Cowboys' Mike McCarthy Says OC Kellen Moore Has to Be 'Smarter' with Play-Calling

McCarthy told reporters that Moore needs to be smarter with his play- calling.

McCarthy spent more time with Moore this week after last week's dismal performance.

The Cowboys offense was out of sync from the beginning. In favor of 42 pass attempts from the two quarterbacks, Moore gave him just 10 carries and left an effective, well-rounded player out of the picture. Rush's passes came with the Cowboys desperately trying to get back in the game, but the abandonment of the run happened before the game was out of reach.

Moore is in his fourth year as an offensive coach. He only worked as a quarterbacks coach for a year before earning a promotion, and he hasn't done much to prove he's an offensive innovator.

McCarthy's comments may suggest that Moore is on a short leash. During his time with the Green Bay Packers, the veteran head coach called plays, but when he took over in Dallas, heceded those responsibilities.

This will be the second time in three seasons that the Cowboys will have to play without their quarterback because of an injury. The offense will be led by Rush in the interim.

If the struggles continue, McCarthy may take a more hands-on approach with his preferred side of the ball.