How far does the offense have to go?

[Bluefin]

Despite Dallas’ astonishing turnaround last year, both Jones and Parcells knew the Cowboys still needed to improve on an offense that ranked 15th in total offense and 21st in scoring.

That scoring ranking is for the entire team, not just the offense.

However, the offense must put more points on the board this year and I believe they will.

The question is, how big of a jump do they need with one of the best defenses in the game by their side?

Both of the Super Bowl teams got there in large part to their defenses last year, New England averaged 18.69 points as an offense (21.8 as a team) while ranking 17th in yards and Carolina averaged 18.25 points as an offense (20.3 as a team) while ranking 16th in yards.

Dallas averaged 16.56 points on offense (18.1 as a team) and ranked 15th in yards.

I do not see the Grand Canyon in front of the Cowboys when it comes to making the jump to having a contending offense, I see a small stream.

How hard will it be to surpass what Carolina did?

The Cats kicked 32 field goals, scored 28 offensive touchdowns and 5 non-offensive touchdowns.

They did it with the 8th ranked defense gathering 40 sacks, 26 take aways and holding offenses to 19.0 points per game (10th).

The Cowboys kicked 23 field goals, scored 28 offensive touchdowns and 3 non-offensive touchdowns.

They did it with the number one ranked defense notching 32 sacks, 25 take aways and limiting offenses to 16.2 points per game (2nd).

That's a difference of 27 points on offense and 41 points overall.

But the biggest challenge will likely come from within the NFC East and the three time conference championship loser Philadelphia Eagles.

Philly averaged 22 points on offense (23.4 as a team) and ranked 18th in yards.

The Birds kicked 24 field goals, scored 40 offensive touchdowns and three non-offensive touchdowns.

They did it with the 20th ranked defense forcing 38 sacks, 26 take aways and holding offenses to 17.9 points per game (7th).

That's a difference of 87 points on offense (5.44 per game).

Getting the offense up to Philly's scoring level is more of a challenge, but we're still talking about less than one touchdown a game as the difference.

Dallas accomplished what they did with an imperfect offense.

Quincy Carter was a first time 16 game starter in his third new system and he threw too many interceptions.

The scheme was to be based around a running threat that was all too often absent and defenses played how they wanted to.

Their was no possession receiver to lean on, rookie TE Jason Witten assumed the role as best he could late in the season.

The offensive line was patched together with a couple of reserves and two starters playing below the level expected of them.

Things could get a lot better this year and they don't have to be dramatically better in most cases for the team to improve.

The most important item is for Carter to cut down on his interceptions.

And I'm not asking for the world, just get the count to 15 or lower, less than one per game, a reduction of 6 from last year.

Along with this, give me 4 more touchdowns to clear the 20 barrier.

That should help oodles.

The rushing game accounted for 11 touchdowns, only ten teams had fewer and both of the Super Bowl participants were among them.

How about 5 more for a total of 16?

Instead of 23 field goals, I'll take 25. Nothing major.

Where would that leave the offense?

That'd be 37 offensive touchdowns and 25 field goals compared to last year's 28 offensive touchdowns and 23 field goals.

Offensive points per game would jump to 20.88 over last year's 16.56.

And that isn't factoring in any points provided via special teams returns or defensive scores.

This kind of improvement doesn't call for a 4000 yard passer, a 1500 rusher or a pair of 1000 yard receivers.

Nothing so drastic.

Just basic progression.

Cut down on the bad plays and increase the good plays.

Is this too optimistic with the new additions and much needed offensive continuity?

[LaTunaNostra]

BF, you did some research there and I am not overlooking it. But what was our third down efficiency rating as compared with NE and Carolina? Making third downs and sustaining drives, that's always my gripe.

Carolina kicked 32 fgs to our 23. That's a big diff.

[ABQCOWBOY]

IMO, there are two ways to play offense. One is to always keep the defense on it's heels. Keep them guessing, be unpredictable. The other is to execute perfectly. Doesn't matter if people know and understand what we do. Execute perfectly and it is unstopable. We do neither one. I think the offense can be much better with just a little bit of work but at some point, the players have to execute. Offensive line play is key. If we get that, there's a real chance for some good things. If we don't, we are doomed. TOs on offense and defense need to basically reverse themselves. We need a pass rush and we need to be able to effectively beat the blitz. This will help keep us out of situational play calling. Sounds simple.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Very Good read.

A couple of things that need to be changed on offense....If QC rolls out (because of the play) and does not have a good look at an open WR...then tuck the ball and run (if he can get any positive yardage)...or throw the ball away from the defenders....it seems most of his INTs is him rolling out or throwing on the run trying to make something happen.

That little change right there IMO would be huge in some of the turnovers.

Also QC needs to work on holding onto the ball....he fumbled more then he should have and even if he recovers the fumble...normally that will be a loss of yards and a wasted down.

Now this is not a rip on him...just something that needs to be worked on.

All along we were told that his mobility was something that JJ liked....but to me his worst mistakes normally happen when he is on the run to thrown or when he runs to get positive yardage....there has been times that he takes off to run and holds the ball way away from his body....that scares me.
I have noticed that he did work on that some...after initially deciding to take off after the first few steps he then tucks it.

Once again not rips on QC...but some things he needs to work on, and the coaching staff needs to work on plays that were thought to be his strength..but has turned out to be his weakness IMO.

Now another thing that is a question mark...Will Julius pan out....will he break a few plays to make the D respect him. I think even if the O-Line is shaky...if J.Jones can make a few plays a game the D with have to respect him and help open up the passing game some.

With Anderson, Glenn, Whitten, Campbell and Johnson...we should have the options...not even counting J.Jones and AB in the mix.

[BrAinPaiNt]

IMO, there are two ways to play offense. One is to always keep the defense on it's heels. Keep them guessing, be unpredictable. The other is to execute perfectly. Doesn't matter if people know and understand what we do. Execute perfectly and it is unstopable. We do neither one. I think the offense can be much better with just a little bit of work but at some point, the players have to execute. Offensive line play is key. If we get that, there's a real chance for some good things. If we don't, we are doomed. TOs on offense and defense need to basically reverse themselves. We need a pass rush and we need to be able to effectively beat the blitz. This will help keep us out of situational play calling. Sounds simple.


Along with executing it perfectly...you still have to have the players to do it.

Remember we would run the same old plays over and over and just dared people to stop us....they knew what was coming but could not stop us.

It started changing with Switzer vs the eagles with the back to back runs by EZ22 that did not get the first IMO.

Shortly after that the wanted teh offense to change....IMO it was never the idea of the offense getting old, or not being ran to perfection...it was the start of the steady decline of weak drafts in replacing good players over the years.

[Erik_H]

It started changing with Switzer vs the eagles with the back to back runs by EZ22 that did not get the first IMO.



It was actually back-to-back-to-back runs. There was some kind of wierd thing that happenned that actually gave us an extra shot. Personally, one of my worst memories as a Cowboy fan. It sticks out because I'd traveled down to Philly for my first ever game. Freeziing cold and that BS just killed me.
--
Something else that I noticed is that the Eagles Defensive stats look pretty good to be ranked 20th.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Along with executing it perfectly...you still have to have the players to do it.

Remember we would run the same old plays over and over and just dared people to stop us....they knew what was coming but could not stop us.

It started changing with Switzer vs the eagles with the back to back runs by EZ22 that did not get the first IMO.

Shortly after that the wanted teh offense to change....IMO it was never the idea of the offense getting old, or not being ran to perfection...it was the start of the steady decline of weak drafts in replacing good players over the years.

I agree. In either scenario, you have to have the personel to run the offense. That is a given. In the skilled positions, I think that most are in place. I believe we have talent at WR, the only real questions in my mind are, will we have the speed to stretch the field and will our WRs play up to there talent levels? On the OLine, I believe we have the two key elements in place with LT and Center. I will admit that Center is still a question mark but I think Johnston will be good. The concern, and to me it's the greatest concern on the team, is the right side. Gotta have at least satisfactory production from that side of the line or were done. JJ with a good supporting cast should do fine so long as the OL is there. QB, of course is the lynch pin. Everybody has there own opinion and so I won't go into the rest but suffice to say that if QB doesn't play well, it doesn't matter how well the rest of the team plays.

Throw in a good kicking game and we could be NE. Again, sounds real easy but hardly ever works out that way.

[blindzebra]

The offense needs to improve in the redzone. Dictate distance on 3rd down, i.e. 3rd in 2 instead of 3rd and 7. Limit turnovers on first or second down and when we are on the opponent's side of the 50.

The first is on the entire offensive unit. The second is mainly OL and RBs getting a better YPC. The last is mostly on the QB.

[Bluefin]

BF, you did some research there and I am not overlooking it. But what was our third down efficiency rating as compared with NE and Carolina? Making third downs and sustaining drives, that's always my gripe.

Dallas converted 36.5% of their third downs for a 17th ranking in the NFL.

New England coverted 37% of their third downs to tie for 14th.

Carolina converted 35.6% of their third downs to land 20th overall.

Philadelphia converted 36.3% of their third downs to land one spot behind the Cowboys in 18th place.

Ten teams converted more than 40% of their third down attempts, led by Seattle at a 46.8% clip.

With a second year in the system, a more elusive lead runner, a true possession receiver on the outside and an emerging possession threat at tight end, I'm confident Dallas can get over the 40% hurdle on converting third downs.

Carolina kicked 32 fgs to our 23. That's a big diff.

It's an important difference because the Panthers sustained drives and added points while giving their defense a breather.

Despite mounting nine more scoring drives than the Cowboys, the Panthers still turned the ball over more than Dallas did.

Carolina had 26 take aways and 31 give aways for a -5 differential (tie for 25th place).

Dallas had 25 take aways and 29 give aways for a -4 differential (tie for 22nd place).

New England had 41 take aways and 24 give aways for a +17 differential (2nd place).

Philly had 26 take aways and 22 give aways for a +4 differential (8th place).

13 teams were on the positive side in turnover differential, Dallas needs to become one of them this year.

But it may be easy to make up that difference if the offense (& team) improves over last year's version.

Carolina's nine field goals amounted to 27 points, a number much easier to overtake than the Eagles and their plus 12 advantage in offensive touchdowns (84 points).

Another area to look at is time of possession.

Even with offensive problems galore, the Cowboys finished fourth in TOP thanks in large part to the defense forcing so many three and outs.

Dallas was 4th averaging 32:34 (Denver was tops at 33:53).

New England was 11th with 30:50.

Carolina was 13th with 30:27.

Philadelphia was 26th with 28:17.

Now, what happens if the running game is better and the possession receivers help Carter convert more third downs?

Number one in TOP with a bullet, IMO.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Dallas converted 36.5% of their third downs for a 17th ranking in the NFL.

New England coverted 37% of their third downs to tie for 14th.

Carolina converted 35.6% of their third downs to land 20th overall.

Philadelphia converted 36.3% of their third downs to land one spot behind the Cowboys in 18th place.

Ten teams converted more than 40% of their third down attempts, led by Seattle at a 46.8% clip.

With a second year in the system, a more elusive lead runner, a true possession receiver on the outside and an emerging possession threat at tight end, I'm confident Dallas can get over the 40% hurdle on converting third downs.



It's an important difference because the Panthers sustained drives and added points while giving their defense a breather.

Despite mounting nine more scoring drives than the Cowboys, the Panthers still turned the ball over more than Dallas did.

Carolina had 26 take aways and 31 give aways for a -5 differential (tie for 25th place).

Dallas had 25 take aways and 29 give aways for a -4 differential (tie for 22nd place).

New England had 41 take aways and 24 give aways for a +17 differential (2nd place).

Philly had 26 take aways and 22 give aways for a +4 differential (8th place).

13 teams were on the positive side in turnover differential, Dallas needs to become one of them this year.

But it may be easy to make up that difference if the offense (& team) improves over last year's version.

Carolina's nine field goals amounted to 27 points, a number much easier to overtake than the Eagles and their plus 12 advantage in offensive touchdowns (84 points).

Another area to look at is time of possession.

Even with offensive problems galore, the Cowboys finished fourth in TOP thanks in large part to the defense forcing so many three and outs.

Dallas was 4th averaging 32:34 (Denver was tops at 33:53).

New England was 11th with 30:50.

Carolina was 13th with 30:27.

Philadelphia was 26th with 28:17.

Now, what happens if the running game is better and the possession receivers help Carter convert more third downs?

Number one in TOP with a bullet, IMO.

The key to good offense is scoring. We don't do that well. Until we get better at it, we won't be a good offense. Really no getting around that.

[Doomsday101]

Dallas has a ways to go before they will be considered a top offensive team. I really do not care what NE or Car did, getting caught up in what other teams do and trying to emulate them in my opinion is not how you get better. Dallas has to show a lot more consistency in offense and do a much better job in the red zone

[Bluefin]

Very Good read.

A couple of things that need to be changed on offense....If QC rolls out (because of the play) and does not have a good look at an open WR...then tuck the ball and run (if he can get any positive yardage)...or throw the ball away from the defenders....it seems most of his INTs is him rolling out or throwing on the run trying to make something happen.

I've read that 14 of Carter's interceptions, that would be two thirds, came when he was on the move outside of the pocket.

I've read that Sean Payton was working with Carter on this problem, but details are lacking on how they plan to correct things.

I don't know what the staff can do to encourage Carter to run with the ball more often when presented with the opportunity, but he can add another dimension to the offense by just stepping up and running when he sees a lane.

Carter will never be a threat on the ground akin to Vick or McNabb, but he can help put the offense in better situations by sometimes pulling the ball down and taking what the defense gives him with his feet.

There's a world of difference between 2nd and 10 (incomplete pass) and 2nd and 6 thanks to a QB scamper.

Just get whatever you can and protect the football.

That little change right there IMO would be huge in some of the turnovers.
I'll call it enormous.

A lot of it falls on Carter to stop pressing too hard, but a more production running game and better pass protection from the line will make things a lot easier.

If defenses are paying some attention to the ground game and carter can sit in the pocket when passing, I expect his interceptions will take a sharp drop.

Also QC needs to work on holding onto the ball....he fumbled more then he should have and even if he recovers the fumble...normally that will be a loss of yards and a wasted down.

Now this is not a rip on him...just something that needs to be worked on.

It's a solid point, there isn't any area where Carter doesn't need to continue improving, IMO.

All along we were told that his mobility was something that JJ liked....but to me his worst mistakes normally happen when he is on the run to thrown or when he runs to get positive yardage....there has been times that he takes off to run and holds the ball way away from his body....that scares me.

I have noticed that he did work on that some...after initially deciding to take off after the first few steps he then tucks it.

Once again not rips on QC...but some things he needs to work on, and the coaching staff needs to work on plays that were thought to be his strength..but has turned out to be his weakness IMO.

Carter isn't a natural open field runner, that's one reason i don't mind it when he slides after running.

Q isn't built for contact like McNair and McNabb, protect the football at all costs.

Oponents also seemed to buckle down on the rollout passes to the right side after some early season success with it, IMO.

I'd love to see Payton insert the only play that worked in Coslet's offense, the throwback pass to the tight end or receiver.

That's a good play to hit defenses with if they're overplaying the quarterback rollout, IMO.

Other than that, Carter just needs to continue working on his mechanics and decision making when on the move.

But seeing that he's most at home throwing from the pocket, I'd like to see Carter stay there with better protection this year.

Carter isn't one to just arbitrarily leave the pocket on his own, he had to be flushed in most cases.

His decision making needs to improve when that happens, but I hope to see carter on the move less often this year.

Now another thing that is a question mark...Will Julius pan out....will he break a few plays to make the D respect him. I think even if the O-Line is shaky...if J.Jones can make a few plays a game the D with have to respect him and help open up the passing game some.

Dallas needs to break more runs this year and most of that responsibility falls on the rookie shoulders of Julius Jones.

Troy Hambrick had 3 runs of 20+ yards, Terry Glenn had 2 and Aveion Cason accounted for the final one.

Only five teams had fewer 20+ yard runs.

I'm looking for Dallas to get in top half of the league by breaking at least 10 runs for 20 or more yards this year.

With Anderson, Glenn, Whitten, Campbell and Johnson...we should have the options...not even counting J.Jones and AB in the mix.

The options are there to have a sound offense.

Not a SportsCenter highlight reel offense, but a top ten unit that keeps the ball, eats up yardage and puts points on the board.

If Bryant grows up and can be counted on and/or Randal Williams earns a role in multi-receiver sets, things could get more interesting.

But I'm not counting on either and the offense can improve with or without them.

It'll be a lot easier with them and the unit would be strike more fear in defenses with them in the mix.



The offense needs to improve in the redzone. Dictate distance on 3rd down, i.e. 3rd in 2 instead of 3rd and 7. Limit turnovers on first or second down and when we are on the opponent's side of the 50.

The first is on the entire offensive unit. The second is mainly OL and RBs getting a better YPC. The last is mostly on the QB.

Very, very true.

All too often, the offense was in third and long last year.

Dallas must win first and second on a more consistent basis to really see improvement.

That means fewer negative runs, a T-Ham specialty.

I expect Jones to be up to the challenge.

And it means better decision making from Carter.

Don't play like you have to pass just because a passing play was called and take a sack before forcing a pass into coverage.

Retain possession and live to play another down.

[Bluefin]

The key to good offense is scoring. We don't do that well. Until we get better at it, we won't be a good offense. Really no getting around that.

Scoring is the bottom line.

And the offense should be better at it this year.

If the returners break more big plays and the defense forces more turnovers, it will only make scoring points that much easier for the offense.


Dallas has a ways to go before they will be considered a top offensive team. I really do not care what NE or Car did, getting caught up in what other teams do and trying to emulate them in my opinion is not how you get better. Dallas has to show a lot more consistency in offense and do a much better job in the red zone

The reason for showing Carolina and New England is because both of the Super Bowl teams relied on their defenses the same as Dallas.

It isn't like the team needs the offense to carry them to victory and make up for an absentee defense.

And I don't think Dallas has that far to go on offense.

Parcells is going to continue running the ball this year and I don't expect Julius Jones to average 3.5 only yards per carry or to only break three runs of 20 yards or more.

Defenses will have to be aware of Jones and that should allow the offense to fuction the way Parcells wants it to, defenses will no longer be calling the shots.

That will make all the diference in the world.

And all I'm looking for is Dallas to improve over last year, they don't have to become an offensive juggernaut to move from their 15th place finish to inside the top ten.

Will it be so hard to improve on 11 rushing touchdowns, 17 passing touchdowns and 23 field goals?

The offense managed that with a suspect quarterback, a joke of a running game, no lead receiver and a patchwork offensive line.

Special teams did almost nothing to win field position and the defense, as good as it was, didn't force many turnovers to help the offense out.

How hard will it be to improve on those things with this staff, most of the players in their second year under Parcells and new additions via free agency and the draft.

Parcells' teams have always gotten better in year two.

I expect nothing less from this group.

[junk]

The offense managed that with a suspect quarterback, a joke of a running game, no lead receiver and a patchwork offensive line.



Hater. Just Kidding, I couldn't resist.

I actually agree with everything you had to say. Great post.

[TheSkaven]

It was actually back-to-back-to-back runs. There was some kind of wierd thing that happenned that actually gave us an extra shot. Personally, one of my worst memories as a Cowboy fan. It sticks out because I'd traveled down to Philly for my first ever game. Freeziing cold and that BS just killed me.
--
Something else that I noticed is that the Eagles Defensive stats look pretty good to be ranked 20th.

That pain all melted away for me when we beat them in the playoffs on route to our 3rd Superbowl of the 90's. :D

[TheSkaven]

I've read that 14 of Carter's interceptions, that would be two thirds, came when he was on the move outside of the pocket.

I've read that Sean Payton was working with Carter on this problem, but details are lacking on how they plan to correct things.

I'd be curious to know how many TDs he threw that way too, though. Remember the Terry Glenn TD in game 2 against the Redskins? Carter got away from the defensive end, threw off his back foot and hit Glenn for the touchdown.

Remember Witten's first touchdown as a Cowboy? Same thing, and that pass was a thing of beauty.

I've seen quarterbacks make plays when they leave the pocket. They give their receivers more time to get open and sometimes draw the cornerbacks into coming up to make a play.

The problem is that Quincy needs to avoid the bonehead plays like throwing on the run into triple coverage.

[Bluefin]

I'd be curious to know how many TDs he threw that way too, though. Remember the Terry Glenn TD in game 2 against the Redskins? Carter got away from the defensive end, threw off his back foot and hit Glenn for the touchdown.

Remember Witten's first touchdown as a Cowboy? Same thing, and that pass was a thing of beauty.

I've seen quarterbacks make plays when they leave the pocket. They give their receivers more time to get open and sometimes draw the cornerbacks into coming up to make a play.

The problem is that Quincy needs to avoid the bonehead plays like throwing on the run into triple coverage.

Wasn't the Terry Glenn touchdown in the first game?

And the Witten touchdown was awesome.

But those were the exceptions, IMO.

I think part of the reason for the lack of successful passing plays when Carter was on the move is that defenses learned he wasn't going to run with the ball.

I felt like opponents ended up treating Carter like any other pocket quarterback they'd face.

Carter was elusive and got out of a lot of sacks, he was still dropped 37 times, but he wasn't a threat to run with the ball when forced from the pocket.

The opposition knew this and stayed in coverage.

That's why I'm in favor of Parcells calling a quarterback draw as early as possible in every game.

Since Carter is so hesitant to run when a pass is called, make the decision for him.

Get him in the groove and see if it helps.

As for when to throw the ball and when not to, I don't know if the team actually tries to simulate such things in practice or only relies of game tape in the classroom to show what not to do.

If I was the coach, I would want to try and condition my quarterback to making quick decisions under duress in practice.

The defense can't hit the quarterback, but I could still use every blitz possible to allow for free runners and see if it helped the decision making process.

I always read about practice being obvious man coverage with everything set up for offensive success.

That's fine to start every practice with, build up confidence and all, but game conditions aren't ideal most of the time.

Blocks are missed, blitzes aren't recognized and routes get busted.

I remember Parcells saying his teams spend more time on blitz pick-up than anyone else and that the offense would eventually love to see opponents blitzing.

That didn't seem to happen last year.

And I'd just love to know more about the coaching methods used to help cutdown impulse throws.

Alas, I don't expect Big Bill to be very forthcoming.

[LaTunaNostra]

Thanks for the stats and the thread in general, BF.

I don't think the O has that far to go to improve measurably. Carter does have to limit those impulse throws, and imo they were less panic last year than ego. He seems to think he can do in the pros what he did in college, and disrespects the ability fo defender to read his movements. I don't know how you coach that chutzpah out of a player but beat it out of him with benching threats.

That mimicking of game time pressure in practices, well which would you prefer, a practice in which defenders could actually plank you, or to have Bill Parcells immediately behind and to the side of you screaming "throw it, throw it you stupid SOB?" I can't imagine more pressure than that. ;)

Just the presence of Keyshawn is going to improve third down success. In addition, Witten's second year will see him more of a threat, exploiting the short and intermediate passing game takes pressure off the run game and opens it up deep. Terry Glenn can do anything Joey Galloway could do, and much more, and Key's presence is key there too. There was a mention elsewhere of how two te sets produce more of an element of surprise for defenses. Can't wait to see Ryan blocking.

We're still pretty much a "no-name" offense, but it can work.

I've got great expectations that the O can make a quantititative and qualitiative leap this year that gives the team the balance to be a serious contender.

[Bluefin]

Thanks for the stats and the thread in general, BF.

No problemo, someone has to optimistic.

I don't think the O has that far to go to improve measurably. Carter does have to limit those impulse throws, and imo they were less panic last year than ego. He seems to think he can do in the pros what he did in college, and disrespects the ability fo defender to read his movements. I don't know how you coach that chutzpah out of a player but beat it out of him with benching threats.

Carter wants to be a playmaker to begin with, when coupled with a broken offense that required him to be the difference, it led to an increase in bad decisions and throws.

That's why I can come off as harping on the running game and more defensive turnovers.

Getting those things will make it much easier for Carter to learn to play within himself and cut down on the bad plays.

That mimicking of game time pressure in practices, well which would you prefer, a practice in which defenders could actually plank you, or to have Bill Parcells immediately behind and to the side of you screaming "throw it, throw it you stupid SOB?" I can't imagine more pressure than that. ;)

Because the defense can't hit the quarterback in practice, I don't know if simulating pressure would help or not.

I'd certainly try.

The defenders could be instructed to simply tag Carter or to grab a flag hanging on each side of his waist.

My idea would be to acclimate Carter to having a free defender coming at him and to carry out his assignment.

I know Carter can be an effective quarterback with a running game and a safe pocket.

That's why I'd like to see more work put in to simulate poor game settings.

Again, I don't know how well game conditions can be copied in practice using fewer players and often playing halfspeed.

Maybe it's because I'm left handed, but I can't help but wonder if there isn't a more creative way to address coaching impulse decisions in practice.


Just the presence of Keyshawn is going to improve third down success. In addition, Witten's second year will see him more of a threat, exploiting the short and intermediate passing game takes pressure off the run game and opens it up deep. Terry Glenn can do anything Joey Galloway could do, and much more, and Key's presence is key there too. There was a mention elsewhere of how two te sets produce more of an element of surprise for defenses. Can't wait to see Ryan blocking.

With Johnson and Witten, the offense should be much better at sustaining drives this year by converting third downs.

And there's no way in hell Witty only scores one touchdown this year.

That number's gotta jump.

Glenn should be more effective with a true threat across from him and there remains a chance of AB getting back in the mix.

Even with all my optimism, I'll continue to hold my breath in regards to Bryant.

Michael Irvin told him what to do, but it remains to be seen if there's too much Derek Ross in Bryant.

We're still pretty much a "no-name" offense, but it can work.

I've got great expectations that the O can make a quantititative and qualitiative leap this year that gives the team the balance to be a serious contender.

Spags' latest piece was on the lack of names on the offensive side of the ball.

So what?

If things start coming together, the offense will be fine, IMO.

Name recognition will come in time, but the group must first play solid football as a unit.

[LaTunaNostra]

No problemo, someone has to optimistic.

Praise the Lord! You mean 8-8 isn't written in the stars? ;)



Carter wants to be a playmaker to begin with, when coupled with a broken offense that required him to be the difference, it led to an increase in bad decisions and throws.

That's why I can come off as harping on the running game and more defensive turnovers.

Getting those things will make it much easier for Carter to learn to play within himself and cut down on the bad plays.

Well, Quincy has to get over himself. That is the one big advantage Vinnie T DOES have over him, Vin will take what he's given now. Took him 13 or so years to learn it, but he did.

Because the defense can't hit the quarterback in practice, I don't know if simulating pressure would help or not.

I'd certainly try.

The defenders could be instructed to simply tag Carter or to grab a flag hanging on each side of his waist.

My idea would be to acclimate Carter to having a free defender coming at him and to carry out his assignment.

I know Carter can be an effective quarterback with a running game and a safe pocket.

That's why I'd like to see more work put in to simulate poor game settings.

My idea is put him in with the third offensive string and send Roy straight at him. That will simulate poor game conditions purty well.

Again, I don't know how well game conditions can be copied in practice using fewer players and often playing halfspeed.

Maybe it's because I'm left handed, but I can't help but wonder if there isn't a more creative way to address coaching impulse decisions in practice.

It's called self discipline. You shouldn't have to coach it much. You should just tell the QB you don't want to see it, and even under the heat of game time pressure, a little bell goes off saying "if I try to be the man when I don't have a good chance of making the play, and I throw a pick, Tuna will kill me". What's so hard about eating the ball? It is sheer hubris to want to be the playmaker. I have zero patience with that as it is ego driven.


With Johnson and Witten, the offense should be much better at sustaining drives this year by converting third downs.

And there's no way in hell Witty only scores one touchdown this year.

That number's gotta jump.

Glenn should be more effective with a true threat across from him and there remains a chance of AB getting back in the mix.

Even with all my optimism, I'll continue to hold my breath in regards to Bryant.

Michael Irvin told him what to do, but it remains to be seen if there's too much Derek Ross in Bryant.

Despite what Spags thinks, AB is not beating out Terry Glenn, not this year anyway.


Spags' latest piece was on the lack of names on the offensive side of the ball.

So what?

If things start coming together, the offense will be fine, IMO.

Name recognition will come in time, but the group must first play solid football as a unit.

If they're so unknown, why are they not available, Mickey?

He's another one like Gosselin all starry-eyed, fantasy-football geeked out about 'names'.