Cowboys that literally changed the way game is played

Bobhaze

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These three Cowboys- one coach and two players- literally changed the way the NFL game was played for decades to come. All three of course are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  • Tom Landry- One of the most innovative coaches in football history on both sides of the ball. Landry was credited with several innovations that literally changed the way Football was played:
    • He invented the 4-3 defense while an assistant coach in NY. which became the base defense for most NFL teams for decades.
    • While in Dallas, he developed what became known as “multiple formation offense“, which had multiple offensive players moving to non traditional places on the field. Like TEs lining up in a slot, or RBs moving into multiple places. It also featured having the OL stand up while players were shifting, making it difficult for the defense to see where players were moving. Now known as “the Landry shift”.
    • In 1975, Landry reintroduced the “shotgun formation”, moving the QB five yards behind the center. It has become the most common snap formation in football. Landry didn’t invent the shotgun, but he’s the one that made it work and stick around.
  • Bob Hayes- one of the few players in NFL history that was so unstoppable as a speed receiver, NFL defensive coaches had to change coverage schemes from man to zone. Before Bob Hayes, man coverage was the dominant way secondaries covered receivers. Bob Hayes shattered that. Look at his numbers in his career:
    • In 1965, ‘67, ‘70 and ‘71, Hayes averaged over 20 yards per catch, including two of those years averaging 26 and 24 yards per catch.
    • Retired with a 20 yard per reception avg. Unbelievable.
    • Hayes had 6 TD receptions of 85 yards or more.
    • The modern NFL speed receiver began with Bob Hayes.
  • Roger Staubach- he was already a very successful QB when in 1975, Tom Landry reintroduced the shotgun formation and Roger used it so effectively, eventually all NFL teams use it today. In fact, over 60% of NFL plays today are from the shotgun.
    • In the 1975 season, Staubach used the shotgun to devastating effect in the playoffs, including the famous “Hail Mary” pass to Drew Pearson against the Vikings in the divisional round on the way to an NFC championship.
    • Staubach was so effective in the shotgun, his completion % increased 5 points and he was able to see passing and running lanes much quicker.
    • Staubach’s success in the shotgun paved the way for the modern use of it in the now common “spread offenses”.
Here’s an interesting 2017 article about the installation of the shotgun by Landry in 1975:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...andry-installed-shotgun-for-cowboys/96558584/

N
ot many NFL teams can say they have three people that literally changed the game of football and how it is played.
 
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ClappingCarrot

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I'm obviously too young to have watched Staubach play, but I've always found it to be a shame that he retired in 1979, since he was really at his peak as a QB. I think we could have accomplished more from 1980-1982.

Why did he retire again? Concussions? I know Gil and Tex were trying to extend him at the time of the decision.
 

OmerV

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I'm obviously too young to have watched Staubach play, but I've always found it to be a shame that he retired in 1979, since he was really at his peak as a QB. I think we could have accomplished more from 1980-1982.

Why did he retire again? Concussions? I know Gil and Tex were trying to extend him at the time of the decision.
Yep, concussions were an ongoing problem with Staubach. Also remember that he did his time in the Navy before he ever got to play in the NFL, so despite only playing 11 years he was almost 38 years old when he retired.

I agree we would have had a better chance of winning another SB had he stayed on.
 

Cincycowboy

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These three Cowboys- one coach and two players- literally changed the way the NFL game was played for decades to come. All three of course are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  • Tom Landry- One of the most innovative coaches in football history on both sides of the ball. Landry was credited with several innovations that literally changed the way Football was played:
    • He invented the 4-3 defense while an assistant coach in NY. which became the base defense for most NFL teams for decades.
    • While in Dallas, he developed what became known as “multiple formation offense“, which had multiple offensive players moving to non traditional places on the field. Like TEs lining up in a slot, or RBs moving into multiple places. It also featured having the OL stand up while players were shifting, making it difficult for the defense to see where players were moving. Now known as “the Landry shift”.
    • In 1975, Landry reintroduced the “shotgun formation”, moving the QB five yards behind the center. It has become the most common snap formation in football. Landry didn’t invent the shotgun, but he’s the one that made it work and stick around.
  • Bob Hayes- one of the few players in NFL history that was so unstoppable as a speed receiver, NFL defensive coaches had to change coverage schemes from man to zone. Before Bob Hayes, man coverage was the dominant way secondaries covered receivers. Bob Hayes shattered that. Look at his numbers in his career:
    • In 1965, ‘67, ‘70 and ‘71, Hayes averaged over 20 yards per catch, including two of those years averaging 26 and 24 yards per catch.
    • Retired with a 20 yard per reception avg. Unbelievable.
    • Hayes had 6 TD receptions of 85 yards or more.
    • The modern NFL speed receiver began with Bob Hayes.
  • Roger Staubach- he was already a very successful QB when in 1975, Tom Landry reintroduced the shotgun formation and Roger used it so effectively, eventually all NFL teams use it today. In fact, over 60% of NFL plays today are from the shotgun.
    • In the 1975 season, Staubach used the shotgun to devastating effect in the playoffs, including the famous “Hail Mary” pass to Drew Pearson against the Vikings in the divisional round on the way to an NFC championship.
    • Staubach was so effective in the shotgun, his completion % increased 5 points and he was able to see passing and running lanes much quicker.
    • Staubach’s success in the shotgun paved the way for the modern use of it in the now common “spread offenses”.
Here’s an interesting 2017 article about the installation of the shotgun by Landry in 1975:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...andry-installed-shotgun-for-cowboys/96558584/

N
ot many NFL teams can say they have three people that literally changed the game of football and how it is played.


You forgot about Gil Brandt and his scouting of players using computers and data. Changed the way play evaluations were and are done.
 

OmerV

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Marion Barber - head slapping defenders rule
Roy Williams Rule - the horse collar rule
Dez Bryant - catch but no catch rule

I could go on and on about the list of "rules" made against the Cowboys
I think Emmitt was the inspiration for the rule against a player taking off his helmet on the field.

There wasn't a rule made against Dez. The call at the time was based on the official's understanding of the rule at that time. If anything the play led to a rule that helps receivers and offenses because as the rule is written now it is supposed to allow the kind of play Dez was part of to be called a catch going forward. As I recall, the Dez play was cited as an example of why the NFL wanted to change the rule to favor the receiver on that kind of play.

I think the head slapping rule is a fair one. After all, the NFL wouldn't allow defenders to do that to RB's, so why would it be allowed the other way? For years a RB couldn't get called for a facemask penalty either, which I didn't think was fair. It should go both ways.
 
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DFWJC

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I'm obviously too young to have watched Staubach play, but I've always found it to be a shame that he retired in 1979, since he was really at his peak as a QB. I think we could have accomplished more from 1980-1982.

Why did he retire again? Concussions? I know Gil and Tex were trying to extend him at the time of the decision.
Yes, concussions.
Had his career playing time cut short on both the front end (military and then Landry juggling QBs) and then retiring early on the back end.

Roger was always a big picture guy.

Kept his brain intact and became the all-time most successful NFL player in his after football life.
 

Tangle_Foot

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These three Cowboys- one coach and two players- literally changed the way the NFL game was played for decades to come. All three of course are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  • Tom Landry- One of the most innovative coaches in football history on both sides of the ball. Landry was credited with several innovations that literally changed the way Football was played:
    • He invented the 4-3 defense while an assistant coach in NY. which became the base defense for most NFL teams for decades.
    • While in Dallas, he developed what became known as “multiple formation offense“, which had multiple offensive players moving to non traditional places on the field. Like TEs lining up in a slot, or RBs moving into multiple places. It also featured having the OL stand up while players were shifting, making it difficult for the defense to see where players were moving. Now known as “the Landry shift”.
    • In 1975, Landry reintroduced the “shotgun formation”, moving the QB five yards behind the center. It has become the most common snap formation in football. Landry didn’t invent the shotgun, but he’s the one that made it work and stick around.
  • Bob Hayes- one of the few players in NFL history that was so unstoppable as a speed receiver, NFL defensive coaches had to change coverage schemes from man to zone. Before Bob Hayes, man coverage was the dominant way secondaries covered receivers. Bob Hayes shattered that. Look at his numbers in his career:
    • In 1965, ‘67, ‘70 and ‘71, Hayes averaged over 20 yards per catch, including two of those years averaging 26 and 24 yards per catch.
    • Retired with a 20 yard per reception avg. Unbelievable.
    • Hayes had 6 TD receptions of 85 yards or more.
    • The modern NFL speed receiver began with Bob Hayes.
  • Roger Staubach- he was already a very successful QB when in 1975, Tom Landry reintroduced the shotgun formation and Roger used it so effectively, eventually all NFL teams use it today. In fact, over 60% of NFL plays today are from the shotgun.
    • In the 1975 season, Staubach used the shotgun to devastating effect in the playoffs, including the famous “Hail Mary” pass to Drew Pearson against the Vikings in the divisional round on the way to an NFC championship.
    • Staubach was so effective in the shotgun, his completion % increased 5 points and he was able to see passing and running lanes much quicker.
    • Staubach’s success in the shotgun paved the way for the modern use of it in the now common “spread offenses”.
Here’s an interesting 2017 article about the installation of the shotgun by Landry in 1975:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...andry-installed-shotgun-for-cowboys/96558584/

N
ot many NFL teams can say they have three people that literally changed the game of football and how it is played.
I loved those guys and needless to say and they laid the foundation for my Cowboys fandom. We were blessed to have them:thumbup:
Marion Barber - head slapping defenders rule
Roy Williams Rule - the horse collar rule
Dez Bryant - catch but no catch rule

I could go on and on about the list of "rules" made against the Cowboys
let us not forget about the Emmitt Smith rule of not removing your helmet in the field of play. But enough of this it screams of conspiracy and we don't want to wake @ Marcus Rock:laugh:

Edit...Damn I just realized how late my post was on the Emmitt Smith rule:(
 

DFWJC

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Marion Barber - head slapping defenders rule
Roy Williams Rule - the horse collar rule
Dez Bryant - catch but no catch rule

I could go on and on about the list of "rules" made against the Cowboys
yep!

But I thought Eric Williams (or another dominant Cowboys linemean?) was the head slap guy

  • Also, after the Seattle playoff game in 2006, the NFL changed the rules on the home team being allowed to make opposing teams use new balls on special teams. After that, each team got to use their own, broken-in balls throughout the game.
 

CouchCoach

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I think Emmitt wasthe inspiration for the rule against a player taking off his helmet on the field.

There wasn't a rule made against Dez. The call at the time was based on the official's understanding of the rule at that time. If anything the play led to a rule that helps receivers and offenses because as the rule is written now it is supposed to allow the kind of play Dez was part of to be called a catch going forward. As I recall, the Dez play was cited as an example of why the NFL wanted to change the rule to favor the receiver on that kind of play.

I think the head slapping rule is a fair one. After all, the NFL wouldn't allow defenders to do that to RB's, so why would it be allowed the other way. For years a RB couldn't get called for a facemask penalty either, which I didn't think was fair. It should go both ways.
Harvey Martin was responsible for the head slap rule and Irvin was responsible for the enforcement of the push off rule.
 

OmerV

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yep!

But I thought Eric Williams (or another dominant Cowboys linemean?) was the head slap guy

  • Also, after the Seattle playoff game in 2006, the NFL changed the rules on the home team being allowed to make opposing teams use new balls on special teams. After that, each team got to use their own, broken-in balls throughout the game.
You are right about Eric Williams, but it seems the head slap issue may have come up at separate times - with Eric Williams on the line of scrimmage, and with Barber in the open field. I'm less sure about Barber though. I'm sure you are right about Williams. It actually seemed like a fair rule with Williams. After all, Deacon Jones inspired a rule against D-Linemen using a head slap, so why would it be called differently with an O-Lineman?
 

CouchCoach

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The story goes that during a game, the Skins CB's went to their coaches and told them they could not stay with Hayes and the creation of the Zone D began and is the dominant coverage played today.

What made Hayes so dangerous was not only was he the fastest man alive, he was a football player at Florida A&M so he already had body and eye control that was a struggle for the other sprinters they tried to turn into WR's. Most of the sprinters back then wouldn't chance an injury playing football but he was already doing it and was built like a football player.
 

OmerV

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Harvey Martin was responsible for the head slap rule and Irvin was responsible for the enforcement of the push off rule.
Maybe Martin was the current offender that made attention to the head slap resurface, but the rule is often attributed to Deacon Jones, and in fact, it was sometimes called the "Deacon Jones Rule" back in the day. Maybe give each guy 1/2 credit.... In any case, that rule was, I believe, limited to the defense using the head slap, and it has since expanded to cover the offense.
 

OmerV

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You are right about Eric Williams, but it seems the head slap issue may have come up at separate times - with Eric Williams on the line of scrimmage, and with Barber in the open field. I'm less sure about Barber though. I'm sure you are right about Williams. It actually seemed like a fair rule with Williams. After all, Deacon Jones inspired a rule against D-Linemen using a head slap, so why would it be called differently with an O-Lineman?
I am amending this. I think with both Williams and Barber the rule wasn't about a head slap, it was about hands to the face. That was the action of those guys that helped prompt rule changes.
 

Bobhaze

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You forgot about Gil Brandt and his scouting of players using computers and data. Changed the way play evaluations were and are done.
Great point. Should have include him and Tex! Brandt was also courageous regarding the drafting of black players. When many NFL teams were not drafting or even scouting black athletes Brandt was ahead of the game.
Tex Schramm also influenced much off the field changes, and some of that effected on the field as well.
When NFL fans look at the actual playing field today, they should remember Tex Schramm. He was responsible for the arrows pointing which direction to the end zone at each end of the field. Schramm was also responsible for the jersey numbers on the shoulders for “TV purposes”. And many other innovations I’m forgetting.
 

CoachD

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Marion Barber - head slapping defenders rule
Roy Williams Rule - the horse collar rule
Dez Bryant - catch but no catch rule

I could go on and on about the list of "rules" made against the Cowboys

I believe Erik Williams also had a rule named after him as well back in the 90's.
 
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