Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams is prioritizing ball security as the Dallas Cowboys finalize their offensive blueprint for 2026. After a dominant 2025, the OC emphasized red-zone efficiency and quarterback protection during a recent interview.

Speaking to the NFL’s The Insider, Adams highlighted the critical offensive build before week 1, and how we can protect our football.

“One of the biggest things is we want to take care of the football better than we did a year ago,” Adams said. “We want to protect the quarterback better and to be better in the red zone. I feel really good about the process that we’ve gone through in the offseason with our staff of really attacking those problems.” 

The change had an impact as Dallas finished among the league’s top offensive teams in 2025 in Adams' first year, ranking ninth in rushing offense with 125.6 rushing yards per game. This was miles ahead of their 100.3 per game in 2024.

However, Adams believes the Cowboys still have issues to address before the commencement of the 2026 season.

The Cowboys are relying on play-action football to support quarterback Dak Prescott, who continued to lead one of the league’s most effective passing attacks. Adams has always pointed out that the biggest priority is to protect Prescott before the new campaign starts.

With Adams on board, Dallas' belief has continued to grow. Earlier this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles attempted to interview him for a role, but the Cowboys blocked the request. 

Klayton Adams Wants More From Prescott and the Cowboys Offence

Much of Adams’ attention this offseason has centred around Prescott to reduce the extra pressure on him. Prescott finished the 2025 season with 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Adams believes that with him, the offense can improve massively.

“I think the ultimate goal for him is to play really high-level football every single week,” Adams said. “I don’t think it’s about Dak trying to be Superman, it’s about him being the best version of himself and to make the rest of the offense and the team better.”

Adams made it clear that wide receiver George Pickens is someone who can be crucial for Dallas. Pickens stepped up when CeeDee Lamb was injured. He adapted soon after arriving from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. 

“I love the guy,” Adams said. “I like being around him in the building every day. I’m looking forward to seeing him whenever he comes around. He’s obviously an outstanding football player, so he’s a big part of our plans.”

Pickens, who had career-best numbers last season, has recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. 

Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Pickens, and tight end Jake Ferguson are all expected to give a major boost to the offense. Dallas will enter the 2026 season hoping Adams will push the Cowboys into the league’s top offensive tier. 

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote