The Dallas Cowboys are searching for a way to inject life into an offense that stagnated in 2024.
New offensive coordinator Klayton Adams has an aggressive solution: he wants his unit to embrace a mentality of “violence” on the field.
Adams made it clear that his vision for the offense is built on intensity.
“The same thing that I want from every player on offense, and that is to create violence in the game,” he confidently said.
Adams elaborated on what that philosophy entails, emphasizing a physical, attacking approach in every aspect of play.
“Be aggressive, run, hit, I think that every decision that we make schematically needs to lean that direction,” he said.
“So if there’s a gray area, what is going to allow these guys to play more free and run and hit and be violent?”
Adams steps into a Cowboys coaching staff undergoing major changes.
He is one of two new coordinators under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who was promoted after serving as Dallas’ offensive coordinator last season.
While Adams won’t be calling plays, his focus is clear – bringing a defensive-level physicality to the offense.
His approach aligns with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ mantra: take the ball away.
Adams, however, wants his players to deliver that same aggressive mindset on offense.
Despite his fiery vision, Adams understands that meshing with Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy is key to the team’s success.
While he brings fresh ideas, he recognizes that the final decisions will rest with the head coach.
“I think it would be dumb on my part to try to force a lot of things on that call sheet that he doesn’t want to call or he doesn’t feel comfortable calling.” Adams added.
His background as an offensive line coach suggests a strong emphasis on the run game.
Historically, o-line coaches favor a ground-and-pound strategy, wearing down defenses with physicality in the trenches. However, the Cowboys will need a new lead running back to fully implement that plan.
Though Adams has never held the title of full-fledged offensive coordinator, he brings experience in the trenches.
He previously served as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach and was Colorado’s run game coordinator in 2018.
Now, in his biggest coaching role yet, he’s eager to build a high-energy, hard-hitting offense in Dallas.
“We’re really excited. I’m very excited to work with him and just to continue to learn each other a little bit,” Adams said.
“We’re going to get out into some practices and talk through some things and I’m going to see some things differently, he’s going to see some things differently, and it’s going to be a growing process.”
For Adams, success will come from collaboration and adaptation. He aims to be a “problem solver” alongside Schottenheimer and the offensive staff.
Whether his “violence” mantra will translate into a dominant Cowboys offense remains to be seen – but one thing is certain: Dallas won’t be playing soft in 2025.
What are your thoughts on Adams’ “violent” approach???
