Cowboys discuss one tweak the offense is focusing on this offseason

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott indicated Dallas' revamped offense will bolster his performance this season. 

"Just a crazy amount of details," Prescott said of the new system, via Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. "Guys are on the same page, just being very open and communicating. That has been a world of difference." 

Even though Dallas finished sixth or better in scoring three times while Kellen Moore served as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, the team parted ways with him after Prescott tied the league lead in interceptions last season with 15 in 12 games.

Head coach Mike McCarthy assumed play-calling, and Brian Schottenheimer replaced Moore as OC. Schottenheimer believes the change will reduce Prescott's picks.

"It's a storyline that I expect is not going to be a storyline this year," Schottenheimer said.

To accomplish this, Dallas will not opt for a more conservative scheme but instead focus on improving Prescott's footwork and timing.

"The difference between Prescott taking a three-step drop that will launch the ball to its target in 1.678 seconds versus a five-step drop that skews closer to 1.921, Schottenheimer gives as an example, can be the difference between a completion and interception," wrote Epstein.

It's not just Prescott who will be tasked with responsibility in the team's increased focused on timing. The wide receivers need to understand the details as well.

“This is the first year we’ve really had to key in on how many steps he’s taking so we know how fast the ball is coming out,” Michael Gallup told Epstein. 

It sounds like the group is embracing the change.

“I can run my routes more comfortably knowing that he’s done with his drop or that he’s not getting touched or that he’s protected,” CeeDee Lamb added. “I feel like the speed that we have in this room, the guys that can track the ball, the mentality [will help us] get open, create separation. It just can’t be too early. Because then it’s quickening up his steps and it’s a whole different situation. Being on the same timing as the quarterback is very important for us.”

The Cowboys not overhauling their offense is smart, as it's not a broken system. Last season, they finished third in the NFL in scoring and 10th in yards. The hope is that a little fine-tuning can take it to the next level.

Prescott just needs to make some tweaks to sharpen his game. The points Schottenheimer and the coaching staff emphasize could help him fine-tune it. The refined skill set should help Prescott consistently play at an elite level and could help Dallas to capture its sixth Super Bowl title.