DC.COM: Broaddus: Keys to Cowboys-Chicago Game - Dallas Cowboys Forum

**WoodysGirl** · 10-01-2012

Cowboys Win If:
In my study of the Bears from the last three weeks, I feel it’s going to be difficult for the Cowboys to successfully run the football against this front on first down. Where Jason Garrett is going to have to find a way to move the ball is through the air on early downs. Where Garrett has to be careful is putting his offense in second and longs which usually end up as third and even longer. In my view, Garrett needs to take the opposite approach when he calls plays, pass when he needs to run and run when he needs to pass but the bottom line is that he needs to stay ahead of the chains which is something he talks about every day.

For the Cowboys it’s really not about balance, run or pass but finding a way to win on first down. Manageable down and distance will tell the tale of this game. Don’t discount Jason Witten getting back on track in this game because there will be opportunity for him like there was in the Seattle game. The way that the Bears play their coverage, Witten can make some things happen in line and from the flexed position. I think that Jason Garrett and Tony Romo make him a big part of trying to stay ahead of the chains.

- Bryan Broaddus

See what the Bears has to do to win: http://www.dallascowboys.com/team/game/2012/regular4/

**justbob** · 10-01-2012

Hope Witten is back to being Witten

CowboysFaninDC · 10-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

Cowboys Win If:
In my study of the Bears from the last three weeks, I feel it’s going to be difficult for the Cowboys to successfully run the football against this front on first down. Where Jason Garrett is going to have to find a way to move the ball is through the air on early downs. Where Garrett has to be careful is putting his offense in second and longs which usually end up as third and even longer. In my view, Garrett needs to take the opposite approach when he calls plays, pass when he needs to run and run when he needs to pass but the bottom line is that he needs to stay ahead of the chains which is something he talks about every day.

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its always about first downs regadless of approach. that's one down that the defense is always guessing and has to pplay both pass and run in their formations.

subsequent downs are often dictated by down and distance. defense again at a disadvantage if its 2nd and 6 and shorter.

but 2nd and 7 and longer you often expect pass.

I think we could use some quick passe hits on first downs as long handoffs. see romo in shot gun and maybe some draws. just to keep their defense guessing.

I expect to see romo in shot gun often to help him see the pass rush coming,

Crown Royal · 10-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboysFaninDC

its always about first downs regadless of approach. that's one down that the defense is always guessing and has to pplay both pass and run in their formations.

subsequent downs are often dictated by down and distance. defense again at a disadvantage if its 2nd and 6 and shorter.

but 2nd and 7 and longer you often expect pass.

I think we could use some quick passe hits on first downs as long handoffs. see romo in shot gun and maybe some draws. just to keep their defense guessing.

I expect to see romo in shot gun often to help him see the pass rush coming,

I hope not. I think our offensive line is at it's worst when we are in shotgun. Every single sack against TB came from S11 formation, because when we go to that NO defense respects our run game. A draw here and there may help but I don't feel, nor do I feel that Garrett feels, that we can successfully run out of shotgun very often.

I'd rather see a lot of ace back or split i formation and pass when Romo is under centre. Leave a back in to block. I feel that Romo is better protected from this formation, and it allows the defense to guess a little bit more.