DMN: Gosselin says Bryant needs to learn routes

[supercowboy8]

Rick Gosselin: Until Dez Bryant (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Dez_Bryant) learns how to run routes, this will be predictable offense. Hand it to Murray, throw short crossing routes to Jason Witten (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Jason_Witten) and work the intermediate areas with Miles Austin (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Miles_Austin). Bryant is the wild card. He can make plays short, medium and long. But until he develops some discipline in his route running, Romo isn't going to trust him. Bryant also better figure out how to beat press coverage by a defensive back. Nnamdi Asomugha (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Nnamdi_Asomugha) schooled Bryant last night. When Bryant doesn't have his way with defensive backs, he gets frustrated. Asomugha was so deep into Bryant's head last night he became a non-factor.

Read More: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/headlines/20111031-gosselin-cowboys-offense-will-continue-to-be-predictable-until-dez-bryant-learns-to-run-routes.ece

[CATCH17]

Rick Gosselin: Until Dez Bryant (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Dez_Bryant) learns how to run routes, this will be predictable offense. Hand it to Murray, throw short crossing routes to Jason Witten (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Jason_Witten) and work the intermediate areas with Miles Austin (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Miles_Austin). Bryant is the wild card. He can make plays short, medium and long. But until he develops some discipline in his route running, Romo isn't going to trust him. Bryant also better figure out how to beat press coverage by a defensive back. Nnamdi Asomugha (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Nnamdi_Asomugha) schooled Bryant last night. When Bryant doesn't have his way with defensive backs, he gets frustrated. Asomugha was so deep into Bryant's head last night he became a non-factor.


Bullcrap..

[BraveHeartFan]

I respect the opinion. There is some things that I do believe Dez needs to work on and get better. But lets not act like that isn't the case with pretty much every single player in the league.

For example whats his excuse for Miles Sunday night? Does he need to get better against the press? Does he need to learn the routes better? Was Nnamdi in his head as well? Cause last I checked he was just as invisible as Dez.

And, yes, before the Miles crowd comes in here to kill me I realise that a big part of the problem was the O-Line but that part of the problem also directly effects Dez and not just Miles.

[Frozen700]

yeah ok Bryant can't run routes, next

[Gaede]

Why do we always gloss over Dez's inabilty to run routes?

It's a serious concern. He's 1.5 years into his pro career and can only run three routes.

It's not a minor problem. If we're gonna rely on the guy, he has to improve at some point.

One of my biggest pet peeves is a talented person that relies only on their talent. You gotta work hard to get better, whether you're Michael Jordan or Jesse Holley

[Falcon554]

Why do we always gloss over Dez's inabilty to run routes?

It's a serious concern. He's 1.5 years into his pro career and can only run three routes.

It's not a minor problem. If we're gonna rely on the guy, he has to improve at some point.

One of my biggest pet peeves is a talented person that relies only on their talent. You gotta work hard to get better, whether you're Michael Jordan or Jesse Holley

Its a HUGE problem with him, someone with his talent should destroy DBs but he just cant, so far its all promise.

[perrykemp]

It's not college anymore -- you can't just 'out-physical' NFL DBs consistently. Route running consistently is part of the deal.

The puzzling part is the Packers WRs are like synchronized swimmers out there together with all of their orchestrated precision route running. I believe Jimmy Robinson had a lot to do with it. I am crossing my fingers that his teaching eventually reaches Dez in this regard.

[stasheroo]

Rick Gosselin: Until Dez Bryant (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Dez_Bryant) learns how to run routes, this will be predictable offense. Hand it to Murray, throw short crossing routes to Jason Witten (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Jason_Witten) and work the intermediate areas with Miles Austin (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Miles_Austin). Bryant is the wild card. He can make plays short, medium and long. But until he develops some discipline in his route running, Romo isn't going to trust him. Bryant also better figure out how to beat press coverage by a defensive back. Nnamdi Asomugha (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Nnamdi_Asomugha) schooled Bryant last night. When Bryant doesn't have his way with defensive backs, he gets frustrated. Asomugha was so deep into Bryant's head last night he became a non-factor.

Who wouldn't get frustrated when the refs miss totally blatant pass interference calls two feet in front of them?

Between that and the 'backward pass', the refs from that game should be looking at some serious repremanding this week.

[shockandroll]

Bullcrap..

This.

[casmith07]

I adamantly disagree that the predictability of the offense hinges on the media's opinions of Dez Bryant's route-running.

[BHendri5]

I second that Bullcrap

[tyke1doe]

Bullcrap..

So Romo just refuses to throw the ball to the best playmaker on the offense when he's wide open? :confused:

[ThreeSportStar80]

Umm OK... This is old news. Miles Austin can go deep on routes, not sure what he's talking about. Robinson has good speed as well, the more serious problem is the offensive line and how HORRIBLE IT IS!

:bang2:

[perrykemp]

I adamantly disagree that the predictability of the offense hinges on the media's opinions of Dez Bryant's route-running.

It doesn't "hinge" on Dez's route-running, however, it would be ignorant to say it doesn't have an effect.

Jerry Jones doesn't typically single out guys for criticism when he specifically mentioned Dez's route routing:

“Dez needs to concentrate,” Jones said (http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/7121263/dez-bryant-dangerously-close-following-antonio-bryant-disappointing-footsteps-dallas). “Not being critical of him, but he needs to continue to concentrate on his route running because there’s a reason for harping on running correct routes, even though you’re a great receiver. And that is it gets you open.”
I believe there is some truth to the idea that Romo isn't looking Dez's way because Dez can't be trusted to run the complete route-tree.

[jobberone]

There was not time enough for intermediate routes and even then those were being taken away. They gave us the underneath and the running game. Had we been able to stop Philly from scoring we could have run the ball until they addressed it and that would have opened up the passing game.

I'm not saying Dez doesn't need to work on his routes. He does. But that wasn't the major problem Sun nite.

Put this one on the holes in our defense, the DC and the HC.

[CATCH17]

So Romo just refuses to throw the ball to the best playmaker on the offense when he's wide open? :confused:

The Garrett Offense has randomly gone away from players since he has been here.

The only time he likes to force it to Dez is in the Redzone so Dez will bail him out of his miserable redzone playcalling.

[Galian Beast]

The Garrett Offense has randomly gone away from players since he has been here.

The only time he likes to force it to Dez is in the Redzone so Dez will bail him out of his miserable redzone playcalling.


He listens to the media...

the media says run it more (after the lions game), we run it straight at the patriots 3 times in the 4th quarter.

He doesn't go to Dez in the endzone in the Patriots game (we go to dez non stop in the Rams and Eagles game).

Can the media tell him to start calling some slants and some quick outs?

[tyke1doe]

He listens to the media...

the media says run it more (after the lions game), we run it straight at the patriots 3 times in the 4th quarter.

He doesn't go to Dez in the endzone in the Patriots game (we go to dez non stop in the Rams and Eagles game).

Can the media tell him to start calling some slants and some quick outs?

:lmao2:

That was funny.

[Sam I Am]

Actually, Bryant needs to learn the game of football. To him, it seems it all about running around and catching the ball.

[Reality]

I adamantly disagree that the predictability of the offense hinges on the media's opinions of Dez Bryant's route-running.

I see what you did there. :)

#reality

[CATCH17]

He listens to the media...

the media says run it more (after the lions game), we run it straight at the patriots 3 times in the 4th quarter.

He doesn't go to Dez in the endzone in the Patriots game (we go to dez non stop in the Rams and Eagles game).

Can the media tell him to start calling some slants and some quick outs?

I wish.

We have probably the best catch and run receivers in the NFL. Same thing with Owens when he was here.

It's just not the type of routes Garrett likes to run. He likes to run his receivers into coverage and if they're open get them the ball, if not go somewhere else.



He's finally going to a more finesse style running game though so I gotta give him some credit for that even though I can't believe it took him so long to do so with the personnel he has.

[tyke1doe]

The Garrett Offense has randomly gone away from players since he has been here.

The only time he likes to force it to Dez is in the Redzone so Dez will bail him out of his miserable redzone playcalling.

So you're saying that Dez is wide open and Garrett (who wanted to sling the ball all over the field, especially at the beginning of the year) tells Tony Romo, "Don't throw Dez the ball"?

Look, I can understand critcizing the play calling. I have done that too. But the Cowboys were slinging it at the beginning of the season. And in at least two cases I can recall (one in the Jets game, the other in the Redskins game) Dez doesn't run the route the way it's suppose to be run. Now, maybe it's the Cowboys fault because they put him in the game less than full speed.

But there's too much smoke there for me to dismiss reports that Dez doesn't run the right routes.

And I can believe Nmandi was in his head. Dez is very emotional. We've seen it for the good. But it can also work for the bad.

I'm not giving up on him, but he has much to learn.

The problem is that Cowboys fans have anointed him one of the best receivers in the league. Why, just a few weeks Cowboys fans had the audacity to say he is better than Calvin Johnson.

The hype is ridiculous.

Let's just let him grow into the player he can be. He's just not there yet. I'm willing to wait for this diamond to be polished.

[rangers71]

If this is true then this is a big problem.

[visionary]

:lmao2:

That was funny.

it would be if it werent sad and true

[CATCH17]

So you're saying that Dez is wide open and Garrett (who wanted to sling the ball all over the field, especially at the beginning of the year) tells Tony Romo, "Don't throw Dez the ball"?

Look, I can understand critciing the play calling. I have done that too. But the Cowboys were slinging it at the beginning of the season. And in at least two cases I can recall (one in the Jets game, the other in the Redskins game) Dez doesn't run the route the way it's suppose to be run. Now, maybe it's the Cowboys fault because they put him in the game less than full speed.

But there's too much smoke there for me to dismiss reports that Dez doesn't run the right routes.

And I can believe Nmandi was in his head. Dez is very emotional. We've seen it for the good. But it can also work for the bad.

I'm not giving up on him, but he has much to learn.

The problem is that Cowboys fans have anointed him one of the best receivers in the league. Why, just a few weeks Cowboys fans had the audacity to say he is better than Calvin Johnson.

The hype is ridiculous.

Let's just let him grow into the player he can be. He's just not there yet. I'm willing to wait for this diamond to be polished.

Im sure Dez doesn't always run the right routes. The guy isn't that bright. You knew that when you drafted him.

Dez can beat you on pure talent though. Even in this league. So just find some things he does well and do it over and over. The defense can't take it away because they are just physically outmatched.

Simplify things for him and for everyone on the offense instead of running this chaotic offense that does nothing but have penalties and off the wall random goof ups.

It's not that hard with the guys you have in place. Just get the ball in their hands and they will do the rest.

If Dez or Miles catch a ball in stride the defense is most likely in big big trouble but we hardly ever try to get them the ball in those situations.

[rangers71]

And by the way this isn't anything new. There was talk before he was drafted that he always had to line up on the Oklahoma State sideline so someone could tell him what he was supposed to do. There is a reason he isn't getting the ball. I mean my god Robinson has been here three weeks and he knows what to do and manages to get open then why can't Dez? Hell Romo threw him the ball iin the end zone the other night but it didn't work because the idiot was looking at the sideline when the ball was snapped and it threw off the timing of the route. I know that is Tonys fault also right?

[InmanRoshi]

He obviously didn't put much work in on his own this offseason to improve better himself during the lockout, and now he's suffering a lost year of development. He's no better today as a player than he was as a rookie. He's obviously not much of a self starter, so hopefully with an organized team offseason in place this upcoming year he'll have a coach constantly in his ear.

Basically all this supposed "passion" Dez has for football is a bunch of nonsense, and I'm tired of hearing about it. I think has a passion for the spotlight and making big plays in games and hearing the roar of the crowd. He doesn't have a passion the dirty stuff behind the scenes. The reading the playbook. Putting time in on the practice field running rep after rep of routes. If you truly love something, you aren't consistently late for it or have to be scolded/shamed to do it.

[ufcrules1]

Dez is not the problem at all. The problem is the offensive line AND Tony Romo. Romo is rarely even scrambling these days to give the receivers more time to get open. We all know Miles Austin is a top 10 receiver.. how come he isn't getting the ball much at all? This Dez hate is ridiculous, he plays with a ton of fire and emotion and delivers when the ball is thrown his way. You want to blame someone? Blame the line and Romo.

[tyke1doe]

Im sure Dez doesn't always run the right routes. The guy isn't that bright. You knew that when you drafted him.

Dez can beat you on pure talent though. Even in this league. So just find some things he does well and do it over and over. The defense can't take it away because they are just physically outmatched.

Simplify things for him and for everyone on the offense instead of running this chaotic offense that does nothing but have penalties and off the wall random goof ups.

It's not that hard with the guys you have in place. Just get the ball in their hands and they will do the rest.

If Dez or Miles catch a ball in stride the defense is most likely in big big trouble but we hardly ever try to get them the ball in those situations.

Fair enough.

[lcharles]

Wonder when so many voices echoing the same thing starts to have an effect On the other offensive players?



If I am the guy on the team that works his butt off, pays attention to detail, studies hard, does all the coaches ask of him, then watching a guy with great physical ability yet does not get the other aspects of being a pro frustrates me to no end.


:starspin

[ufcrules1]

There is a reason he isn't getting the ball.

What is the reason Miles isn't getting the ball? Miles and Dez are both getting double coverage off and on in the game.. Robinson is getting man on man.. that is why he is getting the ball throw his way more often.

Sure, Dez, Miles, and Robinson run a route wrong from time to time.. that happens to just about all WR's every week.


The problem is the offensive line and Romo.

[InmanRoshi]

There was not time enough for intermediate routes and even then those were being taken away. They gave us the underneath and the running game. Had we been able to stop Philly from scoring we could have run the ball until they addressed it and that would have opened up the passing game

Evidently Laurent Robinson had some time to get open down the field.

[rangers71]

Im sure Dez doesn't always run the right routes. The guy isn't that bright. You knew that when you drafted him.

Dez can beat you on pure talent though. Even in this league. So just find some things he does well and do it over and over. The defense can't take it away because they are just physically outmatched.

Simplify things for him and for everyone on the offense instead of running this chaotic offense that does nothing but have penalties and off the wall random goof ups.

It's not that hard with the guys you have in place. Just get the ball in their hands and they will do the rest.

If Dez or Miles catch a ball in stride the defense is most likely in big big trouble but we hardly ever try to get them the ball in those situations.


Sorry but even in this league you have to work at it. Talent alone doesn't mean anything.

[tyke1doe]

Dez is not the problem at all. The problem is the offensive line AND Tony Romo. Romo is rarely even scrambling these days to give the receivers more time to get open. We all know Miles Austin is a top 10 receiver.. how come he isn't getting the ball much at all? This Dez hate is ridiculous, he plays with a ton of fire and emotion and delivers when the ball is thrown his way. You want to blame someone? Blame the line and Romo.

Why is it Dez hate to suggest he needs to do better?

A co-worker of mine has a son who went out of the basketball team along with my son. My son made the team, her did not. I saw her at work Monday and gave her a few pointers on why I thought her son didn't make the team.

I made some suggestions for him. Then I told her, "I could tell you 'He should have made the team.' But that's not going to help your son get better. This is what he needs to work on if he wants to make the team next year."

That's not hate. That's being concerned enough to be critical in the hopes that a player improves.

We all want Dez to succeed. But he has to learn to be a better route runner and control his emotions.

[rangers71]

What is the reason Miles isn't getting the ball? Miles and Dez are both getting double coverage off and on in the game.. Robinson is getting man on man.. that is why he is getting the ball throw his way more often.

Sure, Dez, Miles, and Robinson run a route wrong from time to time.. that happens to just about all WR's every week.


The problem is the offensive line and Romo.

Bullcrap. If that was the easy answer then the only recievers that would ever get the ball would third guys. You mean to tell me that Irvin never got doubled, Calvin Johnson never gets doubled(except against us), Larry Fitzgerald doesn't get doubled? Bullcrap exuse.

[basstapp]

Then there is no mention of our leading receiver Robinson... I believe Romo checks to Witten and then Robinson. Austin isn't getting separation to get open and Robinson catches almost everything thrown his way. I would bench Dez as a WR and tell him he needs to learn his routes or he will be stuck to PR :).

[Clove]

If he can't run routes, simple solution. Pull him. If you're not going to do that, then stop complaining about it.

Then we can focus on someone else to blame. If you want to complain about the OLine, then this next draft, let's draft 1st 2 rounds, OLine, then get 2 great OLinemen in free agency, so the excuses can finally stop.

[Clove]

Then there is no mention of our leading receiver Robinson... I believe Romo checks to Witten and then Robinson. Austin isn't getting separation to get open and Robinson catches almost everything thrown his way. I would bench Dez as a WR and tell him he needs to learn his routes or he will be stuck to PR :).Yeah, I agree. I would just bench him, bring him in as 3rd guy and as your PR. When he learns more than 3 routes, which I don't know how you get through college running 3 routes, but once he learns his routes, then he can get his starting position back.

[Clove]

Why is it Dez hate to suggest he needs to do better?

A co-worker of mine has a son who went out of the basketball team along with my son. My son made the team, her did not. I saw her at work Monday and gave her a few pointers on why I thought her son didn't make the team.

I made some suggestions for him. Then I told her, "I could tell you 'He should have made the team.' But that's not going to help your son get better. This is what he needs to work on if he wants to make the team next year."

That's not hate. That's being concerned enough to be critical in the hopes that a player improves.

We all want Dez to succeed. But he has to learn to be a better route runner and control his emotions.I agree Dez needs to get better, but when we suggest that Romo needs to get better, then all hell breaks loose. Why is that?

[ThreeSportStar80]

Dez isn't the smartest player in the world, however I wouldn't put all the blame on the guy...

[tyke1doe]

Bullcrap. If that was the easy answer then the only recievers that would ever get the ball would third guys. You mean to tell me that Irvin never got doubled, Calvin Johnson never gets doubled(except against us), Larry Fitzgerald doesn't get doubled? Bullcrap exuse.

Ouch! :laugh2:

[tyke1doe]

I agree Dez needs to get better, but when we suggest that Romo needs to get better, then all hell breaks loose. Why is that?

I'm with you. I believe Romo needs to get better too.

[btcutter]

So Romo just refuses to throw the ball to the best playmaker on the offense when he's wide open? :confused:

He would if he can stay upright behind our OL :)

Problem with Dez is that Romo doesn't trust him (he's done nothing to change that), so unless the play is designed to go to Dez, he doens't get the 1st look. By the time Romo is going through his progression, he's already running for his life behind our OL.

[tyke1doe]

Yeah, I agree. I would just bench him, bring him in as 3rd guy and as your PR. When he learns more than 3 routes, which I don't know how you get through college running 3 routes, but once he learns his routes, then he can get his starting position back.

And here's where having Jerry Jones as a GM becomes a deterrent.

Can you imagine what would happen if Jason Garrett benched Dez Bryant?

Dez would sulk. Jerry would fume. Then he's make some comment like, "I don't see why Dez isn't playing" and Jason's plan to start those who should start goes out the window.

[btcutter]

I agree Dez needs to get better, but when we suggest that Romo needs to get better, then all hell breaks loose. Why is that?

1. Romo has proven himself with a good (not great) track record.
2. Dez has all world potential that we all see but refuses to do what he can to maximize it. That's why everyone is frustrated with him. We see what he CAN BE but he is currently not even close.

ps. All hell break loose with Romo. In fact I think more so than Dez if you look at how many thread are generated just on Romo.

[BraveHeartFan]

Who wouldn't get frustrated when the refs miss totally blatant pass interference calls two feet in front of them?

Between that and the 'backward pass', the refs from that game should be looking at some serious repremanding this week.

Not that it matters either way but they were missing some pretty blatant holding by the Eagles O-Line. Especially the Eagle center.

Now I know they got him that one time late in the game but he'd gotten away with pretty much the same type of holding the entire game without getting called.

There were several times that he was almost litterally bear hugging Rat to keep him from going anywhere and nothing was called.

But that's the breaks. That's how it goes in football.

[stasheroo]

Not that it matters either way but they were missing some pretty blatant holding by the Eagles O-Line. Especially the Eagle center.

Now I know they got him that one time late in the game but he'd gotten away with pretty much the same type of holding the entire game without getting called.

There were several times that he was almost litterally bear hugging Rat to keep him from going anywhere and nothing was called.

But that's the breaks. That's how it goes in football.

I agree.

Forgot to mention those.

Not that it would have changed the obvious outcome, but there were a ton of missed calls and overall it was the most poorly officiated game I have seen all season.

[ufcrules1]

Bullcrap. If that was the easy answer then the only recievers that would ever get the ball would third guys. You mean to tell me that Irvin never got doubled, Calvin Johnson never gets doubled(except against us), Larry Fitzgerald doesn't get doubled? Bullcrap exuse.

Fine... explain then why Miles isn't getting the ball? I'm hearing Dez runs bad routes which I think is BS.. but we all know Miles knows how to run his routes. So please answer my question.

[ufcrules1]

He would if he can stay upright behind our OL :)

Problem with Dez is that Romo doesn't trust him (he's done nothing to change that), so unless the play is designed to go to Dez, he doens't get the 1st look. By the time Romo is going through his progression, he's already running for his life behind our OL.

He doesn't trust Dez? I guess he doesn't trust Miles either then right? Oh, but he trusted Roy Williams. Guys, this is simple.... we have a bad offensive line and Romo is declining big time.

[stasheroo]

He doesn't trust Dez? I guess he doesn't trust Miles either then right? Oh, but he trusted Roy Williams. Guys, this is simple.... we have a bad offensive line and Romo is declining big time.

Is this the very first time that you are hearing criticisms regarding Dez Bryant's route running?

[rangers71]

Fine... explain then why Miles isn't getting the ball? I'm hearing Dez runs bad routes which I think is BS.. but we all know Miles knows how to run his routes. So please answer my question.

Well here is his game logs.
Jets- 5 catches for 90 yards.
SF- 9 catches for 143.
Patriots- 7 for 74
rams game- we ran for a franchise record so we didn't need to throw it.
Eagles- An abortion all the way around.

So it doesn't really look like he isn't getting the ball. But don't let the stats get in the way of a good agenda.

[Heisenberg]

Is this the very first time that you are hearing criticisms regarding Dez Bryant's route running?

No kidding. This isn't even news anymore. He's not a very good route runner at this point in his career.

[ufcrules1]

Well here is his game logs.
Jets- 5 catches for 90 yards.
SF- 9 catches for 143.
Patriots- 7 for 74
rams game- we ran for a franchise record so we didn't need to throw it.
Eagles- An abortion all the way around.

So it doesn't really look like he isn't getting the ball. But don't let the stats get in the way of a good agenda.


You left out Bryant's stats. From what I see below... Austin isn't getting the ball that much more than Dez. You can't just throw away the last game either. I've seen both Dez and Austin run the wrong routes, like I said before, it's going to happen.. but explain why they only had 3 catches each in a game we were getting blown out in? Romo should have been throwing the ball like crazy in that game trying to catch up.. yet Miles and Bryant only got 3 balls? Why?

The reason is our offensive line sucks and Romo is on the decline. He rarely ever scrambles to give his receivers more time to get open. Hell, he is looking like a hobbled Dan Marino out there. Has he forgotten how to scramble? He has amazingly good receivers... Robinson, Dez, Miles, Witten, etc. What the hell is wrong?

Bryant's stats:
NY 3 for 71 (Hurt the 2nd half of the game)
SF-Out
WAS 4 for 63 (Played hurt)
DET 3 for 37 (Played hurt)
NE 4 for 78
STL 5 for 90
PHIL 3 for 28
-----------------------------------
Miles Stats:
NY 5 for 90
SF 9 for 143 (Keep in mind Kitna threw to him a lot)
WAS Out
DET- Out
NE 7 for 74 yards
Stl 2 for 16
PHil 3 for 27

[ufcrules1]

No kidding. This isn't even news anymore. He's not a very good route runner at this point in his career.

He is good enough, he is only on year 2 and the first year he was injured most of the time. He needs a QB who can get him the ball.

[Doomsay]

You left out Bryant's stats. From what I see below... Austin isn't getting the ball that much more than Dez. You can't just throw away the last game either. I've seen both Dez and Austin run the wrong routes, like I said before, it's going to happen.. but explain why they only had 3 catches each in a game we were getting blown out in? Romo should have been throwing the ball like crazy in that game trying to catch up.. yet Miles and Bryant only got 3 balls? Why?

The reason is our offensive line sucks and Romo is on the decline. He rarely ever scrambles to give his receivers more time to get open. Hell, he is looking like a hobbled Dan Marino out there. Has he forgotten how to scramble? He has amazingly good receivers... Robinson, Dez, Miles, Witten, etc. What the hell is wrong?

Bryant's stats:
NY 3 for 71 (Hurt the 2nd half of the game)
SF-Out
WAS 4 for 63 (Played hurt)
DET 3 for 37 (Played hurt)
NE 4 for 78
STL 5 for 90
PHIL 3 for 28
-----------------------------------
Miles Stats:
NY 5 for 90
SF 9 for 143 (Keep in mind Kitna threw to him a lot)
WAS Out
DET- Out
NE 7 for 74 yards
Stl 2 for 16
PHil 3 for 27

He's hurt and gun-shy IMO. OC needs to do a better job game planning.

[LandryFan]

There was not time enough for intermediate routes and even then those were being taken away. They gave us the underneath and the running game. Had we been able to stop Philly from scoring we could have run the ball until they addressed it and that would have opened up the passing game.

I'm not saying Dez doesn't need to work on his routes. He does. But that wasn't the major problem Sun nite.

Put this one on the holes in our defense, the DC and the HC.
This is the truth!

[Hoofbite]

Why is Jason allowing this?

[BlueStar3398]

I have read that there are 3 he runs well and he needs to work on the others. When the coaches are asked about Dez, they say he is improving. The Dallas media loves to pile on Dez, so they may be exaggerating it a little. Maybe he does need to work on routes, but it's not as bad as they make it out to be?

[JackWagon]

Dez Bryant is a flop ... this is year 2 and the guy still doesnt know the playbook.

[CATCH17]

Dez Bryant is a flop ... this is year 2 and the guy still doesnt know the playbook.

Does anyone know the playbook?

[Muhast]

Who wouldn't get frustrated when the refs miss totally blatant pass interference calls two feet in front of them?

Between that and the 'backward pass', the refs from that game should be looking at some serious repremanding this week.


Collinsworth was even mad that the ref blew the call. "How can you be two feet away and look right at the play and not call that".

[Cochese]

It blows my mind that this guy doesnt know what he is doing. Does he even get coached up? How does the offensive coordinator put someone on the field without this guy knowing the routes? Wade Phillipsesque levels of accountability.

[InmanRoshi]

It blows my mind that this guy doesnt know what he is doing. Does he even get coached up? How does the offensive coordinator put someone on the field without this guy knowing the routes? Wade Phillipsesque levels of accountability.

Not a big surprise when it comes to a lockout year. Players had to be left to their own devices to improve themselves over the offseason. The self starters did. Guys like Montrae Holland sat on the couch and got fat. Once the season starts the coaches are busy installing/implementing game plans for the games, they don't have time to hold hands and babysit.

[RoyTheHammer]

Rick Gosselin: Until Dez Bryant (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Dez_Bryant) learns how to run routes, this will be predictable offense. Hand it to Murray, throw short crossing routes to Jason Witten (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Jason_Witten) and work the intermediate areas with Miles Austin (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Miles_Austin). Bryant is the wild card. He can make plays short, medium and long. But until he develops some discipline in his route running, Romo isn't going to trust him. Bryant also better figure out how to beat press coverage by a defensive back. Nnamdi Asomugha (http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Nnamdi_Asomugha) schooled Bryant last night. When Bryant doesn't have his way with defensive backs, he gets frustrated. Asomugha was so deep into Bryant's head last night he became a non-factor.


The only solid point made here is that Dez needs to get better at running his routes, which everybody and their grandmother could have told you already. The rest of this little blurb is complete bs and is just flat out wrong.

Basically, this was a waste of everyone's time to even read.. but uh, thanks Gosselin.

[Muhast]

Not a big surprise when it comes to a lockout year. Players had to be left to their own devices to improve themselves over the offseason. The self starters did. Guys like Montrae Holland sat on the couch and got fat. Once the season starts the coaches are busy installing/implementing game plans for the games, they don't have time to hold hands and babysit.


I wish we would hire Michael Irvin to be a personal coach for Dez.

Maybe Jimmy Robinson is having a hard time getting through to him?

I was so excited to get him away from GB but I don't see any difference in our WR's at all so far this year. Maybe the second half is where we will see improvement due to the lockout.

[Cochese]

Not a big surprise when it comes to a lockout year. Players had to be left to their own devices to improve themselves over the offseason. The self starters did. Guys like Montrae Holland sat on the couch and got fat. Once the season starts the coaches are busy installing/implementing game plans for the games, they don't have time to hold hands and babysit.



Hes not a rookie, there is no excuse for this. Whats been going on the past 12 weeks at Valley Ranch?

[stasheroo]

I wish we would hire Michael Irvin to be a personal coach for Dez.

Maybe Jimmy Robinson is having a hard time getting through to him?

I was so excited to get him away from GB but I don't see any difference in our WR's at all so far this year. Maybe the second half is where we will see improvement due to the lockout.

It's funny but it seems like the guy he's had the most success is the one who got here last - Laurent Robinson.

[alancdc]

There has got to be a reason he isn't being targeted at least 8 times a game. Clearly, his physical ability isn't the reason.

[AbeBeta]

Its a HUGE problem with him, someone with his talent should destroy DBs but he just cant, so far its all promise.

If Bryant were a disciplined route runner in college that plus his great physical skills would have likely made him a #1 overall pick -- regardless of his suspension.

[AbeBeta]

There has got to be a reason he isn't being targeted at least 8 times a game. Clearly, his physical ability isn't the reason.

the message should be clear. you don't run your routes well you don't get the ball thrown to you.

[Cochese]

the message should be clear. you don't run your routes well you don't get the ball thrown to you.



But we'll still let you on the field to jog around.

[casmith07]

Im sure Dez doesn't always run the right routes. The guy isn't that bright. You knew that when you drafted him.

Dez can beat you on pure talent though. Even in this league. So just find some things he does well and do it over and over. The defense can't take it away because they are just physically outmatched.

Simplify things for him and for everyone on the offense instead of running this chaotic offense that does nothing but have penalties and off the wall random goof ups.

It's not that hard with the guys you have in place. Just get the ball in their hands and they will do the rest.

If Dez or Miles catch a ball in stride the defense is most likely in big big trouble but we hardly ever try to get them the ball in those situations.

Other than a guy like Miles Austin or Calvin Johnson, I have a hard time believing that all the guys on GB or all the guys on NO or all the other guys on NE are that much smarter than Dez when it comes to learning some routes.

Garrett needs to simplify the terminology, or something. There's no reason why a kid as dominant as Dez was in college wouldn't be able to learn 10 routes and have them memorized.

[DandyDon1722]

He is good enough, he is only on year 2 and the first year he was injured most of the time. He needs a QB who can get him the ball.

Don't go through life with the attitude "He's good enough." -- Then their not.

Don't go through life enabling underachievers. -- They will never reach their potential.

Don't go through life blaming others. -- Then there's no need for personal accountability.

Other than that your analysis is spot on.

[DallasEast]

Who wouldn't get frustrated when the refs miss totally blatant pass interference calls two feet in front of them?Asomugha is a wily veteran and worth every penny that the Eagles are paying him. However, there is no way in west hell that a ref should not have made that call.

That was a "reputation non-call" in my opinion. Either that or the ref is on the take because the only people who could possibly be that blind are blind in the literal sense.

[rangers71]

You left out Bryant's stats. From what I see below... Austin isn't getting the ball that much more than Dez. You can't just throw away the last game either. I've seen both Dez and Austin run the wrong routes, like I said before, it's going to happen.. but explain why they only had 3 catches each in a game we were getting blown out in? Romo should have been throwing the ball like crazy in that game trying to catch up.. yet Miles and Bryant only got 3 balls? Why?

The reason is our offensive line sucks and Romo is on the decline. He rarely ever scrambles to give his receivers more time to get open. Hell, he is looking like a hobbled Dan Marino out there. Has he forgotten how to scramble? He has amazingly good receivers... Robinson, Dez, Miles, Witten, etc. What the hell is wrong?

Bryant's stats:
NY 3 for 71 (Hurt the 2nd half of the game)
SF-Out
WAS 4 for 63 (Played hurt)
DET 3 for 37 (Played hurt)
NE 4 for 78
STL 5 for 90
PHIL 3 for 28
-----------------------------------
Miles Stats:
NY 5 for 90
SF 9 for 143 (Keep in mind Kitna threw to him a lot)
WAS Out
DET- Out
NE 7 for 74 yards
Stl 2 for 16
PHil 3 for 27


Oh I agree the offensive line is brutal no question. However the answer is not scramble around till you find a person to throw it too. That leads to forced throws which we all know what that leads too.

[bbgun]

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6840/vlcsnap2011110114h35m42.jpg

"Screw route running! Just throw me the damn ball!"

[rangers71]

Other than a guy like Miles Austin or Calvin Johnson, I have a hard time believing that all the guys on GB or all the guys on NO or all the other guys on NE are that much smarter than Dez when it comes to learning some routes.

Garrett needs to simplify the terminology, or something. There's no reason why a kid as dominant as Dez was in college wouldn't be able to learn 10 routes and have them memorized.

Do you really think that it is as simple as telling him to run a go,slant,post, or out on every play? My god this isn't Madden?

[JIGGYFLY]

Not a big surprise when it comes to a lockout year. Players had to be left to their own devices to improve themselves over the offseason. The self starters did. Guys like Montrae Holland sat on the couch and got fat. Once the season starts the coaches are busy installing/implementing game plans for the games, they don't have time to hold hands and babysit.

I guess you forgot about that whole broken ankle thing and being limited in what he could do this offseason.

I have no problem with being critical of a player but at least use all of the facts when doing so.

[ufcrules1]

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6840/vlcsnap2011110114h35m42.jpg

"Screw route running! Just throw me the damn ball!"

That is funny.. but they were actually all 3 complaining big time. Why?

[ufcrules1]

Oh I agree the offensive line is brutal no question. However the answer is not scramble around till you find a person to throw it too. That leads to forced throws which we all know what that leads too.

I'm not saying he has to scramble all the time... but man.. scramble sometimes to prolong the play and give your offense a chance. Going to the ground in the fetal position every other play is not cutting it.

[RoyTheHammer]

That is funny.. but they were actually all 3 complaining big time. Why?

No, it was only Dez. He's a trouble maker. Ignore the rest of that photo, nothing else to see here.

[Ren]

Why do we always gloss over Dez's inabilty to run routes?

It's a serious concern. He's 1.5 years into his pro career and can only run three routes.

It's not a minor problem. If we're gonna rely on the guy, he has to improve at some point.

One of my biggest pet peeves is a talented person that relies only on their talent. You gotta work hard to get better, whether you're Michael Jordan or Jesse Holley

Because he's being singled out as the problem with this offense even though the whole offense is struggling. Dez could run Jerry Rice good routes right now and it would not matter one bit wtih the kind of blocking Romo is getting. Look no further then Austin who's a pretty good route runner and his lack of production

[M'Kevon]

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6840/vlcsnap2011110114h35m42.jpg (http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6840/vlcsnap2011110114h35m42.jpg)

"Screw route running! Just throw me the damn ball!"

When I saw that scene on TV, all I could think of was that the coaching has to be pretty bad for all three WRs to complain.

One I could understand. Two, maybe, if they were running routes into each other.

But all three? This is the first time I thought the coaching might be a bigger problem than the players.

[M'Kevon]

I'm not saying he has to scramble all the time... but man.. scramble sometimes to prolong the play and give your offense a chance. Going to the ground in the fetal position every other play is not cutting it.

You do remember that TR has broken ribs, right? He's not going to scramble much this year.

[jobberone]

Evidently Laurent Robinson had some time to get open down the field.

You can't beat every play even with the right scheme. For the most part all we had was underneath stuff. Romo did fake the safety out on that one play but that doesn't negate what I said.

[bbgun]

When I saw that scene on TV, all I could think of was that the coaching has to be pretty bad for all three WRs to complain.

One I could understand. Two, maybe, if they were running routes into each other.

But all three? This is the first time I thought the coaching might be a bigger problem than the players.

YT banned me again (copyright violations). Good thing it's easy to sign up under a new screen name.

R6ETUVX7OOc&hd=1

[Randy White]

I adamantly disagree that the predictability of the offense hinges on the media's opinions of Dez Bryant's route-running.


The media adamantley disagree with your disagreement..

Vehemently, strenuously adamant, ardently, they believe their opinion is correct, just because...

[tyke1doe]

I guess you forgot about that whole broken ankle thing and being limited in what he could do this offseason.

I have no problem with being critical of a player but at least use all of the facts when doing so.

What about A.J. Green, Julio Jones or all the other rookies who were limited in the offseason?

[realtick]

What about A.J. Green, Julio Jones or all the other rookies who were limited in the offseason?

Woopsies....that's a wrench in that theory.

[ufcrules1]

You do remember that TR has broken ribs, right? He's not going to scramble much this year.

He had a fractured rib in week 2. We are in week 9 now... it's time to put the "Broken ribs" to bed. If he can't scramble AT ALL, then please give me Kitna or Mcgee. Romo is looking like an old man when he plays.

[birdwells1]

Dez is not the problem at all. The problem is the offensive line AND Tony Romo. Romo is rarely even scrambling these days to give the receivers more time to get open. We all know Miles Austin is a top 10 receiver.. how come he isn't getting the ball much at all? This Dez hate is ridiculous, he plays with a ton of fire and emotion and delivers when the ball is thrown his way. You want to blame someone? Blame the line and Romo.

Yeah I noticed that this year, he almost looks like Drew Bledsoe back there. Like someone on this board said, I want the Romo that replaced Bledsoe back.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Bullcrap..

Gosselin is right. You can still swear if you don't like it. But Gosselin will still be right.

[Hoofbite]

YT banned me again (copyright violations). Good thing it's easy to sign up under a new screen name.

R6ETUVX7OOc&hd=1

I'd like to know what the league thinks about that play.

I'm sure Petersen (or whatever his name is now making excuses for officials) could come up with some sort of reason why that wasn't a flag.

I've never seen such blatant holding in my life. It was right in front of the official.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Yeah I noticed that this year, he almost looks like Drew Bledsoe back there. Like someone on this board said, I want the Romo that replaced Bledsoe back.

Romo is still recovering from sore ribs and pain killer injections. And he's forced to release the ball early because the line is missing blocks all around him and not securing the proper alleys for him to scramble to. Yet he still gets passes off and his receivers can't run the right routes (Bryant) or catch the dang ball in their hands (Bennett). But Romo is just being like Bledsoe. :confused:

[punchnjudy]

Earlier on the Galloway show, Broaddus said that the issue Sunday wasn't Dez knowing his routes as much as him getting pushed off his routes in press coverage.

[Eskimo]

There has got to be a reason he isn't being targeted at least 8 times a game. Clearly, his physical ability isn't the reason.

How about the fact that he doesn't get open?

How about Romo can't trust him to run the right route?

How about Romo can't trust him to make the right route adjustment during the game?

How about peewee CBs have their way rerouting him when he tries to run his route?

Dez has a lot to learn about playing WR in the NFL. He may one day be a good WR that day is not today. Hopefully he listens to his WR coach and learns how to play the position. I can see him becoming a mediocre WR who the team will grow tired of quickly.

[JIGGYFLY]

What about A.J. Green, Julio Jones or all the other rookies who were limited in the offseason?



What about them are you assuming they are better route runners than Bryant?

But lets play that game, do you not understand the difference in being physically unable to practice because you are coming off a broken ankle and just not putting in the work?

Julio Jones is considered to be a very poor route runner and is considered a bit of a disappointment in Atlanta so I don't know why you even brought him up.

AJ Green was considered the most natural route running receiver to come out in years, so yes he could be ahead of Bryant, no crime in that.

[JIGGYFLY]

Woopsies....that's a wrench in that theory.

Says the person who thought TO was a superior route runner. :laugh2:

But please explain to me why Julio Jones is better than Bryant?

[JIGGYFLY]

How about the fact that he doesn't get open?

How about Romo can't trust him to run the right route?

How about Romo can't trust him to make the right route adjustment during the game?

How about peewee CBs have their way rerouting him when he tries to run his route?

Dez has a lot to learn about playing WR in the NFL. He may one day be a good WR that day is not today. Hopefully he listens to his WR coach and learns how to play the position. I can see him becoming a mediocre WR who the team will grow tired of quickly.

Dam how does he ever get open since he is so easily covered.?

[realtick]

Says the person who thought TO was a superior route runner. :laugh2:

But please explain to me why Julio Jones is better than Bryant?

Actually, I said TO was a good route runner most of his career, which he was. But please, continue on with the lies. Truth is but a speed bump for those concerned with pushing an agenda.

[RoyTheHammer]

YT banned me again (copyright violations). Good thing it's easy to sign up under a new screen name.

R6ETUVX7OOc&hd=1


The title of that video says it all. Its always about Dez, even when all of the Cowboys WR's were clearly involved in animated discussions there.

Nope, all Dez Bryant's doing. He's just a big diva baby, right?

:rolleyes:

[JIGGYFLY]

Actually, I said TO was a good route runner most of his career, which he was. But please, continue on with the lies. Truth is but a speed bump for those concerned with pushing an agenda.

Yet Jerry Rice and others said differently but hey you are the expert. :laugh2:

I have no agenda I think Bryant is on par with any other 2nd year receiver especially considering the circumstances with injuries and the lockout.

Only people with an agenda would continually be complaining about what he has done since coming to Dallas.

Please tell me what what I am continually lying about?

[realtick]

Yet Jerry Rice and others said differently but hey you are the expert. :laugh2:

I have no agenda I think Bryant is on par with any other 2nd year receiver especially considering the circumstances with injuries and the lockout.

Only people with an agenda would continually be complaining about what he has done since coming to Dallas.

Please tell me what what I am continually lying about?

That's weird, I have an agenda against Dez Bryant despite the fact he's my favorite player on the Cowboys, just as he was when he was at Oklahoma State University.

Nope. I call a spade a spade. He needs a lot of improvement as a route runner, moreso than your typical second year receiver. He also needs to improve his release of the line. He needs to improve on his time management as well.

Oh, you mean Jerry Rice was commenting on Owens route running back in 2009, a time I already said Owens was clearly in decline with his route running?

See, someone with an agenda (that would be you) would try to take an aging athlete's (T.O.) decline in his 13th season (his last with the Cowboys) and try to apply it for the entirety of his career.