DALLAS (105.3 the Fan) - Despite facing immense challenges due to injuries to key personnel all season long, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has still managed to find success calling plays.
In fact, even while missing star quarterback Dak Prescott, as well as losing multiple starters along the offensive line, Moore's offense ranks 12th in the NFL in total offense, seventh in passing offense, and in the top half of the league in points per game.
Now, according to Cowboys owner and General Manager, Jerry Jones, it appears that his production has actually been intentionally held back at times during the season, in order to keep the offense on the field longer, and help the team's struggling defense.
"The challenge here all year long, has been how to compliment, and frankly not only adjust for our lack of players with injuries, Dak being specific, and the offensive line, but how to compliment the defense," Jones told Shan Shariff and Mike Fisher on 105.3 the Fan. "We actually, you might say, held Kellen back on productivity, just so we could stay out on the field longer at times. That's been again to help the defense out. Its why the running game can be so important, because you get to stay out on the field longer."
Jones also went on to praise Moore, citing his unique fit, not only with the Cowboys but also his potential fit as a head coach with his alma mater, the Boise State Broncos.
"He's unique. He's certainly unique for the job there at Boise State because of his great career there," Jones said. "But Kellen is very unique. He's unique to us because he knows the players so well, played with them, he's unique because of his relationship with Dak, and frankly, he's unique because now of his relationship with Andy Dalton. He fits real good for us right now."
Moore, of course, has been recently connected to the now vacant job at Boise State and has even reportedly interviewed with the school about the position. And the Jones's, despite their obvious affection for Moore, have both been quick to extend their support to the 32-year-old.
"You've asked specifically about Kellen and I'm reluctant to be funny. But I'll say this to anyone. Remember the two buzzards sitting on the limb and one's got his neck turned around looking at the other and says, 'Patience my ass. I'm going to kill something.' As they surveyed the landscape," Jones said. "And, so, I'm not really demeaning patience. You've got to have it, I guess. But the bottom line is that when it's there, take it, and when it's not there sometimes we'll rustle it up."
You can listen to Shan and Fish's full interview with Jones below:
