Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better?

by Rafael Vela on Oct 21, 2009 10:33 AM CDT Comment 52 comments

More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

Felix the (copy)cat. Hope Mr. Jones runs the bend counter as well on Sunday as he did on this play. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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Two summers ago, I asked Jason Garrett if he could put a stamp on his offense. Was it mostly the old, true West Coast offense, which Sid Gillman and Don Coryell implemented, and which Joe Gibbs and Norv Turner, among others, practice today? Was it a hybrid of systems?

He brushed the question off. "Teams today borrow a lot from each other," he said, suggesting there are no "pure" NFL systems anymore.

He's right. Look at NFL offenses from week to week and you'll see a lot of carryover. Everybody runs bunch packages. Everybody uses some variation of two tight ends now, with an H-back or F-back, depending on the terminology, floating into the backfield to serve as a lead blocker. Almost every team has a handful of Wildcat plays in its playbook. The cliche, "it's a copycat league" remains as strong as ever.

That copycat tendency will be there for everyone to see Sunday afternoon. Garrett has added a base play from Atlanta's playbook to his run game repertoire. It's been a few weeks since we've seen it, but Dallas' ability to exectute it as well or better than its guests could be a factor in the outcome.

The Falcons have a strong running game, which ranked 2nd in the NFL last season. One of their signature plays is a bend counter, where the fullback and the tailback line up in a traditional I-formation. At the snap, both backs step to the strong side of the formation, and then bend their way towards the weakside once they've cleared the QB.

The play messes with the minds of defensive ends, who are often left unblocked. The Falcons showed how to coordinate this play with the threat tight end Tony Gonzalez poses on their game-winning touchdown drive.

Atlanta had run the counter several times to this point, and Chicago had controlled it. On this drive, the Falcons opened play by putting Gonzalez on a wing left. At the snap, he ran laterally left to right underneath the formation, as QB Matt Ryan faked a hand-off left and then rolled out to his right.

The call was a bootleg to Gonzalez, but it failed because DE Adewale Ogunleye recognized the pattern and knocked Gonzalez backwards. He then chased Ryan and forced an incompletion. Several plays later, with Atlanta in first and goal just outside the five, they again called a rollout pass right towards Ogunleye, who again read pass and forced Ryan to flip the ball out of bounds.

On the next play, Atlanta went back to the bend counter to Ogunleye's side. The right tackle let him go and ran upfield to block a linebacker. The fullback peeled back to the right and was ready to seal Ogunleye had he crashed down the line of scrimmage and forced action. Instead, Ogunleye rushed upfield, anticipating a third rollout pass. Turner had a neat cutback lane and ran untouched for the score.

This play works very well against four man fronts, and Dallas unveiled it in their 33-31 loss to New York in week two. It was called for Felix Jones, who raced untouched up the middle for 57 yards. The threat of a bootleg pass made it work. The left side of the Giants line was concerned about Jason Witten and drifted left with him, giving the Dallas line the space to split the middle of the defensive line in two.

Jones is back this week and I'm guessing we'll see the bend counter return with him. Atlanta plays an aggressive 4-3 front that relies on hustle and quickness rather than bulk, and they're vulnerable to this type of run.

Can Dallas give Atlanta a heavy dose of its own medicine? Can the Cowboys defense resist when Michael Turner comes with bottle and spoon in hand? Will the originator or the copycat be the better executor of this dangerous play?

The answers will likely point you to the winner.

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Comments

First

I know its only one game but I feel that this game will really set the stage or our season. Lose and we are a 500 ball club, win and we are going to contend for a playoff birth. Again I know it’s one game but its just how I feel.

by staubachfan on Oct 21, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think a lot of people feel that way

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Oct 21, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its because Atlanta is viewed as an up and coming NFC power

while everyone is dying to write the cowboys off. If we win the game, they have to admit that we are right in the thick of things and we all know that praising the cowboys gives the MSM a rash.

by Billito on Oct 21, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great post

I’ll just weigh in from the Falcons side of things, if I may.

That’s a popular play for the Falcons, but unfortunately your praise for the strength of our running game hasn’t really been warranted this season. Michael Turner has looked a touch slow to the hole, and a conservative estimate would be that it’s cost him 50-100 yards in total this season. The worst thing the Cowboys can do is stack the box against Turner and dare Matt Ryan to beat them, because Ryan can.

I’ll be interested to see that play in action from your end.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've noticed its not working as well this year

but I’ve only seen Atlanta play twice, so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.
I do notice that they’re still running it alot.

What is Jerrious Norwood’s status?

by Rafael Vela on Oct 21, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should know about Norwood by the end of the day

Crossing my fingers that he’ll be ready to go. He adds a different dimension to our ground game.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep...a dimension that did not log 370+ carries last year

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Oct 21, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's also that

I don’t believe in the Mighty Curse of 370, but there’s no denying the evidence of your eyes. He just doesn’t look as explosive thus far this season.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rotoworld

says he’s out indefinitely.

I’d link it, but I don’t have access here at work … I read that on my phone.

by what_the_crap on Oct 21, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is

Suddenly, our running game looks pretty one-dimensional.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sucks

I hate injuries

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Oct 21, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also hope Felix comes back and stays healthy for the season.

I know everyone is excited about what TC has done but the back to back 200 yard games are very much due to Felix.

by staubachfan on Oct 21, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep

But I’m doubtful Felix will be back to his old explosive self this week. I think Choice at 100% is our best option for the majority of the touches, if Felix and Barber are indeed hobbled as they are reported to be.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Oct 21, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great post, Mr. Vela

I love the “X’s and O’s” breakdown and detailed play analysis.

Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden

by BishopWest on Oct 21, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Oct 21, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d really love to see a patient gamelan this Sunday…

But that requires the defense to play perhaps their best game of the season. I’m just not sure they can stand toe to toe with that Falcon offense can shut them down.

The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.

by gee-roj on Oct 21, 2009 11:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oops...

offense can shut them down

Should read and shut them down

The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.

by gee-roj on Oct 21, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our defense is not consistent and that is a problem, but shouldn't the falcons defense be more worried about our

offense? I think his is going to be a shootout…and I think if Romo is back to his normal early season form, we win this game because the Falcon’s secondary is beat up.

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

keys to the win

1. Pressure on Ryan
2. Keep Roddy White under control (Newman, wake the f up!!!!).
3. Who’s covering Gonzo? Not Pat Watkins I hope
4. Unleash the three headed monster
5. No forced throws from Romo.
6. Keep the penalties under 4 or 5.

by ManTab on Oct 21, 2009 11:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Except 6. Do you mean 4 or 5 penalties in total or by Flozell Adams?

Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.

by Lord Humungus on Oct 21, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pressure on Ryan...up the middle

Dallas needs to get pressure up the middle, which thankfully seems to be something they’re able to do (sometimes) with Brooking, Ratliff and James. Ryan is more than adequate at stepping up in the pocket, but pressure up the middle confounds almost every qb.

No one in the NFL can adequately stop Gonzo with 1 DB or LB (save for Tory Polomalu maybe?). The best way is to bracket him. Put Newman 1on1 with White, and bracket Gonzalez with James and Watkins or Sensaubaugh.

by egtuna on Oct 21, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Quick number for you

Matt Ryan has been sacked twice in five games. That would put him on pace to be sacked, let’s see, perhaps 6-8 times through the course of the entire season. It’s not real likely that he’ll keep that up, but at the same time, he’s very difficult to get to.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd think 4 man rush most plays

with shifting zones and man coverages. I hope a 4 man rush can put preasure on him

by AustonianAggie on Oct 21, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not doubting the strength of your front four

Just saying it hasn’t happened yet. The Dolphins, who have some of the more esoteric blitz packages out there, accounted for both of those sacks this season.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying it will work

I’m anticipating the game plan will mostly be 4 rushers though. Who the 4th is will be the mystery, but I rekon a stronger emphasis on breaking up passes.

I’d expect some of the heavy blitzing to be on 1st down, to cause negative rushing plays and to catch the Falcons when the Falcons try a suprise seven step drop

by AustonianAggie on Oct 21, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Demarcus Ware said it best...we're probably not going to get a lot of sacks on Ryan, what we want to do

is pressure him into making throws quicker than he wants or make him throw it away…

The reason the Falcons don’t allow many sacks is because of Ryan. I’ve only seen a couple of game with this guy, but he plays a nice controlled game…he doesn’t make a lot of risky throws, doesn’t hold the ball too long and he’s more than willing to throw the ball away. It’s kind of the way the Falcons play you…They minimize their own mistakes and make you beat yourself…

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Nailed it

Recommending that one.

by Dave the Falconer on Oct 21, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you haven't read Raf's writeup on the Bears game, you should.

The Bears moved up and down the field on the Falcon’s defense, they just kept making stupid mistakes in the red zone. The blueprint to play the Falcon’s is there, but to be successful, you need to execute…and if you haven’t been following Cowboy games this year, I’ll tell you that only the Saints can move the ball up the field better, but we can’t match their scoring production because we keep making mistakes at the worst moments.

Oh, and on a side note…I kinda think Brookings is gonna have a big day against you guys…

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

kind of like rushing P Manning

the key is to have him get rid of the ball quicker than he wants

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Oct 21, 2009 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not so bad beating yourself

but anyway…I liked how in the Chicago game I saw Ryan throw at least 3-4 balls way out of bounds, rather than taking a sack or forcing a dangerous throw. Of course, it seems like whenever Romo throws a ball away, he gets called for intentional grounding…

by DavidH22 on Oct 21, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Different styles of play, therefore different perceptions...

Ryan is in the Aikman mold…not necessarily spectacular, but accurate and deadly consistent.

Romo is in the Favre mold…you’re going to get spectacular, but you’re also going to get occasional “kick the dog” moments.

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can Austin keep his marvelous act going? We've all seen players do stupendous things in a single game, or even a full season, never to be replicated again.

Is Austin’s performance a glimpse of future superstardum, or just a high point, in an otherwise journeyman career. I hope in the Atlanta game, Austin has the opportunity to give us the answer. The game, I just found out, will be on Ch 40, 1:00pm, here locally. Love it. GO COWBOYS

Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!

by CowboyMan on Oct 21, 2009 11:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't see him as a star

He’s an excellent athlete with great speed and the ability to break tackles, but I don’t see him breaking 100 yards more than a couple of times this year at best. His hands are very average and he makes too many mental mistakes for Romo to throw at him with confident regularity.

Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.

by Lord Humungus on Oct 21, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see him as definitely being capable of becoming a #1 receiver

He has all the tools and keeps getting better. I think his hands are above average and he has the potential to be a star, time will only tell.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Oct 21, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping you're wrong, but I can't argue your points...

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His hands are very average

That is kind of funny… reminds me of another receiver that got a billion targets.

by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Oct 22, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Greg Jennings a Star?

Because I could see Austing being as good as Jennings.

This is a rather obvious point so forgive me, but none of our offensive players are spectacular (outside of Felix – who by all accounts so far can’t stay healthy and is the backup). This means that all the guys need to do their job and make the play that is presented to them. This makes everyone on offense more dangerous and keeps the defense on their heels because everyone is making a play (or at least showing they’re capable). The beauty of having an in his prime Owens (which he no longer is, but he still was – or at least near it – two seasons ago) was that he was that special type of playmaker that really could hurt the defense on any given play. Those types of athletes are truly rare and we shouldn’t be looking for Roy or Miles to be that player. Instead, again, I think we should be asking them to do their job and make the play that is in front of them. Having good, dependable players can be just as good as having that star player. Ask the Pats, who won SB’s with no name WR’s and RB’s. It’s a team game and our team just needs to play well as a unit and the success will come.

by desus32 on Oct 21, 2009 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Greg Jennings is defintely esteemed

he had a terrific year in Farve’s last year in GB. Austin may be good but he has to get 1,000 yards to start being a star in the NFL. So that should just take him 3 more games haha

by AustonianAggie on Oct 21, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Oct 21, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Austin catches 50 passes this year

for 750 yards and 6-7 TDs, I’d be extremely happy with this undrafted free agent, as compared to Jennings who was a second round pick. And Austin should exceed those numbers, assuming he can stay healthy. Big assumption, though…

by DavidH22 on Oct 21, 2009 2:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jerry Jones turns down Trade Deadline Offer!

On Espn.com… Jerry was offered a premium pick for a player.(not a runningback) I wonder who????

by RomoHomo on Oct 21, 2009 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice handle bro

by McLovin9 on Oct 21, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With all the talk of AUstin...did anyone notice how well the Saints receivers played this Sunday?

What struck me was how good the hands were of all of their receiving personnel…from WR’s to TE’s, they latched onto balls whether they were thrown perfectly or not. More than a few times, I saw Brees throw behind his targets or overthrow, but his receivers attacked the ball…very few balls were dropped as long as the ball was in the vicinity of their targets. How many dropped balls/through the hands have happened for us this season?

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 21, 2009 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

in addition their receivers get really wide open

rarely did I see Brees have to fit the ball in tight spots, their receivers got great separation.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Oct 21, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He put a few in.

He hit Lance Moore right down the gut between two defenders on one play against the Giants.

The Saints are really, really, really good.

by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Oct 22, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A "few" in? Yeah, but that's not the point...

I don’t think anyone would say Brees is an inaccurate QB…He’s right up there…a case might even be made that he has ascended to be the best in the league, but the point still remains that his receivers are making him look even better than he already is…Romo is having an off season so far, and he hasn’t thrown the ball as crisply as he did in the past, but a few of those balls he threw in the end zone were catchable…difficult, but catchable. What’s the perception of this team if even half of those were caught? We don’t look as bad in the red zone anymore.

by CaliFanInTx on Oct 22, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's quite true

The teams that seem to do the best down the stretch have receivers making plays even when it’s difficult. That’s what spurred the Cardinals’ run at the end of last season.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Oct 23, 2009 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

They are playing the best football in the NFL right now.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Oct 23, 2009 6:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More Espn news...

How about that Steve Phillips? Is it me or does ESPN have a sex scandal every few months?

by RomoHomo on Oct 21, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The reason this is such a big game..

In my opinion is that Atlanta is certainly a capable team and they have a great chance to win this game. But they really aren’t stellar in any facet except consistency. As a unit they seem in many ways the anti-thesis of the Cowboys. They do everything pretty darn well the whole game and wait for their opponents to make a mistake and they are good enough to capitalize.

As we all know the Cowboys are good enough to beat any team in this league and probably play well enough to dominate any team in the league. Problem is they only seem to play that way for a quarter, a half, a series or a play..you just never know. There are too many mistakes, execution errors or poor judgement plays to allow the team as whole to peak at the same time. This plays directly into Atlanta’s game plan.

Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game as a head coach..he has lost 4 home playoff games.
His longest tenure as head coach was 3 years.
Only once did his record as a HC improve from one year to the next (by 1 game)

Wade Phillips for DC

by SDTrueblue on Oct 21, 2009 4:07 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

read the next post

Little phone screen caused premature post. I swear this is the first time this has ever happened :)

Wade Phillips for DC

by SDTrueblue on Oct 21, 2009 4:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

The reason this is such a big game..

This plays directly into Atlanta’s game plan. Because of that..this becomes a critical game. Not because of what it will mean in the standings but because it will show wether the Cowboys can play a consistent game against a solid opponent. Something they haven’t done for a while dating back to last season.

Ultimately if ther boys play their game and don’t make any major gaffs on offense or defense they will certainly win. But if they are still in their old routine of making critical errors at crucial times then Atlanta will eat them up and win by 10 or more.

Did the team address it’s major problem of sloppy execution during the bye week and will now begin a good run through the heart of the schedule? We will know Sunday..

Wade Phillips for DC

by SDTrueblue on Oct 21, 2009 4:15 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs