Mike McCarthy clarifies comments criticizing Kellen Moore, offensive play-calling

After making comments recently about offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy had to explain his intent. McCarthy spoke candidly about the Dallas offense and Moore’s history with the team, stating that Moore has had the weapons to be aggressive in play-calling in the past.

Mike McCarthy clarifies Kellen Moore comments

“Let’s be honest: In Kellen’s time as a coordinator, he’s been able to play very, very aggressive. But we’re in a phase right now that we’ve got to be a little smarter in certain situations. That’s all part of growing as a play caller,” said McCarthy on Friday.

As the comment made rounds on social media and people questioned McCarthy for being critical of his offensive coordinator — McCarthy clarified his comments on Sunday by stating that it was not intended as criticism in any fashion.

“[McCarthy said] it is ‘100% false’ to suggest he was criticizing offensive coordinator Kellen Moore when saying Moore and offense need to be more conservative,” explained Dallas Morning News‘ Michael Gehlken. ‘I don’t even recall the question, but that’s not the story. I have great confidence in Kellen.'”

McCarthy’s original comments seem to have been simply an attempt at transparency by the Dallas coach, as his comments Sunday clarify that he had no issues with Moore’s work despite the offensive struggles in Week 1. The Cowboys finished their season opener as the only team in the NFL to not score a touchdown, and lost Connor McGovern and Dak Prescott to serious injuries in the process.

With a depleted receiver corps and banged up offense in general, Dallas is viewed as an offense without major weapons after last season being the highest-scoring offense in the league. McCarthy’s comments seem to reflect that reality, indicating that this is a real test for Moore and his game plan.

Despite the pre-game comments, McCarthy and Moore had no shortage of confidence in their offense on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half. Dallas opened the game with two-straight touchdown drives behind Cooper Rush, and attempted a fourth-and-two conversion from their own half of the field on the opening drive instead of punting. Dallas entered the half with a 17-3 lead over the Bengals.