The Dallas Cowboys have their third offensive coordinator in as many years in Scott Linehan, and while he is looking to improve the vertical passing game Linehan wants the Cowboys to run the ball more. The Cowboys abandoning the run in some games during the 2013 season was a source of frustration for fans and scrutiny from media.
“Things that were done last year in the running game with DeMarco, the running style that was created here is really a good fit,” Linehan said in an interview on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. “That’s going to be our strength, being able to lean on that running game a little bit more than they have in the past.
“Obviously, with this offensive line, this is going to be something that’s going to help our passing game. The looks that Dez [Bryant] started to get as the year went on, people started giving him the attention that Calvin [Johnson] and Randy Moss would get as far as getting those double coverages. You need to have those other facets of your offense as far as your running game.”
To improve in the running game, they’ve again drafted a offensive lineman with their first pick of the NFL Draft. They’re also hoping last year’s second-round pick tight end Gavin Escobar can have an impact on the run game as well. According to veteran tight end Jason Witten, Escobar has impressed him with his improvement.
“We know he can run the seams and can do some things in the passing game, but we need him to be solid in there [on the line],” Witten said, via the Dallas Morning News. “He’s worked hard. To see that package grow for him and being out on the field is going to be a lot better because he can now do both.
“I’m proud of him. I know he’s worked hard. It’s paying off for him and I think his role will continue to grow. We need that. We need that not only in the slot, but we need that other guy up the middle.”
Witten is also a fan of running the ball more. Cowboys tight end coach Mike Pope also praised Escobar’s improvement.
“He’s been methodically present and he’s worked really hard,” Pope said. “When you’re 6-7, there’s going to be some areas of your body that need more development. Most of the time, that’s the legs, and that was his background, being more of an athletic tight end, a space player. He’s worked hard this winter and I’ve been impressed by it.”