MapleLeaf
Maple Leaf
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It’s beyond clear that the offense is not what it was several weeks ago. What I’m wondering is, are we (or other teams) doing anything differently?
I don't want to over simplify things, but you can start and stop with the o-line.
If you take Catch17's link and actually rewatch the game there is a massive hint and suggestion on what ails the Cowboys, and it doesn't come from the "Cowboys themselves, but the opponent.
In the game the Saints lost their 3rd center and had to start their 4th center for the year.
OK, so think a bit on that. This guy was not good enough to be slated to be the 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the depth chart for center. He's 4th. This was also a team that was missing their (2) starting tackles.
The real reason why you are watching games and can't get an answer on why the offence is so bad, is:
1. The o-line even with everyone in there is not the best o-line in the league. It's far from it even at full strength.
2. The o-line is not at full strength now. So an average to less than average line is made worse by injuries.
3. The line has been drafted to be dominant physically, and they are not.
4. The WRs and OC has developed their talents, skills and play calling to work off the success of the o-line.
5. The QB is a bit of a gunslinger now, and is constantly looking for his world class receivers down the field.
6. The team has not developed what I would call a "small ball" game to help the QB and the o-line in times like these.
7. Dak isn't running anymore.
8. Where is the WR or slot receiver who can wins the pattern in less than 1 second? Where is the team's Cole Beasley, Danny Amendola, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman. Guys who could be open in three steps or less.
Take a good look at the games. Cooper, Lamb and Gallup can't win a pattern in a second to a second and a half.
So sucky o-line, OC who is more stretch offence, WRs who are not small ball specialists and banged up RB gives you the loss situation we have been in. If the o-line starts to suck way less, watch this offence take off.
But the Cowboys need to be careful here. In post season and travelling to cold weather climes for the playoffs there is a reason why New England built it's offence the way they did. It wasn't to win games in the fall down south. It was to win games in the winter in the north. That type of offence moves the ball safely and beats man coverage all the time. They smile at man coverage.