5 Key Plays - Ode to Norm vs. Ravens

[RFABR]

Different calls for different teams. Micah has this happen to him multiple times a game, but much worse as he was already well by the lineman

I recalled the Parsons' non calls immediately

 

[Shotgun Dave]

Laugh or whatever all you want, but it’s either a running play or a passing play, and I find it funny that this guy just KNOWS which play is best. Not just which is better, but NOT calling the play he thinks is best is just DUMB DUMB DUMB.

Monday morning quarterbacking at it’s finest.

It’s amazing the certainty that can come with watching football on the weekends and maybe winning one’s fantasy league back in 2014.

 

[TheMightyVanHalen]

Laugh or whatever all you want, but it’s either a running play or a passing play, and I find it funny that this guy just KNOWS which play is best. Not just which is better, but NOT calling the play he thinks is best is just DUMB DUMB DUMB.

Monday morning quarterbacking at it’s finest.

It’s amazing the certainty that can come with watching football on the weekends and maybe winning one’s fantasy league back in 2014.

You have absolutely no idea how the game of football is played. I hope that you're one of the adolescents who posts here because then your comments on this thread would make sense. If you're not, learn the game before posting in a football thread.

 

[Shotgun Dave]

If you're not, learn the game before posting in a football thread.

Yes, yes. Another condescending know-it-all who is certain he knows more than people who do this professionally. Your preferred play is ALWAYS the one that would have won the big game.

You’re so cool and so smart. Please take me to Prom.

 

[TheMightyVanHalen]

Yes, yes. Another condescending know-it-all who is certain he knows more than people who do this professionally. Your preferred play is ALWAYS the one that would have won the big game.

You’re so cool and so smart. Please take me to Prom.

Yep. No doubt about it now. You are the reason why we can't say *** here. Immature kids shouldn't be posting on the internets. I'm done with you, kid.

 

[Shotgun Dave]

Yep. No doubt about it now. You are the reason why we can't say *** here. Immature kids shouldn't be posting on the internets. I'm done with you, kid.

You can do a burnout in your Camaro now. Way cool, Jr.

 

[DogFace]

I recalled the Parsons' non calls immediately

Yes. They were comically blatant. And consistently so.

 

[Creeper]

I may be in the minority but I don't think the false start on Schoonmaker was a big deal. The way I see it,, the Cowboys were not going to run the football anyway so moving back 5 yards made the play a little easier. If they intended to run the football, I would have a different point of view. But when Schoon false starts you can see Dak dropping back. From teh 2 yard line teh Cowboys never intended to run the football even once due to time constraints.

To me, the 1st down fade was the bigger issue. The Cowboys run that play down by the end zone all the time. I don't think the Ravens were the least bit fooled. Schotty is as predictable as sun rise in the morning. The second down play where Schoonmaker committed the penalty was going to be another pass play. Dak was dropping deep. The next second down play was also a pass. The third down play should have been a TD. Pickens was open. Dak threw the ball away so quickly no receiver had a chance to run a route.

I think that Dak was so concerned about throwing an INT he got too conservative with his passes.

 

[Whirlwin]

I SAW THE GAME , I don’t wanna analyze it any further
I did enough screaming at the TV

 

[blueblood70]

I’m going to be blunt: if you want to debate football, you need to write coherently enough for people to understand what you’re arguing.

Your first post was pure adulterated chaos ... a wall of run‑on sentences, contradictions, and half‑formed thoughts. I ignored it entirely and completely because there was no way I was going to waste my time deciphering that post. You even admitted you had to “turn the rant into something coherent and legible,” which tells me you knew how unreadable it was the moment you hit “Post.”

And while your second post is cleaner, it’s nothing more than hubris dressed up in bullet points. It still doesn’t respond to the key plays I laid out or the situational context that defined the game. I’m pointing out specific moments that changed the outcome ... not offering a generic summary of the Cowboys’ issues.

Finally, you replied with “I skimmed your post,” which is just another way of saying you didn’t actually read it. If you’re not responding to what I wrote, and your first attempt wasn’t even coherent, then there’s really nothing meaningful to debate.

Honestly, you could have saved yourself a lot of typing by just posting your conclusion because that’s the only part that even remotely touches what I wrote. I wasn’t “misplacing primary fault” on anyone. I pointed out specific plays where the Cowboys left points on the field, and yes, that matters.

They kicked field goals instead of scoring touchdowns twice. That’s 8 points left on the board. Add those 8 points and the Cowboys win the game.

That’s the entire purpose of identifying key plays ... moments that directly affected the outcome. You can write a thousand words about defense, special teams, coaching philosophy, or “structural issues,” but none of that changes the math. Points left on the board change games. Period.

That’s all from me. If you want to talk about the actual plays that swung the game, great... but I’m not engaging in anything outside the actual game‑changing moments. And if the discussion isn’t about those, I’m not spending more time on it.

TLDR

We both can play that game but everything I said was true and I'm not reading a thing you say from now on so you have joined a very rare club I will not be reading or seeing your post from here on out and I hope you enjoy yourself arguing with yourself Sorry but I disagree with you wholeheartedly 100 percent and I will never agree with you so bye bye Didn't read it will not read it I will not read another thing from another person that only comes in when the Cowboys struggle in the top because it's apparent you don't come in here very often But to complain I don't talk to complainers people who are Debbie Downers and that you don't know anything about football this was all on the defense 100% 34 points that's it don't ever tell me anything else that a defense should be applauded for giving up 34 points and not one of them was a pick six Not one of them was an easy score for them they literally drove the ball on us all game except for three stops and they're being patted on the back..

 

[blueblood70]

Ode to Norm … Another game another loss. Before he retired, I always enjoyed listening to Norm Hitzges and his post-game analysis of his 5 key plays after either a Cowboy win or loss. These are 5 plays that many fans don’t necessarily remember but had an impact on the game. After a disappointing loss last night here are 5 plays that I have identified:

1. It is the 1st QTR and the 1st drive for the Cowboys. After stopping the Ravens and forcing them to a 3 and out the Cowboys all of a sudden discover a run game and proceed down the field in orderly fashion. After throwing an incomplete pass, it is now 3rd and Goal from the Ravens 1 yard line. Dak in Shotgun and is SACKED. The Cowboys are forced to kick a FG to make it 3-0.

As others have astutely alluded to …. Why are the Cowboys passing on 2 straight plays? You have the Ravens reeling in the beginning with the run game. Those 4 points left on the field are going to come back to haunt this team. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb playcalling here.

1. It is still the 1st QTR and after the Cowboys stop the Ravens on Downs, they get the ball in excellent shape. They proceed down the field ending with a TD. Aubrey extra point makes it 10-0 Cowboys. Here is where the 2nd Key play occurs. On the ensuing kick-off, Aubrey kicks the ball out of bounds. FLAG. The Ravens now get the ball on the 40 and with seemingly new life proceed to go down the field an score a TD bring the score to 10- 7 Cowboys.

Let’s examine this. How important is this ….. If the Aubrey keep the ball in bounds, and the Cowboys coverage team does it job you potentially have the Ravens on their 20-30 yard line, maybe back further. By having Aubrey kicking the ball out of bounds you are GIVING the Ravens extra yards. Compound that fact with leaving 4 points on the field from the Cowboys 1st drive, then the Ravens could have been looking at 14-0 starting much further back in their own territory. That is a completely different story than having a 10-0 lead with the Ravens starting on their 40.

1. It is now the 2nd QTR and the Cowboys are down 14-10. The Cowboys are on their own 44-yard line and it is 4th and 1. The Cowboys elect to go for it. Williams runs slightly off right tackle and is stopped for no-gain and loses the ball. Turnover on downs. Ravens kick a FG on the ensuing short field and go-up 17-10. Jim Nantz makes the comment that had Williams tried to go wide outside, there was room for Williams to possibly pick up the 1st and keep the drive alive. I know above I stated on the goal line they needed to run, but here on your own 44, why chance a Raven defense stop giving them excellent field position, which ultimately happened. Punting here would have been the right thing to do. Regardless, you are giving a chance for the Ravens to get at least 3 points which they did.
   
   
2. It is now the 3rd QTR and the 2nd drive for the Cowboys in the 2nd half. After receiving the ball the Cowboys drive down the field only to fumble the ball away …The Cowboys defense holds and on the Cowboys 2nd drive they again proceed to march down the field. It is 3rd and 9 from the BAL 44 and DAK completes a 20 yard pass to Pickens to the Raven 24. Awesome …just what the doctor ordered ….BUT WAIT …… There is FLAG. Offensive Holding on Terrence Steele. (SMH) So instead of a 1st down on the 24 it is now 3rd and 19. Dak completes a 13 yard pass to try to get some of the yardage back but not enough as it is 4th and 6th from the Raven 41. Why is this important you ask … on the ensuing FG try, Aubrey’s kick is BLOCKED. That penalty was an absolute killer and momentum changer. As the Ravens take 4 plays and score a TD to go up 24-13. That is a potential 14 point swing. Instead of being down 24-13 the Cowboys could have potentially been up 20-17 or down only 17-16. Regardless … that penalty was HUGE with a capital “H”.
3. It now the 4th QTR. The Cowboys just gave up the go-ahead TD and are now down 31-28. Under 2 minutes the Cowboys move the ball effectively downfield. 0:20 seconds to go and it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 2. The dreaded FLAG rears its ugly head. False Start on Schoonmaker. Now it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 7. What could have been a run/pass play now dictates it more or less needs to be a pass. Dak scrambles up the middle for 2 yards to the BAL 5. The 3rd down pass to Pickens wasn’t even close. Aubrey ties it up with the FG. How frustrating is it that again the Cowboys cannot punch it in this time due to a penalty. That False Start pretty much dictated what the Cowboys could run especially with the limited time left on the clock.
4. Bonus: It is now the following kick off and instead of some type squibb kick forcing the Ravens a return and thus taking time off the clock, Aubrey kicks ball out of endzone for a touchback giving the Ravens the ball on their 35. More importantly NO TIME came off the clock and the Ravens still have 7 seconds. 27 yards later and with 1 second on the clock the defense gives up a huge pass play and well …that’s the ballgame as we see Loop’s kick go through the uprights.

In my humble opinion this was a winnable game and the Cowboys failed in ALL facets of the game.

The offense needs to punch in for TD when on the 2-yard line, not once but twice. That was the ball game right there. Cowboys score TD’s there, the Cowboys win this game.

The defense still gave up 192 rushing yards and despite holding Henry to under 100 yards. Yes they stopped Henry down near goal line, but could not get critical stops when needed. Letting Jackson complete a 27-yard pass with 7 seconds is inexcusable.

Special teams – Aubrey had 2 kicks go out of bounds, 1 blocked FG attempt, and in my opinion a Touchback which was critical in setting up Jackson’s pass considering no time came off the clock.

Coaching matters. Enough said.

Sigh ……..

Was 100% a horrible take I don't agree with any of it and I'm glad I won't see your post anymore....IGNORED!!

 

[rxdoc]

I may be in the minority but I don't think the false start on Schoonmaker was a big deal. The way I see it,, the Cowboys were not going to run the football anyway so moving back 5 yards made the play a little easier. If they intended to run the football, I would have a different point of view. But when Schoon false starts you can see Dak dropping back. From teh 2 yard line teh Cowboys never intended to run the football even once due to time constraints.

To me, the 1st down fade was the bigger issue. The Cowboys run that play down by the end zone all the time. I don't think the Ravens were the least bit fooled. Schotty is as predictable as sun rise in the morning. The second down play where Schoonmaker committed the penalty was going to be another pass play. Dak was dropping deep. The next second down play was also a pass. The third down play should have been a TD. Pickens was open. Dak threw the ball away so quickly no receiver had a chance to run a route.

I think that Dak was so concerned about throwing an INT he got too conservative with his passes.

Appreciate the response ... I see your POV. I may disagree, but I can understand where you are coming from ...

 

[Whirlwin]

Appreciate the response ... I see your POV. I may disagree, but I can understand where you are coming from ...

That’s all I try to do, I don’t have to agree or disagree with someone to understand what the point is, respect on that

 

[Relayer]

Maybe because the Ravens stacked the line and were going to use a blitz that both stopped the run and gave them the numbers advantage on a passing down.

Screens and draw plays counter that.

 

[Relayer]

According to your logic, we are supposed to only alternate passing and running plays? Calling a passing or running play consecutively is not OK? It’s “dumb” to do that?

Because the entire league is apparently dumb every single game, every single weekend.

How about 2 dumb plays in a row?

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

Ode to Norm … Another game another loss. Before he retired, I always enjoyed listening to Norm Hitzges and his post-game analysis of his 5 key plays after either a Cowboy win or loss. These are 5 plays that many fans don’t necessarily remember but had an impact on the game. After a disappointing loss last night here are 5 plays that I have identified:

1. It is the 1st QTR and the 1st drive for the Cowboys. After stopping the Ravens and forcing them to a 3 and out the Cowboys all of a sudden discover a run game and proceed down the field in orderly fashion. After throwing an incomplete pass, it is now 3rd and Goal from the Ravens 1 yard line. Dak in Shotgun and is SACKED. The Cowboys are forced to kick a FG to make it 3-0.

As others have astutely alluded to …. Why are the Cowboys passing on 2 straight plays? You have the Ravens reeling in the beginning with the run game. Those 4 points left on the field are going to come back to haunt this team. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb playcalling here.

1. It is still the 1st QTR and after the Cowboys stop the Ravens on Downs, they get the ball in excellent shape. They proceed down the field ending with a TD. Aubrey extra point makes it 10-0 Cowboys. Here is where the 2nd Key play occurs. On the ensuing kick-off, Aubrey kicks the ball out of bounds. FLAG. The Ravens now get the ball on the 40 and with seemingly new life proceed to go down the field an score a TD bring the score to 10- 7 Cowboys.

Let’s examine this. How important is this ….. If the Aubrey keep the ball in bounds, and the Cowboys coverage team does it job you potentially have the Ravens on their 20-30 yard line, maybe back further. By having Aubrey kicking the ball out of bounds you are GIVING the Ravens extra yards. Compound that fact with leaving 4 points on the field from the Cowboys 1st drive, then the Ravens could have been looking at 14-0 starting much further back in their own territory. That is a completely different story than having a 10-0 lead with the Ravens starting on their 40.

1. It is now the 2nd QTR and the Cowboys are down 14-10. The Cowboys are on their own 44-yard line and it is 4th and 1. The Cowboys elect to go for it. Williams runs slightly off right tackle and is stopped for no-gain and loses the ball. Turnover on downs. Ravens kick a FG on the ensuing short field and go-up 17-10. Jim Nantz makes the comment that had Williams tried to go wide outside, there was room for Williams to possibly pick up the 1st and keep the drive alive. I know above I stated on the goal line they needed to run, but here on your own 44, why chance a Raven defense stop giving them excellent field position, which ultimately happened. Punting here would have been the right thing to do. Regardless, you are giving a chance for the Ravens to get at least 3 points which they did.
   
   
2. It is now the 3rd QTR and the 2nd drive for the Cowboys in the 2nd half. After receiving the ball the Cowboys drive down the field only to fumble the ball away …The Cowboys defense holds and on the Cowboys 2nd drive they again proceed to march down the field. It is 3rd and 9 from the BAL 44 and DAK completes a 20 yard pass to Pickens to the Raven 24. Awesome …just what the doctor ordered ….BUT WAIT …… There is FLAG. Offensive Holding on Terrence Steele. (SMH) So instead of a 1st down on the 24 it is now 3rd and 19. Dak completes a 13 yard pass to try to get some of the yardage back but not enough as it is 4th and 6th from the Raven 41. Why is this important you ask … on the ensuing FG try, Aubrey’s kick is BLOCKED. That penalty was an absolute killer and momentum changer. As the Ravens take 4 plays and score a TD to go up 24-13. That is a potential 14 point swing. Instead of being down 24-13 the Cowboys could have potentially been up 20-17 or down only 17-16. Regardless … that penalty was HUGE with a capital “H”.
3. It now the 4th QTR. The Cowboys just gave up the go-ahead TD and are now down 31-28. Under 2 minutes the Cowboys move the ball effectively downfield. 0:20 seconds to go and it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 2. The dreaded FLAG rears its ugly head. False Start on Schoonmaker. Now it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 7. What could have been a run/pass play now dictates it more or less needs to be a pass. Dak scrambles up the middle for 2 yards to the BAL 5. The 3rd down pass to Pickens wasn’t even close. Aubrey ties it up with the FG. How frustrating is it that again the Cowboys cannot punch it in this time due to a penalty. That False Start pretty much dictated what the Cowboys could run especially with the limited time left on the clock.
4. Bonus: It is now the following kick off and instead of some type squibb kick forcing the Ravens a return and thus taking time off the clock, Aubrey kicks ball out of endzone for a touchback giving the Ravens the ball on their 35. More importantly NO TIME came off the clock and the Ravens still have 7 seconds. 27 yards later and with 1 second on the clock the defense gives up a huge pass play and well …that’s the ballgame as we see Loop’s kick go through the uprights.

In my humble opinion this was a winnable game and the Cowboys failed in ALL facets of the game.

The offense needs to punch in for TD when on the 2-yard line, not once but twice. That was the ball game right there. Cowboys score TD’s there, the Cowboys win this game.

The defense still gave up 192 rushing yards and despite holding Henry to under 100 yards. Yes they stopped Henry down near goal line, but could not get critical stops when needed. Letting Jackson complete a 27-yard pass with 7 seconds is inexcusable.

Special teams – Aubrey had 2 kicks go out of bounds, 1 blocked FG attempt, and in my opinion a Touchback which was critical in setting up Jackson’s pass considering no time came off the clock.

Coaching matters. Enough said.

Sigh ……..

This is HOW a game should be analyzed. No agendas. No narrative. Just the FACTS. This breakdown does that...and with a young inexperienced coaching staff, and a rebuilding defense...our margin for error is slim against a quality opponent. And no, I don't expect a perfect game.....from ANYONE...but understand that the biggest responsibility for the QB is winning....but that does not mean the person with the biggest check should be expected to overcome his imperfections AND everyone else's as well.

 

[Shotgun Dave]

How about 2 dumb plays in a row?

Here again, armchair quarterbacks always have the winning play dialed right up. It’s not even hindsight, it’s just narcissism.

Coach’s play didn’t win the big game, but the guy who stocks shelves at the auto parts store has JUST the right call.

I just think it’s funny.

 

[TwoDeep3]

Screens and draw plays counter that.

Thank you, Knute Rockne.

 

[rxdoc]

This is HOW a game should be analyzed. No agendas. No narrative. Just the FACTS. This breakdown does that...and with a young inexperienced coaching staff, and a rebuilding defense...our margin for error is slim against a quality opponent. And no, I don't expect a perfect game.....from ANYONE...but understand that the biggest responsibility for the QB is winning....but that does not mean the person with the biggest check should be expected to overcome his imperfections AND everyone else's as well.

Appreciate the kind words ... that is all I am trying to do. Sadly some other knuckleheads can't seem to comprehend that. As Harry Morgan used top say on Dragnet .. "Just the facts"

 

[xwalker]

Ode to Norm … Another game another loss. Before he retired, I always enjoyed listening to Norm Hitzges and his post-game analysis of his 5 key plays after either a Cowboy win or loss. These are 5 plays that many fans don’t necessarily remember but had an impact on the game. After a disappointing loss last night here are 5 plays that I have identified:

1. It is the 1st QTR and the 1st drive for the Cowboys. After stopping the Ravens and forcing them to a 3 and out the Cowboys all of a sudden discover a run game and proceed down the field in orderly fashion. After throwing an incomplete pass, it is now 3rd and Goal from the Ravens 1 yard line. Dak in Shotgun and is SACKED. The Cowboys are forced to kick a FG to make it 3-0.

As others have astutely alluded to …. Why are the Cowboys passing on 2 straight plays? You have the Ravens reeling in the beginning with the run game. Those 4 points left on the field are going to come back to haunt this team. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb playcalling here.

1. It is still the 1st QTR and after the Cowboys stop the Ravens on Downs, they get the ball in excellent shape. They proceed down the field ending with a TD. Aubrey extra point makes it 10-0 Cowboys. Here is where the 2nd Key play occurs. On the ensuing kick-off, Aubrey kicks the ball out of bounds. FLAG. The Ravens now get the ball on the 40 and with seemingly new life proceed to go down the field an score a TD bring the score to 10- 7 Cowboys.

Let’s examine this. How important is this ….. If the Aubrey keep the ball in bounds, and the Cowboys coverage team does it job you potentially have the Ravens on their 20-30 yard line, maybe back further. By having Aubrey kicking the ball out of bounds you are GIVING the Ravens extra yards. Compound that fact with leaving 4 points on the field from the Cowboys 1st drive, then the Ravens could have been looking at 14-0 starting much further back in their own territory. That is a completely different story than having a 10-0 lead with the Ravens starting on their 40.

1. It is now the 2nd QTR and the Cowboys are down 14-10. The Cowboys are on their own 44-yard line and it is 4th and 1. The Cowboys elect to go for it. Williams runs slightly off right tackle and is stopped for no-gain and loses the ball. Turnover on downs. Ravens kick a FG on the ensuing short field and go-up 17-10. Jim Nantz makes the comment that had Williams tried to go wide outside, there was room for Williams to possibly pick up the 1st and keep the drive alive. I know above I stated on the goal line they needed to run, but here on your own 44, why chance a Raven defense stop giving them excellent field position, which ultimately happened. Punting here would have been the right thing to do. Regardless, you are giving a chance for the Ravens to get at least 3 points which they did.
   
   
2. It is now the 3rd QTR and the 2nd drive for the Cowboys in the 2nd half. After receiving the ball the Cowboys drive down the field only to fumble the ball away …The Cowboys defense holds and on the Cowboys 2nd drive they again proceed to march down the field. It is 3rd and 9 from the BAL 44 and DAK completes a 20 yard pass to Pickens to the Raven 24. Awesome …just what the doctor ordered ….BUT WAIT …… There is FLAG. Offensive Holding on Terrence Steele. (SMH) So instead of a 1st down on the 24 it is now 3rd and 19. Dak completes a 13 yard pass to try to get some of the yardage back but not enough as it is 4th and 6th from the Raven 41. Why is this important you ask … on the ensuing FG try, Aubrey’s kick is BLOCKED. That penalty was an absolute killer and momentum changer. As the Ravens take 4 plays and score a TD to go up 24-13. That is a potential 14 point swing. Instead of being down 24-13 the Cowboys could have potentially been up 20-17 or down only 17-16. Regardless … that penalty was HUGE with a capital “H”.
3. It now the 4th QTR. The Cowboys just gave up the go-ahead TD and are now down 31-28. Under 2 minutes the Cowboys move the ball effectively downfield. 0:20 seconds to go and it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 2. The dreaded FLAG rears its ugly head. False Start on Schoonmaker. Now it is 2nd and Goal from the BAL 7. What could have been a run/pass play now dictates it more or less needs to be a pass. Dak scrambles up the middle for 2 yards to the BAL 5. The 3rd down pass to Pickens wasn’t even close. Aubrey ties it up with the FG. How frustrating is it that again the Cowboys cannot punch it in this time due to a penalty. That False Start pretty much dictated what the Cowboys could run especially with the limited time left on the clock.
4. Bonus: It is now the following kick off and instead of some type squibb kick forcing the Ravens a return and thus taking time off the clock, Aubrey kicks ball out of endzone for a touchback giving the Ravens the ball on their 35. More importantly NO TIME came off the clock and the Ravens still have 7 seconds. 27 yards later and with 1 second on the clock the defense gives up a huge pass play and well …that’s the ballgame as we see Loop’s kick go through the uprights.

In my humble opinion this was a winnable game and the Cowboys failed in ALL facets of the game.

The offense needs to punch in for TD when on the 2-yard line, not once but twice. That was the ball game right there. Cowboys score TD’s there, the Cowboys win this game.

The defense still gave up 192 rushing yards and despite holding Henry to under 100 yards. Yes they stopped Henry down near goal line, but could not get critical stops when needed. Letting Jackson complete a 27-yard pass with 7 seconds is inexcusable.

Special teams – Aubrey had 2 kicks go out of bounds, 1 blocked FG attempt, and in my opinion a Touchback which was critical in setting up Jackson’s pass considering no time came off the clock.

Coaching matters. Enough said.

Sigh ……..

Steele also whiffed on the blocked kick...