The Dallas Cowboys’ struggles this season have led to widespread criticism of the organization on a national stage, even from those who have close ties with it.
Dallas Cowboys legend and current ESPN NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman recently made it a point to call out the Cowboys’ “lazy” receiving corps during a local radio appearance.
“I think the routes are terrible,” Aikman said via Jon Machota, who covers the Cowboys for The Athletic. “I think they run terrible routes. And I’ve thought that beyond this year. I think CeeDee (Lamb) has got to improve in his route running. As a quarterback, if you’re not certain where guys are going to be consistently, it’s hard to play the position.
“That’s what I see. I see guys lazy coming off the line of scrimmage. Sometimes they run, usually if they do, it’s because they’re anticipating they’re going to get the football on that play, but if they’re not, they don’t. And it all ties together. I’m not impressed with that part of it.
“I just finished watching the Baltimore Ravens because I have them this week. You put on film of theirs and watch their receivers run routes and they come off the football, so does San Francisco’s and Green Bay’s and others. But it’s hard to play the (QB) position if you’re not certain how guys will run routes or where they will be.
“And I’m not speaking for Dak (Prescott). Dak may say, ‘Hey, I think (their routes) are amazing.’ But as a former quarterback watching it, it’s gotta get a lot better.”
To the naked eye, Aikman’s criticism of the Cowboys’ receiving corps may seem unwarranted, considering the Cowboys have the second-most passing yards of any team that has already had its Bye Week.
However, these passing yards aren’t resulting in touchdowns when it matters. During the season, the Cowboys have just a 37.5 percent touchdown rate in the red zone, the second-worst rate among all teams.
Jon Machota asked Mike McCarthy about Aikman’s criticisms on Monday.
While McCarthy acknowledged that the team needs to improve at every position, he didn’t particularly agree with Aikman’s word selection.
“They don’t carry any weight with me, because I watch all the tape, I get to go to the meetings, I’m at practice, I’m part of the games,” said McCarthy. “So I have a clear understanding of what and where. Troy’s statement in particular, I don’t agree with the word selection. There is definitely need for improvement in every position, not just one position that he commented on.”
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Troy Aikman’s comments: “They don’t carry any weight with me, because I watch all the tape, I get to go to the meetings, I’m at practice, I’m part of the games. So I have a clear understanding of what and where. Troy’s statement in particular, I… https://t.co/2p055VDCIA
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 21, 2024
Regardless of the fine details, the Cowboys have several issues that need to be fixed if they want to contend in the NFC. Their first game off the Week 7 Bye Week will come against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8, who are equally as desperate for a win, sitting at 3-4 on the year.
