4 Takeaways: Yippie Brett Maher lone sad face as Cowboys’ coaches come through

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Cowboys’ OC is one of the fans’ major issues with the team. However, Moore’s game plan and play calling in the win was on point.

Moore resisted the temptation to run too much on early downs, but when the offense did run the ball, it was to the outside, away from the Buccaneers’ mammoth defensive tackle Vita Vea. The clamoring for running back Tony Pollard to get more work was heard, as the fourth-year RB out of Memphis had 15 carries (18 touches) for 77 yards.

In contrast, starting RB Ezekiel Elliott had 13 carries, but several of those came late in the game when the outcome was decided.

Pollard was called upon to get outside, where Elliott lacks the speed to attack these days. It’s rare that Pollard gets more work than Elliott, but Moore recognized that Pollard’s abilities would be more beneficial in this game.

Moore also knew where to attack the Buccaneers on defense, targeting the tight ends and the middle of the field. It felt like Dalton Schultz was open all night and he became the first Cowboys tight end to catch two touchdowns in postseason game.

The fourth-down calls that led to touchdowns were also perfect plays by Moore. The bootleg from Prescott on fourth-and-goal was a thing of beauty and the fourth down scoring toss to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was well-designed. Putting Lamb in the slot where he has thrived this season was smart, and the execution was flawless.

Moore was dialed in, guiding the offense to 31 points and 425 yards of offense, despite calling off the dogs in the fourth quarter.