West Coast Offense

Very little talk about the Cowboys moving from an Air Coryell to an West Coast Offense. MM has confirmed this, but will try to keep similar terminology to help the transition.

First of all, Dak Prescott is the team's franchise QB and isn't going anywhere. MM accepted this job knowing the Cowboys had their QB already in place.

What are some of the general concepts of a WCO:

-3 to 5 step drops to get the ball out quickly.
-Short passing, ball controlled attack, in which everyone is involved
-Force defenses to adjust, in which it opens up the deep passing game and the run.

Certainly each HC has their own variation of the offensive scheme. Looking at the general principals, it certainly fits Dak very well, even more so then the offense that he has been running.

All another great reason we got Lamb. YAC is needed for the WCO in the short passing game. However I can see them taking more shots down field than the traditional WCO.
This keeps teams from stacking the box, which opens up huge holes for Zeke.

However, I am sure at the start of the season, they will stack the box. Saying ok, Dak (or Andy) beat us with the pass. So they need to do that to get them to back off. The DC goal still....stop Zeke...

jazzcat22 said:

All another great reason we got Lamb. YAC is needed for the WCO in the short passing game. However I can see them taking more shots down field than the traditional WCO.
This keeps teams from stacking the box, which opens up huge holes for Zeke.

However, I am sure at the start of the season, they will stack the box. Saying ok, Dak (or Andy) beat us with the pass. So they need to do that to get them to back off. The DC goal still....stop Zeke...

Click to expand...

Lamb should be the biggest benefactor of the scheme change. I agree, teams will continue to stack the box and dare Dak to beat them over the top. Once that is established and it will, it becomes a pick or poison offense to defend. They have the flexibility to dicate coverage as all wide receivers can play anywhere. I would also like to see Zeke/Pollard on the field at the same time.

I went back and watched MM's super bowl win and what stuck out the most was how fast the offense looked. The ball came out quick but it also seemed like the WR's and RB's took fast routes and when they got the ball were at full speed.

they should put Ceedee in the slot the majority of the time,the chance of YAC is greater with him in the slot.

Cowboyny said:

Very little talk about the Cowboys moving from an Air Coryell to an West Coast Offense. MM has confirmed this, but will try to keep similar terminology to help the transition.

First of all, Dak Prescott is the team's franchise QB and isn't going anywhere. MM accepted this job knowing the Cowboys had their QB already in place.

What are some of the general concepts of a WCO:

-3 to 5 step drops to get the ball out quickly.
-Short passing, ball controlled attack, in which everyone is involved
-Force defenses to adjust, in which it opens up the deep passing game and the run.

Certainly each HC has their own variation of the offensive scheme. Looking at the general principals, it certainly fits Dak very well, even more so then the offense that he has been running.

Click to expand...

For Aaron Rodger, quick throw come from shotgun more than 3 & 5 step drops. Rodgers often get the shotgun snap and instantly throws. Back during Randall Cobb's peak, the instant snap throw from Rodgers to Cobb seemed unstoppable.

The original concept of the Bill Walsh offense was to use quick passes as if they were runs to set up good down/distance situations the way a strong running game set up favorable down/distance situations.

Great route running was the top characteristic valued by Walsh and subsequent coaches using similar concepts.

The concepts fit with what it appeared that Kellen Moore wanted to implement, but he was contained by Garrett.

The Cowboys had already started making route running a top focus for WRs that they acquired.

• Amari Cooper is considered the best route runner currently playing in the NFL.
• Gallup was one of the top route runner in college. Lamb was great route runner in college.
• Last year they signed Randall Cobb.
• Cedrick Wilson was a quality route runner in college and valued more for that than his physical ability.
• Tony Pollard was an excellent route running RB in college.
• Jarwin has had success more based on route running than wow physical ability.
• Zeke has excellent receiving skills.
• They cut Dez in part because he was the worst route runner in the history of football which didn't fit with Dak.

West Coast Offense

• The West Coast Offense uses a quick, horizontal passing attack to set up the running game and deep passes.
• The West Coast Offense employs a variety of formations and pre-snap motions designed to confuse defenders.
• It also relies heavily on an ability to flood a defense with more receivers than they can handle.
• The quarterback often moves around more than in a conventional offense.
• Designed roll-outs and bootlegs are tied in with the patterns being run by the receivers.

The Objective

• Spread the defense out horizontally as well as vertically, forcing slower linebackers into coverage.
• Maintain possession of the football by utilizing a short passing attack almost as an extension of the running game.
• Create mismatches with speed, size, or number of receivers.
• Avoid tendencies that defenses can key on by throwing on any down and distance.

Ideal Player Qualities

• Quarterback
  • More of a focus is placed on decision-making over arm strength in a West Coast system.
  • A quarterback must be able to choose from multiple options and deliver the ball quickly.
  • Mobility is also a big plus.
• Running back
  • In the West Coast Offense, running backs are generally used more as receivers out of the backfield than in other systems,
  • RBs with all-around skills are preferred. Good hands and route-running skills are a must.
• Tight end
  • The tight end’s role is generally that of a possession receiver and blocker.
  • The ability to catch the ball in traffic is a huge plus.
• Wide receiver
  • With the focus on a short passing attack, precision and timing are of the utmost importance, so receivers have to run precise routes.
  • Straight-line speed isn’t as important as an ability to separate in traffic.
  • The ability to make plays after the catch can turn a good receiver into a superstar in this offense.

WCO usually requires a very accurate passer as well.

boxer-rumble said:

WCO usually requires a very accurate passer as well.

Click to expand...

its a good thing Dak is very accurate especially on shorter throws.

boxer-rumble said:

WCO usually requires a very accurate passer as well.

Click to expand...

I agree.

-- signed Donovan McNabb (career 59% completion percentage)

getting the ball out quickly.
that more than anything will help Dak immensely.
i hope they use his play-action fakes more....from his rookie season he has been exceptional with that...especially when he uses it on a run.
his fakes are an art form.

boxer-rumble said:

WCO usually requires a very accurate passer as well.

Click to expand...

Yikes

unfortunately Dak has a hard time hitting receivers in stride. A lot of the catches the receivers have to make adjustments for the ball which will hurt the yards after catch.

While I do think Dak is a good QB I do worry about him fitting this system correctly

xwalker said:

For Aaron Rodger, quick throw come from shotgun more than 3 & 5 step drops. Rodgers often get the shotgun snap and instantly throws. Back during Randall Cobb's peak, the instant snap throw from Rodgers to Cobb seemed unstoppable.

The original concept of the Bill Walsh offense was to use quick passes as if they were runs to set up good down/distance situations the way a strong running game set up favorable down/distance situations.

Great route running was the top characteristic valued by Walsh and subsequent coaches using similar concepts.

The concepts fit with what it appeared that Kellen Moore wanted to implement, but he was contained by Garrett.

The Cowboys had already started making route running a top focus for WRs that they acquired.

• Amari Cooper is considered the best route runner currently playing in the NFL.
• Gallup was one of the top route runner in college. Lamb was great route runner in college.
• Last year they signed Randall Cobb.
• Cedrick Wilson was a quality route runner in college and valued more for that than his physical ability.
• Tony Pollard was an excellent route running RB in college.
• Jarwin has had success more based on route running than wow physical ability.
• Zeke has excellent receiving skills.
• They cut Dez in part because he was the worst route runner in the history of football which didn't fit with Dak.

West Coast Offense

• The West Coast Offense uses a quick, horizontal passing attack to set up the running game and deep passes.
• The West Coast Offense employs a variety of formations and pre-snap motions designed to confuse defenders.
• It also relies heavily on an ability to flood a defense with more receivers than they can handle.
• The quarterback often moves around more than in a conventional offense.
• Designed roll-outs and bootlegs are tied in with the patterns being run by the receivers.

The Objective

• Spread the defense out horizontally as well as vertically, forcing slower linebackers into coverage.
• Maintain possession of the football by utilizing a short passing attack almost as an extension of the running game.
• Create mismatches with speed, size, or number of receivers.
• Avoid tendencies that defenses can key on by throwing on any down and distance.

Ideal Player Qualities

• Quarterback
  • More of a focus is placed on decision-making over arm strength in a West Coast system.
  • A quarterback must be able to choose from multiple options and deliver the ball quickly.
  • Mobility is also a big plus.
• Running back
  • In the West Coast Offense, running backs are generally used more as receivers out of the backfield than in other systems,
  • RBs with all-around skills are preferred. Good hands and route-running skills are a must.
• Tight end
  • The tight end’s role is generally that of a possession receiver and blocker.
  • The ability to catch the ball in traffic is a huge plus.
• Wide receiver
  • With the focus on a short passing attack, precision and timing are of the utmost importance, so receivers have to run precise routes.
  • Straight-line speed isn’t as important as an ability to separate in traffic.
  • The ability to make plays after the catch can turn a good receiver into a superstar in this offense.

Click to expand...

Excellent post! Every coach has their own variation of the WCO, MM/Moore may even come up with a new variation specific for the Cowboys strengths. On paper, the starters on this offense looks like an excellent fit. As you said, Moore has targeted strong route running receivers, with possible the best in the NFL in Cooper. Both are backs have legitimate 3 down abilities and could be major factors in the passing game. The one area I have a little concern is with Dak and his accuracy.

cowboyec said:

getting the ball out quickly.
that more than anything will help Dak immensely.
i hope they use his play-action fakes more....from his rookie season he has been exceptional with that...especially when he uses it on a run.
his fakes are an art form.

Click to expand...

Will also help the OL. Let's be honest the prior offense had a lot of long, developing plays.

I remember those 3 low scoring games at New Orleans, New England and Philly, all on the road where Dak disappeared.
A true top quarterback wins one or two of those games, especially when the defense played so well and kept us in those games.

xwalker said:

For Aaron Rodger, quick throw come from shotgun more than 3 & 5 step drops. Rodgers often get the shotgun snap and instantly throws. Back during Randall Cobb's peak, the instant snap throw from Rodgers to Cobb seemed unstoppable.

The original concept of the Bill Walsh offense was to use quick passes as if they were runs to set up good down/distance situations the way a strong running game set up favorable down/distance situations.

Great route running was the top characteristic valued by Walsh and subsequent coaches using similar concepts.

The concepts fit with what it appeared that Kellen Moore wanted to implement, but he was contained by Garrett.

The Cowboys had already started making route running a top focus for WRs that they acquired.

• Amari Cooper is considered the best route runner currently playing in the NFL.
• Gallup was one of the top route runner in college. Lamb was great route runner in college.
• Last year they signed Randall Cobb.
• Cedrick Wilson was a quality route runner in college and valued more for that than his physical ability.
• Tony Pollard was an excellent route running RB in college.
• Jarwin has had success more based on route running than wow physical ability.
• Zeke has excellent receiving skills.
• They cut Dez in part because he was the worst route runner in the history of football which didn't fit with Dak.

West Coast Offense

• The West Coast Offense uses a quick, horizontal passing attack to set up the running game and deep passes.
• The West Coast Offense employs a variety of formations and pre-snap motions designed to confuse defenders.
• It also relies heavily on an ability to flood a defense with more receivers than they can handle.
• The quarterback often moves around more than in a conventional offense.
• Designed roll-outs and bootlegs are tied in with the patterns being run by the receivers.

The Objective

• Spread the defense out horizontally as well as vertically, forcing slower linebackers into coverage.
• Maintain possession of the football by utilizing a short passing attack almost as an extension of the running game.
• Create mismatches with speed, size, or number of receivers.
• Avoid tendencies that defenses can key on by throwing on any down and distance.

Ideal Player Qualities

• Quarterback
  • More of a focus is placed on decision-making over arm strength in a West Coast system.
  • A quarterback must be able to choose from multiple options and deliver the ball quickly.
  • Mobility is also a big plus.
• Running back
  • In the West Coast Offense, running backs are generally used more as receivers out of the backfield than in other systems,
  • RBs with all-around skills are preferred. Good hands and route-running skills are a must.
• Tight end
  • The tight end’s role is generally that of a possession receiver and blocker.
  • The ability to catch the ball in traffic is a huge plus.
• Wide receiver
  • With the focus on a short passing attack, precision and timing are of the utmost importance, so receivers have to run precise routes.
  • Straight-line speed isn’t as important as an ability to separate in traffic.
  • The ability to make plays after the catch can turn a good receiver into a superstar in this offense.

Click to expand...

X, just wanted to express how much I truly appreciate everything you bring to this forum, I know a lot of time goes into what you bring, and sadly it gets taken for granted many times.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the "facts".

jazzcat22 said:

All another great reason we got Lamb. YAC is needed for the WCO in the short passing game. However I can see them taking more shots down field than the traditional WCO.
This keeps teams from stacking the box, which opens up huge holes for Zeke.

However, I am sure at the start of the season, they will stack the box. Saying ok, Dak (or Andy) beat us with the pass. So they need to do that to get them to back off. The DC goal still....stop Zeke...

Click to expand...

Gallup is a very good fit in a WCO as well. People think of slants with WCO. WCO features alot of vertical routes as well

Cowboyny said:

Excellent post! Every coach has their own variation of the WCO, MM/Moore may even come up with a new variation specific for the Cowboys strengths. On paper, the starters on this offense looks like an excellent fit. As you said, Moore has targeted strong route running receivers, with possible the best in the NFL in Cooper. Both are backs have legitimate 3 down abilities and could be major factors in the passing game. The one area I have a little concern is with Dak and his accuracy.

Click to expand...

I have zero concerns about Dak's accuracy in 2020.

He made a dramatic improvement between 2018 and 2019 in his throwing motion and accuracy.
- He started the change in the 2018 preseason but reverted back during the season.
- In early 2018 his passed looked great in the air but he lost his feel and passes would tend to be high or low.
- By 2019 he trusted the new throwing motion.

Even before 2019 his accuracy issues were exaggerated by fans/media.

Dak likes to throw to a spot such that if the pass a not perfect that it goes to the side of the WR away from the defender.

"Error on the side of caution" would be the appropriate saying that describes it.

If the defender is outside the WR, then Dak throws to a spot inside the WR instead of directly at the WRs Jersey number.

If there are defenders underneath a WR, then Dak will tend to throw high to the WR.

If a WR is running a crossing route and there are 2 defenders a few yards apart horizontally, then Dak will throw away from both defenders even if it's not the ideal spot for the WR.
- If the pass rush is coming and he has to throw but the perfect throw to the WR would be very near one of the defenders, then Dak tends to avoid the defender even if it means leading the WR too much.

The concept somewhat defines the difference in Aikman and Farve.
- Aikman didn't like to force the ball into coverage and would often just throw it away.
- Farve would throw to the WR with no regard for were the defenders were located.
- Farve make highlight reels.
- Aikman won 3 Super Bowls in a 4 year span.

Cowboyny said:

Very little talk about the Cowboys moving from an Air Coryell to an West Coast Offense. MM has confirmed this, but will try to keep similar terminology to help the transition.

First of all, Dak Prescott is the team's franchise QB and isn't going anywhere. MM accepted this job knowing the Cowboys had their QB already in place.

What are some of the general concepts of a WCO:

-3 to 5 step drops to get the ball out quickly.
-Short passing, ball controlled attack, in which everyone is involved
-Force defenses to adjust, in which it opens up the deep passing game and the run.

Certainly each HC has their own variation of the offensive scheme. Looking at the general principals, it certainly fits Dak very well, even more so then the offense that he has been running.

Click to expand...

I hope MM intends on letting Dak use his legs. Dak rolling out and having the mind set to run when it's there will make a big difference for the offense. I felt like he had become hesitant to do in the past couple seasons. We have quality depth behind him. Im not advocating recklessness, but our QB1 is a thoroughbred, we need to play to his strengths. Make opposing defenses account for QB runs.

Typhus said:

X, just wanted to express how much I truly appreciate everything you bring to this forum, I know a lot of time goes into what you bring, and sadly it gets taken for granted many times.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the "facts".

Click to expand...

Thanks!

My goal is just to provide a common sense point of view by studying players/schemes/etc.

CowboysWillRise said:

I hope MM intends on letting Dak use his legs. Dak rolling out and having the mind set to run when it's there will make a big difference for the offense. I felt like he had become hesitant to do in the past couple seasons. We have quality depth behind him. Im not advocating recklessness, but our QB1 is a thoroughbred, we need to play to his strengths. Make opposing defenses account for QB runs.

Click to expand...

He was definitely hesitant to run last year, perhaps, more of a business decision knowing his contract was going to expire.