Cowboys dedication to the running game is a good thing, until it’s not

Playing Monday Morning Quarterback offers an unfair advantage. Given the benefit of hindsight, critics are allowed to apply thoughtfulness and analytics to a fast-developing situation that otherwise doesn’t allow such luxuries in real time. It’s what separates the millionaire decision makers from the keyboard warriors and critics in matters such as sports and politics.It’s why I say with a humble and sincere heart the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 7 embrace of the running game is long overdue and an action to rejoice. It’s why I say, with the same fickle and self-righteous heart, if they stubbornly stick with a run-heavy approach that starts to struggle, I’ll be the first to condemn their foolish actions.The Cowboys are a better team when they have a relatively even run-pass balance. For six weeks in 2026, they had anything but, passing at the highest rate in the NFL. In Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas favored the run at a rate of 38-27. Playing with a lead throughout most of the second half and operating with a 50 percent success rate on the ground, it’s hard to blame them.This run-heavy outcome is common sense given the circumstance. Dallas normally runs the ball at 44 percent success rate and are normally playing from behind. The stars aligned in Philly with a score advantage and strong success rate. 50 percent may not sound amazing but if that success rate was maintained over the course of a season, it would be good enough for No. 2 overall.It’s here where hindsight offers the unfair advantage.Rushing the ball is wise when successful, but foolish when it’s not. Throughout the Dak Prescott era, the passing game has been superior in both success rate and EPA, so a run-heavy approach is rarely the recommended strategy. But when the running game is on, balance is key.Javonte Williams had the best rushing game of his NFL career running all over the Eagles on Monday night.25 CAR, 155 RUYDS, 1 TD, 6.2 YPC vs EaglesDallas finished with a season high 204 rushing yards in the 38 to 21 win. pic.twitter.com/plP1jdI8Bi— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) October 27, 2026The Cowboys are such a good offense when balance is found and as Tyler Smith reacclimates himself on the line, balance should be a feasible strategy going forward. In future weeks, the Cowboys should absolutely stick with the run; provided, of course, it keeps with its efficiency and Dallas can avoid falling behind on the scoreboard.Unfortunately, it’s tough for a coach to know if the running game is successful until after he attempted a run. Hence, the hard place coaches find themselves in. They need to know when to pull the plug, how to exploit a weakness and how to pivot to a new strategy.As William Shakespeare once prosed, “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” This type of Monday Morning critique is the cost of doing business when you’re the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.Is it fair?As Don Draper once said, “that’s what the money’s for!”You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys dedication to the running game is a good thing, until it’s not