Stood Up: The Cowboys O-Line Can't Finesse the Team into the Win Column
by Rafael Vela on Dec 14, 2009 1:12 AM CST
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PrintOkay Cowboys fans.
You got what you've been asking for. A heavy dose of running. The final tally was 26 rushes to 30 passes, but in the first three quarters, when the game was tied, the mix was 25 rushes to 18 passes, a '90s-like 58% run to 42% pass ratio.
This was what so many Cowboys pundits predicted in the preseason. a blend to keep all the backs happy. To take the pressure off Tony Romo, blah, blah, blah.
I told you back in September, this line isn't up to Emmit-ball:
Notice how weak the '08 Cowboys were at the typical "muscle" plays, the type you see in short yardage and goal line. The type the '90s Cowboys lines could execute after a five pints of whiskey and a group afternoon nap.
The character of the current line is very different. It performs better when it blocks on the move, which explains why Jason Garrett called so many runs from shotgun and spread packages. People complained about seeing the shotgun inside the five last year, but the numbers explain why.
-- Cowboys Tape Review: This is Not Your Father's Offensive Line, BTB, Sept. 30, 2009
The Cowboys romped up and down the field yesterday, between the tens. They ran effectively against the weak Chargers front using the same plays they've favored all year: the power counter, the lead draw and the toss. I counted one Felix Jones isolation early in that star-crossed 2nd quarter drive, which stopped inside the Chargers one. The rest of the time, the line played in character.
As you saw, lead draws don't work against a goal-line defense. Counter plays can be run down from the backside. The Chargers did this to Marion Barber on Dallas' first drive, holding the Cowboys to a field goal.
When it counted, when the Cowboys were at 2nd, 3rd and 4th and goal at the Chargers one, the Cowboys line could not run the power play, the dive, the isolation, which distinguished those great '90s lines. Here are the rushing TDs versus passing TD numbers for the '90s teams, the six playoff teams under Johnson and Switzer and the two Chan Gailey teams, which featured several holdovers from those early lines:
| Year | Rush TDs | Pass TDs |
| '91 | 15 | 16 |
| '92 | 20 | 23 |
| '93 | 20 | 18 |
| '94 | 26 | 18 |
| '95 | 29 | 18 |
| '96 | 14 | 12 |
| '98 | 21 | 17 |
| '99 | 16 | 20 |
Dallas ran for 161 touchdowns and passed for 142 touchdowns in its eight playoff years. Now, look at the skews in the Parcells' and Phillips' winning years:
| Year | Rush TDs | Pass TDs |
| '03 | 11 | 17 |
| '05 | 13 | 23 |
| '06 | 21 | 26 |
| '07 | 14 | 36 |
| '08 | 12 | 29 |
| '09 | 10 | 22 |
Granted, today's game skews much more to the pass and the passing TD. The Cowboys' numbers nevertheless skew too heavily towards the TD pass. When the Cowboys enter the red zone, it has fallen on Tony Romo to get them six points. In Romo's three years as a starter, only 29% of Dallas' touchdowns have come on the ground. All five of Dallas' touchdowns this month have come through the air.
The ballyhooed "three headed monster" (I hate that term) has only nine rushing touchdowns this year. Yesterday, you saw why. Their line is not a power line, and as it's comprised, it never will be. Flozell Adams is 34. Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis are all 31. There is no magic reservoir of untapped run blocking mojo a new coach or the current coaches can tap. These guys are what they are.
And what they are right now is just good enough to break your heart.
Yes, the defense lost some snap in the fourth quarter, but the 20 points they allowed was San Diego's season low. What they never got, and what they should have had in the fourth quarter, was a lead to protect. But the o-line and Nick Folk combined to deny the Cowboys that key, late-second quarter score which would have raised confidence and of course, tightened the scoreboard.
Let's be clear: you can scream all you want for more Tashard, more overall runs, more this, more that, but as long as we're dealing with the current offensive line, the offense will only go as far as Tony Romo's arm will take it.
The backs will have to hope that Robert Brewster can join them on the field next year and that Tom Ciskowski can draft a couple more road graders to join him. The '00s have been a lost decade for the Cowboys offensive line. It's time for fresher and better straight-ahead-blocking blood.
Notes:
-- Romo this December: 60 of 85, 71% completions, 5 touchdown passes, 0 picks, and a 112 passer rating. He has just three picks in his last nine games. The Cowboys are losing this month, but he's the least of the team's worries right now.
-- I think it's time for Nick Folk to visit the asthma field. His miss violated one of the fundamentals of kicking 101. Watch your DVR: Folk lifted his head immediately after striking the ball, while still on his follow through.
-- The Chargers pass offense played at a faster speed than any opponent I've seen this year. How many times did a Cowboys rusher get within an arm's length of Philip Rivers, only to see him release the ball -- and release it accurately -- before he could be sacked?
-- The special teams continue to run hot and cold. Felix Jones' opening return went past the 40 but the Cowboys struggled on every other return. They also had to watch the Chargers' punt coverage group down two punts inside the Dallas three.
-- Count your blessings, Cowboys fans. I'm sure Demarcus Ware is counting his. The Lions G Mike Utley was paralyzed from the chest down in 1991 on a play similar to the one that ended Ware's afternoon. He, like Ware, flashed a thumbs up sign as he was leaving the field. It's great to hear Demarcus has already been released from the hospital.
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Cool, I hope everyone understands when we start to throw it more...
and stops asking for more runs. I like how Romo has progressed. He’s shown leadership, grittiness, patience, and determined focus. I’ll roll the dice with Romo…he gives us the chance to be very dynamic. At higher “throttle”, he’ll throw more picks, but “safe” is death too…didn’t a QB say that?
Yeah, it was Tony.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
They threw like crazy against the Giants.
And the results weren’t any better.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 14, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions
On a secondary note...boy do I hate the media...all they do is regurgitate the same hackneyed points...
I don’t need to be shown favoritism, but “fair and balanced” would work…
exactly
that’s my main issue with media coverage of the Cowboys. I know, as a fan, that they have issues winning games in December. Their record sucks. But i don’t see anyone coming out and saying that they’re losing cause of the quality of opponents. From what I keep seeing …. it’s just a hex that the Cowboys have. If it’s December, they won’t win. Which is BS. The Chargers are a very good team. Giants in NYG are tough. The Saints are undefeated. That’s tough. Example of the crap I hate:
The Cowboys still have time to rally for a playoff spot but that would require them to win at least two of their next three games. Since two of those games are in December, I don’t see it happening.
Are you serious Mosley? Just because the games are in December? Good f’n lord.
I hear ya'......
but don’t you think part of their inability to finish these games off isn’t partly mental? You listen to something long enough, it might just come true.
Looking back on the December games of the last few years, only last years Philly disaster was a blowout. We’ve been right in the thick of the rest of ’em, yet always find a way to lose.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
Honestly
I think there is a mental issue with this team. If they wanna get on them for that, that’s fine, cause it’s true. But don’t just say, “cause it’s December.”
Oh, don't get me wrong. I completely agree with you.
Most of the mediots just regurgitate the same old BSPN BS.
And as the old saying goes….. when the Cowboys get tired of losing in December, they’ll find a way to win these games.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
Rivers was very impressive. Romo was also, but Folk and the San Diego D left him just short. I still can't
get over the Chargers goal line stand. I think Wade needs to shake things up a bit. Don’t dress Folk next week. Start Choice. From now on, if the ball is on the one yard line, take a five yard delay penalty and throw on all four downs.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
Looking at the season to date numbers...Romo/Rivers is very comparable. Give Romo the protection River's had
and watch him put up even better numbers. Wade’s gotta do something, but his “reasonable” options are limited. Many have said we should cut Folk, but how do you cut a kicker that was so clutch just a season ago? There is a good chance he will eventually come out of his funk, why let another team reap the benefits? Hopefully, Buehler can handle the field goal duties so we can sit Folk and start Ogletree. I want to roll some 3-4 WR sets and let Romo go to work. Roll the clock back to 2007 and pass to set up the run. You can still have relative balance, just lead with the other foot.
Note: After this game and Raf’s writeup…I agree with you about passing for td’s in the red zone. Witten, Austin, Crayton, and RW all in the end zone.
Romo's numbers
make me shrug and go “eh.” Before their last garbage-time drive he was just 22-12-158-1-0. He played great in the Giants game but his stats were similarly gussied up in a last second ornamental dressing TD drive. He can only play the game, but in truth the Cowboys were beaten by double digits the past two weeks. I do forsee him having another 300+ yards and 3+ TDs against the Saints on Saturday.
I just said Romo's numbers were comparable to Rivers...didn't say Romo was playing lights out...
His numbers are reflective of a game manager, which it would seem the coaching staff had in mind for the game plan. His numbers are also reflective of a QB that has grown and can be patient, careful with the ball, and still be selectively explosive. If the line would play more consistent, it would be more than enough to win the last 2 games. Raf’s post speaks directly to the effectiveness of the line, and suggests that the run first plan isn’t going to do it for us. I agree with you that Romo will have to light it up in NO…I suspect the coaching staff is going to be turning Romo the gunslinger loose. We don’t run 3 straight times at the goal line in future games, but leave it in Romo’s hands.
Romo played smart and that is what we need at times.
Sometimes, when they are stacked to stop the run (goal line) he needs to audible to a pass or pitch. There was no freaking way they were going to let us run up the middle yesterday at the goal line. Audible out and go with what will have a chance to not get stuffed. Also, how the hell does Davis get pushed back two yards on the goal line?
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Most of it.
I’m what I like to call a “Scanner”.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Take the time and read it...it'll answer the questions you posted above.
It get’s to the heart of our problems this year.
I read it, I was just messing with you.
I do however feel the need to vent my frustrations, even when I already know the answer for them. I’m just sick and tired of being teased and then left without satisfaction. They have a name for girls like that, do they have the same for a professional team?
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Maybe you should apply the same policy you have with girls to the Cowboys.
Put up with the tease or find only sure things. You can switch teams from year to year dependent on who is playing best.
Naw, been a Cowboys fan for 35 years now.
As much as I hate the B*tch I’m too old to go chasing new skirt.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Those aren't ornamental stats
he earned all of them. He runs the plays that are called and he did not lose the game by trying to hard. I’m not sure what else you’re looking for. He played more than well enough to win. Raf’s points about the run game are central to the problem. Garrett and Wade are somwtimes playing the o-line’s weaknesses and you saw the results.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
so what's your point?
that he’s playing badly? That his play doesn’t count?
He’s doing his part so far. All the points this team is scoring right now are going though him. Did he miss a couple of throws in New York? Yes. Would they have given Dallas the win, or put them in position for the defense or special teams to lose in overtime? Since we never got the coin flip, we’ll never know.
I wasn't really disagreeing with anything in the post
Just that obviously defenses play softer when up by double digits and less than 2 minutes/no timeouts left. His stats the last two games have been fluffed as a result, and we shouldn’t be consoled that the Cowboys are “only” losing close games to good times. In fact, the defense has been giving up clutch drives and the offense has been sputtering in the 4th quarter.
I wasn’t being down on Romo. Those are just facts.
I see your point
I have a different view of the defense, at least this week.
The Chargers were a different animal than what I’ve seen from the Giants or Eagles. They played at a different speed. Rivers got the ball out faster and hit the right receivers every time.
You don’t shut down offenses like that. You hang on and contain them around 20 points and you count on your offense to score 24 to beat them.
Think back to the Cowboys games vs. the 49ers a decade ago. Did Dallas ever shut Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Brent Jones and Ricky Watters down? No. Even when the had top rated defenses, they could only slow them. When Dallas won, the Niners still scored 20, 21 points. The lowest they ever scored was 17,
The Cowboys offense consistently got to 27 or 28 points.
Yesterday the defense held on. It got a few stops. It even picked off Philip Rivers inside his own 30.
What did the offense and special teams do? They were one foot short of 24, because they can’t mash you in short yardage and goalline situations.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 14, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
and let me add the same approach applies to this week's Saints game
Try to contain them around 23/24 points.
It’s down to the offense to get to 27. When your run game inside the ten isn’t there and your kicker is missing a field goal a week, that’s a harder order.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 14, 2009 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
Don't know
It will be harder. But Brees throw more picks than Rivers, who almost never gives them up. That’s why Folk’s miss hurt so much. Rivers has only 7 picks this year. Dallas got one inside their own 30.
That’s a football four leaf clover and Folk threw it in the sewer.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 14, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions
and it came from Terence 'manos de piedra' Newman
making it a doubly rare gift to bungle.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 14, 2009 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
+1 the D did their job
The O moved the ball up and down the field, but it’s same old story no cigar. Hold SD to 20 points and this team should win.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Actually, I disagree with you and some of the press on the "garbage time"
Here's what I don't understand:
Does this line lack for size? They seem as big as the great O-line of the 90s, but don’t punish D-linemen like their predecessors. I’m not sure, but it’s all incredible frustrating.
And what they are right now is just good enough to break your heart.
That seems to describe this whole team right now. From the defensive almosts (sacks, tackles for losses and 3rd down stops) to the offensive slipping off the gas pedal in the red zone to the return game showing glimmers of the promise of expectations fulfilled before again retreating to the land of the marginal or worse.
The goal for this year, from my perspective, was to get to the playoffs and try to end the drought. It’s frustrating how quickly they’ve fallen from what once seemed a realistic goal.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
It's still a realistic goal. Just not a sure thing.
It would have been a near sure thing if we had beaten 2 teams on our schedule…Green Bay and Giants (one game).
The age old adage, size doesn't matter
Strength, and skill set does. Raf said it best. These guys just aren’t road graters. It’s painful to watch, but also painfully obvious. And Raf hit it on the nose (as he always does), we need different guys. A new coach won’t do it.
At least Romo is playing well…
DAG
by DavidAGerhardt on Dec 14, 2009 2:17 AM CST up reply actions
This is an article I have been waiting to see...
While I still believe that undisciplined play has hampered this team, I now have a valid reason why this team isn’t good enough to be a championship team. I buy the O-line theory 100%. Great insight and a well deserved “I told ya so”, Raf.
I also think our secondary continues to be suspect. Newman and Jenkins are good corners but they can be had deep with high passes.
Well, I will still watch every down of Cowboys football because I am a fan win or lose. It just won’t be as heart-breaking now that I have a better understanding of the reason(s) why.
they are good corners
but this team could still use a playmaking free safety. They miss Ken Hamlin, but they can still improve over him.
Thank you
I felt like I was arguing with half the blog over T-New’s play. I couldn’t agree more with your take. FS is a priority #2 behind O-line in 2010.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Dec 14, 2009 2:44 AM CST up reply actions
Not to mention
QB pressure has fallen off. They simply won’t make it to the playoffs let alone win there if they can’t force incomlpetions, scaks and even TOs through the pass rush.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Scaks, scaks,scaks.
Hell even when they do blitz everyone they still can’t get to the qb…..how many times do they get there a half a second late especially on a third and long!?!?! Its maddening!!!
by J.R. Angle has a posse on Dec 14, 2009 8:58 AM CST up reply actions
broken hearted
Rafael, wonderful summary.
What I am holding on to is the faint hope th
at Tony Romo is a borderline HOF’er, because that
is the only way the Cowboys are going to
see significant playoff success.
by alanTdot. on Dec 14, 2009 1:54 AM CST via mobile reply actions
It's far too early to say that
Put a good young LT on this team, and another G who can run block — and pass protect better than Leonard Davis — and the character of that offense changes completely.
maybe, but I don't think so.
even so, Colombo is old too.
I think they need another OT.
Don’t look at band aids. This team has carpet bombed certain positions in recent years. It took 4 LBs last year. It took a lot of secondary guys the years before that. It took skill position players — 2 RBs and a TE very high two years ago.
This year, OL and DL, and a FS if a good one is on the board when they pick in the first two rounds.
Can't argue with that view on our OLine...it seems like other teams can have severe injuries and yet field a solid
unit, but we can’t be solid even if we are relatively healthy. Shouldn’t Houck field some blame, seems to me that Sparano got more out of our OLine…?
+1
it would appear that Houck isn’t the answer
It's not that I'm saying we're due a playoff win, but I didn't have my license to drive when we won our last one...
by bulldog jeeper on Dec 14, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
I'll agree with that..........
as Sims was saying yesterday, why you’d be pulling guards that close down on the goal-line is just stupid.
Do they fill holes...
…with draft picks or is this team going to implode and rebuild? I mean, I see Wade being gone next year. Will they clean house or is the core here good enough and young enough to build on?
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:07 AM CST up reply actions
That is my question. LOL.
I can’t seem to get a handle on it. We have old OL’men and young backs & receivers. Can we basically get the OL to the point where it is good enough in one draft?
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:11 AM CST up reply actions
I think it's rebuild time....
the window on this bunch is about to close before it really got open.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 8:41 AM CST up reply actions
naaa, just needs a little remodeling
some leaky plumbing: O-line
a drafty window or two: DBs
a section of fence: hmmm, what could that be?
plant a tree: and see if it grows (that’s for you, Dunkster)
What else do we need for our minor renovation?
They're not "cleaning house"
who do they cut? They have a quality QB. They have to protect him. The problem is they have age on the OL and need to add youngsters.
Brewster, if he rehabs, gets first crack at Kosier’s spot. He’s gonna be a FA and probably won’t be back.
Flozell is old and is declining. I don’t think Doug Free is a LT. I think they need another player there.
Davis can run block, but he has problem with quick rushers.
Two OL. A LT and a guy like Max Unger, who they just missed. He played C in college and could play at G as well.
We also could have had Minn.'s Draft
2 spots after us. I’d take Harvin and Loadhoalt for Roy Williams.
by JimmyJohnson on Dec 14, 2009 8:02 AM CST up reply actions
Is Kosier playing that bad??
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
do you think
we can play columbo or Davis at LT for a year while we try to mold a young LT?
I find it hard to believe Flo will have much left in the tank next year, but the idea of a rookie protecting romo’s blind side is frightening.
No, I don't, re: Davis
He has trouble pass blocking at guard. Put him out in space and it could be really ugly, IMO.
i think so too
what about columbo though? Who knows what he’ll have left after the injury, but as of a year ago, he could shut down many top rushers 1 on 1
I do too
Unfortunately…I feel as though 2007 was the year for this group of ol – we were probably a couple mistakes in that giants game from making a superbowl appearance…….
There are some very positive signs from this year. Jenkins looks fantastic. Spencer looks solid. The D has been stout without a healthy ware. I love the way Romo is playing. Miles is a clear #1 and Roy isn’t far behind. A lot of our worries have been answered.
But we won’t be a consistantly elite team till we revamp this ol and dl too maybe.
Raf pointed out some negatives about the OLine. Management will need to get on this if we
are to stay competitive into the future. But as you noted, we have a lot of very good pieces, and most of those are still relatively young. I feel more confident in our current talent acquisition than I have in a long time.
I do like how Roy #11 is seeming "coming on"
If he has 3 more solid games, he’ll finish with 750-800 yards and 7-8 TDs, not a bad year considering he missed a game and was banged up. It does still appear that he and Romo have some confusion, maybe yet another off-season together could help that.
That's the kind of production most people were expecting out of him.
He’s a good #2, and he’s finally making some tough catches.
yea
but i think he’ll keep improving. Right now, Romo seems to split the looks equally between him and Austin.
Both of them look legit. If Roy and Romo improve a little, I think that trade will have been worth it.
when Roy picked up that approx. 25 yd. gain.....
that’s what I remember about him from his UT days. Very good hands, breaking tackles, and very strong. Did you see how he wouldn’t go down when those 2 defenders were trying to tackle him? Guys need to give him a chance. He is a good receiver if people will lighten up on him a litte. What’s weird about that play, I saw him in the slot and I said, throw the ball to Roy. Romo did and look what happened.
Just to my untrained eye
it doesn’t seem like Flo is the weak link on our line, although I agree we need a LT in the draft. It seems like the middle of our line is the weakest part. Can’t run block, can’t get any push on the goal line, and lets too many leakers through.
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
Rookies can do it
Jake Long was excellent right out of the box. So was Ryan Clady. Flozell can play for another season or half season until the kid is ready to play. The key is getting him into the pipeline.
those were very high picks
Long was one and clady was around 12. The chances of us finding that around 20 seem low – we’ll likely either have to trade up ~ 10 spots or take one in the second round.
So is that doable next year?
And does that put them in a position to run the ball effectively or would they need more?
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:28 AM CST up reply actions
not time to rebuild, just need a few players and better coaching to take the next step.
The team is good at running back and quarterback, tight end. Need an upgrade on the offensive line. Defensively, I’d agree with raf that we need an upgrade at safety. Ken Hamlin has been a disappointment. Need a nickel corner, and another playmaker on the d line
They should keep Bowen
If Spears leaves for more $$$, just plug him in to the starting spot. Marcus Dixon might have potential, but he can’t stay healthy in camp. The DT class looks deep in 2010, so there could be another Ratliff type available for the Boys.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Dec 14, 2009 2:54 AM CST up reply actions
to quote Mr Parcells ...
Good young left tackles aren’t found down the street at the seven/eleven. And we need a good Guard also? Where is this talent coming from? I watched as Dallas took nobody in the 2008 draft which
featured Clady, Gaither (sup) and Long. There is nothing like that quality this year.
by alanTdot. on Dec 14, 2009 2:12 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Long was the 1st pick
Clady went what, 12th?
Dallas never had a shot at them. A lot of teams forced the issue and got burned.
Gosder Cherilus is a joke. The kid the Texans took, Brown, is also vastly overrated.
I think you’re overestimating that field.
but whats the arguement against Gaither ....
Who could have been had with a late second round pick in the supplemental draft.
He was big, long armed amd had tons of success at Maryland.
by alanTdot. on Dec 14, 2009 2:44 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
My answer is they missed out
He would have been worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick, whatever would have netted him.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Dec 14, 2009 2:55 AM CST up reply actions
That's our problem....
perhaps if we stated sucking in October and stop waiting until December to tank, we’d be in better drafting shape.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 8:45 AM CST up reply actions
Good point... maybe I'll close my eye, click my heels and pretend
we’re a great team.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 8:53 AM CST up reply actions
thats only if you believe
in a december curse as opposed to a sudden increase in quality of opponent.
forget the asthma field, folk should have been cut last week. Doesn't matter as much now.
The playoffs are an up hill battle now. Time to start the next coach conversation.
No, the playoffs are still very makeable
Green Bay looks strong for one spot, but Dallas is still a game up on the Giants and two up on the Falcons for the last spot.
I don’t want to quit on this year until its over.
why not cut him. He can try to win his job back in the summer if you want to keep him around.
it’s not like everybody would be lining up to sign him
Do you want to take the chance that some bottom dweller team scoops up a kicker that was in the Pro Bowl
just 2 years ago? Maybe we should wait for a viable replacement before we cut him?…and don’t tell me we’ll find some guy off the streets at this stage of the season. I’m P’d off at him too, but don’t want to cut off my nose to spite my face…so to speak.
No, but deactivating him for a game or two would not hurt
How many consecutive weeks has he missed a kick? Five? Six? Some of them have been huge.
I'm on board with the deactivation. I've noted this in previous posts.
We’re still in the hunt, and I don’t want to do just nothing in the face of this problem. This will be also good because it frees up another spot on the game day roster…
deactivate
Really, a street free agent or Beulercan
Can miss gimme’s also. The positive in sitting Folk is that
He might get his act together for the – dare I say it – playoffs, or even next
Year.
by alanTdot. on Dec 14, 2009 2:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I believe the Redskins new kicker
was 2-2 with FGs yesterday…
That is another question.
Does this team continue to use 2 roster spots for a kickoff specialist and a field goal kicker?
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:16 AM CST up reply actions
I'm with you
Its not finished yet.
by alanTdot. on Dec 14, 2009 2:17 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe I'm a homer, but I still think the division is very attainable.
I think the week 17 game with the Eagles determines the division crown.
Only ways it happens
1. We win out. (Not impossible, but unlikely).
2. We go 2-1 and the Eagles lose to Denver. (Still not very likely.)
by JimmyJohnson on Dec 14, 2009 8:10 AM CST up reply actions
Why be a fan of a team if you have so little confidence in them. Takes all the joy out of rooting for a team doesn't it ?
I’ll stay in my “happy place”…Eagles lost to the Raiders, they won’t win out…it will come down to week 17 at home.
I'm sorry to have to say this,
but we saw exactly how the Cowboys perform with the season “on the line” last year in Philly.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Hey, it's not like you're lying. It is what it is.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:09 AM CST up reply actions
No, I'm just sorry I have to say it, or anything like it.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
yea im not giving up
but a lot more rides on this NO game than it would’ve if either a. we won or b. the giants won.
A loss this week and we’re gonna be praying the giants lose to the panthers, redskins or vikings, or the eagles lose to the bears. Probably looking at a 6 seed at best. The Falcons aren’t going to be a problem. In fact, they’re pretty much done.
The worst thing about this game was the way the air went out of the building and the life went out of the team with Ware’s injury. It will take a heroic defensive effort to beat NO without ware.
Sorry to be a downer but I don't think I can be talked off the ledge.
I want to have hope. I just don’t see it.
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:20 AM CST up reply actions
We need to get a little lucky (Giants or Eagles lose another game)
and win the last two and we’re in. Thats the recipe.
Or maybe we’ll beat NO and washington and have clinched already? I don’t know.
playoff spot
if we win the next two and the giants lose one, the philly game doesn’t matter.
Ok I can see that
And I guess if they get into the playoffs then anything is possible after that.
Ok then, I still have hope.
by HappyGilmour on Dec 14, 2009 2:36 AM CST up reply actions
yea
its too early to lose hope, but I think even the biggest homer would have to admit our chances don’t look nearly as good.
We're just as likely to lose the next 3.
Not trying to be negative, but when I removed my rose-colored glasses, it doesn’t look pretty.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions
lol...
it will come down to who has a worse december, us or the giants. The NY and DAL media should have a lot of fun with this.
Winning this NO game would be huge. If we can find a way to pull it out we’ve got a legitimate shot at the division or a 6 seed
while I agree
there is a good chance at the end of week 15 the ball will no longer be in our court and we’ll be needing help. I don’t like that.
I don’t think the Giants can be too confident either – they’re a few bordlerine ridiculous plays against us from being 6-7 this year.
After the 2-2 start, if I told you that we would be in our current position...3 games to go and we have our
playoff destiny and even the division in our own hands, would you have been happy? There’s only 7 teams in the NFC still with a “reasonable” chance to make the playoffs and we’re one of them.
well
in the beginning of the season i thought we’d be at 10-11 wins.
Around week 4, i was expecting 8-9.
Right now I think we go 10-6.
I guess I’m happy about where we are now compared to then, but losing key game after key game is making it pretty hard to be excited about this team.
Well, we will probably be at 10-11 wins like you envisioned.
We didn’t have our butts handed to us in any of the loses. We lost because of our own mistakes, not because other teams were physically better than us (SD game we left 10 sure points on the field). Clean up the mistakes and we’re a juggernaut because we are one of the most balanced teams in the league. Romo is playing great so far in December with a 112 QB rating. We all should be positive…not satisfied, but positive.
He is playing great, but I don't see 10 wins getting us in.
It’ gonna take 11 wins to get in the playoffs, and this team just ain’t gonna do it. Brookings can defend Wade all he wants, but come next year he will be playing for a different coach. I would just as soon deactivate Folk for the next couple of games and see if he gets his head cleared before cutting him. But, like the writeup say’s last night wasn’t on the holder. My prayers are with Demarcus and his family for a speedy recovery. Let’s go out and give it our all and let the chips fall where they may. If you leave it all on the field then there is nothing to hang your head about at the end of the day.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
The only way 10 wins doesn't get us in is if the Giants win out.
Why would you assume so easily that they win their next 3 games? It’s not like they’re playing consistent. They’re less consistent than us…
With the Giants remaining schedule vs our remaining schedule,
I think the bets lie with the Giants. Plus we still have to get the 10 wins, and I’m not sure that is even possible at this time. No one is afraid of Carolina, Washington still just sucks, and by the time they play Minnesota, the Vikes will have everything locked up and will be resting their starters. Yeah, I see the Giants being able to run that schedule. On the other hand we get New Orleans, go to Washington and come home to Philly and all three of those teams would just love to be spoilers for us. Especially if it comes down to the last game being a meaningful one. This team doesn’t have the balls to win in the clutch.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
You give the Giants too much credit...they definitely play up for the Cowboys, but
have been even less consistent than us all year. We’re gonna find out in the next 3 weeks just how much balls this team has…
Unless NO loses a game or 2 and that #1 seed is within reach
then Min might take the NYG game seriously. Washington is feisty, and Carolina is not a pushover. Giants aren’t the same team defensively. We’ll see after a few weeks.
Giants just put up 38 points and 500+ yards on the Eagles
they ain’t exactly chopped liver
That's one of the reasons I can see them winning out. They have the tools.
I hate the Giants and Philly with a passion, but right now I don’t think the Cowboys have the cajones to get it done. Of course, I think that leads back to Wade and Jones, but what the heck do I know?
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Frankly the Redskins are playing far better than the Cowboys
the last few games, especially on offense. Somehow, despite their coaching turmoil, a decimated offensive line, and losing their first two starting RBs, they have scored 30+ points the last two weeks.
exactly
I think they still have a very good shot at the 6 seed. I think wins over Washington and Philly gets us in. and pray that NYG loses one more.
This is the same old crap as last year and the year before and the year before and year before and so on
Dallas has control of their own fate early in Dec. and can’t finish. What makes you think it will be any different this year.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
same
reason why Pittsburgh has lost 5 straight. Cause it’s a different year! Did you see them losing 5 straight? I bet not. and Im not the type of guy who jumps off a bridge in week 15 of the NFL season while they’re still in a good spot. They’re still 8-5, and the 2 teams they just lost to are good teams. If they lost to the Browns and Radiers the last 2 weeks, then I’d panic.
Normaly I would agree that any outcome from last December has no bearing
on this December, but I just get the feeling the Cowboys are going to go down in flames and have brain cramps in some aspect of the game at the wrong time and blow it.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
I think
it’s easy to worry about them flaming out, especially when you see the quality of teams they play. I just refuse to believe that they’re going to lose just because it’s December. I honestly think they beat Washington and Philly. if NYG loses one more, I think that gets us in.
+1
We continue to play December games just well enough to lose. I mean, the minute we tie the game…. bam, the defense can’t stop them.
For me, I’ve seen this movie before and I always hate the ending.
I’ll be the first to eat crow if I’m wrong. I’ve acquired quite a taste for it having it so often.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
I hope like hell we're both wrong
and what the crap is right. But when it happens over and over it becomes like a bad habit that is hard to break. I wish someone knew the answer, but I’m not sure anyone at Valley Ranch even knows the question.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
This was a very disappointing game
The defense played extremely well the first 50 minutes, then SD crushed us in the last 10 minutes. Still, the effort should’ve been enough.
Offensively….this line is really holding us back. Its frustrating as **** to see Romo playing well, our wrs playing well and the line to consistently make mistakes. And as you stated, the fact that we are not a straight ahead blocking team really limits our playcalling cabailities – it would be nice to not have to run half our run plays out of shotgun.
and then of course there is folk, missing a kick a game and continuously killing momentum. You’ve gotta wonder how these games would turn out if he could kick very makeable fgs.
Very nice post, Raf
insightful, level-headed analysis.
Now on to all the inciteful, sky is falling posts that spring up on a Monday morning like this …
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 14, 2009 3:39 AM CST reply actions
If we win our last three games, we win the NFC East.
We’re still in control of our destiny. The running game can still help this team even if it isn’t a power running game.
We left 10 points on the field yesterday, but we’re learning.
What we need to do is stop finding ways to lose, and focus on our strengths.
If Folk could have hit that field goal, or we kick a field goal on 4th down on the goal line stand, the Crayton TD ties the game and sends it into overtime.
Not even looking at the Cowboys, just at the Saints, the Saints seem beatable right now. Though they haven’t lost yet, they’ve been barely escaping from lessor teams lately.
One more thing…Get well DeMarcus.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
We won't win a superbowl with this current O-line
Hopefully, we are preparing (for next season) to bring in some hungry linemen that have the ability to carry their weight. The weak spot has been identified and it is large.
We won't win a Superbowl with a lot of things on this team.
O-line. Safety, WR, RB, CB..
We should have never drafted Felix. Yes I wanted Deshaun Jackson since we needed a WR.
That one bad move lead to the Roy Williams deal and basically put us in a position where the 2009 drafted was a waste.
The biggest problem with this team is the GM. Since 2008 this team has been headed in the wrong direction. Right after Parcell’s left him to his own devices and jerked us for two starters for a 5th round pick. Unbelievable,
Parcell’s left before the cake was finished and I have the feeling JJ is going to turn this team right back into there 5-11 days.
Unless he removes himself and find someone who knows you don’t draft a situational RB who hasn’t carried the ball more than 13 times since High school in the first round with 3-5 franchise RB’s on the board.
That 2008 draft will hurt us for years. It has already destroyed our 2009 draft.
JJ needs help. He doesn’t know what the hell he is doing.
Besides Parcell’s look at the coaches that have been on the sideline in the last 14 years.
Tom Landry must be rolling over in his grave.
by Sharksbreath on Dec 14, 2009 6:54 AM CST up reply actions
Why don't you tell us how you feel?
Quit beating around the bush and come out and say it. I have to agree, Jones as GM is undermining everthing he wants to accomplish.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Raf you completely misunderstand what we wanted
We never said we wanted a 58 to 42 run to pass ratio. We wanted balance; not 11 runs a game.
Furthermore, we were actually moving the ball well. We just couldn’t score points when we were getting in the redzone.
Raf, I know you think you were vindicated somehow, unfortunately for you the facts don’t bear that out.
I don't think Raf was saying we can't run, just that you can't trust the OLine to run block consistently and as well as the 90's.
Based on the strengths and weaknesses of our O Line, we run better with the threat of the pass. As big as our line is…we couldn’t move the ball 1 yard in 3 tries? People used to complain that we threw to get TD’s in the Red Zone too much, it would seem Garrett understood our line better than the casual fan.
no he specifically mentioned the run to pass ration and the desire to pass less
but just because we think we should pass less doesn’t mean we should pass 15 times a game. Heck it doesn’t even mean we should run more than we pass. If your team runs less than a third of the time that is not good.
I don't think he mentioned any "desire to pass less", that's your interpretation.
You’re taking what he wrote and expanded it in directions I don’t think he intended…I think the key word here is embellishment…
Explain to me how I embellished this quote:
You got what you’ve been asking for. A heavy dose of running.
LOL
I'm trying to decide if I want to waste my efforts in explaining your fallacies to you...
OK, I’ll bite. You misquoted Raf by using the words “desire to pass less”…why didn’t you initially use the phrase…
You got what you’ve been asking for. A heavy dose of running.
in the first place?
You embellished his post to try to advance your point.
I can continue to point out your inconsistencies and incorrect assumptions, but we both know I’m wasting my time, so I’ll just end it here…
You're in a bad mood
Why don’t you provide your own opinion on a topic as opposed to picking a fight with everyone else’s
Admittedly, I'm not in the best of moods, but I wouldn't say I'm in a bad mood.
I was sharp with you in one post down below because you you did a flippant “drive by comment” about Wade and our season. Clearly you have given up on our season, and I’m not partial to quitters. Fans call our players quitter/losers, shouldn’t fans be held to the same standard?
What is this pop warner?
Everyone is a winner? Do we all get Lombardi trophies when the season is finished?
Fact of the matter is our team is full of quitters or losers if we don’t make it into the post season. That is what the football season is all about. If you can’t do it you are just not good enough and you have to accept that.
So, you are going to judge who's a good fan?
Just because we might not share your ‘Everything is great… let’s hold hands and sing ‘kumbaya, we’re still winning the Superbowl’ theory deosn’t make us any less of a fan than anyone else.
And you not being partial to quitters means nothing, cuz frankly, I could care less what you’re partial to.
How about next time when we’re all supposed to pretend that this team has no flaws and everything is going to be wonderful, please stand by the thread door and hand out a pair of those rose-colored glasses you’re sporting.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions
No. Not trying to judge. Just responding to a comment from cow_fanatic about my mood.
He asked what I was thinking and instead of being flippant, I shared my thoughts with him. If you disagree with my perspective, that’s your problem…my comment wasn’t directed towards you…
IMO
we’re better off without Wade here. I despise the man and have ever since he was hired. It was a drive-by statement below but one that alot of fans share.
I’ve made the mistake of trying to define what a good fan is in the past. You are now learning that same lesson.
As a fan I would rather take on the role of what a good coach would do. Not necessarily focus on the positives when you’re in the middle of an implosion. That’s what you and Wade do. I would rather focus on what would make this team better, you know, the anti-Wade thing.
I have my doubts about Wade just like you, but he hasn't done anything for me to "despise" him
as you clearly do…the team isn’t “imploding” although it isn’t playing up to potential. We’re still in the playoff hunt, granted it isn’t as strong a position as it was 2 weeks ago, nevertheless we are still in the middle of it. Can you assume he gives the same “lollypops and candy” point of view to his players behind the scene that he gives to the media? The man has been coaching over 30 years, garnering undying respect from past and present players. NFL players don’t give respect readily, maybe Wade is more substantive than you think? I think this team is close, you don’t…I think we will play more than 3 more games, you don’t…you intimate I see this team through rose colored glasses, I say see them with clearer vision. We’ll definitely have a clearer picture in 3 weeks.
I don't despise Wade.
I do despise his and the rest of the organizations inability to get the best from the talent that is on the team. That goes all the way up to the GM.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Can you assume he gives the same "lollypops and candy" point of view to his players behind the scene that he gives to the media?
Yes I can. Do you take my stance everywhere else other than this website? No, your stance doesn’t change any more than mine does.
You telling me he becomes a stern, disciplinarian in the locker room and the comes out in his Santa suit in press conferences?
He is as much of an embarrassment to this organization as those 3D glasses were yesterday.
This team is close in teams of talent IMO. Not even close in terms of coaching. If you can provide me with something other than 1-5 against teams with winning records this year as a basis for what’s to come I am all ears.
by cow_fanatic on Dec 14, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
if Dallas gets shredded this week, which I think they will
You’ll see a team full of quitters when they play Wash and Philly to end the season.
I threw out my rose colored glasses around 1967 and been a cowboy fan since 1963, so stop questioning people whether their real fans or not…
I know crappy football when I see it and I don’t need to watch all 16 games by this team to verify what I’m watching.. it’s the same crap I’ve watched for three years under this regime..
Watch 'em beat the Aints
so they can rip our hearts out one last time this year.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
except I'm gonna be smarter this year......
last year I got suckered after the Giants game and went and paid big bucks to take my sons to the Ravens game thinking we’d win because it was an important win and the last game at Texas Stadium. I wasted 1200 bucks on that pitiful game. I don’t think that I will do the same this year.
you make no sense
if you increase the running attempts you will necessarily be decreasing the passing attempts. Your point logically makes absolutely no sense.
Your point was about "desire" not causality...
You know what? I was wrong…please think what you think. I’m going to take a pass from commenting on this issue any further…
Your rather poor argument has devolved into quibbling over semantics
and you can’t even get that right, because if we did have a desire to run more, we inherently had a desire to pass less.
And I know an ‘uncle’ comment when I see one. You’re excused.
"Furthermore, we were actually moving the ball well. We just couldn’t score points when we were getting in the redzone"
Why is that?
I rest my case.
Maybe because we shouldn't have ran the ball into the endzone 4 times in a row
but throwing one or two passes isn’t enough to throw the run to pass ratio out entirely other direction. LOL.
That had to do with the play calling, not with the run to pass ratio. So your case is hardly at rest.
Playcalling Quincyyyyy...wow
if you read the amount of posts I had to make regarding people arguing with me when I said our playcalling is suspect, you could write a book about how many people have been in denial over it. Rose colored glasses really do exist out there for alot of people out there. Heck, they even hand them out at the stadium apparantly too.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:13 PM CST up reply actions
Sad part about moving the ball well.......
this was happening in the pre-season as well. They kept saying, don’t worry, we’re working on a few things. It will be cleared up in the regular season. This is the same thing that Romo was saying in 2008 about throwing interceptions in T.C. and pre-season. “Don’t worry, we’re working on some things, we’ll clear it up in the regular season.” I’ve learned that when Romo says these flippant things about not worrying that either he’s glossing over the problem to us or they don’t work to fix the problem in training camp. BTW, I’m not blaming Romo for all this, but is you look at the history they have the same problems over and over in TC but they never get those problems fixed.
and BTW, who appointed you spokesman for "we"?
cause you take these things personally.
I don't take it personal at all
I’m just imparting to you the views of most or a large amount of the people you are directing your comments at.
I don't think you're qualified to make this statement...unless you have some poll results I'm unaware of...or haven't
participated in…
Actually yes I am because I know there have been a significant amount of people who have made the same statement I have
whether it is most or not, there have been a significant amount of people who have had the same gripe I have had.
Please provide a list of said people...and it better be a large list as you previously stated...
…and as you like quotes….here’s yours…
I’m just imparting to you the views of most or a large amount of the people
Sorry I didn't write down a list as the discussion was going on
The only assumption I regret making is the assumption that you don’t live in a cave on Mars with your eyes shut and your fingers in your ears. Because after the Green Bay game when our rbs rushed 11 times that was pretty much what everyone was talking about.
Although there were a few posts (on the main page and in fan posts) you can go back to during the week after the green bay game if you care enough.
How's this Rafael?
“The ‘00s have been a lost decade for the Cowboys offensive line. It’s time for fresher and better straight-ahead-blocking blood.”
This is true, but when you wrote this, I was puzzled. Why? Because you wrote in the post that new coaches wouldn’t be able to change the way these offensive lineman perform (and that is debateable). What puzzles me is the fact that the coaches have had an adequete time to adress it. What you failed to mention is that the new coaches at least, will have the opporttunity to evaluate the situation, since that aspect of the coaching job has been botched (in my opinion, and by more than one coach). At least in that situation, the new coaches can change things, since nothing is worse than watching the Cowboys continually faulter in December.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions
More balance and also...
just some flow with the playcalling. It just seems we either do one thing or the other (run or pass for a few straight plays) instead of mixing things up and going playaction. Not one deep shot yesterday (may have been covered, not sure if Romo is looking). Part of the lack of flow might be penalties too.
Shanahan next year
He’s QB friendly, and knows how to get an O line together that will aid the RB.
Any body but Wade, it appears
he is deficient in that area as well.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
At this point yes.
BTW I’m glad someone can laugh after this. Maybe, I should go on the road?
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
It's called proper perspective, my friend. I bleed Cowboy Blue, but I always try to stay positive and constructive.
If you can’t find some joy out of rooting for your favorite team, and you only dwell in the negative at all times, why even have a favorite team. It’s a miserable existence. I had a meltdown after the week 2 Giant’s loss, but re-confirmed why I follow the Cowboys and am back to norma7l.
Good to hear that Cali. I'm glad someone is finding the silver lining.
I wish I could, I want the Cowboys to win every game, and I take every loss personally.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Actually, I was asking a serious question. Many people on this board want to fire Wade, but they haven't thought
out who should replace him. You bring up Shanahan…offensively, I like it, but who does he bring in as D Coordinator. In case you don’t remember, he had a pretty shaky defense there for many years and couldn’t solve the problem of fixing his defense, I don’t want the same here in Dallas. Especially since I think our D is more problematic than our O. A decision this big needs to be hashed out in detail before pulling the trigger.
Capers is available, and if he's not Romeo Crennel should be available soon.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Dom Capers is not available.
He’s running Green Bay’s defense, and pretty well I might add.
The guy I wanted three years ago
I wanted Norv over Wade to help Romo and Garrett with running an offense and hire Capers to run the defense, but once again Jerry wasted another three years…
Sorry, my mistake. The point is, there are some available.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Another bad coaching decision
whatever coaching issue allowed Capers to go to Green Bay, and kept him from coming here, I questioned heavily when it happened. I just take it as another bad coaching decision (as expected)
It’s nice to see the stats that made the Cowboys of the 90’s what they were.
I’m not trying to be negative on monday here, but there is one thing being overlooked about this post of Rafael’s, so I disagree with some of it.
If it is true that this line is inadequate at run blocking, like this post brings to the forefront, there are two things that point to misuse of the running game by Garrett.
1. Has any successful power running team ever called 4 straight similar run plays when they didn’t have success, or more importantly, would the offensive coordinator of a team like that ever do that if he had to?
2. pulling guards down at the goal line is a sure sign of indecision of the running offense. This is misuse in my opinion. i wouldn’t be able to come to the conclusion of the offensive line is “Bad” at run blocking based on that. i’m sure they could improve, but run blocking isn’t something this offensive has been asked to do alot in this offense up to now. Saying that new coaches won’t do any better is too quick a judgement.
This one-dimensionalism is not a new topic in reference to Garrett.
We are a team with two head coaches, not one. I wish I could talk about Wade and the offense, but I can’t. Garrett is responsible for this offense, is he not?
To say that Tashard wouldn’t have made a difference is wrong also. He is harder to tackle than Barber. he’s more slippery, and has more speed than Barber. He would have gotten a touchdown even if Garrett would have called 4 straight runs like that.
I write these words not in anger, but a reserved and realistic belief of what has been an ongoing problem with the team.
I also believe that Jason Garrett, with the proper head coach above him, can learn and become a great offensive coordinator. Read Deke’s post “The guy I wanted 3 years ago” above. I tend to agree with that post 100%, and was a real big issue at the time, but no one realized it.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions
Why would Green Bay let Capers come over as our DC? Good choice, but that ship has sailed.
Crennel doesn’t impress me. I’ve floated an idea in a previous thread…Mike Zimmer head coach and Charlie Weiss OC. Zim has a long Cowboys history. He’s a mean SOB and can do more with less…look at Cincinnati…Weiss can run an offense where most of the pieces are in place.
You want to go back to a 4-3 defense
when the 3-4 is in place? You’re looking and 2-3 years of rebuilding the defense if Zimmer comes back to spare us to death
Are you sure about the 2-3 year window?
I mean, look at Denver, KC and GB. This was their first year going to the 3-4 and they seemed to have puled it off. Yeah, I know you need different personnel, but it’s tough to put a specific timeline on it.
And yes, I’d love the go back to the 4-3.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:40 AM CST up reply actions
Fair enough
I like the 3-4 myself and you’re right, may not take that long to change but it does change your priorities in the offseason re: FAs and the draft. I think we need to focus on other things this offseason other than changing back to the 4-3
They pulled it off because they have Capers
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions
He learned the 3-4 here
and then left to go to Cincy to run their 4-3. That should tell you something
by cow_fanatic on Dec 14, 2009 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
Tells me Cincinatti has 4-3 personnel.
Good coaches adapt. I seem to recall Parcells used a 4-3 his first year here…
by CaliFanInTx on Dec 14, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed
We just disagree re: Zimmer being a good coach
by cow_fanatic on Dec 14, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions
Seem to me that most defenses play a hybrid
of the 3-4 and 4-3 depending on situation.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 10:12 AM CST up reply actions
Zimmer didn't like the 3-4 ........
I know it wasn’t the only reason he left, but it’s pretty well documented that Zimmer wasn’t a fan of the 3-4 when he was here. He was just forced to run it because of Parcells.
We probably can
I just think we would have to #1, take Carpenter out of the mix and end up spending too much time retooling this offseason when we have bigger fish to fry IMO
by cow_fanatic on Dec 14, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
I think Carpenter is a good fit as a OLB in a 4-3
We may have to swap out some backups, but I think we have all our starters in place
No, I don't think so
Spencer and Ware are 260ish… They are strong, but making them face OT and TEs double teams for big portions of the games is bad business…
At OLB they face TEs, RBs or FBs one-on-one in a lot of the snaps… And they do it well.
I would really love to see Ratliff as a 4 man front DT, though. But we’ve invested too much at OLB (Ware, Spencer, Butler and Williams).
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Oh, stop it
Go back and see why Shanahan is not currently employed.
Could not put a defense together.
If you bring Shannahan in next year
you have to swap out four of the five offensive linemen since they don’t fit his scheme. Kosier is the only athletic linemen we have. Our other linemen can’t get out in space and block, they can’t run screens with this O-line or sweeps. I don’t want Shannahan in here, he ignores the defense and special teams
What about Holmgren?
Isn’t he a good defensive/offensive coordinator as head coach also? Maybe not for the 3-4 though?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
Well, I'm guessing they'd have to go the existing coordinator route...
cuz I think Patrino put a huge kink in hiring college coaches.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions
Raf
The only other thing I’ll be curious about hearing is WR/TE separation. There seemed to be a lot of times where they looked blanketed. Was that your impression as well?
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Offensive Line was my biggest concern this past off-season…
And while I hope the Cowboys successfully address this through the draft I’d also like see a move or two via free agency. My thought is that Romo really can be an elite QB in this league if he had a better O-line protecting him. My concern is that it will take 3 to 4 years to develop a bunch of rookies and by the time they reach their stride the Cowboys will have missed out on Romo’s peak years.
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.
Like any other team in the league this one will go as far as the O-line will take them.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
except pitt
who won a superbowl last year without a competent oline.
Yeah, but they had a very competent defense.
It is very rare for a team to go very far in the playoffs without a competent o-line.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
I honestly thought Arizona's oline was suspect last year
Warner beat blitzes with very quick accurate throws.
The uppermost elite qbs in this league can do that.
agree.....
Warner and Fitzgerald made blitz happy Philly pay big time in the playoff game and even in the Super Bowl against Pittsburg.
That still is coaching decisions then
isn’t it Gee-Roj? I’m sure if the coaches realized they need offensive lineman, they would have made it a priority in the draft the last 3 years to get something high up in the draft? I mean, really, was a 2nd tight end (Marty B) That important over a WR and Offensive lineman?
Coaches make decisions like this for teams. For all the people that want to keep harping on Romo, or the issue of player execution (Terry), they are the ones that have to remember that.
A good example is in this past draft, letting Unger get drafted in a pick right before us, and not having a plan in place to move up a couple of spots to just go and get him before something like that happens. That is what you have to do when players drop in the draft. How many missed opportunities and bad decisions can a team survive before they see it all come out in the laundry?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
Well said saideven
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
Did anyone really think this team could win the Super Bowl this year?
Please! This team is on the rise but realistically it needs to fill some holes. They are a team on the rise who has a great chance for the playoffs still, with a hope of winning one or two games. Anything more and you might be asking for too much.
didn’t expect Superbowl but i think for the talent we have on this team we are underachieving. Compare rosters and i don’t think the saints are substantially better than us.
"On a journey to anywhere you can draw your own map."
The Cowboys underachieve every year..
they build you up during the season so you think Super Bowl, but then fizzle out at the same time every year.
It's gotten to the point I don't even get mad anymore... which is probably a good thing.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:22 AM CST up reply actions
You know what that is?
Your understanding that Wade does not deserve our trust or passion for this team. You’re right not to get mad any more.
And the real biggest reason for that
is no solid and effective establishment of the run. If they did that in games, that would cover up alot of these other issues alot of people are always talking about.
“When all else fails, Run”
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
+1
Even if we make the playoffs, we still won’t get that elusive playoff victory. How does this team stack against the Vikings, Saints, Cardinals? Everyone on this blog keeps saying see 2007 Giants or see 2008 Cardinals. This team is neither of those. These are the 2009 Dallas Cowboys who have been nothing more than overrated the entire year with a suspect defense.
He should be taking the role of Parcells in Seattle
That’s the word. I think it’s Shannahan
That's what I'm hearing too. I understand he and Jerry are also good friends.
Not that any of this means a thing. For all we know, Wade and Garrett will get contract extensions.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:07 AM CST up reply actions
How about
Jimmy Johnson for GM, holmgren as Head coach? How would that do for you bryangene?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
That's what I'd guess.....
but with Jerry, who knows.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 9:23 AM CST up reply actions
When your Owner/GM hires an offensive coodinator before he hires a headcoach
who knows with this franchise, and that’s where the problems with this team starts, Jerry Jones. There’s been one constant negative with this team in the last 13 years of non playoff wins, that’s Jerry Jones. NO other team would hire Jerry Jones as a GM, no one!!!
I could see it.
Romo has turned into a fine QB who gets better every year. He can make every throw, can go Jedi when needed and has really cut down on his mistakes. Unfortunately, our Oline regresses every year.
by Road Warrior on Dec 14, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions
I wouldn't call this offense prolific
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 14, 2009 12:06 PM CST up reply actions
Raf, you're being a bit disingenuos
We got what “we” wanted (whoever we are!) And we were proven right!
The team did run the ball, control the clock, not telegraph every play-and it worked!
Also, look at the play-by-play of the 99-yard drive! 4 of the first 5 plays are runs, then everything opens up.
The drive right before that, starting on the 4 yard line? First down, Garrett lines up in Shotgun! “Hey, Chargers, we’re going to pass, in case you were wondering!” 3 and out, of course.
“We” were proven right-Why Garrett chose to run off right guard 3 plays in a row is the question. The idiot didn’t use the equity he’d built up to play action, fake inside/pitch the ball out to the corner, whatever.
Cost us the game.
Thanks
no other responses? I’m surprised because this is the key issue.
by Realist Larry on Dec 14, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
i think its tough
to extrapolate this game out over the whole year.
We took advantage of a suspect run D this week. We ran over them consistently. But as raf said, not straight up the middle. We did it off tackle and in shotgun plays. We haven’t had this much success since the raiders. Before then, since week 2. You weren’t proven right that we should run the ball more.
I agree wth you on that shotgun call, i thought that was nuts. that bothered me.
Why garrett called similar plays, i don’t know. WHy he didn’t go play action, i don’t know. Those re valid points. But he wasn’t wrong in deciding to go off tackle.
Ladies and Gentlemen... Jason Garrett!
“I don’t know what they were thinking but after the second time you gotta think, `don’t run that play no more,‘’’ Chargers linebacker Tim Dobbins said after the game. ``I don’t know if they watched film or what.”
Dobbins was in on three of the tackles and knew what was coming.
"In our mind, we knew he wasn’t blocking. We knew he had to get the ball. He’s not getting paid to block. Everybody knows that, everybody in the stands knew that. We knew it was going to be a flip or a dive, one or the other. I don’t know what they were thinking,’’ Dobbins said.
OK, so why don't we
a) Try to obtain taller receievers
b) Try to obtain taller db’s
Jes wunderin, if it causes such an uneven and impossible matchup. Looked to me like Jackson was burning us with ease yesterday. Wish we had a receiver like that.
I still have hope, peeps. After all, who is the shorty on the Saints team. Time after time his passes got batted down by the Redskins. They got that trick down.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Dec 14, 2009 10:53 AM CST reply actions
You still have to give the QB time to throw, and the QB needs to throw a nice deep ball
We don’t have those two parts of the recipe, so this cake is gonna taste like poop.
by Urinal Mint on Dec 14, 2009 12:12 PM CST up reply actions
What bothered me most about yesterdays game.....
was when Ware went out. Every emotional scene. The big thumbs up as he’s being wheeled off.
We have the Chargers in a 3rd and 7. Crowd is jacked up because of what happened to our fallen hero.
And two plays later, the Chargers are in the end zone.
That was disheartening.
I disagree a bit about the defense. I see what you're saying about holding
the Chargers’ scoring down, but once again, the D is giving up a lot of yards, and how many 99-yard scoring drives can this or any offense pull off? The O was in the hole a lot yesterday. That said, the O line is a problem, and has been for more than just this year; those four tries on the San Diego goal line that didn’t yield any points may have hurt me more than the missed field goal. Well, maybe. Folk has turned into a complete head case.
Our offensive line is what it is
As noted above, they’re mostly 30+ years old. They haven’t been power run blockers for the past few seasons. No reason to expect them to be now.
So I get that. My question, then, is why did we call three straight power runs on the goal line? We know that that type of a play is not our strength. It was a baffling call to me that seemed to deliberately leave out any understanding of our offense’s strengths and weaknesses.
I understand the larger problem is the OL, but given that they’re not changing at this point— why make that call? Seemed odd.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
What's disheartening to me is the style of play I have to accept this OL playing.
A finesse style OL isn’t what I want my team to play in order to win. This OL is big, slow and soft. Only Kosier can get to the second level. 1 out of 5 getting to the second level says they cannot move and hit people. That’s why stunts and delayed blitzes hurt this line as it pass protects and why we have to go to the shotgun in order to give time and a little deception in order to run. They are slow and lack punch as witnessed at the goal line.
The OL’s identity………………they are NOT a running line, they are a partial passing line that requires our QB to suplement their ability to pass block. If they thought they could move bodies when it counts, well, they now know what they are. Sad but true. Kinda limits the play book when you can’t even do one or the other really well.
Depending on what happens with the CBA, that could be what saves this franchise several years of developing linemen without wasting our QB, RB’s and WR’s. Jerry will go out and buy the best talent there to give an immediate injection of talent in a slow and old line.
From here on out for this season, I feel we are going to have to throw the ball more than ever to win and activate Olgetree and sit Folk and let Beuhler kick. Whatever confidence our OL had prior to this game went out the window. We will just have to sprinkle in a few runs here and there and play NE style ball. We can win this way and Romo in my opinion has really matured a lot this season. I’m ok with this direction for this year. Win or lose I want Romo to air it out almost every time. That’s our only hope of winning. The OL can’t be trusted anymore to get yards on the ground when it counts.
I really miss Tunei, Newton, Stepnoski, Gogan and Williams
We need to strive to get those types of horses back into the team. I wouldn’t be sad to see the entire draft and free agency focus on picks for guys in the trenches (both OL and DL) . It would be a breath of fresh air.
Good points
And don’t we get to buy anything we want next year? Meaning, money and the glam of playing for THE DALLAS COWBOYS, Jerry will be a good daddy and give us EVERYTHING WE NEED next year!!!!
OK, I’m now gonna throw a hissy fit and say,
“BUT I WANT PLAYOFFS AND A SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR”
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Dec 14, 2009 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
Interesting numbers from Norm Hitzges this AM, plus a deeper dive for stats
From Norm on 1310 The Ticket:
Points in the last 5 contests: 79
Meaningful points in the last 5 contests: 58 (subtract 3 TDs for garbage time stuff against GB, NYG, and SD). That’s 11.6 meaningful points per contest. You’re not going to win a damned thing with that sorry offensive output.
Now, using numbers from pro-football-reference.com:
The Cowboys offense has a points-to-yards ratio of .058 pts per yard (296 pts / 5084 yds)
The NFL average is .063 pts per yard (277.5 pts / 4336.1 yds)
So already this supposedly “potent” NFL offense is below average in offensive productivity. You know, the stuff that ultimately proves whether you win or lose. You may proclaim, “but Urinal Mint! They’re 3rd in total yards and 13th in scoring!” and I will present right back to you that in that order, this offense SUCKS. They can’t get out of their own way, and when they need it, they absolutely cannot make a play.
So who do you blame?
I think it goes everywhere.
The OL isn’t blocking, plus they’re old and worn out.
The QB makes a lot of plays, but misses those for the taking that will turn a game around (see the Roy W. airmail against NY last week).
The running game is too disjointed to be counted on because Garrett can’t decide who needs to carry the load.
The WRs can’t catch inaccurate passes that they can make plays on.
They don’t take shots downfield to slow the blitz. The don’t slow the blitz with blocking. They take stupid penalties on drive-deciding downs like 1st/3rd. They don’t convert on 3rd down worth a flip.
The Cowboys offense is the guy at work that spends 10 hours a day running around with papers in his hand and talking about the problem, but for some reason can’t answer the problem at hand.
And guess what… all these boys have big-money, long-term contracts… so don’t expect anything to change the next couple of years with the same sorry cast of ne’er-do-wells failing to execute even the simplest formations and plays.
Better decisionmaking at head coach
may be the answer urinal. This team is run in a dysfunctional state.
A new head coach that is a strong leader, and a strong offensive minded coach, overseeing him, tutoring him, is the way. Especially if what you say is true about the contracts these coaches have.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
Decision-making prowess won't make better blocks on the goal line
and good luck getting either of those with Al Davis Jr. in his owner’s suite
by Urinal Mint on Dec 14, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
I love your post Urinal
Why? it points out some startling harsh realities about the offense that needs to be seen to be understood. I’m about to quote you an another fanpost to cowboy729 who is advocating Garrett as our next head coach.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
Well, great analysis Raf, but I still want a shakeup that includes starting Choice, not suiting up Folk.
MBIII has lost something. He can’t beat anyone to the corners, and his shake&bake in the backfield only allows the entire defense to close on him. Hit the hole man and quit juking around. I’ll admit he still has his ‘jump up and act a fool’ thing going after every two yard gain, but his game is sadly lacking. He was once feared, but not anymore. Maybe it’s not his fault, as our OL couldn’t move my garden club off the ball yesterday.
RW is showing up pretty well, at last. What has happened to Bennett? I had such hopes with our 2TE formations. What? Has he regressed?
I’m down right now, but somehow, I think the Cowboys beat NO next week.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
I thought we might beat NO until yesterday,
but I don’t have much hope now. NO team and crowd will be hyped to the hilt. This is the Dallas Cowboys coming to their house with an ex Dallas coach and alot of ex Dallas players. It may be ugly.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
You could be right. After all the years of bagged heads in NO it must be great for them to be 13-0. And now
they have the opportunity to beat up on the once feared Dallas Cowboys. They will be up for this game no doubt. We’re down, they’re up, but it’s time for the upset at home. Dallas wins.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
Is OL the Reason the Cowboys Don't Go Deep?
Is the OL the reason the Cowboys don’t (or very rarely) throw deep? Or is it that the defenses they face are always having 2 safeties deep? Or is it Romo? Just curious. The Chargers seemingly threw deep (>25 yards) multiple times, and I can’t recall the last time the Cowboys attempted a deep ball – especially more than 1. (And I’m obviously not talking about YAC plays).
Yes, I think you're on to something. JG won't call for the deep ball, as he has no faith that Romo will have the time he
needs to throw the ball. I guess the opposing D knows that too.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
Chargers are the #1 deep ball team in the league, so comparing us to them is a tough standard
Romo’s Yards Per Attempt is in the top 3 of QBs in the league. So we get plenty of big gains in the passing game. They may not anecdotally look like the classic “wait in the pocket and launch a long vertical rainbow for a receiver to run under,” but we get deep passing plays. Miles Austin, for instance, leads the league in receptions over 20 yards. I think more of that yardage is coming after the catch, but we do get long passing plays.
Now, if you’re looking for bombs where the majority of the yardage is in the air— yes, we anecdotally seem to be doing that less this year than we did in 2007 when TO was in his Dallas prime. I assumed it was because our WRs were having trouble separating downfield, but maybe the OL is the culprit. I don’t know. As long as the YPA stays high, I’m not hugely concerned about it, although I know it’s fun to watch QBs uncork deep balls on a regular basis.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Terrance Newman
used to be one of my favorite Cowboys, but dude is downright awful now. Jenkins is the only guy in our secondary actually trying to make plays. Next week in NO could be a disaster; guys running free through our secondary…. ugh!
I don't know, call me crazy,
but i don’t see where Newman is the problem. Granted he’s not the best CB in the NFL, but we could do alot worse. I think we need a upgrade at safety more than at CB. Just my opinion.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
I think the reason is inspirsing so much anger right now is an emotional one
Of our many problems, the failure to make stops on 3rd and long (see the VRR post that went up a few minutes ago) is probably not our biggest issue . But other than the failed goal line effort yesterday, it is probably the failure that is most visible (everyone sees it when a WR catches a long 3rd down pass on us; not everyone sees Leonard Davis missing a run block) and the most frustrating— you expect to get off the field on 3rd and 12, and suddenly the opponent has just picked up 25 yards and a new set of downs.
Unfortunately, Terence has been culpable for a lot of those, or at least been the lone CB in the shot. Certainly some of the failures have been due to the lack of a pass rush or perhaps a missed assignment by a safety, but Terence is the guy whose number you see running after the receiver.
He has definitely been inconsistent the last couple years, but I think he probably receives a disproportionate amount of heat because of the more highly visible and frustrating nature of his failures.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Has anyone noticed how Newman is constantly looking at the QB while attempting to cover?
I have and I think it’s because of the pressure earlier in the season about not getting turnovers from the D. When he does this, the WR gets behind him and appears to be wide open more times than not. I wish he would at least go back to paying attention to the WR and defend the pass and not worry about getting the TO right now.
Newman still has speed, I just think his technique has been ordered to look back for the ball. QB’s are targeting him more frequently as the games go by.
Agree, he is fast, but he doesn't have the closing speed Deion Sanders did.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Agreed, he certainly doesn't have that closing speed Deon had.
It appears to me that he’s getting lazy. Maybe mother time has caught up to him. There are times he applies himself like when he goes against Steve Smith, but after that type of match-up, he seems to take games off. I just don’t see consistent effort game in and game out or play to play from him. He’s still a good corner when he motivates himself. I think that effort tends to rub off on the younger players who are looking up to him. Less snaps and playing in the slot would help his energy level, but I feel his ego wouldn’t be happy about that demotion.
+1
The amount of statements on here calling T-New crap and atrocious and horrible, blah, blah, blah…
Way out of whack with reality.
Appreciate the good players while you have them. T-New is definitely one of the good ones.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Dec 16, 2009 5:38 AM CST up reply actions
I agree 100% Raf
Our OL just isn’t a good run blocking line, just don’t have the physicality that the OLs of the ’90s had.
I say put the ball in the hands of Romo as much as possible and ride our playoff hopes on him.
It’s our only chance.
In Romo we Trust
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