Zig when they expect you to Zag (Dal vs GB)

[Hawkeye19]

I realize everyone is excited about the #1 rushing offense taking on the #1 rushing defense-- but we need to out-coach GB in order to maximize our game-plan in order to give us the best chance to win.

Going up there and just assuming we can run the ball right off the bat might be a tad presumptuous. I know it worked against Cinci last week, and eventually I think we WILL be able to run the ball this week-- but I am advocating deploying a strategy that keeps the GB defense on their heels: Throw the ball early and exploit their injured and depleted secondary.

The Packers have no choice but to prepare for our running game. That will be their focus. I would prepare Dak with some play action intermediate/deep passes right off the bat. If we can get on the board early and take the lead-- we put the pressure on them, and we can start feeding off the momentum like we did against Cinci.

I think if we go up there and force the run-- we could run right into the teeth of their defensive plan, and get behind the 8 ball early on the road against a very good opponent. IMO-- this is a week that we throw to set up the run later and get the majority of our yards on the ground in the 2nd half grinding the GB defense down.

 

[erod]

Totally disagree.

Dallas is winning because they're shortening games with the run game and converting on 3rd down. You get into a long, pass-happy battle with Rodgers, and you're going to lose ugly.

 

[theebs]

We came out sunday throwing the ball early and then the run was just to much for the bengals to handle. I expect the same this week. Make them play the pass on a few of the early plays.

 

[Zekeats]

I think if we hit em on the first drive with a lot of passing and get a score, even if it's a FG that it will open up the running game big time.

 

[DeaconMoss]

That's the beauty of having a mobile QB who can rpo a few times. Zag and zig on the same play

 

[robbieruff]

I realize everyone is excited about the #1 rushing offense taking on the #1 rushing defense-- but we need to out-coach GB in order to maximize our game-plan in order to give us the best chance to win.

Going up there and just assuming we can run the ball right off the bat might be a tad presumptuous. I know it worked against Cinci last week, and eventually I think we WILL be able to run the ball this week-- but I am advocating deploying a strategy that keeps the GB defense on their heels: Throw the ball early and exploit their injured and depleted secondary.

The Packers have no choice but to prepare for our running game. That will be their focus. I would prepare Dak with some play action intermediate/deep passes right off the bat. If we can get on the board early and take the lead-- we put the pressure on them, and we can start feeding off the momentum like we did against Cinci.

I think if we go up there and force the run-- we could run right into the teeth of their defensive plan, and get behind the 8 ball early on the road against a very good opponent. IMO-- this is a week that we throw to set up the run later and get the majority of our yards on the ground in the 2nd half grinding the GB defense down.

Couldnt agree more. Just stated this in another thread. Bradford killed them thru the air and Eli should've done the same with even average accuracy. Play action. Quick rollouts. Misdirection and screens. And challenge them deep. They're as vulnerable as they can ever be right now.


Oh. And pressure the crud out of Aaron Rodgers.

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

You go with your strength. This team's strength is running the ball. Out coaching the opponent is not one of this teams strengths.

 

[tyke1doe]

We came out sunday throwing the ball early and then the run was just to much for the bengals to handle. I expect the same this week. Make them play the pass on a few of the early plays.

I thought we ran more than we passed on the first series?

 

[lkelly]

Watch the replay of Zeke's carries against Cincy. On several they ran the zone read look and Prescott handed him the ball. I counted at least 3 instances where Dak could have kept it and likely generated a huge gain. I'm fairly certain that they don't want to run him much for fear of injury or wear and tear that will hamper his effectiveness, but there are yards to be had there. If Romo is nearly available I think they should consider a few more QB run plays especially if the other team is stacking the box to key on Zeke.

The kid is a terrific passer and looks to be mature beyond his years running the show. If they take more advantage of his running ability then it might be even more unfair. This goes without the possible inclusion of Dez in the passing game to pull an extra defender into his area (provided we aren't playing vs. Josh Norman).

 

[theebs]

I thought we ran more than we passed on the first series?

Utlimtately we did, but they came out looking to throw and did the first two plays.

After that first handoff where zeke looked like he was playing at a different speed I think they just stayed with it.

They script that first drive so it would be fun to know if they made changes.

 

[jazzcat22]

I hope our D can do a Zig to their Zag and then they wind up Dazed and Confused as we put Led in their Zepplin....causing them to take the Stairway to Hell....

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Totally disagree.

Dallas is winning because they're shortening games with the run game and converting on 3rd down. You get into a long, pass-happy battle with Rodgers, and you're going to lose ugly.

I agree to a point.

To win, Dallas must continue doing what they are doing with both the run and pass. The short passing game should compliment Dallas' effort to run the football, especially if they have a lead, against what is a solid run defense.

 

[erod]

Watch the replay of Zeke's carries against Cincy. On several they ran the zone read look and Prescott handed him the ball. I counted at least 3 instances where Dak could have kept it and likely generated a huge gain. I'm fairly certain that they don't want to run him much for fear of injury or wear and tear that will hamper his effectiveness, but there are yards to be had there. If Romo is nearly available I think they should consider a few more QB run plays especially if the other team is stacking the box to key on Zeke.

The kid is a terrific passer and looks to be mature beyond his years running the show. If they take more advantage of his running ability then it might be even more unfair. This goes without the possible inclusion of Dez in the passing game to pull an extra defender into his area (provided we aren't playing vs. Josh Norman).

Quarterbacks who like to run.....lose in the NFL.

 

[erod]

I agree to a point.

To win, Dallas must continue doing what they are doing with both the run and pass. The short passing game should compliment Dallas' effort to run the football, especially if they have a lead, against what is a solid run defense.

I don't mean they shouldn't pass. I just disagree with the notion that that the run game should be some kind of decoy this week. No need for a "surprise" attack. Make them stop our run. Cincinnati is better up front, and they couldn't.

They're asking very little of Dak in the passing game. Run the ball, play-action, bootlegs with easy throws, keep it simple. And he's been spot on with his accuracy in that approach.

I do think they need to stretch the field a bit more on a few plays.

 

[ConceptCoop]

Quarterbacks who like to run.....lose in the NFL.

I wouldn't go that far. Newton has won a lot of games in his young career. But I do get your overall point: There's a risk/reward there and not many QBs are built to justify that risk.

 

[lkelly]

Quarterbacks who like to run.....lose in the NFL.

Newton destroyed the NFL (up until the Super Bowl where he played against a defense that was one of the league's historical best and also had weeks to prepare) last year. Dak waltzed in untouched last week on a play that went down just as I described. Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl and absent an ill-advised pass play call at the goal line, would have another running quite a bit.

As long as the QB is responsible and doesn't take too many hits, a mobile attack that incorporates some designed runs can be very effective. Heck, a garbage QB like Kap out in SF went to and almost won a Super Bowl as primarily a running threat. He tore up a Dom Capers defense that year too.

 

[Garrettop]

Line up and smash 'em in the mouth. That is what this team was built to do, and it travels well.

 

[erod]

Newton destroyed the NFL (up until the Super Bowl where he played against a defense that was one of the league's historical best and also had weeks to prepare) last year. Dak waltzed in untouched last week on a play that went down just as I described. Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl and absent an ill-advised pass play call at the goal line, would have another running quite a bit.

As long as the QB is responsible and doesn't take too many hits, a mobile attack that incorporates some designed runs can be very effective. Heck, a garbage QB like Kap out in SF went to and almost won a Super Bowl as primarily a running threat. He tore up a Dom Capers defense that year too.

Cam is 260 pounds. He doesn't count.

Wilson has benefitted from a tremendous running game and a dominant defense. If he played here, he'd be out of the league by now. (Slight exaggeration for effect.)

 

[31smackdown]

I fully expect a lot of run blitzes from the Packers on early downs. Zeke will need to be solid in his blitz pickups this week if we are going to make them pay on play action.

 

[LocimusPrime]

The OP reminded me of ZigZags from back in the day