What to Expect from the Cowboys’ New Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams

The Cowboys have hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator. His reputation for improving the run game in Arizona has garnered optimism, but the question remains: can he replicate that success in Dallas? While the specifics are still unclear, here are three things to expect with Adams joining the coaching staff.

1. Reinvesting in the Running Back

With Adams’ background in the run game, it’s clear that the Cowboys will prioritize enhancing their running game. Last season, Dallas ranked among the worst in rushing efficiency, averaging only 4.0 yards per attempt. In contrast, Adams’ Cardinals ranked second in 2023 with 5.0 yards per carry, and 5.3 yards per carry in 2024. A strong focus on running the ball will be a priority.

Having a reliable running back helps, and the Cardinals benefited from James Conner’s steady production. Over his career, Conner has averaged 700 yards per season, but his output surged in recent years.

• In Pittsburgh (2018-2020): 719 yards/season

• In Arizona (2021-2022): 767 yards/season

• In Arizona (2023-2024): 1,067 yards/season

That’s a 300-yard-per-season improvement under Adams. While Conner isn’t a dynamic playmaker like Saquon Barkley or Jahmyr Gibbs, his effectiveness mirrors that of Dallas’ Rico Dowdle, who posted similar rushing stats in 2024:

• Games played: Conner = 16, Dowdle = 16

• Rushing attempts: Conner = 236, Dowdle = 235

• Yards per carry: Conner = 4.6, Dowdle = 4.6

This doesn’t mean the Cowboys won’t look to upgrade their running back group, potentially bypassing the need to draft someone like Ashton Jeanty with their 12th pick.

2. Offensive Linemen in Motion

The Cardinals’ success in the run game wasn’t about having a star back, but about effective run blocking with an emphasis on teamwork. Adams’ scheme focused on gap-blocking, with pulling offensive linemen involved in nearly two-thirds of running plays. The Cardinals were second in the NFL in counter-runs last season and used a variety of formations.

Adams will likely rely on the Cowboys’ offensive line’s athleticism. Tyler Smith, for example, could emerge as one of the league’s top left guards under Adams. His mobility could be a huge asset in this system. Young linemen like Cooper Beebe, Tyler Guyton, and even Terence Steele, who showed promise before his injury, may benefit from Adams’ system and take a significant step forward.

3. Emphasis on Tight End Personnel

The Cowboys have traditionally used multiple tight ends, but last season leaned heavily on three-wide receiver sets. They ran 775 plays with three wideouts, ranking in the top 10 for 11-personnel usage. However, their usage of heavy tight end formations was limited, with just 119 plays using two tight ends and only 13 with three tight ends.

Adams loves incorporating tight ends in his schemes, as seen in Arizona, where three tight ends played significant roles last year. The Cowboys can expect a shift, with Jake Ferguson, the team’s top pass-catching tight end, expected to step up in both receiving and blocking duties. Luke Schoonmaker, despite his draft criticism, should be a valuable asset for his blocking ability. The Cowboys may also explore adding another blocking tight end through the draft or undrafted players like Brevyn Spann-Ford or John Stephens Jr.

Conclusion

Adams’ success with the Cardinals in the run game is impressive, as only five teams had a higher EPA per play over the past two years. The Cardinals lacked an elite running back, offensive line, or star players—making their success even more remarkable. The Cowboys, with a promising young offensive line and solid tight ends, have the potential to thrive under Adams’ guidance. With a new head coach focusing on the run game and Adams at the helm as offensive coordinator, the Cowboys’ rushing attack looks promising heading into 2025.