The Reality of the Three Headed Monster
by DallasPalace on Sep 29, 2009 4:53 PM CDT
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Last year, watching the Pittsburgh game was a delight. The Pittsburgh defense could not stop Tashard Choice from making positive yards, even when they would meet him head on and stop him with a hard hit. When he would bounce back up, and show them that no matter what, he would go back, and take another crack at them, and make more positive yards. Whether it be 2, 3, 5 7, yards mattered not, because there was just that feeling that he was going to continue no matter what. Believe it or not, that demoralizes a defense and makes them worry about stopping that kind of play. In my opinion, Pittsburgh did not prove that they could stop that kind of playcalling adequetely, did not react to his success catching the ball out of the backfield, and until they reacted to stop that, just keep milking the cashcow.
It was our turning away from that kind of playcall and going to the pass that costed us that game. It was a tragedy, because Tashard worked hard for that victory, but it wasn't to be.
Last night, even after Felix Jones ripped off a couple of nice big, long runs at the beginning of the game, something was missing. The excitement was there, but for some reason, it didn't feel real. Yeah, everybody was cheering, but it seemed...fake. Like the success was , not built on solid success, and that to really beat the Panthers, it was going to take alot more than just a few nice long runs by Felix, as well as there seemed to be a feeling that sooner or later, Felix wasn't going to be able to continue ripping those long runs to the outside. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, since Felix got injured. It's sad to see that such a talented RB like Tashard Choice should have to get a chance based on injury, but no matter. In the end, he became the spark plug that not only ignited the offense, but the defense also.
It all started when Tashard turned the corner and took a dive at making a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and confidence that the team was going to do something good was restored. After an entire first half of being quiet, bored, confused, and diissatisfied, as well as let down by Felix's injury, the crowd had finally connected with the fact that we were in the game. Even though Tashard did not score the touchdown, something in the gut told you that if he had the chance to punch it in again, he would. He did. Once the crowd was into the game, that feeling did not stop until the Cowboys attained victory. The feeling of confidence was contagious, and even the defense, playing very average, started to play inspiring football. All this because of a dive to the end zone, with determination, grit, resolve, and heart.
Even the pass offense came around after that. It's a funny thing what confidence can do. It's contagious.That is why the run is so important though- To allow the pass offense to be effective. There is no reason to force the pass into double and triple coverage. Not with our backs waiting to be used. Why not try throwing to a wide reciever after causing single coverage? That's the real reason why most of the interceptions happened anyway.
I hope Felix isn't hurt to bad. We need him back to team up with Tashard and MB3 to confuse defenses. Did you see the entire defense fade to the side Felix went to when Tashard fake handed it off to him, then ran the Razorback? Fabulous! I guarantee that if the offense continues to revolve around these three and the run/short passing game with success, we will be able to throw the downfield pass with success- even against the Giants, Pitt, Balt, Philly, and whoever else you want to name. Using these three backs the right way is the key to running our offense.
And most of all, taking the pressure off of Romo and restoring his confidence. Get well soon Felix!
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Excellent post
with an interesting perspective – much better than the usual ‘homer’ BS on this site. Keep ‘em coming. And I agree the solution (3-headed monster) is staring Wade & Redball right in the face, but they’re too dumb to recognize it.
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
well, we do lead the league in rushing
and have back to back 200+ games, so I think it’s a little harsh to say they are too dumb to recognize it lol
3 things
1)The stadium erupted because they thought he scored. The next play with all of this new found enthusiasm, he was stuffed at the one and we kicked a field goal.
2) If it doesnt feel real when Felix runs it because a guy averaging 10 yards a touch has never happened and we are shocked by it.
3) You have to be able to run and pass equally well. Playoff teams usually have good defenses that are able to take away what you do best. Last year we could pass but sucked at the run. Dec. rolled around and teams set up to stop our pass and we couldnt deliver with the run. This year I dont want to neglect the pass and then suddenly in Dec and Jan expect the potent passing game to miracously appear.
I love the run and the attitude it brings. I love being a physical team but our 90s teams proved how truely unstoppable a team could be with balance.
I just cant help but believe by reading your posts you would like to run the ball 60% of the time. I just think that is as bad as passing the ball 60% of the time.
KICK ASS every day!!!
Admit it Squido, but you love this kind of deabte
It’s all in the point of view, Sir. Here are my responses, and I look forward to what you have to say about it.
1.Maybe you can’t give the proper credit to Tashard Choice’s abilities and what he accomplished last night, by your pointing out he didn’t make that touchdown, and that he was stuffed on the next play and we setteld for a field goal.
But what you fail to point out in your assertion that it didn’t matter, was that Nobody had done anything up to that point at all, including Felix Jones.He had those runs to begin the game with, but did they end up in points? No. If it mattered so little what Tashard did once he got into the game, was he not pivotal in bringing them down there to put them in position for the 3 points? Do you think Romo would have thrown that ball to him accross the field later in the game if Romo had no confidence in Tashard’s abilities? Tashard’s abilities and his success and hard work out there is what made everything else happen. He took the heat off of Tony, and that not even Felix has done yet.
2. Felix Jones- I love we have him. He is a weapon that we need to use more of. Me saying that his runs didn’t feel real wasn’t so much a knock on his accomplishment, but more like that was not going to be enough to win the game, and that we were going to have to show Carolina alot more on offense than those kind of runs. Again, his runs were awesome and not meaning to belittle them by saying that, and maybe I did write that incorrectly, but I was more describing the feeling regarding Carolina’s defense. Trust me, Felix’s runs were real. Too bad he did not stay healthy to be able to run up the middle and affect they’re defense like Tashard did though. It’s those up the middle runs, even 5 yards, that will affect the defense just as much as those outside runs for big gains. Since Felix has been on the team, we have never had any problems running to the outside. But for some reason Squido, even Carolina I believe has the people to play well against that kind of play and would adjust and possibly shut down that kind of run after awhile. I’ll say it again, Felix is a great player, and he is as ultimate a situational back as you’ll find in the NFL. But a workhorse back he is not, at least not yet. I pray that he becomes more workhorse and all purpose, but that’s gonna take time, and he needs to get better at recieving the ball out of the backfield and become the recieving threat we all want him to be. I want to see him line up in the slot and catch a pass and take it all the way.
Could I be saying these things in attempt to make the passing offense more successful than they have been up to this point? Am I the only one who believes that the run/short passing game are the way to creating mismatches and single coverage down the field? If anyone else believes this, please say something to Squido.
This is what I have to say Squido: Our coaches job is is to set up our TEAM to win the game. whether it’s with the pass or the run on offense, use both. We are a team that can. Most teams can’t run and pass well. They do one or the other well. We can do both. We just happen to be a team that is stronger at runs and short passes than the downfield pass now in the post T.O. era. We have to use that to set up our downfield pass.
3. You think that because in previous fanposts I wrote that we should have run the ball 60 percent of the time against the Giants, and thus eliminating the turnovers they were looking for, and that means in every game my opinion is that we should look to try to run the ball 60 percent of the time. But it was not my point to make a 60 percent run game as a habit. I was stating my opinion based on what I saw happenning with our offense (the turnovers again) and how the Giants played defense (abandoning stiff run D and playing heavy on they’re pas D) that made me say that. doesn’t a good offense adjust it’s playcalling in the game based on what the defense is showing it? Exactly. Just because I said that in regards to the Giants game does not mean in no way shape or form that my opinion is that we do that consistently against every team we play. But we did not try that at all against them ever, and I believe that the Giants would not be ready for that, and we would win. That’s all. Against other teams, we must show other things. The gameplan must change, and the playcalling will too.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Sep 29, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I do love these types of debates and get sucked in every time.
My debates with you are really just splitting hairs because I believe in the run. Running is an attack mentality for the Oline. Passing blocking is more passive. I think a team that passes to much has a tendency(not all the time) to become passive, like last year.
I love Tashard and wouldnt complain one bit if he was named the starter. I dont think Felix should be used more than 10-15 times a game. It seems to me he would be more productive this way.
I dont have a problem with the play calling at all. Sure there is a play or 2 that I thought was dumb but we are moving the ball up and down the field. We are the #3 offense and you think he is stupid. Penalties and miscues have been whats stopped us most of the time.
Of the 180 offensive plays called only 2 come to mind that I dont like. The deep pass to Hurd.The second Fade to Bennett. The first fade was a good call. If he would have called the fade to Bennett first I would have been okay with that, just not both.
The fact that i dont like them doesnt make them bad calls. Remember, he needs to keep everyone involve and happy. He needs to rely on others to make a play. Bennett, RW, Hurd, Witten, and Tash all want the ball too. You work harder in practice if you know somewhere in the game the coach is going to look for you to make a big play.
Quick Micheal Jordan story. When Jordan wasnt winning big games Phil Jackson took over. Jackson told him he needed to get others involve. It wasnt fair to ignore his teamates all year and then in the playoffs when the great defenses of the pistons(and others) ganged up on him at crunch time and forced him to pass it, that his teamates couldnt deliver(Jordan said thats why he didnt pass to them) Phil told him we are going to run an offense that allows everyone to get the ball everytime down court and one that will allow them shots but that will also allow him to take over when neccessary. Fast forward to the next championship game, Jordan is swarmed by the pistons, kicks the ball out to Paxton who has been involved all year, and he drills the three for the world championship.
Moral of the story is you need to keep everyone involved because there will be a time when you absolutely need them. Do it this way and they will deliver.
If execution improves he may be the best play caller in the game. He is ranked number three now. He didnt call for those ints, and he didnt call for RW to drop that ball.
You seem like a guy thats got a black ferrari but is complaininvg it sucks because it isnt red.
KICK ASS every day!!!
That's funny
I’ve never thought of myself in that kind of way, and I think that’s hilarious.
Being a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I wish things were as easy as “Black” or “Red”. Unfortunately, things are not that easy. Yes, I have been critical of Garrett, and you say to me that I think he’s stupid. I’ve even gotten alot of ridicule, scorn, and been accused wrongly over stating my discontent with his playcalling. I was a person that was here at BTB reading for about 5 years now, but I rarely posted. But I would always read alot, almost every night. I wanted to get in touch with what kind of feeling the fans of the Dallas Cowboys had about they’re team. I was always passive about speaking out, and I always believed that we made the right decisions, when it came to hiring, drafting, coaching, etc. etc.
I’m sorry, but this last Giants game was the cherry on the cake. I wasn’t going to be passive anymore, i was going to speak my mind, for better or for worse. I had watched the Dallas Cowboys for close to 40 years. This kind of decision making was killing our team. Especially watching the Steelers win 2 super bowls over the last few years, and the Giants 2 years ago. This had to end. I was going to speak out and let people hear my opinion whether they liked it or not.
Over the last three years, I’ve watched Jason Garrett make excellent calls, and win alot of games. But in the universe of Cowboys football, the amount of games don’t matter, it’s what games you win. Two years ago, when the Cowboys went 13-3, we went to the playoffs and choked. How much money you want to bet me that a majority of fans (myself included) don’t really give a hoot about 13-3. It’s just a number, and a statistic that means nothing. The Cowboys played uninspiring football that evening, and it showed on the scoreboard. Suddenly, everything wasn’t allright. Add to it all, we lost to the Giants. Add to that, I really don’t believe that if we would have won, then played Green Bay and beaten them, and gone on to the Super Bowl, I believe we would have lost to the Patriots with our wide-open, pass happy, quick strike offense. That saddens me.
Then at the beginning of last year, you have all the expectations and the hoopla of the Cowboys being a Super Bowl favorite (fans still believed that the offense was lethal, and capable of beating anyone). What went wrong? Injuries? Player mistakes? Coaching? Playcalling? Offensive philosiphy? All I know is that thge defense played well, in fact good enough to take us far. But because of turmoil, injuries, whatever, last year ended as simply…forgettable. I believe it was the coaches playcalling, specifically Garrett. I started to watch him at the end of the year more closely after blindly believing he was our answer for close to 2 years. The Pittsburgh game was unforgivable. I started questioning the need for such reckless playcalling in that game, and I came to this conclusion: He is a pass oriented Offensive coordinator, and if the defense stops his pass, he’s still gonna try to force it. Add to the mix Romo, the consummate gunslinger QB, and you have a a bad cocktail my friend. Even stating my disapproval at the end of last year brought alot of wrath from people about me stating my dissatisfaction with the playcalling on offense. I was patient, and i waited until this year, and the first big game, and it was that Giants game. I was hoping that Garrett would have learned by now how to attack they’re defense. But alas, we know the outcome. Being a NY Cowboy fan made it even more difficult to swallow the Giants dominance, ESPECIALLY when they’re dominance was based on our coaches mismanagement of the team, and not they’re superiority over us. I would be honest and say that the Giants have better players than us if that was the case, but it’s not. But to say that they’re coaching is superior to ours, I would nod my head in agreement at that unfortunately. Our offense makes bad decisions at the wrong time of big games and it costs us. We just obviously haven’t figured out how to beat them at they’re own game, and our decisions when we play them are at the root core of the problem. When we play them and loose, it always seems like we beat ourselves, not like they just beat us outright.
Now, Jason Garrett has to use the run offense to help the offense out. He has to do something, because his way hasn’t worked. His job is on the line. Before a bunch of people start clobbering me for speaking my mind, I’ll ask this: if it did work, why hasn’t it in the most crucial of games over the last 3 years? Don’t quote the wins, the stats, the run-pass ratios, etc., etc., because you know I will respond with this: I’m only interested in this stat now- playoff wins and super bowl wins.
we saw monday night what happens when the right person is running for our team from the backfield. I believe Tashard is the right person for that role. He has earned the right to start a game, just as much as Felix or MB3. I’m not saying he should start every game, but are you not stating we should get everyone involved? His running on offense is inspiring.
I was listening to the lunch break today, and listening to Nick Eatman and Derek Eagleton. Nick Eatman again started talking about trading Tashard again, after he did so last week. I even mentioned this same thing in a post last week about him talking about it. I think the man has lost his mind for even thinking such thoughts. I could sense though that Derek doesn’t hold that view, where last week, he was somewhat talking about it with Nick Eatman. I think alot of people (including Derek) have started to cool off on the Felix Jones subject. Alot of people are dismayed and turned off by all the injuries. That’s understandable. Felix is lightning in a bottle. But he has never been a workhorse back in college, and what did everyone think? that he would automatically become one in the NFL? I hope Felix returns to shut the mouth of all the naysayers, and become a back like that. We just don’t know right now what the future is. All we know is that Tashard has somewhat proven himself from last year, and now a light has probably turned on in Garrett’s head, and he trusts Tashard to handle the load. Some people, like myself, had seen enough last year.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Sep 30, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
When Tashard finds his rhythm
I feel like the offense becomes more patient. It’s more methodical, and to paraphrase part of your post, it gives the offense more time—more reps—to be physical.
We all expect a big play when Felix is in, which is appropriate seeing that he averages 10 yards a carry. The Cowboys know what they have in that guy. He’s their Mark McGuire. But, teams also need a Lenny Dykstra. They need a guy like Choice to get those base hits consistently. Filling up the bases makes the home runs all the more devastating to the opposing team’s pitcher.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
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I agree with the run/pass equation
Take what the DEF gives you. If they want to take away the deep ball, light them up with the run game or short passes. Eventually they will creep up to the line and then you will get your deep ball.
Just remember as the season progresses, the weather gets worse, so the passing game is not as easy as in the beginning of the season. That is when the run game really comes into play. We really need it come DEC and have our o-line healthy and playing good.
I do not really agree
on this point
It all started when Tashard turned the corner and took a dive at making a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and confidence that the team was going to do something good was restored.
I personally felt, as I watched the game, that the momentum picked up a little before that play, when DAL was on defense. It was the Panthers’ first possession of the 2nd half. They were up 7 to 0 and were receiving the kickoff to open the 3rd quarter.
Buehler boots one 8 yards deep in the endzone, so CAR starts on the 20.
1st and 10 – D. Williams goes right and is stopped by Sensi for a 5 yard gain.
2nd and 5 – D. Williams goes up the middle and is stopped by Olshansky for 2.
3rd and 3 – Incomplete to Rosario in the left flat (covered by Brooking)
4th and 3 – Punt returned by Crayton for 27 yards to mid-field
Here is a combination of two things that I think jump started the team.
- - The defense came alive and stopped CAR with a three-and-out, forcing a punt, which they had not done in the 1st half.
- - The Punt return by Crayton to mid-field was huge. He usually just puts up a hand and does the “fair catch” thing. Now DAL sets up on Offense at mid-field and scoring their first points of the night was in close sight.
I think it was the play of the defense getting a 3 and out, and the big return by Crayton, that sparked the Offense. Not Choice almost getting a TD that sparked the Defense.
Then three plays later Felix is sprinting down the sideline for 40 big yards.
It was two plays after that when Choice almost scores the TD.
It think momentum was increasing all the while, before Choice makes that dive toward the end zone, by
1 – Defense forcing a 3 and out
2 – Crayton’s big punt return
3 – And three plays later – BOOM – Felix sprints for 40 yards all the way to CAR 10 yard line
That’s A WHOLE LOT OF MOMENTUM before Choice even makes that dive just short of the end zone.
Just my opinion.
completely agree
I think it was brooking who made a nice tackle and then ratliff with a sack, and then the great return.
If felix could just stay healthy, I think we’d see that consistency you think we’re lacking dallas pallace. I don’t know how many rbs i’ve seen as flat out explosive as felix…the guy is breaking off huge runs one out of every 5 plays or something like that. Its crazy. Choice meanwhile seems to be a rock, and just flat out gets the job done.
I believe you, I wasn't at the game
and didn’t get the chance to watch it either.
We should be greatful to have such a blessing in Tashard as our back up. Since alot of people like to keep calling him our 3rd string running back, (which he is) it’s just like they are saying it to demean and belittle his accomplishments. Personally, I don’t look at our running backs as 1st string, 2nd string, 3rd string. I look at all of them as starters, and all of them should get starts. This Denver game just happens to be Tashard’s start, and Marion will play too. I just hope Felix gets well soon. I did not mean to imply in my posts that Felix’s runs were fake. I just meant that in regards to Carolina, that it was going to take a whole game of running like that AND to the inside to be an effective running game against Carolina. Felix has to evolve to become that back we all want him to be.
I’m sure everyone realizes that regardless of my poor wording there, that Felix’s runs were not fake.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Sep 30, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Anyone demeaning Tashard
either isn’t a Cowboy fan, or doesn’t clearly understand his positive contribution to this team
Maybe that's just the recipe though
Think about it for a moment. Like Aaron said, he thinks Tashard gives the cowboys a patient, methodical style that Romo needs more than anything else. Some people like myself believe THAT type of ball control is just what will put these big time defenses on they’re heels and really give Romo the downfield passes and the confidence he needs. That’s not a knock on our pass offense. That’s just playing to your strength, and giving a boost to your pass offense. It’s not my fault that if I speak highly of Tashard, that other people here at BTB take it as a knock on Felix or MB3. That was never my intention in talking about Tashards accomplishments. And yes, I think that alot of it has to do with the similarities to Emmitt. But is that kind of playcall to be feared, if the result is victory? It may not be the flashy high octane game that Felix brings to the table, or the High power running game of MB3, but it’s result is still undisputible. I still believe in that Cowboy “Emmitt” style recipe. It’s definitely the type of game to play against Philly and NYG. Our coaches haven’t utilized agaist them yet.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Sep 30, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
give TC his props
This guy is good; a poor man’s Emmitt if you will…great instincts, durable (so far), decent speed and quicknesss.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
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