Tom Brady believes the Dallas Cowboys' biggest problem is "their ability to run the football" after the team's latest loss.
The Cowboys were thrashed 47-9 by the Detroit Lions on Sunday, with star quarterback Dak Prescott throwing two interceptions in the blowout defeat at AT&T Stadium. It's Dallas' worst loss at home since 1988 and leaves the team with a 3-3 record this season.
Brady was covering Sunday's game as a color commentator for FOX. During the network's postgame show, the seven-time Super Bowl winner was asked for his opinion on the Cowboys' struggles. "The number one issue is their ability to run the football," said Brady.
"I said earlier in the show, maybe the best way to do it is throw the ball early and then open the run game up because you've done a good job spreading the field and now they're going to play pass defense. I think they're trying to start these games trying to be balanced.
"But the problem, is when they're balanced they're not producing the run game, a quarter or a half into the game, they're down 14 (or) they're down 17 - and now they are one dimensional. And the other team has made them one dimensional. I would like to see them start the game a little more pass happy, a little more pass orientated, try to gain a lead."
Brady continued: "They've got a lot of things they need to fix offensively from what I've seen. Offensively, running the ball and getting other guys involved other than CeeDee Lamb that can make some plays."
It would be wise for Prescott to listen to Brady, as pressure grows on the quarterback. The 31-year-old signed a four-year contract extension worth $240 million last month, making him the best paid play caller in the NFL with an average annual salary of $60 million.
Despite his wage, Prescott's postseason record is poor at 2-5. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and three-time Pro Bowler may have a fine individual CV, but he will ultimately be judged on how many championships he wins with the Cowboys.
Dallas boasts one of the most famous franchises in the NFL with five Super Bowl victories. Yet the Texas-based team hasn't won a championship since 1995, and owner and general manager Jerry Jones is keen to end their wait sooner rather than later.
Jones, who celebrated his 82nd birthday on Sunday, told reporters after the game: "I think it was the just the feeling of the team having fun at our expense, Detroit having fun at our expense."
Jones also described the result as "very concerning", "very humbling" and "a shocker". He added: "I think that any time you get beat, you create question marks. When you get beat like this, you create more question marks."
As for the Lions, they are now 4-1 this season in a highly competitive NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings are top of the division with a perfect 5-0 record, but the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have also started the season strongly, with at 4-2.
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