Maybe, just maybe, play caller Scott Linehan has figured out how to maximize the Cowboys' offense.
It starts with putting Dak Prescott on the move whether he's running or throwing from a moving pocket. It means being stubborn with the run and regularly giving Ezekiel Elliott a minimum of 20 carries.
And it means making Michael Gallup and Cole Beasley the focus of the passing game.
Do that on a regular basis and this Cowboys' offense — dysfunctional and ineffective much of the season — might just score enough points to complement their defense and win enough games to get into the playoffs.
Linehan found a blueprint Sunday in the Cowboys' shocking 33-point win over Jacksonville and its top-rated defense and collection of stars.
They scored a season-high 40 points. Prescott had 265 yards in total offense — 183 passing and 82 rushing — while throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. Beasley had a season-high nine catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
Dallas amassed 23 first downs and converted a season-high seven-of-17 third-down. They rushed for 206 yards and kept the ball for more than 38 minutes.
With receiver Tavon Austin expected to miss several weeks with a groin injury, the Cowboys have even fewer playmakers, which means Linehan must maximize the ones he still has.
Prescott had runs of 10, 17 and 28 yards against Jacksonville. The 17-yard run, a read option around left end, resulted in a touchdown. The other two runs were scrambles.
Prescott had 19 runs of 10 yards or more last season, and 12 as a rookie. His athleticism makes him a weapon Linehan must prioritize.
