A change in approach is indicated by the Cowboys’ hiring of Adams, the offensive line coach for the Cardinals, as their new offensive coordinator.

The Dallas Cowboys have made a bold move this offseason, signaling a potential shift in their offensive philosophy. The hiring of Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach, Adams, as the Cowboys’ new offensive coordinator has raised eyebrows across the NFL. On the surface, it may seem like an unconventional decision—transitioning an offensive line coach into a coordinator role—but upon closer inspection, this move might be exactly what the Cowboys need to reinvigorate their offense, particularly their offensive line play.

A Fresh Approach to the Offensive Line

One of the key elements to understanding this move is to look at the importance of the offensive line in the Cowboys’ success over the years. For a team that has prided itself on having one of the best offensive lines in the league, it has been a cornerstone of the team’s identity. Since the days of Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Travis Frederick, the Cowboys have boasted a dominant front five. However, as the NFL landscape evolved, so did the challenges for Dallas’ offensive line.

The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a critical component of both the running game and the passing game. But the issue in recent seasons has been a combination of aging players, injuries, and a need for better depth. With Dak Prescott at quarterback and the rise of playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, the Cowboys have plenty of skill talent. But to unlock their full potential, they need a reworked offensive approach, especially in terms of protecting Prescott and creating running lanes.

By hiring Adams, who previously worked with the Cardinals’ offensive line, the Cowboys are acknowledging the importance of the big guys up front in making an offense run smoothly. Adams’ reputation in Arizona as a coach who developed solid offensive lines over the years will be crucial to Dallas’ offensive strategy moving forward. While he won’t be in charge of calling plays or coordinating the entire offense, his expertise with the front five could offer Dallas a much-needed jolt.

Adams’ Background and Track Record

To understand why this hiring is a strategic one, it’s important to take a look at Adams’ background and experience. He comes to Dallas with a wealth of experience in coaching the offensive line. Before working with the Arizona Cardinals, Adams had stints coaching offensive linemen for the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. His coaching career has been marked by an ability to mold young talent and maximize the effectiveness of his offensive line units.

At Arizona, Adams worked closely with the team’s offensive line during a period of significant change and injury struggles. Despite not having a highly touted group of offensive linemen on paper, Adams helped make the unit serviceable and often overachieved compared to their talent level. For the Cowboys, Adams brings in the promise of a more dynamic offensive line that could reassert its dominance, even in the face of aging stars and a few question marks.

Perhaps the most notable development during Adams’ time with the Cardinals was his work with Kyler Murray. With a mobile quarterback like Murray, the offensive line needs to adjust to a unique set of demands. Adams was instrumental in finding a way to create a more efficient line that could not only protect a mobile quarterback but also help establish the running game. While Prescott is not as mobile as Murray, there are parallels in how the offensive line must adjust to different types of quarterbacks, and Adams’ expertise in this area will pay dividends in Dallas.

Moreover, Adams is known for his ability to get the most out of his offensive linemen through proper development and coaching. This will be key in rejuvenating the Cowboys’ offensive line and possibly finding younger players who can take on larger roles, given the current veterans’ occasional injury struggles. Players like Tyler Smith and Terence Steele may benefit greatly from Adams’ coaching.

A Shift in Philosophy: Focus on Protection and Balance

The hiring of Adams as offensive coordinator suggests that the Cowboys are shifting their approach to offense. In a league where high-flying passing games dominate, Dallas’ offensive scheme under Mike McCarthy has been heavily reliant on balance—specifically a strong running game paired with effective play-action. In recent years, however, the running game has been inconsistent, and there have been some challenges with offensive line play, particularly in terms of protection.

One of the primary issues the Cowboys have faced in the past is protecting Prescott, especially when the pocket breaks down. Although Prescott is a competent pocket passer, he excels when given time and space to read the field and make precise throws. This is where Adams’ impact could be most noticeable. With a track record of coaching lines that excel in both pass protection and run blocking, Adams could make a huge difference in keeping Prescott upright and in providing the time he needs to unleash his deep ball, particularly to playmakers like Lamb.

Additionally, the Cowboys have experienced some struggles in their rushing attack, especially when Ezekiel Elliott was in the backfield. While Tony Pollard has proven to be a dynamic runner, having Adams on board could be the key to finding consistent running lanes. With the right offensive line play, Pollard and other backs could find success and help maintain offensive balance. This could ultimately make Dallas more unpredictable and dangerous on offense, as they would be capable of attacking in multiple ways.

A Focus on Youth Development

Another aspect of the Cowboys’ strategy with this hiring is their focus on developing young talent within the offensive line. With the NFL constantly evolving, the Cowboys have been hit with the inevitable decline of some of their veterans. Smith, Martin, and others have had issues with injuries, and it’s clear that the team will need to begin focusing more on younger players to help the offensive line maintain its standard.

Adams’ ability to coach and develop young players will be critical here. In Dallas, there are younger players like Tyler Smith, who is a promising talent at left guard, and Terence Steele, who has shown flashes of greatness at right tackle. If Adams can continue the development of these players, and possibly elevate others on the roster, the Cowboys will benefit from improved depth along their offensive line.

As the NFL moves toward a more fast-paced, dynamic offensive approach, it’s also important to keep the offensive line adaptable. The players need to be coached on how to adjust to defensive schemes, blitzes, and different types of pass rushers. Adams has proven he can develop offensive linemen to be versatile, which could allow Dallas to become a more fluid, adaptable team overall.

What Does This Mean for the Cowboys’ Future?

The Cowboys’ decision to hire Adams as offensive coordinator can be seen as a long-term move. The offensive line has often been the backbone of the team, and by putting someone in charge who understands the intricacies of the line, they are signaling that they are serious about maintaining offensive dominance. This move might not pay immediate dividends in terms of flashier offensive numbers, but it will lay the foundation for more balanced and sustainable success over time.

For McCarthy, Adams’ appointment could also signal a shift toward a more collaborative approach to offensive strategy. McCarthy, who has had a varied history in offensive play calling, now has a new set of tools at his disposal. With Adams in charge of the offensive line and McCarthy overseeing the entire offense, they will likely focus on synergy between their running and passing games, making the Cowboys more unpredictable and difficult to defend against. McCarthy has the tools at his disposal to help the Cowboys break through in the postseason.

In terms of expectations, this change could elevate the team’s ceiling. If the offensive line is significantly improved, Dallas has the potential to go further in the playoffs. Prescott’s protection will be critical for his ability to deliver in the clutch, and with playmakers like Lamb and Pollard, the Cowboys could be a truly dangerous offense if their offensive line is firing on all cylinders.

Implications for the NFC East

The NFC East has become one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants continuing to improve. For the Cowboys to maintain their edge, they will need to stay ahead of the curve, particularly in an offensive landscape that is increasingly dominated by high-powered passing attacks.

Adams’ appointment could help Dallas maintain its spot as one of the top teams in the NFC East by ensuring that their offensive line stays a strong unit. With a sturdy offensive line, the Cowboys can continue to control the tempo of games, dominate in the trenches, and set up both their passing and running games to be as effective as possible. This could give Dallas a distinct advantage over their division rivals.

A Game-Changing Decision for the Cowboys

In hiring Adams as offensive coordinator, the Cowboys are making a calculated, strategic decision to focus on the heart of their offense: the offensive line. This decision demonstrates that Dallas is committed to enhancing their offensive balance and protecting Prescott to allow him to thrive. By elevating a coach with proven experience in developing offensive lines, the Cowboys are setting themselves up for sustained success, both in 2025 and beyond.

With the added element of Adams’ expertise, the Cowboys could be poised to remain a top contender in the NFC and prove that their commitment to a balanced, efficient offense is the key to long-term success. If Adams can have the same impact on Dallas’ offensive line as he did with the Arizona Cardinals, the Cowboys will be in a strong position to make deep playoff runs and potentially secure another Super Bowl championship in the near future. The 2025 season could be one of the most important in the McCarthy era, and Adams could be the one to steer them in the right direction.