Tracking How Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett Tried To Seal The Win Against The Giants
by KD Drummond on Dec 30, 2011 4:17 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys General
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PrintFirst things first, if you're the type of fan that doesn't like reliving painful memories, I advise you stop reading now. I completely understand if you are, but being an eternal optimist also makes you double as a glutton for punishment.
Still here? Cool.
Just three weeks ago, the Cowboys played the New York Giants in a game that could have all but sealed a division championship. Now, the teams meet again in the rematch and it seems that at least half of the Dallas fan base is already looking towards the off season. I just can't get down with that, no way, no how.
That last Giants loss hurt... hurt something awful and it was pretty hard for most of us to write anything meaningful or insightful. A post idea that I had come up with but never penned was how great of a game I thought Jason Garrett called on offense. The funny thing? I was most impressed by the plays he called on a three and out while Dallas was trying to ice the game. See what I did there?
Win or lose this Sunday, the off season will eventually arrive and one of the first topics of conversation will undoubtedly return to the concept that the Cowboys will need to hire an offensive coordinator to take some of the pressure off young head coach Jason Garrett. If this play call sequence is any indication, I feel it will be much ado about nothing.
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With just under seven minutes remaining, the Cowboys were leading 27-22 with the Giants driving. They had just converted on fourth down and were facing 3rd and 9 from the Cowboys 22. Victor Butler, substituting for DeMarcus Ware who had suffered a stinger, leaped into Eli Manning's passing lane to tip the ball. Chuck Norris Sean Lee was being held by a Giants lineman turned around and made a tremendous interception and raced through traffic back to midfield. It was an incredible play by Lee, his fourth pick of the season, which happens to lead all NFL linebackers.
Two plays later, Tony Romo found Dez Bryant wide open down the right sideline after a Giants secondary breakdown. Bryant danced into the end zone for a 12 point lead, 34-22, with just under six minutes remaining.
Manning was able to drive the Giants down the field in about three minutes with efficiency, scoring a touchdown to shrink the lead to 5, 34-29. This left the Cowboys offense with the responsibility of running out the clock. Pretty much, two first downs and the game was over. Just one would have made it pretty long odds for New York.
Obviously we know how the game turned out. The Cowboys weren't able to collect the necessary first and gave the ball back to the Giants. But for all the grief Jason Garrett gets as a play caller, I was highly impressed at the plays that he called to try and achieve the first down.
The Giants obviously knew the Cowboys would be trying to run down the clock. On first down, Dallas lined up in Trey Left, a variation of the Deuce Formation where both TE's, Witten and Phillips, are to the left of LT Doug Free and Miles Austin as the Flanker. Dez Bryant is the Split End, wide right, with Felix Jones as the lone running back eight yards deep.
Pre-snap, Austin comes in motion, forcing the Giants to at least consider the end around.
After the snap, RT Tyron Smith and RG Kyle Kosier seal the Giants LDT and LOLB to create the wall. F-Back John Phillips pulls to the right to pick up the LDE Justin Tuck who waits for the play to develop. 
Felix is four yards into his five-yard-gain before he's touched by a Giants defender.
This play would be called a success by any measure, but definitely by the formula that a first down play needs to gain 40% of the necessary yardage to garner another set of downs.
On second down though, the execution would not be successful. The Cowboys deployed from the huddle in a standard I formation with TE right, Austin as the Flanker Right and Bryant split left.
Austin would again go in pre-snap motion, ending up outside LT Doug Free.
The play call was for Fiammetta to contain Jason Pierre-Paul enough to spring Felix to the outside. I'm pretty sure the train of thought was the old adage that you run right at the elite pass rusher, something that team's used to try to do to DeMarcus Ware. It didn't work.
JPP discarded FB Tony Fiammetta and was able to stuff Felix before he got to the outside. It appears that there was a crease to the inside of the block, but JPP just made a man's play. With Dez taking the CB down the field and Miles taking on the safety, the left side would have been wide open if Fiammetta was just able to get a slightly better block on the emerging defensive stud. Instead, a gain of zero. Successful playcall thwarted by a great player and a below average block.
One of the five plays that will live in infamy should the Cowboys fail to qualify for the postseason. Third and five, the Cowboys line up with three-wide following the Giants burning their second timeout to keep the clock from dwindling down to the two-minute warning.
Romo's hard count forced the Giants to reveal their blitz, bringing all eight into the box. Seven come at the snap with a in-the-box safety covering Witten on a crossing route.
Cornerback Aaron Ross tries (pathetically) to get a jam on Miles Austin in the slot who blows right past him into the wild green yonder. Unfortunately, as we all know, Romo and Miles aren't able to connect on the pass.
In most situations, 99 out of 100, the Cowboys make this completion and a different history is written. It just wasn't meant to be.
If Dallas successfully converts the run on second down, a running play would follow, leading to NY spending their final timeout. Another running play would lead to the two-minute warning and a third down run would have the Giants getting the ball back with a minute left on the clock. Instead, after the missed third down pass attempt, the Giants got the ball back with a timeout and the two-minute break, leaving Eli enough time to abuse the Cowboys secondary.
Now don't get me wrong, there have been mistakes this season made by rookie head coach Jason Garrett. That's not debatable. I just hope that whenever the offseason gets here, whether it be this coming Monday morning or any of the subsequent ones, people remember how many times Jason Garrett called the perfect play sequences like he did in this game.
I for one, can't wait to see how he fares in the future, including Sunday night with everything on the line.
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Comments
First
Time I saw that last play, I thought Romo overthrew it. I still think it was an overthrow in an otherwise flawless performance.
I will awaken my expectations for the Cowboys when Jerry Jones is in the ground.
Maybe an overthrow
But Miles didn’t even dive for it. Gotta sell out in every game.
by westsidewolf1989 on Dec 31, 2011 2:08 AM CST up reply actions
naw Austin drifted towards the sideline instead of heading straight upfield
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo
Woohoo more pain!
My entire week off I had this cut on my lip. A deep one so I’ve had a hell of a fun time eating! (Not really. I’ve at nothing but mints, m&m’s, and cheesy bread. ugh gross)
GO YANKEES, COWBOYS, AND KNICKS!
Unabridged Optimism
Great breakdown of that offensive series. The concern going forward, however, is a defense that given a 12 point lead late in the 4th quarter can’t man up.
I hate to say it, but I feel the Giants will put a hurting on the Cowboys in another classic episode of “Cowboys need to win this game or else and instead lose big time”
Local radio,
And I live in Bills’ territory, was talking about Jason needing a coordinator. They argued that only Payton and McCarthy are capable to coach and coordinate. For any mere mortal, coaching and coordinating is impossible.
Now, since when does a Lombardi trophy serve as an indicator of superior mental capacity? You think Sean and Mike are more intelligent? Please. If anyone can handle both, Garrett has the neurons.
My most recent fanpost:
The Weekly Chessmatch: Cowboys @ Eagles
by CotySaxman on Dec 30, 2011 4:50 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Doesn't have the 'neurons'
Garrett has repeatedly shown that he actually doesn’t have the ‘neurons’. Anyone that has the ability, would not be making the blunders that he makes time and again.
Are you
Out to just talk about all the negative things Garrett and JJ do instead of the positive? All you do is bash them it seems. He’s a rookie head coach. He has this team in position to win the NFC East. Thats the goal in the beginning of the season.
by BrickTop on Dec 30, 2011 5:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No
I said that Garrett is negating some of his own positives by managing the game poorly. My opinion is that if he had help in the area of game/clock management, then we would have had the division locked up by now. I’m not bashing him as much as I am giving my opinion on how the team can supercede expectations, especially by overachieving on offense and management/coaching to make up for the defeciencies on defense. Romo is a great example of playing to a level that makes up for defeciencies on the team (OL). There is an opportunity to get more out of the coaching/management as well to maximize results.
You didnt make it sound like an opinion
I feel like leads most to believe that its a direct opinion.
by Sado44 on Dec 31, 2011 3:56 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Which are blunders in your opinion.
And he isn’t qualified in your opinion. Excuse me, but you haven’t qualified your opinion to elevate it beyond a simple meaningless complaint regarding the abilities of someone more capable than yourself. If you have insight, share it. Otherwise, you’re left arbitrarily calling a smart man stupid.
My most recent fanpost:
The Weekly Chessmatch: Cowboys @ Eagles
by CotySaxman on Dec 30, 2011 5:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Blunders
First of all, I did not call him ‘stupid’. You said the radio show “argued that only Payton and McCarthy are capable to coach and coordinate. For any mere mortal, coaching and coordinating is impossible”. Following that logic, I would be simply calling Garrett a ‘mere mortal’. Was the radio show calling him ‘stupid’?
You are right, winning the SB doesn’t necessarily reflect football intelligence (case in point, Switzer).
In any case, you asked for specifics with respect to some of the blunders, in my opinion:
- Arizona game this yr: did not call TO and run a few more plays before final FG attempt
- Giants game this yr: did not call TO early enough to save 13 seconds which could have resulted in a couple more plays on last drive
- Lions game: 2H time management
- As an OC last yr, during the opener against Washington: T.Choice fumble
- End of the 1H during the Buffalo game this yr:
. Dallas Cowboys at 0:26
1st and 10 at DAL 14 D.Murray left end to DAL 39 for 25 yards
Timeout #1 by DAL at 00:13.
. 1st and 10 at DAL 39 P.Tanner left tackle to DAL 43 for 4 yards
Timeout #2 by DAL at 00:07.
. 2nd and 6 at DAL 43 T.Romo kneels to DAL 42 for -1 yards.
End of 1st Half
What was the logic in the Buffalo game at the end of the half? Go aggressive or run out the clock to prevent another Tashard Choice situation? I’m ok with either option, it is Garrett’s call. However, he did neither, indicating to me that there is a problem.
You don’t think he’s made any blunders?
As an aside, do you not think that BTB is a forum for us fans to give these types ‘opinions’ and ‘complaints’?
Not to pile on
But he also went ultra-cautious against the Patriots at the end, instead of attacking the weak Patriots secondary. Ironically, he took chances when he should have been cautious (Detroit) and was too cautious when he should have attacked (Patriots). Had he flipped coins on the strategy to use, he would would not have been any worse off, and probably would have been better off, than we are right now.
I agree on the mistakes that you listed
but to me these are HC mistakes not OC mistakes. So i dont see what him being the OC has to do with any of these mistakes. The hc is going to tell the OC how to handle end of game and end of half situations. Like whether to run or pass or whatever.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 30, 2011 6:32 PM CST up reply actions
HC vs OC
TP, I would guess that the delineation between OCs and HCs in the league varies and that there is going to be some overlap, or at least collaboration. For instance, if the plan is to save time on the clock, then both HC and OC will have to be on the same page to run specific plays, tell the players to go out of bounds, call timeouts at the appropriate times, etc. In the case of Garrett, since he does both, we at least know that the mistakes are his, even if those are mostly HC issues. At least if he had help to collaborate with a good OC, then some of the blatant mistakes could be eliminated.
so let me get this straight....
because of what, 5-6 plays over the course of a year (actually 2 if you are including the redskins game from last year) you say that Garrett can’t manage a clock? Really?
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Dec 30, 2011 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
let me get this straight
you’re saying he can manage it? after how many times making this calibre of mistake (and blowing games) would you say it takes to show that he can’t manage it?
I am saying that Garrett
isn’t perfect..and will make mistakes, just like everyone else…doesn’t mean that he can’t do something…
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Dec 31, 2011 8:57 AM CST up reply actions
I am saying
that Garrett has a flaw in this area and needs help. To me, it’s not ‘5-6 plays over a year’… it is ‘several blown games over a year’. In my opinion, that is a lot of damage in one season. These are not mild mistakes, like a dropped screen pass in the first qtr of a game. These are major mistakes in key situations that cost us games. Any coach can get a free pass on one or two of these maybe, but 5-6 in one season? That indicates to me that perhaps he does not have the capability.
He may be doing some things well, and is not expected to be perfect. However, if he is repeatedly making the same mental errors, then he needs help.
Btw, I would not only single out Garrett. I would say the same for anyone on the team. As an example, if a guy like Ball keeps making the same mental mistake… let’s say he does not understand the coverages and repeatedly blows his assignments, leading to easy opposition TDs, then I would say he doesn’t understand the scheme. Something would need to be done. If the player makes one or two mistakes like that, then ok. If he continuously makes mental errors, and cost the team 5-6 games because of it, then that is not acceptable.
The fact that the team was not expected at the outset to win the division, and is now challenging to win it, does not mean that they shouldn’t try to improve in certain areas. A lot of our fellow fans seem to think that the team has improved tremendously from last year, so why not stay the course. I don’t agree with that. If there are things that can be done to improve, then continue to make the changes and improve. We can highlight deficiencies in the pass rush, secondary, pass protection and, I believe, game management. This last one is easy… you don’t need any special personnell or spectacular plays. You just need to minimize poor mental decisions that should be easy for a good coach. We know a HC change is not going to happen, but by getting help with a good OC, it may save more lost games.
by NorthStar99 on Dec 31, 2011 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
on the blunders that you speak of
are they blunders by the oc garrett or the hc garrett. Most of the things people have complained about would be hc blunders i think. Deciding to run the ball late against the pats, the timeout against the cards, blah blah blah.
All those are things that an hc has control over. Being th oc has nothing to do with it.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 30, 2011 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
garrett's done some baffling things for sure but he's most definitely intelligent
i think he’ll be fine
by johnnypocket on Dec 30, 2011 5:52 PM CST up reply actions
Agree completely
and I’m not completely sure that some of the baffling things aren’t baffling to us only because we don’t know all the details (injuries, same play called earlier worked well, etc). I must admit, I’ve been frustrated at times too with the playcalling, but you know, an extraordinary catch, run etc makes an OC look like a genius while a fumble, overthrow, etc make him look incompetent.
OC next year
My issue with Garrett is that he does not know how to manage the clock and just doesn’t get it. This is not something I believe he will learn, since he has not been able to pick it up in several seasons as QB, OC, HC. He needs OC help in this area.
There is another sequence that should be detailed which follows the plays highlighted above. During the Giants’ final drive, Garrett let 13 or 14 seconds elapse before calling a timeout near the end of that drive. It was obvious that a timeout had to be called, and Garrett did eventually call it, but why did he waste all that time that could have translated into another 2 plays once we got the ball back? If you noticed, even Jerry and the guys in his suite were looking puzzled and ‘screaming’ at Garrett to call a timeout. If we had saved that time, then with a couple more plays against the weak Giants’ defense, may have had an easier FG or possibly TD attempt.
Garrett might be calling some good plays, but if he can’t manage the game properly, then he will continue to blow these games and nullify his own positive results. He has demonstrated this weakness time and again, and needs help to close out these games. I don’t think he has the skill to manage this himself.
He would be better off to delegate authority
I don’t doubt he has the intelligence to be a HC but I feel he lacks the ability to process the game strategy in real time while calling the offense and overseeing the defense in under 40 seconds. He might be too smart for his own good as he tries to decide on the best option in every situation.
Maybe the coaches who are good at doing all 3 are better at making snap judgements and are able to trust their instinct better than JG. I for one do not see any problem with a HC delegating authority to the OC and DC while overseeing the game. If JG is trying to decide on the right play to call and debate the right strategy for the situation and takes too long to make the decision, mistakes will ultimately be made. And if this situation happens at the end of the game, the mistake will result in a loss.
I feel the whole HC/OC or DC is just a pissing match between elite coaches anyways.
I think people arent looking at the whole picture
Now listen guys I hear all this stupid talk about the giants game but did y’all not see Garrett talk yo rob before the timeout. Its obvious he asked can y’all hold them to a field goal rob told them no he called the timeout and let them score. I see nothing wrong with it he had enough time on the clock to march down the field from the 20 and set our kicker up for a game saving field goal. So 10 sec would have gotten him another play but what if that play was a fumble remeber no Murray and Felix is hurting and already fumbled the ball and you have a very very new RB in Morris. Think about the options Garrett had to take into consideration. And he still managed to consult with his DC manage the game and set the team up for success if they execute. Would be talking about something else right now if defense had not given up 12 points in 6 min. I don’t see there being a problem new young head coach and we have seen a few mistakes name one rookie head coach that hasn’t made one.
by Sado44 on Jan 1, 2012 11:55 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Whole Picture
First of all, the Giants were down by 5… why would they be settling for a field goal at the end of the game? I doubt Garrett would be asking Rob about a field goal, but if he was, then that is an even worse mistake, and further solifies what we are saying. Secondly, if you think that an additional 13 seconds, with no timeouts, during the last drive would actually hurt the team, then sorry, but I think you are on a completely different page. As an aside, if I recall correctly, I don’t think Morris was even in the lineup for the Giants game.
So, I think you need to reassess where the ‘stupid talk’ is coming from.
Btw, the Giants game is just one example. We’re not talking about one mistake… the constant errors and blown games show the whole picture.
good piece of work KD
Dont worry the RHG got these boys..
by lostar2009 on Dec 30, 2011 5:12 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Awesome breakdown...
I support the Giants like bras support Kim Kardashian's boobs. It can be a struggle, we've had some jiggles, but we're still firm.
by BigBlueIntervention on Dec 30, 2011 5:21 PM CST reply actions
Thank you, KD.
That is such a great illustration that the best play calling in the world will not make up for bad execution by your own team or a superior play by the other guys.
I have to compliment you on the sometimes futile task of trying to put a little rational perspective into the mix. It can be frustrating.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
I appreciate the sequence, KD
I just don’t know it makes that strong a case for Garrett calling excellent plays.
Running on first and second downs was probably too cautious and predictable. Another blog has noticed one of Garrett’s many tendencies is to run the ball from the double TE strong side formation, and sure enough on first down we ran out of it. The Giants almost certainly aware of that tendency too, so our ability to succeed on that play had more to do with the players overcoming predictability than anything else.
On second down, asking a fullback to block one of the two best young defensive ends in the league, being outweighed by 40 pounds, is not a favorable matchup on which to hang the success of the play. At some point, reality needs to enter the equation about execution.
Had he run a play action pass on first or second down, especially out of the double strong TE formation, his odds of success would have been much better. The article points out Garrett hardly ever runs a play action pass out of that formation, which would use the predictability to his advantage.
Strategically, we weren’t going to win by going turtle, as Garrett has shown a tendency to do in key situations. We were going to win by attacking the Giants weak spot, which is their secondary. Running twice (predictably) and throwing when he had to (predictably) significantly lowered our chances of moving the ball and consequently winning the game.
The Art of War by Jason Garrett
Whether presented with a stronger opponent or a weaker opponent, allow your enemy as many opportunities to score as possible. It will baffle your fans and delight your detractors.
Great job. Now compare this play call with others from 2011.
Similarly, against Detroit Jason Garrett calls for a deep throw to Witten, who had uncovered against two linebackers. Had Romo’s throw been on target, Witten races to the end zone and the Cowboys win.
Against the 49ers, Romo fakes the stretch play and hits a streaking Jesse Holley. The long pass from deep in Cowboys’ territory leads to the chip shot field goal for the win in overtime.
Conversely, against the Patriots Garrett runs the ball and punts. In the game against Arizona, Jason Garrett eschews an opportunity to get more yardage and relies on a 49-yard field goal for the win.
On Thanksgiving, Jason Garrett has the offense pass the ball to get into field goal range. Then Jason relies on a strong running game to wind down the clock and get the ball closer for the winning field goal.
Is there a pattern? Garrett is not afraid to aggressively attack a defense in a close game, but he also tempers his aggression in certain circumstances.
In other words, Garrett does not pear down his play-calling depending upon the score. Garrett aggressively went for the win against the Lions, the Giants, and the 49ers. The difference is that the Cowboys executed correctly in San Francisco.
Jason will also be conservative in his approach. Garrett demonstrated this against Arizona and New England. With better execution, the Cowboys win those games.
Of course, when the play calls do not work, the offensive coordinator is considered an idiot. When the Cowboys lose, most of the blame is either placed on the head coach or the quarterback.
by ScarletO on Dec 30, 2011 6:46 PM CST reply actions 5 recs
rec'd
and that doesn’t even bring into account that we still could have won those games had it not been for defensive failures in each one.
Each week, play whoever is standing across the field from you, whenever and wherever. If you match up well, exploit it and win. If you don’t, then get very crafty in your game play and try to "steal" a win anyway. Repeat process until no more games remain, and confetti rains down from a retractable roof and Roger Goodell is handing out hardware. by hookerhome on Dec 17, 2011 6:58 AM PST
by Nick Castillo on Dec 30, 2011 7:01 PM CST up reply actions
I don't know...
… I think calling a run that depends on a raw FB to block a monster that had been tearing it up all game is not smart. I like the fact it was a run call, but if it was truly designed to have Tony F. try to neutralize JPP, that’s an obvious fatal flaw in the plan, imho.
Good point
especially when it is second and rather short yardage . . . any decent run of even two yards makes it third and three or so, which really opens up the play book for third down.
Fiammetta isn't a raw FB though, he's in his third year
and has made several great blocks against great defensive linemen. He just wasn’t able to do it on this particular play.
There are several times in games when an individual matchup not involving the ball carrier have to be made in order for it to be a great play. They were daring to be great, while being safe at the same time. I wish I could animated .gif it, just a little better umph and Felix is sprung on the play.
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Just watched that play
He would have had to overwhelmed JPP, who had great position and leverage—and a 40 pound weight advantage. Wasn’t going to happen.
I don't think overwhelming was necessary
but everyone sees things differently so you may be right. I think he just needed a little better holding of ground, split second worth. Felix doesn’t hesitate if Fia puts a better block there- but it really is second guessing.
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by KD Drummond on Dec 30, 2011 11:55 PM CST up reply actions
Have to respectfully disagree on Tony F.not being "raw"
Number of years in the league doesn’t matter to me as much as how battle-tested a player is at the NFL level. I think we can all agree that Tony F.‘s 3 years has actually translated into very little real-world experience. He hasn’t been truly called upon to be an important part of the game plan for more than a handful of games at this point in his career. Moose in his prime on that play call? You betcha. Tony F.? That’s asking a lot of the guy.
all in perspective I guess
JPP is a 2 year vet with 11 starts under his belt. Much better pedigree of course, but still.
Tony F is a 3 year vet with 12 starts under his belt (he hasn’t started all 9 games he’s played this year due to formations)
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by KD Drummond on Dec 30, 2011 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
stop apologizing
the cowboys were up by 24 against the Lions and were still passing
by firejasongarrett on Dec 30, 2011 10:51 PM CST up reply actions
great breakdown
and that was called for a diving catch Miles!!! he let me down on that play, if weren’t for his awesomeness i’ll be still pissed off
sure would be nice for Miles to come up with some of that awesomeness
on Sunday night. Haven’t seen very much of it this season. I’m not hating on the guy. He’s just been hurt a lot this year.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 30, 2011 7:06 PM CST up reply actions
completely off subject but........
i was over at BBV and they call Perry Fewell …….Radio. I just thought that was funny as hell. He does kind of look like him.
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
Can't look. If we win on Sunday, I'll go back and look. If we lose, I'll just start thinking 2012 draft. I said
early in the year the Cowboys would finish up 8 & 8. Man do I want to be wrong. Please Cowboys, make me eat my words. I don;t think Cowboy fans will even be comfortable with the three TD lead to open the 4th qtr. Might just as well be a nail biter all the way t the end. One of my buddies said he’d come over for the game. I told him to stay home, as I would watch it in the dark in silence. This is shaping up as a mute button game, with JD by my side.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
cowboyman
I don’t even drink and I’m gonna have the JD by my side too. My in laws wanted us to come over and have new years dinner (traditional black eyed peas, greens, corn bread, etc.) and then watch the game. I told them I’d come over and watch the Broncos game but I’d need to be home for the late game.
Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
~Sun Tzu
by CDMac24 on Dec 30, 2011 10:57 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Good analysis
. . . that first down run was a truely great play. You would think Dallas could have and should have been able to convert that first down. That series is not unlike many others this year, some earlier in games, where Dallas’ offense failed to deliver under circumstances when they should have been able to make first downs. It is for these reasons that I blame the offense more than I do the defense, even though I realize the defense has totally failed at time, too.
BTW, rec’d. great stuff!
Thanks KD!
This illustrates that the team which can execute flawlessly and be the most consistant wins. That is usually the case. Most teams are somewhat equal in talent these days. It’s the players/teams that are good to great consistently who are the hardest to beat.
This has not been our Dallas Cowboys unfortunately.
by torchindefenses on Dec 30, 2011 8:07 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Well Said
Thanks KD, great analysis for us casual fans (or rabid fans) that didn’t notice. Appreciated it - Happy New Year!!!
As for Playoff Game #1 – I’d like to see some hits by our defense against the giants. They need to bring some rage to this one. I’m taking for granted the points will be there by both QBs to keep that part entertaining.
by BigHat in NewTexas on Dec 30, 2011 9:02 PM CST reply actions
is it me or does Witten look like he is pulling ahead of his man?
looks like he might have been a good option there too, just that Miles was WIDE open
sucks, really sucks
"I got the 9 on me so I think I'm Romo"
Fabolous
by Archie Barberio on Dec 30, 2011 9:10 PM CST reply actions
also on that 2nd down play
Fiametta screws up, we all know that, but that is a play Felix should never have stopped running on
idk why he stopped in the first place, look to the outside, space space space
you bounce that outside, if he never stops running, maybe he gets the edge there and picks up at the least, positive yardage
Murray is missed in that area, he has real good vision and I believe he would have juked to his left and bounced that to the outside
another example of bad vision, even though Felix had a great play, but it could have went for six, the Bucs game on his big run, he cuts it back up the middle instead of going to his left where the field was wide open
Murray would see that and cut to the left instead of back up the middle
next year I am going to purchase NFL Rewind so I can show you guys what I mean in video stills like KD did above
great work KD, the video stills bring much more to the party
"I got the 9 on me so I think I'm Romo"
Fabolous
by Archie Barberio on Dec 30, 2011 9:14 PM CST reply actions
Whats up Chia
you know I thought about including fault to Felix as well there. The thing that kept me from it was how much outside JPP was to Tony F. With the play going right first to draw the defense, then back to the left, Felix definitely seemed to hesitate and wonder if he could make it to the outside.
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by KD Drummond on Dec 30, 2011 11:54 PM CST up reply actions
god watching that play again makes me sick
Miles Austin is a good route runner who is an established veteran player, we know he was rusty but what he did that was amateur hour
first of all, lay out for that ball at least, then I would commend you for your effort
idk how one loses a football in the lights, never heard that in my life, baseball yes but not football
instead of cutting outside to the sideline, just run your route, don’t freelance it
thats a walk in TD
I wont bash Miles because the guy has been an instant playmaker since he arrived on the scene in 2009 and has won us many many games, but damn son you are better than that, you know it, we know it, the Cowboys know it, the Giants know it
a part of me wants to say Dez lays out for it, I saw it last year, a part of me says Dez sticks his long arms and big mittens out there and catches that
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Miles come on sonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
"I got the 9 on me so I think I'm Romo"
Fabolous
by Archie Barberio on Dec 30, 2011 9:20 PM CST reply actions
so you have Romo and call a run on first and second down?
really?
by firejasongarrett on Dec 30, 2011 10:48 PM CST reply actions
0_o
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by KD Drummond on Dec 30, 2011 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe
You should be the head coach. I’m sure you have all the neccessary qualities. You run the ball to eat the clock. You don’t pass with the possibility of an incompletion stopping the clock on 1st and 2nd down, when youre trying to seal a game.
by BrickTop on Dec 30, 2011 11:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
If you want to seal the game and feed your opponent to the pigs you get first downs.
If you want to get first downs I think you pass instead of run.
by firejasongarrett on Dec 31, 2011 7:58 AM CST up reply actions
not sure arguing with the username "firejasongarrett"
is really gonna go anywhere positive.
by bloodyhanded on Dec 31, 2011 7:59 AM CST up reply actions
Also the drive started with 3:14 left and ended with 2:22 left.
So less than a minute was run off.
by firejasongarrett on Dec 31, 2011 8:03 AM CST up reply actions
I keep wanting to steer Miles when I look at that picture
you had them BEAT, Miles. It was vintage Miles and a very easy six. Those type of plays just grate on my nerves.
Witten gets pushed out of bounds at the one by a guy smaller than him. Ware jumps offsides badly. Twice. On the same game-winning drive. Laurent is dancing in the end zone so wide open he had the entire field to himself trying to get Tony to look his way. Those two field goals by Dan “split ’em once, but not twice” Bailey. The too numerous to count epic fails by the defense. The Fing Lions game (second half). The total embarrassment of both iggles games.
Whatever else happens this season, it’s going down in infamy for me as a lost season of “what if”s.
Oh and by the way, Garrett is my man. I’m sure he’s thinking of John McKay in many of these games. “What do you think of the execution of your team on the field?” “I’m for it.”
REC
Well written KD. Where did this come from?
This play would be called a success by any measure, but definitely by the formula that a first down play needs to gain 40% of the necessary yardage to garner another set of downs.
It's called "success rate"
and it’s a stat that has been used in the NFL for a number of years.
In general, a running play counts as a “success” if it gains 40% of yards on first down, 60% of yards on second down, and 100% of yards on third down.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 31, 2011 8:21 AM CST up reply actions
This entire season has been one of
trying to put together your team on the fly. Teams that have a veteran core (NO, GB, Pitt, BAL, etc.) have looked good. Teams with a lot of changes (Dallas, NYG, PHI) have looked inconsistent in execution.
Given a real off-season I expect a RR and JG-led team to execute crisply and consistently.
Don't believe everything you think.
I've been concerned w/ personnel...
…decisions over the years. It took an injury to Roy Williams to finally get Miles Austin on the field for his break out season. Similarly it took an injury to Felix for Murray to get any real playing time. And for my $0.2, I thought Kowalski (sp?) looked better at center in the last Giants’ game.
Does this staff not see these talents in training camp or on the practice field?
We can debate play calling vs. execution but I think there is no debating who’s in charge of what players actually get playing time.
My question is do we actually have our best players on the field? Is there someone on the bench right now who gives this team a much better chance to win than the guy he’s forced to watch from the sidelines?
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
by gee-roj on Dec 31, 2011 9:55 AM CST via mobile reply actions
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