Lets Talk a Romo Stat

[rcaldw]

How would you explain this stat?:

1st 5 starts: 2 interceptions TOTAL
Last 5 starts: 8 interceptions

Possible choices: (Or one you might suggest)

1. Pressing - Because the defense is playing poorly
2. Increasingly careless
3. Defenses adjusting and forcing him into his weaknesses
4. We are getting closer to his real, long-term, abilities (not as good as his beginning, not as bad as the last few games)

Btw, another interesting stat. He was below 60% completion rate in 3 of his last 5 starts, and below 50% in 2 of those.

My opinion? While I think it is a combination of all of these things, I think this biggest factor is #1. They have been playing from behind more. One thing I like about Romo is he DOES get it, that winning is what matters. When he plays from behind, he wants to score, not pad his stats and play it safe.
Your thoughts?

[Wrangler87]

Just what we needed.

[The30YardSlant]

Our O-Line decided to stop pass blocking the last 4 weeks, that's what happened

[Boyzmamacita]

I'd say it's inexperience more than anything else. All of what you stated are factors, but with experience he won't make the mistakes he made today. We all knew he would struggle at times. It's just the wrong time.

[Cochese]

Our O-Line decided to stop pass blocking the last 4 weeks, that's what happened

I agree, and the defense and line has put him in awful positions. Down by some scores with no running game and a defense that cant make a stop. Its a wonder he hasnt thrown MORE than 8.

[Wrangler87]

Our O-Line decided to stop pass blocking the last 4 weeks, that's what happened

And we abandon the run because Jones is ineffective after two or three rushes.

[rcaldw]

Our O-Line decided to stop pass blocking the last 4 weeks, that's what happened

Heavy, do you think the pass protection has gotten worse the last 5 weeks? If that is the case, then you are right, that could definitely be a factor.

[MichaelWinicki]

How would you explain this stat?:

1st 5 starts: 2 interceptions TOTAL
Last 5 starts: 8 interceptions

Possible choices: (Or one you might suggest)

1. Pressing - Because the defense is playing poorly
2. Increasingly careless
3. Defenses adjusting and forcing him into his weaknesses
4. We are getting closer to his real, long-term, abilities (not as good as his beginning, not as bad as the last few games)

Btw, another interesting stat. He was below 60% completion rate in 3 of his last 5 starts, and below 50% of 2 of those.

My opinion? While I think it is a combination of all of these things, I think this biggest factor is #1. They have been playing from behind more. One thing I like about Romo is he DOES get it, that winning is what matters. When he plays from behind, he wants to score, not pad his stats and play it safe.
Your thoughts?

I think it's mostly #1.

Every freaking week we seem to be playing form behind and it forces us to change our gameplan, i.e. the running game goes out the window.

Romo is then forced to make plays and he presses.

Like I posted somewhere else, the average team will get 12 possessions per game. If you figure Romo has to get us at least 30 points for this team to even have a chance of winning that means he needs to score something in probably 6 of those possessions. That's a lot to ask of a 1st year QB.

[rcaldw]

And we abandon the run because Jones is ineffective after two or three rushes.

That is another interesting possibility. Let me look at something.

[Haley94]

How would you explain this stat?:

1st 5 starts: 2 interceptions TOTAL
Last 5 starts: 8 interceptions

Possible choices: (Or one you might suggest)

1. Pressing - Because the defense is playing poorly
2. Increasingly careless
3. Defenses adjusting and forcing him into his weaknesses
4. We are getting closer to his real, long-term, abilities (not as good as his beginning, not as bad as the last few games)

Btw, another interesting stat. He was below 60% completion rate in 3 of his last 5 starts, and below 50% of 2 of those.

My opinion? While I think it is a combination of all of these things, I think this biggest factor is #1. They have been playing from behind more. One thing I like about Romo is he DOES get it, that winning is what matters. When he plays from behind, he wants to score, not pad his stats and play it safe.
Your thoughts?


Yes I agree #1, but i would say he is taking more risk because he needs to score points, if that is what you mean by "pressing". In other words, I believe it to be a more conscience act, rather than a nervous release on some occasions.

[MichaelWinicki]

Heavy, do you think the pass protection has gotten worse the last 5 weeks? If that is the case, then you are right, that could definitely be a factor.

Sure it's gotten worse.

We go down quickly and give up on the run.

The other team knows it's going to be pass, pass, pass with an occassional delayed draw thrown in.

[dre1614]

a combination of things, but mostly I think Tony feels like he has to win games by himself, and he presses. Horrible oline play doesn't help either

[Hypnotoad]

The defense has put Romo in situations where he resorts to taking more risk with the football. If the defense played well we could see more running the ball, which results in less interceptions.

I'd have to say the only game in the last 5 where the offense was physically beat up was New Orleans. They were hitting and jamming the wide receivers and playing great coverage.

[Bigdog24]

NOt sure its inexperience,,,he is the only thing the Cowboys have going right now, This team is expecting him to carry them.. With NO PASS RUSH, NO COVERAGE in the secondary and most of ALL....NO running game to support the Passing game. It all falls on ROMO's shoulders...Julious Jones is worthless right now. the OL cant block for the RB and is working on getting ROMO hurt...THE Cowboys coaching stafff SUCKSssss,

You bought the Groceries BIG Bill, NOW PAY THE BILL..

[Haley94]

NOt sure its inexperience,,,he is the only thing the Cowboys have going right now, This team is expecting him to carry them.. With NO PASS RUSH, NO COVERAGE in the secondary and most of ALL....NO running game to support the Passing game. It all falls on ROMO's shoulders...Julious Jones is worthless right now. the OL cant block for the RB and is working on getting ROMO hurt...THE Cowboys coaching stafff SUCKSssss,

You bought the Groceries BIG Bill, NOW PAY THE BILL..

He gonna leave the kitchen and leave the bill with Jerry.

[big dog cowboy]

We can't effectively run or pass block.

[rcaldw]

Julius Jones - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 92
Julius Jones - carries in last 5 starts - 54

Marion Barber - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 54
Marion Barber - carries in last 5 starts - 38

Total carries main backs: 1st 5 starts - 146
Total carries main backs: last 5 starts - 92

[Cochese]

Julius Jones - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 92
Julius Jones - carries in last 5 starts - 54

Marion Barber - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 54
Marion Barber - carries in last 5 starts - 38

Total carries main backs: 1st 5 starts - 146
Total carries main backs: last 5 starts - 92

What about yardage #'s?

[Wrangler87]

Julius Jones - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 92
Julius Jones - carries in last 5 starts - 54

Marion Barber - carries in first 5 Romo starts - 54
Marion Barber - carries in last 5 starts - 38

Total carries main backs: 1st 5 starts - 146
Total carries main backs: last 5 starts - 92

I sense a trend. That's why I would hand the ball to Barber 25-30 times against Seattle. Whatever happens, happens. But I think he would take over at some point in the game.

[DipChit]

I think we need to go with more 3 and 4 WR sets. Even when we keep extra guys in to block the protection breaks down so why not just send more guys out in the first place.

One of Romos attributes early on seemed to be that he could find the open guy. Well lately there doesnt seem to be many out of our base offense. The longer we go unable to run the ball the worse it gets.

If you're a D coordinator and only Glenn and TO go out, as well as Witten, dont you just basicaly double the 2 outside guys? And Witten isnt great at getting seperation so he's pretty coverable... not leaving Romo with much to go with.

[Redball Express]

I don't think the pass protection is worst.

What I see is that we have abandon the very successful short passing game we had early on with Romo that was using 1 and 3 step drops that had Romo firing the ball out of there before the DBs could react or the defensive rush could get in the backfield.

We are now using 5 and 7 step drops often off play fakes that make the OL look worst because they can't hold those blocks for the long passing patterns now being used.

Romo's passing has deteriorated drastically because we are no longer getting the ball into the receiver's hands early when the DBs are still reacting to the play. We are constantly trying to throw middle to deep with crossing patterns and drag plays that take WAY too long to develop.

This is exactly what killed us with Bledsoe. Long developing passing plays the OL couldn't support. And Bledsoe not being mobil, made it even worst.

That's why we are now seeing the same level of play with Romo we previously had with Bledsoe that caused him to be benched. To many ints and sacks and we are not playing to Romo's strengths anymore.

Go back to the quick slants, quick curls, quick TE throws, screens to the RBs and some quick outs to make the defense play upfield and THEN go deep as we were doing successfully just a few games ago.

I'm surprised more of you guys haven't noticed this or mentioned it. With each passing game, it's becoming apparent that Romo's strengths are not being used and he's being asked to do something he's not ready to be..a drop-back pocket passer.

parcellswaterboy

[Bigdog24]

Its simple,....Plain as day........untill there is running game...all any team has to do is stop ROMO... JJ and the OL just purely SUCKS

[rcaldw]

What about yardage #'s?

Jones yardage - 1st 5 - 329
Jones yardage - last 5 - 231
Barber yardage - 1st 5 - 277
Barber yardage - last 5 - 162

main backs yardage 1st 5 - 606
main backs yardage last 5 - 393

Now, for a VERY interesting stat:

Ju Jones rushing per attempt in November 3.5 per carry.
In December PRIOR to today, 4.6 yards per carry

Barber in November 5.1
in December 4.7

Both backs in December over 4.6, which indicates a simple lack of patience with and commitment to the running game.

UNLESS, a lot of the big gains came in obvious passing situations. I have no way, other than looking at the games again, to determine that.

[Wrangler87]

Jones yardage - 1st 5 - 329
Jones yardage - last 5 - 231
Barber yardage - 1st 5 - 277
Barber yardage - last 5 - 162

main backs yardage 1st 5 - 606
main backs yardage last 5 - 393

Now, for a VERY interesting stat:

Ju Jones rushing per attempt in November 3.5 per carry.
In December PRIOR to today, 4.6 yards per carry

Barber in November 5.1
in December 4.7

Both backs in December over 4.6, which indicates a simple lack of patience with and commitment to the running game.

UNLESS, a lot of the big gains came in obvious passing situations. I have no way, other than looking at the games again, to determine that.


I'll bet if you subtract that one 77 yard run by Jones, it really changes those averages for December.

[dre1614]

Jones yardage - 1st 5 - 329
Jones yardage - last 5 - 231
Barber yardage - 1st 5 - 277
Barber yardage - last 5 - 162

main backs yardage 1st 5 - 606
main backs yardage last 5 - 393

Now, for a VERY interesting stat:

Ju Jones rushing per attempt in November 3.5 per carry.
In December PRIOR to today, 4.6 yards per carry

Barber in November 5.1
in December 4.7

Both backs in December over 4.6, which indicates a simple lack of patience with and commitment to the running game.

UNLESS, a lot of the big gains came in obvious passing situations. I have no way, other than looking at the games again, to determine that.

wow pretty big difference in yardage. I wonder if the reason is because of bad play calling, or the D has been on the field alot longer, and not giving the Offense enough drives

[The30YardSlant]

Heavy, do you think the pass protection has gotten worse the last 5 weeks? If that is the case, then you are right, that could definitely be a factor.

Romo has been hit nearly 3 times as many times in his last 5 starts as he did in his first 5. Teams are blitzing more, yes, but our line, particuarly Flozell, have just started sucking. The only players worth a damn on our line and worth keeping are Columbo and Gurode. Kosier is the weakest O-Lineman in the NFL, Flozell has lost his lateral movement, and Rivera gets beaten by even the simplest of moves now, he has almost zero hand/eye coordination anymore. He trips over his own feet half the time.

[jay cee]

I don't think the pass protection is worst.

What I see is that we have abandon the very successful short passing game we had early on with Romo that was using 1 and 3 step drops that had Romo firing the ball out of there before the DBs could react or the defensive rush could get in the backfield.

We are now using 5 and 7 step drops often off play fakes that make the OL look worst because they can't hold those blocks for the long passing patterns now being used.

Romo's passing has deteriorated drastically because we are no longer getting the ball into the receiver's hands early when the DBs are still reacting to the play. We are constantly trying to throw middle to deep with crossing patterns and drag plays that take WAY too long to develop.

This is exactly what killed us with Bledsoe. Long developing passing plays the OL couldn't support. And Bledsoe not being mobil, made it even worst.

That's why we are now seeing the same level of play with Romo we previously had with Bledsoe that caused him to be benched. To many ints and sacks and we are not playing to Romo's strengths anymore.

Go back to the quick slants, quick curls, quick TE throws, screens to the RBs and some quick outs to make the defense play upfield and THEN go deep as we were doing successfully just a few games ago.

I'm surprised more of you guys haven't noticed this or mentioned it. With each passing game, it's becoming apparent that Romo's strengths are not being used and he's being asked to do something he's not ready to be..a drop-back pocket passer.

parcellswaterboy

I see what you are saying, but I seem to remember in one game the announcers saying the defenses are now trying to force Romo to be a pocket passer.

They are probably crowding the receivers more and forcing them to go with the double moves. Which calls for more deep drops by the qb.

Another way to combat that type of defense like some have said, is to go more 3 & 4 WR sets.

[rcaldw]

Another interesting stat that says the poor defense/pressing plays a role:

Romo attempts 1st 5 starts: 153
Romo attempts last 5 starts: 157

With alot fewer rushing attempts, but only 4 more passing attempts, doesn't that say fewer possessions?

[Haley94]

Romo has been hit nearly 3 times as many times in his last 5 starts as he did in his first 5. Teams are blitzing more, yes, but our line, particuarly Flozell, have just started sucking. The only players worth a damn on our line and worth keeping are Columbo and Gurode. Kosier is the weakest O-Lineman in the NFL, Flozell has lost his lateral movement, and Rivera gets beaten by even the simplest of moves now, he has almost zero hand/eye coordination anymore. He trips over his own feet half the time.

I agree. Columbo and Gurode are the only keepers. Rivera fleeced Jerry. Kosier is a backup swing man. Flo is halfway to Saturn.

[Cochese]

Another interesting stat that says the poor defense/pressing plays a role:

Romo attempts 1st 5 starts: 153
Romo attempts last 5 starts: 157

With alot fewer rushing attempts, but only 4 more passing attempts, doesn't that say fewer possessions?


Thats the most interesting stat by far. I really dont know what to make of it.

Thanks for doing the legwork and bringing us these #'s.

[jay cee]

Another interesting stat that says the poor defense/pressing plays a role:

Romo attempts 1st 5 starts: 153
Romo attempts last 5 starts: 157

With alot fewer rushing attempts, but only 4 more passing attempts, doesn't that say fewer possessions?

Very likely fewer possessions, and probably more 3 & outs also. I know the defense has had trouble getting opponents offenses off the field lately.

[dre1614]

Another interesting stat that says the poor defense/pressing plays a role:

Romo attempts 1st 5 starts: 153
Romo attempts last 5 starts: 157

With alot fewer rushing attempts, but only 4 more passing attempts, doesn't that say fewer possessions?

if my math is correct that means Tony's first 5 starts we ran 299 plays

his last 5 starts we ran 249 plays.

[Bigdog24]

The one thing every serious Superbowl Contending team has is a RUNNING game... SD, NE, Baltimore, Chicago, Philly, etc

unitl the Cowboys get a solid reliablle RUNNING game, the superbowl will only be a preseaon hype,,,,,,just like this year was....pure hype.

[rcaldw]

The one thing every serious Superbowl Contending team has is a RUNNING game... SD, NE, Baltimore, Chicago, Philly, etc

unitl the Cowboys get a solid reliablle RUNNING game, the superbowl will only be a preseaon hype,,,,,,just like this year was....pure hype.

I agree with you Bigdog, but when your #1 back came into today's game averaging 4.6 yards per carry in December, and your #1a back is averaging 4.7, doesn't that say you can run the ball?

I wonder if a previous poster has it right when he thinks that maybe we abandon the run too easily.

Then again, when your defense is giving up early scores and you get behind, you end up HAVING to throw the ball.

With the defense knowing what is coming, the pass rush increases, the 3 and outs increase, the passing attempts are not much more, the rushing attempts are reduced, and you have what we have.

Maybe the answer is just to keep running the ball. Keeps the defense off the field longer.

I think the real culprit here, though, is the defense. I think the increased turnovers (the beginning of this discussion) are due to falling behind and then trying to "make" things happen.

[Wrangler87]

I agree with you Bigdog, but when your #1 back came into today's game averaging 4.6 yards per carry in December, and your #1a back is averaging 4.7, doesn't that say you can run the ball?

I wonder if a previous poster has it right when he thinks that maybe we abandon the run too easily.

Then again, when your defense is giving up early scores and you get behind, you end up HAVING to throw the ball.

With the defense knowing what is coming, the pass rush increases, the 3 and outs increase, the passing attempts are not much more, the rushing attempts are reduced, and you have what we have.

Maybe the answer is just to keep running the ball. Keeps the defense off the field longer.

I think the real culprit here, though, is the defense. I think the increased turnovers (the beginning of this discussion) are due to falling behind and then trying to "make" things happen.


Again, if you subtract Jones' 77 yard run, I'll bet it will show a drop off for December for his average.

[percyhoward]

The last seven weeks of the season our defense allowed 50% or more 3rd down conversions in every game, and as was mentioned during today's game, we were the worst 3rd down defense in the NFL over the last 7 weeks.

Somehow, we went 4-3 during those 7 weeks.

[rcaldw]

Again, if you subtract Jones' 77 yard run, I'll bet it will show a drop off for December for his average.

I don't doubt that you are correct (obviously you are), but I would be hesitant to do that, only because you have to figure in long runs all year long. In Ju Jones' first 5 games, his stats show long gains of over 23 yards, 3 times. One was a 36 yard gain. So if we backed out those runs in his first five games what would his average be? And remember, he only averaged 3.5 anyway!!!!!

[rcaldw]

But, just for information's sake. If you back out his 77 yard TD run. Julius Jones has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over the last 5 games.

[AdamJT13]

But, just for information's sake. If you back out his 77 yard TD run. Julius Jones has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over the last 5 games.

And if you take out Barber's longest run (13 yards), he has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over his past four games.

[wileedog]

But, just for information's sake. If you back out his 77 yard TD run. Julius Jones has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over the last 5 games.

And therin, combined with the pressing and becoming 1 dimensional in the 2nd half, is the problem.

The Saints and Eagles games snowballed the way they did because expecting Romo to convert 3 and 8 every time is simply never going to happen.

[wileedog]

And if you take out Barber's longest run (13 yards), he has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over his past four games.

Not as telling considering how many more short yardage and goaline rushes he gets though. But certainly I think a lot of the onus is more on the line than the backs.

[The30YardSlant]

And if you take out Barber's longest run (13 yards), he has averaged 2.9 yards per carry over his past four games.

That's expected of a short yardage back who's job is to get the tough yards

[DBoys]

Our O-Line decided to stop pass blocking the last 4 weeks, that's what happened

Thing that puzzles me is it is the same players.

[Dcz84]

I see what you are saying, but I seem to remember in one game the announcers saying the defenses are now trying to force Romo to be a pocket passer.

They are probably crowding the receivers more and forcing them to go with the double moves. Which calls for more deep drops by the qb.

Another way to combat that type of defense like some have said, is to go more 3 & 4 WR sets.This is what you will see against Seattle 3&4 wr set's, JJ had a field day against them from this formation.

[Yakuza Rich]

I think the only major issue is that he tends to press and make impulse throws. I've seen good NFL QB's that press harder than Romo does, but it's still too much. Plus, when Romo misses it's usually high which tends to lead to INT's.

But people forget that the rest of the offense has been abysmal for the most part in the last 5 starts. We had FOURTEEN dropped passes in the Giants through the Eagles game, roughly 4 drops per game. In the Giants game alone, they had 5 drops with one of them bouncing off of Glenn's chest and into Kiwanuka's hands.

The running game has been very weak and the pass protection in all of the games sans the Falcons game, has been poor. Not to mention how badly the defense has fallen apart.

Football is a pretty simple game to follow. If you're running the ball poorly and not playing good on defense, your QB is put behind the 8 ball and is likely to struggle a bit. Combine that with poor pass protection, the QB is now more likely to play poorly.

The beauty of the "bus driver" mentality at QB is that it essentially means that you have built a good team and your QB isn't losing games for you because they are managing the game well. But right now we are not at that point. Too many parts of the team are playing poorly and we're not giving Romo good chances to succeed or even just be able to manage the game. Instead, he's got to make to a lot of plays to keep us in the game. While I think Tom Brady is a great QB and better than Romo, I highly doubt he would've done much better than Romo today if he had our O-Line, running game and defense to work with.



YAKUZA