Garrett Addresses Clock Management On Final Scoring Drive vs. Packers

[Diehardblues]

It should be an overwhelming topic because it was a play called by this staff that was key in giving Rodgers over a minute to go and a timeout in his pocket.

If we don't score they don't need any time for Rodgers.

 

[Sydla]

If we don't score they don't need any time for Rodgers.

Why do you persist in making this statement over and over? No one has suggested the Cowboys not score or only run really conservative plays or run the clock down to zero.

Further, the bizarreness of your comment is that the issue at hand isn't just calling a pass on that play but rather calling a low percentage pass play.

So if you want to keep pounding this drum that we had to score there, then it still supports the point that calling a fade on 2nd and 2 was pretty boneheaded.

 

[Diehardblues]

Why do you persist in making this statement over and over? No one has suggested the Cowboys not score or only run really conservative plays or run the clock down to zero.

Further, the bizarreness of your comment is that the issue at hand isn't just calling a pass on that play but rather calling a low percentage pass play.

So if you want to keep pounding this drum that we had to score there, then it still supports the point that calling a fade on 2nd and 2 was pretty boneheaded.

I've already stated the call was questionable but not the intent.

It certainly appears there's been more to your argument than just this particular play called concerning the clock, etc.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

We could easily be 4-1 right now guys. This isn't about horses IMO. I mean, yeah, we could say that we don't have the man power but honestly, we made costly mistakes that cost us those games. A Football Season is about surviving to reach the playoffs. We have made this a lot harder for ourselves simply because we have not played smart football.

 

[Idgit]

I was foolish to call and throw the last pass to Dez in that game situation. 2nd and 2, from the GB 11. Needs to be a run, every time. The reality is, they might have scored a play earlier than they did if they'd called the run there, so all this discussion might be moot. But there's no sense denying it was a bad play call.

Which is a shame, because it came near the end of a beautiful 18 play drive that took up 8:43 off of a game clock we took over with about 10 minutes still to play. There were 8 other passes on that drive to get into scoring position, too, any number of which, had they been runs, would have taken more time off the clock. 3rd and 1 from the GB 44 (the pass to Keith Smith) was another example.

That said, that play call was far down on the list of reasons why we lost that game. The pick-six when we were in position to put the game away was a far, far more important play. And for the life of me I still don't understand why you guys are so willing to step around the steaming pile of defense to put the emphasis instead on a play call. I mean, I get why it happens: Garrett's the coach and that makes him a target. But if you want to blame Garrett, it makes a lot more sense to be irate about the continued inattention to the defense that keeps biting us over and over and over than it does to fixate on a single (terrible) play call in a drive otherwise full of great play calls.

 

[Sydla]

I've already stated the call was questionable but not the intent.

It certainly appears there's been more to your argument than just this particular play called concerning the clock, etc.

It's entirely my argument.

Calling a RPO that gave Prescott the option to throw a fade was a boneheaded decision that isn't uncommon for this staff and was a big factor in losing that game. Not the only factor, but a big one. And it fits in line with the consistent theme that this coaching staff far too often can make squirrely decisions at bad moments.

Over a course of a game, a few plays can have a pretty big impact on the outcome. While not totally responsible for said outcome, still has a much larger effect than others. Take Switzer's muffed punt against the Rams. That's a pretty big play and likely a big game changer IMO. Rams were on their heels, we had a big lead and would have had the ball with a chance to step on their throat.

And in this game, that 2nd down and 2 was a pretty big play that had a substantial effect on the overall outcome of the game because it was a play call that gave you the highest probability of having a negative outcome for the Cowboys.

 

[Plankton]

They all work in tandem yet Garrett is the only one getting blame lol.....despite us not knowing of Dak audibled out of a run or if it was Linehans call.....

January 17, 1993. Candlestick Park in San Francisco. 4th quarter, 4:22 remaining. The Cowboys gave up a touchdown to the 49ers, cutting their lead to 24-20.

The Cowboys take over following the kickoff, and have first and ten. Norv Turner over the headset asks Jimmy Johnson what he wants to do. Johnson says throw the ball to win the game.

If the slant to Harper failed, or resulted in a turnover, Johnson would have been roasted, not Norv Turner. He's the head coach - the buck stops with him, and he asserted himself with his OC and ruled on what the Cowboys strategically should do.

Garrett, as the head coach, has the responsibility to make sure that what happens on the field is what he wants to see. He absolutely should be questioned and roasted about that play call - it comes with the territory.

 

[Sydla]

I was foolish to call and throw the last pass to Dez in that game situation. 2nd and 2, from the GB 11. Needs to be a run, every time. The reality is, they might have scored a play earlier than they did if they'd called the run there, so all this discussion might be moot. But there's no sense denying it was a bad play call.

Which is a shame, because it came near the end of a beautiful 18 play drive that took up 8:43 off of a game clock we took over with about 10 minutes still to play. There were 8 other passes on that drive to get into scoring position, too, any number of which, had they been runs, would have taken more time off the clock. 3rd and 1 from the GB 44 (the pass to Keith Smith) was another example.

That said, that play call was far down on the list of reasons why we lost that game. The pick-six when we were in position to put the game away was a far, far more important play. And for the life of me I still don't understand why you guys are so willing to step around the steaming pile of defense to put the emphasis instead on a play call. I mean, I get why it happens: Garrett's the coach and that makes him a target. But if you want to blame Garrett, it makes a lot more sense to be irate about the continued inattention to the defense that keeps biting us over and over and over than it does to fixate on a single (terrible) play call in a drive otherwise full of great play calls.

And I think that's what is the most frustrating thing about it.

That drive was picture perfect. They did everything right. Linehan was calling a great drive. The Packers were desperate. They couldn't stop the Cowboys from eating clock and eating small chunks of yardage either by running or some quick short passes. 4 yards, 5 yards, 7 yards, etc.

And then, for some bizarre reason, when you've almost pulled off the perfect drive, the offensive staff decides that is the perfect time to have a fade pass called. I mean even if one is pushing the notion that you had to score there and needed to call plays that gave you the best chance to score there, a fade isn't one of those plays.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

January 17, 1993. Candlestick Park in San Francisco. 4th quarter, 4:22 remaining. The Cowboys gave up a touchdown to the 49ers, cutting their lead to 24-20.

The Cowboys take over following the kickoff, and have first and ten. Norv Turner over the headset asks Jimmy Johnson what he wants to do. Johnson says throw the ball to win the game.

If the slant to Harper failed, or resulted in a turnover, Johnson would have been roasted, not Norv Turner. He's the head coach - the buck stops with him, and he asserted himself with his OC and ruled on what the Cowboys strategically should do.

Garrett, as the head coach, has the responsibility to make sure that what happens on the field is what he wants to see. He absolutely should be questioned and roasted about that play call - it comes with the territory.

It's funny you make this comparison. I was just thinking the other day that Jimmy would have played that different. Who knows but I feel like that's the truth.

 

[Diehardblues]

It's entirely my argument.

Calling a RPO that gave Prescott the option to throw a fade was a boneheaded decision that isn't uncommon for this staff and was a big factor in losing that game. Not the only factor, but a big one. And it fits in line with the consistent theme that this coaching staff far too often can make squirrely decisions at bad moments.

Over a course of a game, a few plays can have a pretty big impact on the outcome. While not totally responsible for said outcome, still has a much larger effect than others. Take Switzer's muffed punt against the Rams. That's a pretty big play and likely a big game changer IMO. Rams were on their heels, we had a big lead and would have had the ball with a chance to step on their throat.

And in this game, that 2nd down and 2 was a pretty big play that had a substantial effect on the overall outcome of the game because it was a play call that gave you the highest probability of having a negative outcome for the Cowboys.

I was right . Your argument is more than just the questionable call.

 

[Idgit]

And I think that's what is the most frustrating thing about it.

That drive was picture perfect. They did everything right. Linehan was calling a great drive. The Packers were desperate. They couldn't stop the Cowboys from eating clock and eating small chunks of yardage either by running or some quick short passes. 4 yards, 5 yards, 7 yards, etc.

And then, for some bizarre reason, when you've almost pulled off the perfect drive, the offensive staff decides that is the perfect time to have a fade pass called. I mean even if one is pushing the notion that you had to score there and needed to call plays that gave you the best chance to score there, a fade isn't one of those plays.

No doubt. It was a stupid call. Stupid for everyone involved: Garrett, Linehan, Dak. Needed to be a run there.

It's also a shame because the staff had actually done a good job on a couple of other occasions that game. I liked both the 4th down calls, for example. And I liked Garrett getting as involved as he did on the other end of the field with the stupid penalty on the grounding play. But a play like this becomes a lightning rod for fans, for obvious reasons.

 

[Diehardblues]

No doubt. It was a stupid call. Stupid for everyone involved: Garrett, Linehan, Dak. Needed to be a run there.

It's also a shame because the staff had actually done a good job on a couple of other occasions that game. I liked both the 4th down calls, for example. And I liked Garrett getting as involved as he did on the other end of the field with the stupid penalty on the grounding play. But a play like this becomes a lightning rod for fans, for obvious reasons.

Yep.

 

[cml750]

Of course that second down call was questionable at the time but it shouldn't be an overwhelming topic as it has been. Typical Monday Morning QB.

If Garrett hadn't made a career out of mistakes like this, it would not get the time it is getting. The reason it is getting so much attention is because of Garrett. Any coach can make a mistake in any given situation but they learn from them. These types of mistakes are talked about on Monday morning and quickly forgotten and the coach had a learning experience. That is the norm with most any coach. Garrett has not shown he is incapable of learning from his mistakes probably because he always deflects blame. That is why we see the same type of mistakes from him over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over..........

 

[CCBoy]

I was foolish to call and throw the last pass to Dez in that game situation. 2nd and 2, from the GB 11. Needs to be a run, every time. The reality is, they might have scored a play earlier than they did if they'd called the run there, so all this discussion might be moot. But there's no sense denying it was a bad play call.

Which is a shame, because it came near the end of a beautiful 18 play drive that took up 8:43 off of a game clock we took over with about 10 minutes still to play. There were 8 other passes on that drive to get into scoring position, too, any number of which, had they been runs, would have taken more time off the clock. 3rd and 1 from the GB 44 (the pass to Keith Smith) was another example.

That said, that play call was far down on the list of reasons why we lost that game. The pick-six when we were in position to put the game away was a far, far more important play. And for the life of me I still don't understand why you guys are so willing to step around the steaming pile of defense to put the emphasis instead on a play call. I mean, I get why it happens: Garrett's the coach and that makes him a target. But if you want to blame Garrett, it makes a lot more sense to be irate about the continued inattention to the defense that keeps biting us over and over and over than it does to fixate on a single (terrible) play call in a drive otherwise full of great play calls.

The Cowboys were at least focused on 3rd down. What? 7 for 8 successful

 

[percyhoward]

bottom line is this team is in big trouble if offense has to consistently hide defense from big boy situations.

Over the last two seasons...

When the Cowboys score 30 or 31 points, they are 1-3.

All other teams, when they score 30 or 31 points, are 41-7

 

[DiResta]

A young QB in that situation is going to call the play called. So if he's given a RPO and the defensive formation calls for a fade, he's going to throw the fade. Now an experienced QB like a Brady or Rodgers or Brees might understand the situation better and stick with the run.

Blaming Dak for doing his job is silly. An RPO that has an option to throw a freaking fade pattern is a bad play call and that's on Linehan, not Prescott.

what?
first i said that Dak is young, he will learn it was tough situation for him.
but if he has a play call to run or pass or keep and instead of running down the clock he throws
how is that the play callers fault?? unless you are saying Linehan told him in headset
if Dez is 1 on 1 throw at him
we know he didnt thats silly

another thing
Romo was a gunslinger, he was always pass pass pass he even admitted last week as a commentator i throw there and apologize to the rb later.
now of course those 2 are very different and Romo himself you would not leave him 1;20 seconds because he will beat you
but Dak did throw instead of run.

 

[Sydla]

I was right . Your argument is more than just the questionable call.

Oh I see what you mean. I place more value on the call and it's effect on the outcome.

I think I get your point, my bad.

 

[mahoneybill]

Typical mealy mouth answer from him.

Just admit the play call was probably a mistake and move on. It's not that hard, Jason. His rational about how Prescott had three TDs on short passes earlier in the game is just a mind numbingly silly answer because it fails to really take into account the timing of those TDs and the fact none were as low percentage as a corner fade.

And as Wood said, we are in trouble if we have to protect the D but frankly that's the reality. You have to constantly worry about where and what situations this D will be put in. Marinelli is what he is and this defense is what it is. Oh he could play more man or blitz more but that's not going to really change things drastically. Real change will come this offseason when hopefully we look for a new DC and figure out a way to improve the talent on D.

Garrett caught in his own words/thinking. He is pleased we are able to score 30, and grind out a long drive to close out the game.

What he's forgetting is he is not addressing the D back end inadequate scheme. No Turnovers, free releases of WR's and a constant gashing of the LB's on runs is a season disaster.....

 

[Sydla]

what?
first i said that Dak is young, he will learn it was tough situation for him.
but if he has a play call to run or pass or keep and instead of running down the clock he throws
how is that the play callers fault?? unless you are saying Linehan told him in headset
if Dez is 1 on 1 throw at him
we know he didnt thats silly

another thing
Romo was a gunslinger, he was always pass pass pass he even admitted last week as a commentator i throw there and apologize to the rb later.
now of course those 2 are very different and Romo himself you would not leave him 1;20 seconds because he will beat you
but Dak did throw instead of run.

What?

The run or pass option given to Prescott isn't predicated on the clock or time. It's simply about recognizing the defense that the Packers are playing and Prescott optioning to either a run or pass based on how the Packers will defend him. The option has nothing to do with Prescott being given the option to run or pass based on how he wants the clock to run.

That's why it's the play callers' fault. If you don't want the QB to potentially throw and stop the clock, then you don't call a play where Prescott has the option to change a play into a pass simply based on whether or not the Packers line up a certain way on defense.

By giving Prescott that play, he did in fact basically tell Prescott if Dez is one on one, option to the fade and throw it.

 

[Parcells4Life]

So basically............... coaches are really good, the players are hamstringed them.

Big shocker but coach’s schemes are only good as the players running them. Which is why to me it doesn’t matter what defense we run if front 4 can’t stop the run.

Offensively Dak is not yet capable of running Tony’s throw it 50 times a game scheme so he needs a ball control offense but that’s not very effective if the OLine can’t create holes.

Look at Kyle Shanahan. He was a genius when he had a healthy RG3. Then RG3 goes down and he becomes a nomad until he gets Julio in Atlanta and now is a HC and can’t win because there’s no players in SF