Food for thought
by ScarletO on Jun 30, 2009 8:32 AM CDT
75 comments
During the final four weeks of the off-season, I find myself starving for the start of training camp (July 28th in San Antonio). The biting, bitter taste of last season’s collapse has been almost forgotten thanks to the elixir of time. A home playoff loss to the Giants to begin 2008 is blended as smoothly into losses to the Redskins, Cardinals, Rams, Steelers, Ravens, and Eagles, as the Drambuie in a Colorado Bulldog (don’t get your mouth watering Shanahan, Dallas still has Phillips for another season).
In order to take some of the edge off of the hunger pangs for more Cowboys talk, I decided to review the 2008 season. I swished the thoughts around in my mind like a fine Sangiovese. After several months of trying to discern the true problems, from simply happenstance, this is what I decided:
The Cowboys special teams unit was the weakest group on the field, but it did not lead to the team’s demise as much as the Dallas defensive unit.
But just don’t take my word for it, Jerry and Wade must have seen the mess in their own kitchen, as the defensive coordinator and the special teams coach were both fired after the 2008 season ended. In addition, of the 22 offensive and defensive starters that began the 2008 campaign, six have been replaced. Five of the six new starters will be on defense, which means that almost half of the defensive ingredients in Tampa Bay on September 13th, were not in place when the season started in Cleveland 359 days earlier.
Go back to the days of the chef that wanted to buy the groceries, and realize that only three starters remain entrenched in their positions: Bradie James, DeMarcus Ware, and Terence Newman. Marcus Spears still retains his starting job, but has not really distinguished himself to this point in his career. That means that the defense that collapsed in December, year in and year out under the Big Tuna, has seven new starters; and may have eight if Spears loses his starting role during the upcoming season.
This flies in the face of releasing Terrell Owens to improve team chemistry. From what I have heard and observed, getting rid of the rat in the kitchen will help the locker room immensely, but the real changes on this team have occurred quietly on defense:
Roy Williams (safety) will in all likelihood be replaced in the starting line-up by Gerald Sensabaugh.
Anthony Henry will in all likelihood be replaced in the starting line-up by either Orlando Scandrick or Mike Jenkins.
Zach Thomas will in all likelihood be replaced in the starting line-up by Keith Brooking.
Greg Ellis will in all likelihood be replaced in the starting line-up by Anthony Spencer (a process that began in 2008).
Chris Canty (the only player that the Cowboys may have wanted to keep) will in all likelihood be replaced in the starting line-up by Igor Olshansky.
The proof is in the pudding. Look at the points allowed by the 2008 Cowboys defense on a game by game basis:
When Dallas scored less than 27 points, the Cowboys record was an abysmal 3-7. The NFL average for scoring in 2008 was a little over 22 points per game. Dallas scored 24 points three times in 2008, and lost all three games (Washington, Arizona, and Baltimore).
Cowboys opponents scored an average of 21.3 points per game in 2008, but Dallas surrendered 22.8 points per game on average for the season. In eight games, Dallas permitted its opponent to exceed their respective scoring average: the Cowboys were 3-5 in those games (3-6 if you count Arizona, which I did not, since 13 points were a direct result of the special teams).
On the other hand, when Dallas scored 27 points or more, the Cowboys were 6-0 in 2008. The Cowboys’ ranking in total defense is deceptive (ranked 8th in the NFL), and is likely more a by-product of playing cream-puff teams ranked 27th, 28th, 31st, and 32nd in total offense (Dallas went 3-1 in those games).
But it is always easy to look back and realize that the tuna salad that was in the refrigerator for two weeks had gone bad when you are in the bathroom agonizing on the toilet. The trick is to figure out that you should not pour the lumpy milk onto your cereal tomorrow morning.
In order for the Dallas Cowboys to improve in 2009, several things have to improve. Over the next few weeks, I hope to break down some of the rotten aspects of the Cowboys 2008 season that may spoil their 2009 campaign. All of them deal with the defense and involve some special teams play.
Mostly this work is to help me kill the time leading up to training camp, but I would gladly accept recipes for success from anyone else who happens to be bored enough to read this.
Cheers, Slainte, and Chin-chin.
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Very nice article.
Well done.
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jun 30, 2009 8:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Recipes
Nice article. I agree that the defense, particularly the defensive backfield, was a pretty big problem and certainly the special teams, particularly the kick-off unit, were horrendous.
Here are my thoughts on some recipes that could help the team.
1) Throw in a good dose of effective man/press coverage from the defensive backfield. Not giving 10 – 15 yards cushion & actually stopping teams on 3rd down will do wonders to the meal.
2) Shake in an effective kick-off unit, both in better/deeper kicks & in better coverage, will make for longer fields & should help the defense.
3) Add a better punter back on the team from his broken foot.
4) Drizzle on a reduction in penalties.
5) Pour in a reduction in turnovers
6) Sprinkle on some improved offensive line performance
Wha-la we done cooked us a “super” meal!
by geth13 on Jun 30, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinda what the 'Boys have been working on this past off season, right?
by CaliFanInTx on Jun 30, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks MOTO
that’s Master of the Obvious
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-Winston Churchill
by HudBaby on Jul 2, 2009 3:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bravo
Seems to me a lot is riding on Sensebaugh. I have a little heartburn over the notion of the entire season riding on him elevating (significantly) the play of the safety position (with Hamlin) to elite status when he wasn’t known for being a great player in Jacksonville. I hope his ability to cover ground makes him a better fit in Dallas.
Henry was a stiff. Whoever they replace him with will ultimately be an upgrade.
I’ve never felt the position manned by Ayodele/Thomas/Brooking/Whoever is a game changer in Wade’s alignment. So, as long as Brooking can fill the lane and be where he needs to be, great.
I supported Ellis’ exit, but he had a much larger repertoire of moves than Spencer. This is a big question mark going intot he season.
Canty never lived up to his so-called potential. Igor isn’t much worse, or much better.
Nice post. Fun read…
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by 5Blings on Jun 30, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have little doubt we'll be better at safety.
Last year, Hamlin had a revolving door for a partner beside him. Not only could a comfort level not be established, but the skill level was lacking. As a result, Hamlin put together a down year, a far cry from his previous. Sensabaugh, while not a pro-bowl player, was certainly not a liability. With each player now having a better supporting cast, I see some safety synergy surfacing.
… and to stay on theme … which one will more often serve up a safety blintz?
by GalTex on Jun 30, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New scheme, new team...
I’m not ready to make ANY predictions on Sensei…especially ones that point to significant improvement.
Too many people made that mistake with Zach Thomas last year.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by 5Blings on Jul 2, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its not riding on sensebaugh
its riding that he is not the weak link any longer, allowing us to play our best players more effectively. It also wasn’t just RW, bt both RW (Watkins, Davis, etc.) and Henry. we tried playing an aggressive front 7, with a zone DB field and it wasn’t always effective. now we have the personnel that can do that and Hamlin no longer has to play in no man’s land trying to cover for RW and the rest of the gang back there.
I also appreciated henry for the time he was here. he certainly solidified the position for a few years and allowed our defense to improve, but age and injuries catches up with everyone in the NFL.
I think the one big weak link in last year’s front 7 was Zach thomas. he got pushed around by those guards and FBs a lot and got blown out a lot. he just wasn’t the right fit for wade’s aggressive 3-4 scheme. he was way undersized. brookings is a lot bigger, he disnegages from blocks a lot better as well so he should allow our run defense to be much better and our safties can be more aggressive going to the line. it will also allow us to do some run blitzes, which we have not done much in the past.
I think spencer if stays healthy is going to have a monster year. ellis was a good pass rusher, but he was a liability in space. don’t be fooled, teams noticed that and from mid year on were attacking him there.
none of the 3-4 DEs live to their potential. its just the nature of the position. can you name one top 3-4 DE in the league other than seymore who is a better NT and made a name there but is versatile enough to play both positions. they just don’t create stats. but trust me that canty’s play helped free up ware a lot. I hope Igor can do the same.
by CowboysFanatic on Jul 1, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you just said it IS riding on Sensei without saying that it's riding on Sensei
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by 5Blings on Jul 2, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no question the defense must be better
Although the offense wasn’t as efficient as it was in 2007, it still was good enough to average 22 points per game which should be good enough to win more than 9 games.
The offense, especially if the key players stay healthy, will again be efficient enough to points on the board to win games. The defense and ST have to step up and improve and I’m confident they will.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 30, 2009 10:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good post Scarlet,
Humorously written too.
Nice observation about the defensive turnover. I’m really looking forward to seeing these new guys in a real game.
by Luke. on Jun 30, 2009 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
An excellent hors d’œuvre ...
… now that you have whet my appetite, i’ve chosen the following from the defensive menu:
I’d like to order a salade de poulet (Chicken Salad) with a lot of Pain (french bread) and Kik ar Fars (boiled pork with a kind of dumpling – correctly pronounced ‘kick our effing arse’) for the main course. For wine I’ll have the Morgon (pronounced without the ‘g’) from the Beaujolais region and perhaps a cupcake for dessert.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 30, 2009 10:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice post
I like the logic of getting a read on what the team thinks by what they do (with all their knowledge of players and direction they want to go) as opposed to what JJT and JFE think as arm-chair GMs.
The tuna image pretty much wrecked my lunch, though. So thanks for that.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jun 30, 2009 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reading the team by what they do
I know we’ve already been all over the draft, but the picks also show a clear direction. Obviously we drafted a load of talent for immediate impact on ST. But longer term we’re obviously hoping they’ll all be starters at some point, and judging by which side of the line they could be playing on, the draft also shores up the defense. 7 defensive players, 4 offensive players of which one is a longer-term QB prospect, and one kicker.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 30, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, I dont believe the Cowboys are projecting the draftees as starters
Well, a few of them. But the majority of these picks will not be expected to be future starters, but more likely depth and special teams players. The way I see it there are two who are potential future starters and two who are borderline. The rest do not fit in that category. Future starters:
Jason Williams – Yes. Dallas would like Williams to play the nickle (coverage) LB this year and eventually take over the starting spot from aging Keith Brooking. The sooner Williams can claim the spot, the better for Dallas.
Robert Brewster – Yes. This kid is a project if there ever was one. He played at Ball State in their spread offense, so he will have to learn to run block out of a three-point stance. These project usually don’t turn out well. If he makes it, it could take 3-4 years of grooming.
Stephen McGee – Maybe. In a perfect Cowboys world, Romo still has roughly 7 good years left. If that’s the case, McGee will either blossom into a nice back-up, be traded for a high draft pick or fade out. If he’s the starter in 5 years, the plan went wrong somewhere.
Victor Butler – No. The future of Dallas’s OLBs are in the hands of DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Butler is a depth selection. Hopefully he can turn into a pass rush specialist on third down and spell/back-up Ware and Spencer.
Brandon Williams – No. See Victor Butler.
DeAngelo Smith – No. A cornerback who might switch to safety in Dallas. He’s primarily a special teams pick (he can return punts, which we desperately need) and could compete for the nickle or dime DB role.
Michael Hamlim – Maybe. Hamlin could replace Hamlin at some point in the future. They both play the FS position, so that could happen. Especially if Ken has another season like last year.
David Buehler – No. Folk is the kicker, Buehler is the KO specialist.
Stephen Hodge – No. He could excel as a special teams ace, but he wont challenge for a starting safety role.
John Phillips – No. He’s back-up now and always for Witten and Bennett.
Mike Mickens – No. he definitely has some upside and I wont make the claim that he will never be a starter in this league. But Dallas is hoping to have a starting CB duo on 5 years of Scandrick and Jenkins. Mickens is not thought of that highly yet.
Manuel Johnson – No. I’ll be surprised if he makes the team, much less is ever an NFL starter.
by TCBinNYC on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Hamlin is projected at SS behind Sensei.
And Hodge will be competing w/ Carp and Jason Williams as a LB on passing downs.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 2, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew that about Hodge
dont know why I put that we was going to play safety (his college position.) still doesnt change the fact that he’s not projected as a starter, but thanks for catching my error.
by TCBinNYC on Jul 2, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good assessment.
I think that’s pretty accurate. I think that Hodge is projecting as a linebacker, though. And I think they hope he has potential to develop into the backup nickel LB or the nickel LB if Williams is not a 3 down player once he takes over as the starter. I think most of these guys are just filler for now. Mickens might be a guy that they look to have as their 3rd CB in a few years and then move in as a starter if they can’t keep both Scandrick and Jenkins.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 2, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
right now
a lot of these guys will just be blue collar special teams guys for us. But down the line, I think its possible for guys like Mickens and Smith to play significant roles. Who knows, 3 years from now TNew may not even be on the team. And everything is up in the air when it comes to safety, so either SMith or Hamlin could definitely play a role there in the future.
I think Buehler ill have an immediate contirbution from day 1. If he can do what we think h can, and initial reports form what i’ve read sound good, then we would have 4 special teams aces in Ladoucer (or however you spell it), McBriar, Folk and Buehler.
Hodge, Butler and WIlliams aren’t listed to be starters but we absolutely need the depth. THey’ll be called upon to make an impact THIS YEAR.
by foyesboys on Jul 2, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I too am starving
I dont have the stats to show it but I remember a lot of 3rd and longs that our defense gave up last season through penalties or whiffs. This has created a bitter taste on the palate the likes of which cannot be removed until D-Ware deals his first tooth shattering sack of 09!
x
by BlueZombie on Jun 30, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
2008 twas a bad taste. Too much secondary malolactic fermentation.
Coach Wade has to be defensive coordinator to be head coach. Bad idea to bring in Stewart last year. If I was Wade, I too would want to crush my own grapes.
Chris Chianti was too expensive and probably wouldn’t age very well. The same with that #57. A 3rd-down backer should be bold, not too smooth. Whether it be a brand new bottle or a plate of Carp, the new guy should win the job by driving back, not being dragged for extra yeardage.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 30, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ding ding ding
You just won the award for the first time I’ve seen the word “fermentation” on here!
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jun 30, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about "malolactic"?
We’ve seen that before? I’m trying to think about how to use that in a football sentence…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jun 30, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another point to remember
Last season our defense had to deal with the poor field position from our pathetic special teams. I’m gonna be looking at our rookie kicker with discriminating eyes to see if he can give us some significant distance and hang time. Making opposing offenses earn an extra 10-15 yards would make a world of difference. The improvement on special teams, or lack thereof, may be a greater dynamic than our new defensive players. I hope they both improve.
x
by BlueZombie on Jun 30, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And to think we actually won a game with brad johnson at qb and macbriar hurt
Getting Macbriar back is going to help out a ton. I remember watching Paulescu (sp?) punt those line drive 40 yard punts and wondering how the hell we were gonna win after punting 8 or more times with rad Brad back there. Wow what a joke those games were! Several of our draft picks are going to be asked to step up and drill someone on special teams, and hopefully they will embrace their special teams role as they develop. Much better special teams next year will really help our cause. Hopefully Buehler can really kick the crap out of the ball on kickoffs or we will struggle again in that area.
by jointman13 on Jun 30, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very nice post ScarletO.
Nice observation. Sometimes one has to just look at the changes made and realize that’s where the problems lie.
The only real change on the entire offense was the release of a person who was productive and counter-productive at the same time. Most of the posts this off season have been circled around our offense (QB) as being the culprit of our demise.
It’s definately refreshing to read a post that really points to our real weakness. Defense and special teams units. Too many have been quick to point to stats to justify our defense’s level of play. As you’ve stated, those stats become skewed playing against weaker offenses.
The 2008 season had me sitting in my chair holding my breath that the defense would make a stop when they needed one. Too many times the defense would take one step forward and two steps back. It was feast or famine in the same offensive series in games played. I know the special team units failed miserably, but the defensive short comings didn’t help either.
I’m really excited to see this 2009 Cowboy team take the field and play. I have accepted the fact that the 2008 season is a bell that cannot be un-rung and it was what it was. The changes our team has made this off season has focused on the real problem and pushed youth towards it. Yes there are unknowns, but logic says, if something isn’t working, try something else. I believe that Wade was given lattitude on fixing the defense his way when things broke down last season.
Time cures all ills, and I’ve had a full off-season of moves that the doctor has provided and I feel better. I now have an appetite, especially with all this talk about food.
by T Zig on Jun 30, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How much of a factor do you think turnovers and field position played?
It seems so odd that Dallas was #8 in defensive yardage, but was #20 in scoring. Usually those rankings are pretty close. For example, out of the top 10 defenses in yardage allowed last year, only 2 were not in the top 10 in points allowed, including the Cowboys. The other one was Minnesota, and they were # 13 in points. The teams that moved into the top 10 in points were Indy, which was #11 in yardage, and Miami, which was #15.
When you look at those 4 teams’ turnover differential, the 2 that dropped out were very low, Minnesota was -6, 24th in the NFL, and Dallas was -11, 30th (!) in the league. Yikes. Conversely, Miami was +17, best in the league, and Indy was +9, 4th best. Dallas was tied for 5th in recovered fumbles, but only had 8 interceptions, again 30th in the league. On top of that, only the 49ers turned the ball over more than Dallas, which was tied for 2nd in passes intercepted and tied for 5th in lost fumbles.
I think the D bears a lot of the responsibility since they did not create interceptions, but the offense may be equally to blame for failing to hold onto the ball and putting the D in short field situations. Opposing teams started in Dallas territory 16 times last year due to turnovers, and scored on 13, plus 2 more scores starting at their 49 and their 48. Dallas’ special teams allowed 2 TDs against Arizona, and their offense allowed 4 TDs and a safety.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jun 30, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
fooooor
sure
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jun 30, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Post!
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
by Boyz4Life on Jun 30, 2009 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i think you really have to split the year up into halves(ish)
pre-bucs game, we were a mess. We looked sloppy at points against the browns (thank god braylon can’t catch), really bad against philly, great against the packers, then we got bullied on both sides of the ball by the redskins (don’t let the late score fool you, our offense did very little that game, they didn’t even help the defense out by sustaining drives). We then played poorly against cincy and then i thought defensively we played reasonably well against arizona, but the special teams really hurt us. Finally, the rams game was a disgrace. Thats 4 bad performances, 2 mediocre and 1 good one in 7 games. thats awful. If you would’ve told me at this point that ROmo would look as bad as he did coming back from injury, i’d say we would win twice at most the rest of the year.
2nd half we were better. Significantly better. The defense won a game for us against the bucs when that team was actually playing well. I didn’t think they played that bad against the giants in the first half, but it as to be disheartening to see brad out there. It looked like we wore down, but this has to be put into context – the giants were on a freakin roll at that point. They racked up the yards on everyone. We played inspired, great defensive ball against Washington, Seattle, Giants, Pitt. We weren’t good against the 49ers. We were solid against baltimore up untill the 2 long runs. By my count, thats 7 and 3/4 games where we played VERY good football overall. I thought we were a top 5 caliber D over this stretch.
Then we have the 4th quarter against baltimore and the philly debacle.
So the question is will the 2009 version be that week 9- 16and 3/4 defense? I frankly think we are better than we were in the early part of08 mostly because scandrick and jenkins look to be excellent young players who weren’t utilized at that point. No longer do we watch receivers run wide open through the secondary. If Sensabaugh can provide solid safety play, we’ll be top 10 for sure, even if we suffer an injury or two at lb (unless its to ware of course)
by foyesboys on Jun 30, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Brooking will be a nice upgrade also
Physically bigger than Thomas, with experience (and success) in Wade’s defensive scheme. I caught an interview with him on DFW Sports Beat and he came across as intelligent, professional, and excited to be in Dallas playing for Wade. He, Bradie, and Dat should all be great mentors for Jason Williams.
The safety depth is much deeper. Last season Dallas was down to a gimpy Keith Davis and Tra Battle trying to play SS. Not good. Now we have Sensy, Mike Hamlin, and Hodge if needed. Ken Hamlin should be able to play deeper and hopefully get back to his 2007 form.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Jun 30, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I worry about Brooking
though a couple years ago, hed be an obvious upgrade, I haven’t heard good things from Atlanta fans/writers. THe guy is a true professional, and as you said, along with bradie will be a good mentor to WIlliams, but i worry that our rookie may be thrust into a significant role quickly if Brooking can’t cut it.
by foyesboys on Jul 1, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's lost some range, I agree
But inside in the 3-4 he won’t have to cover as much ground as he did in ATL and he’s big enough to shed blockers rather than trying to avoid them as Thomas was forced to do. His comfort level in the scheme should also help him respond quicker (I would think). So I understand where you are coming from, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. IMO
I’m anxious to see how quickly Jason Williams can get the mental part of his new position down, because I think he can beat out Carp for the nickel LB, and maybe get to spell Brooking some in the base 3-4 later in the season. I’m hoping anyway.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Jul 1, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
I’d love it if Willaims could work his way onto the field. He’s supposed to a phenomenal athelte.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 2, 2009 7:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be awsome
I don’t expect to see much of him until later in the year. I think 2010 will be his year. the good news is that he seems to be a willing learner and that’s important.
by CowboysFanatic on Jul 2, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"I hope to break down some of the rotten aspects of the Cowboys 2008 season that may spoil their 2009 campaign. All of them deal with the defense and involve some special teams play."
Just curious, but why only defense? The defense was pretty good last year, and the offense certainly deserves an equal portion of the blame.
Either way, I’ll be looking forward to the articles.
by Brendan Scolari on Jul 1, 2009 1:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
The defense was more highly rated than the offense in yardage, 8th vs. 13th, and although the offense was better rated in scoring, 18th vs. 20th, the offense was largely responsible for the D’s low points ranking, as I explain in my earlier post in this thread. I think the offense deserves at least as much blame as the defense for Dallas not making the playoffs last year, which is why it’s puzzling that the defense was changed so much and other than cutting their top TD scorer over the past 3 years, the offense remains the same.
Dallas’ biggest problems last year were turnovers and field position. Most of the field position problems that weren’t turnover related were due to the special teams. I think they really addressed the special teams in the off season and feel like the new corners and safety will lead to more INTs. Now it’s up to Romo and Barber and the rest of the offense to cut down on turnovers,and this team can beat anyone.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 1, 2009 4:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some of the changes were probably unrelated to performance
Zach Thomas left because he was a better fit in a 4-3. Canty left for the cash. Henry, Davis and Williams were aging / underperforming. So those are sort of “natural attrition”.
That said, the synergy flows in all directions between ST, Offense and Defense. The offense put more pressure on the defense at times through turnovers and short drives, but poor defensive play also impacted field position for the offense (for example, the habit of giving up long third down conversions to extend drives), as well as at times causing the offense to have to take more risk to keep pace with the scoring (e.g. first Philly game, Baltimore game).
I think what the team in did in FA and the draft is an accurate reflection of what they see as the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Of course we and everyone else on the planet will get to dispute that based on what we see on the field this year, but it apears to me that the team believes that the offensive problems were anomalous while the defensive problems were systemic.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying they should have kept anyone they lost on D.
They cut Williams and Ellis, traded away Henry, and made no effort to retain Thomas, Davis, or Tank Johnson. I understand that they couldn’t afford to retain Canty and Burnett, or didn’t feel like they were worth the price. I do not have a problem with any of those moves at all. I just thought it was odd that they didn’t do much to address the offense, but I guess they did bring in a lot of guards to look at for the OL, cut TO, plus they are basically adding Felix Jones this year since he was out or not used for most of last year. So the offense has at least 1 and potentially 4 new starters, and will definitely look a lot different.
I think the biggest key for the offense is to just hold onto the ball, anyway. For example, in that Philly game, while the D could have been more stout, Romo did throw a pick in Dallas territory that led to a TD and fumble in the end zone resulting in a TD. You take away those 2 scores, and the score looks a lot different. They did hold them to just one TD in the second half and came up big in the 4th quarter, including a stop on a drive that started in Dallas territory due to special teams.
The collapse in the Baltimore game was inexcusable, as well as bizarre. I’ve never really seen anything like that before, honestly. That was really crazy, especially since they were playing well until that point. And while I’m not saying it’s his fault, it’s probably the biggest reason that Jay Ratliff doesn’t get more respect. Those 2 runs dropped Dallas out of the top 10 against the run in both ypc and total yards, and I think that’s why Ratliff is not acknowledged in all of the top DT lists.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Now that I think about it, if they go to a 2 TE base rather than a fullback system, they could have 5 new starters on offense:
- Roy for TO
- If Austin or Hurd beats Crayton
- LG won’t be Proctor who started and played most of the season and might not even be Kosier
- Bennett over Cricket if they go with a 2 TE base, or if another FB beats him out
- Jones or Choice over Barber if reports that he will be moved back to his closer role are true.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 1, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On offense.
I think that this offense will be a little bit different scheme wise.
I’m not with the “Run 80% of the time crowd.” That is just stupid, but I do think that this will become a move the chains offense, that occasionally hits a big play, rather than a big play offense that can move the chains.
Know what I’m saying?
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jul 1, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like that approach
Explosive offenses seem to do well most of the time, but against solid defenses they struggle, and even more so late in the season and into the playoffs.
And it’s more than having good RBs and blocking. The risk in the “move the chains” offense is that long drives often sputter out and end in punts and field goals (the more third down conversions required, the more chance something goes wrong along the way). So I think on successful teams, you most often find those offenses paired with really good defenses to mitigate that risk. If Dallas has success with the more patient offense, it might hinge more on them having the strong defense I think they will, than three excellent backs.
Just another wild theory to throw out there.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
For some reason, Romo really seems to catch fire between passes 21-30, so it seems like you want to get him at least 30 attempts. I think having Roy as our top WR instead of TO automatically shifts the number of big plays that we go for, but with his breakaway ability, plus guys like Felix and Bennett able to break one at any time, I wouldn’t be surprised if the team has just as many big plays while still being more conservative.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 1, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly...
And honestly, I think that’s a better approach.
That would probably help the defense as well. You sustain longer drives, you allow your defense to rest.
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jul 1, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo!
Our 90’s team had the same approach. Move the chains and occasionally hit the deep throw. That team primarily moved the chains on the ground utilizing Emmitt. I see this years team doing it with a combination of ground and short passes with an occasional deep pass.
The long passes are sexy, but they don’t help your defensive energy spent. I really enjoy watching an offense methodically drive down the field and knock the snot out of the guys in front of them vs. a quick score that doesn’t allow the D to rest. That methodical approach also sends a message to the D that we are going to be here all day and you better bring a lunch.
by T Zig on Jul 1, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the flip side
Every snap is another opportunity for Flo to jump early…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, and he does it so well !
Good news is that Flo primarily does it on passing downs. Running a little bit more and sustaining drives will help Skippy quite a bit.
by T Zig on Jul 1, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
there is a warm-up period with Romo in most games. That’d be something good for them to figure out.
Of course, Tiger Woods usually opens crappy in the first round too, so I guess it’s not fatal.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its not how you start
it’s how you finish. Romo is great at finishing games, now he has to apply it to seasons as well.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 1, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sort of
Great finishes are excellent, but sometimes you can end up in a hole. I’d just like them to figure out how to sustain offensive drives early in games. It’s not just Romo. The running game also seems to need to be ramped up.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
I guess this goes to your “inconsistancy” argument you had a couple days ago that i tried to argue with, but your right. Romo generally starts slow. The whole offense starts slow. The first quarter is generally painful. Things don’t seem to get moving till around halftime, when Romo seems to get it going and then he plays a lot better in the second half.
This hurt us in a couple games last year. The Cards, Redskins, Ravens and Steelers games he was really bad in the first half before playing significantly better (aside from his INT against pitt) in the second. This has gotta be resolved.
by foyesboys on Jul 1, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen
The slow starts by the offense don’t help the defense either. I wonder if they start slow because of the scripted plays early in the game, or are they just not in synch until the 2nd Q. Regardless the root cause, I hope they can iron that out by Sept.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Jul 1, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, I understood your point
I was actually supporting it because many of the changes weren’t because they were going in a new direction, but more “just because” moves; the natural ebb and flow of players in the league.
The Philly game did have turnovers, but it also saw McNabb pushing them all over the field. And there was the bad exchange with Westbrook that gave Dallas a turnover. The D eventually stiffened in the 3rd quarter, but they had their way with them all game. Not many three and outs and they didn’t produce good field position throughout most of the game.
So even though I would have said that the offense had more problems last season, I still have to believe that the team thinks that they were one time occurences (line injuries, Owens issues, RB injuries) while several elements of the defense (safety, corner, OLB) needed permanent solutions.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 1, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the biggest key for the offense, as well as the entire team
is to stay healthy, they do that, we’re in the playoffs.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 1, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
one point you fail to make
I supported BP during his stay and still do. yes the defense is different in 7 positions, but you also have to consider that players get older, diminished skills and need to be replaced. to say Henry is replaced and he was a player BP brought in, well over 5 years ago. he solidifed our DB field for a few years, but he was over 30, slowing down and had injuries. so did ellis, he was getting older, past his time and his contract didn’t support the number of plays he would get. time to go.
I also assert that spears is doing fine. he is a 3-4 DE, what else you expect? Canty didn’t exactly distinguish himself as a 3-4 DE and you don’t see that anywhere on any team. Plus spears plays the strong side, dealing with double teams of TE, tackle and Tackle- Guard. Ware is a monster, benefited from Canty’s play. so did ellis and spencer ammassing sacks playing behind spears.
also, RW was bad. we know. BP didn’t pick him. he was also stuck with him. we have talked about getting rid of RW for 4-5 years now. finally it happened. yes, the defense has changed, but this is the 3rd season without BP, lots happens in 3 years in the NFL. its called continual improvement. and lets not forget zach thomas was a wade import and not a BP import
by CowboysFanatic on Jul 1, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Terence Newman was rated the 14th most overrated player of the decade.
At least according to Football Outsiders. Ouch.
Newman has been considered a franchise cornerback-in-waiting since he was selected fifth overall in the 2003 draft, but there’s no evidence he has played at that level since then. Teams don’t avoid him like they do Nnamdi Asomugha, nor does he pick up large totals of passes defended or intercepted to match players like Asante Samuel or Charles Woodson. He’s a useful cornerback who’s usually effective at keeping plays in front of him, sure, but he’s paid like an elite guy, without having established a history of playing like one.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 1, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
They say teams throw at him a lot and that he doesn’t have a lot of passes deflected or Ints. However, his metrics show that when healthy, he has a pretty darn low completion percentage and he was cited a few years ago as one of the CB’s with the lowest number of TD’s against him. I think that if the football outsiders want INTs and flashy plays from their CB’s they can pay guys like Deangelo Hall who gamble (and get burned a few times) while I will take a solid CB like Newman who goes a little more under the radar.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Jul 1, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and naturally Flozell was right up there too
Newman’s play or his injury problems have been frustrating, to be sure. Almost his entire 2004 season was poor, he was schooled – absolutely mauled – by John Kitna and Roy Williams (WR) in 2006 (not to mention he negated a Roy Williams int return TD with a stupid penalty that same game), but lord I will never ever forget his 3 ints when they shutout the Redskins in DC, his 70 yard int return against Buffalo to start the comeback in that all-time classic MNF game, and the way he completely and totally shut down Santana Moss in the second Redskins game last year. That game especially was a thing of absolute stunning beauty.
by DavidH22 on Jul 1, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He then held holmes down for 55 minutes the next week.
A couple more converted plays offensively or less turnovers and he would’ve been recognized for that performance too.
by foyesboys on Jul 1, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still remember the Carolina game
In which he completely shut out Steve Smith. Frustrating him enough to cause Smith to take a swing at someone (imagine that) and getting tossed out of the game in the 2nd half. A great performance.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Jul 1, 2009 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was an awesome game.
I love when Dallas plays Carolina. It’s the blue and silver rivalry and we always seem to get the upper-hand. MB3 is always awesome against them too.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 2, 2009 6:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shame on Football Outsiders
That’s some really poor assessment when you say Newman is overrated. And overrated for the decade??? Let’s start out by saying that he’s not rated that high by many. He’s only been to one Pro Bowl in his career. Shouldnt an overrated person get a lot of accolades and praise, by definition? Sure, he was drafted high but my math tells me there have been 50 players drafted in the top 5 over the past 10 years (and I wasnt even a math major!) but you are going to single out Newman? I read somewhere that in ‘05 or ’06 (cant remember exactly) he was the CB with the most pass attempts without allowing a TD. Then the next season he only allowed one. I would have thought Football Outsiders would have picked up on that fact. Check out KC Joyner’s stats, he usually has Newman rated rather high. I can’t see the full list, but I can think of many CBs I would rate as more overrated like DeAngelo Hall, Antonio Cromartie, Nathan Vasher, Shawn Springs just off the top of my head.
And as for Flozell, its very easy to pick on him. He showed his age last season for sure. He is also a false start machine. But he usually does a great job of keeping opposing DEs/OLBs off his QB and opening up some significant holes. Here’s a link to a great article by si.com’s Dr Z. He voted Flozell to his All Pro team last year and here is his reasoning. If a player is considered the best OT in the league by a respected source such as Dr. Z (even just for one year) he can’t be the most overrated player for a decade. He just can’t. Football Outsiders just picked some easy targets and didnt seem to do their homework here.
by TCBinNYC on Jul 2, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
when Newman is healthy
he’s definitely one of the very best CBs in the league, that’s not even debatable IMO. His propensity for being a china doll is really the only criticism of him that is fair.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 2, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome!
The tuna-salad bit was friggin’ brilliant!
The D has been a facade for several years. Some dazzling stats but no real dominance. When Detroit can gash you at will, you ain’t all that. When you give up two longasst runs to Baltimore in like 2 minutes, you’re not a great defense.
Couple that with a -11 turnover ratio and Flozel killing at least one drive per game, and it is a wonder why I get criticized for predicting an 8-8 season.
by HutHut on Jul 1, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post, nice analysis. For all the blame and attention the offense
has gotten, I’ve wondered why the defense and special teams kind of skated, at least in the media, and, to a certain extent, here. I realize that part of it is that TO is a black hole of media attention. At any rate, you make a great case, and, given the changes JJ and SJ made this off season, I think you write the truth.
by Fernie67 on Jul 2, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That and
the fact that offense is where are the “stars” are and the sports media is more and more about entertainment and less and less about reporting. As bad the left side of the Dallas O-line and ST were last season, you won’t hear a word about that when so-called analysts discuss the team. I guess because no one really cares about O-linemen and STers either.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 3, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Newman PWNS
Other than game 2 vs the Skins last year, he usually has a hrad time against Santana Moss
Newman is my boy tho, F*** the outsiders!!!
"Hit or get hit" MB3
by Ca$h on Jul 8, 2009 3:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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