable, pass-first football while using motion, play action and the running game less often. Prescott and coach Brian Schottenheimer appear to differ on how much motion can help the quarterback and unsettle defenses.

By the Numbers
  • Dallas is averaging 27.4 points per game.
  • The Cowboys run on 32.5% of plays, the fifth-lowest rate in the NFL.
  • Dallas averages 94.1 rushing yards per game, eighth-worst in the league.
  • In 2026, the Cowboys’ motion rate is 36.5%, their under-center rate is 30.4%, and their play-action rate is 24.2%.
Yes, But

Schottenheimer has suggested motion is harder to use when Dallas is trailing and can cloud the quarterback’s picture. Prescott argues it can reveal defensive disguises, create favorable matchups and help disguise familiar plays. Dallas’ scoring average offers some evidence the offense can produce, even as its limited variety and weak rushing output raise concerns.

Bottom Line

The Cowboys’ challenge is not simply scoring—it’s building a more adaptable offense. Restoring motion and other ways to create easier reads could help Prescott and make Dallas less dependent on its passing game.