MM admits they didn't commit to the run

SteveTheCowboy · Oct 1, 2022

Not sure if this has been posted. I haven't seen it. Confirms what many have known/suspected.

"“We talked about this in training camp,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed to run the ball better. More importantly, we needed to get more attempts at the plate. We needed to stay committed to it. I think we’ve definitely done that the last two weeks.”

The thing I'd like to know is why were they not committed? Some say Jerry wants Dak featured because of...well...40 million reasons. But Zeke is his boy too.

"McCarthy said being balanced has been the team’s winning formula as the run game has allowed Rush to operate with clean pockets in the passing game while also chewing up the clock to keep their defense off the field and rested.

“It starts with running the football,” McCarthy said."

Duh.

"But the Cowboys like the current distribution and remain cautious about wearing Pollard down, considering he has never carried a full load at running back going back to high school."

Yep.

"The best part about it as the Elliott and Pollard each other’s biggest fans, allowing the Cowboys to use them in tandem and interchangeably at a moments noticed:

This is something I have been saying. Pollard had been coming in a predictable times. Zeke raises his hand. Or 3rd series. Even if the same defense is out there...they know pretty much where to try to defend each RB. Now...not so much.

"Elliott is good with it because believes it’s the best way for the Cowboys to win.
And that’s all he cares about.
“All I’m worried about is winning football games and going to chase that ring,” Elliott said. “Do what we’ve got to do. We stay committed to the run and we keep getting those attempts, I think we’ll be successful.”

Good team mates!

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dallas-cowboys-stick-cooper-rush-095500046.html

TequilaCowboy · Oct 1, 2022

Not sure why they always keep saying, and even fans here on the forum, that it is so simple.... just run the dammmm ball. Well you can't just run the ball if the defense decides to put 8 men in the box and stuff your run. You have to be able to throw intermediate routes consistently and deep routes as well. Get the DBs back more than 10 to 15 yards off the LOS. Then your OL and TE can deal with the front 6 or 7. Rush has done that well. Setting up a decent run game. Dak needs to do the same, and not go to his check downs and short passes almost like handoffs. He has the whole defense playing him within 10 yards of the LOS. Of course you can't run like that. Committing to the run would be dumb.

Bobhaze · Oct 1, 2022

I’ve never been convinced that Kellen Moore has an adequate appreciation for the running game. With the addition of Tyler Smith and Jason Peters, this OL has the chance to make the running game relevant again.

NumOneQB · Oct 1, 2022

First drive against Tampa was run heavy and successful up until Kelmo called some stupid double reverse. From there it was all passing and zero effectiveness.

America's Cowboy · Oct 1, 2022

Bobhaze said:
I’ve never been convinced that Kellen Moore has an adequate appreciation for the running game. With the addition of Tyler Smith and Jason Peters, this OL has the chance to make the running game relevant again.

Jason Peters is good to block close to the line of scrimmage where he doesn't have to move much, but if you ask him to pull or go downfield, forget about it because he will get exposed due to his size and age. That is where the younger and more mobile/athletic Farniok is better.

SteveTheCowboy · Oct 1, 2022

TequilaCowboy said:
Not sure why they always keep saying, and even fans here on the forum, that it is so simple.... just run the dammmm ball. Well you can't just run the ball if the defense decides to put 8 men in the box and stuff your run. You have to be able to throw intermediate routes consistently and deep routes as well. Get the DBs back more than 10 to 15 yards off the LOS. Then your OL and TE can deal with the front 6 or 7. Rush has done that well. Setting up a decent run game. Dak needs to do the same, and not go to his check downs and short passes almost like handoffs. He has the whole defense playing him within 10 yards of the LOS. Of course you can't run like that. Committing to the run would be dumb.

Nobody is saying just only run. That isn't what "commit" to the run means.

You need that balance. And element of "surprise". Or unpredictability if you will.

Chuck 54 · Oct 1, 2022

SteveTheCowboy said:
Not sure if this has been posted. I haven't seen it. Confirms what many have known/suspected.

"“We talked about this in training camp,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed to run the ball better. More importantly, we needed to get more attempts at the plate. We needed to stay committed to it. I think we’ve definitely done that the last two weeks.”

The thing I'd like to know is why were they not committed? Some say Jerry wants Dak featured because of...well...40 million reasons. But Zeke is his boy too.

"McCarthy said being balanced has been the team’s winning formula as the run game has allowed Rush to operate with clean pockets in the passing game while also chewing up the clock to keep their defense off the field and rested.

“It starts with running the football,” McCarthy said."

Duh.

"But the Cowboys like the current distribution and remain cautious about wearing Pollard down, considering he has never carried a full load at running back going back to high school."

Yep.

"The best part about it as the Elliott and Pollard each other’s biggest fans, allowing the Cowboys to use them in tandem and interchangeably at a moments noticed:

This is something I have been saying. Pollard had been coming in a predictable times. Zeke raises his hand. Or 3rd series. Even if the same defense is out there...they know pretty much where to try to defend each RB. Now...not so much.

"Elliott is good with it because believes it’s the best way for the Cowboys to win.
And that’s all he cares about.
“All I’m worried about is winning football games and going to chase that ring,” Elliott said. “Do what we’ve got to do. We stay committed to the run and we keep getting those attempts, I think we’ll be successful.”

Good team mates!

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dallas-cowboys-stick-cooper-rush-095500046.html

If you’ll remember, some called it Mike throwing Kellen under the bus because they like to fall back on the excuse that the coach didn’t have the team ready to play, they were flat….a ridiculous comment about the playoffs or first game of the season vs Tom Brady. Mike called Kellen out about not sticking with the run in the first game.

So far, it appears to have made an impression. That’s one thing I love about GB’s offense. They have the best passer on the NFL, yet they run the ball a lot and even stayed balanced with the best wr as well.

DeaconMoss · Oct 1, 2022

TequilaCowboy said:
Not sure why they always keep saying, and even fans here on the forum, that it is so simple.... just run the dammmm ball. Well you can't just run the ball if the defense decides to put 8 men in the box and stuff your run. You have to be able to throw intermediate routes consistently and deep routes as well. Get the DBs back more than 10 to 15 yards off the LOS. Then your OL and TE can deal with the front 6 or 7. Rush has done that well. Setting up a decent run game. Dak needs to do the same, and not go to his check downs and short passes almost like handoffs. He has the whole defense playing him within 10 yards of the LOS. Of course you can't run like that. Committing to the run would be dumb.

Dak can't pass them out of the 8 man box and Zeke can't run them back to the stacked front.

Bullflop · Oct 1, 2022

Bobhaze said:
I’ve never been convinced that Kellen Moore has an adequate appreciation for the running game. With the addition of Tyler Smith and Jason Peters, this OL has the chance to make the running game relevant again.

Hopefully, Moore should take notice of the obvious fact that our OL is operating in a considerably more efficient manner now and adjust his calls accordingly. I think that fact is obvious to even the most casual of fans. Let's see if he's smart enough to make the most of this sudden upturn in our running game. Things have settled down with Jason Peters in the lineup and Steele stepping up his game, as well. Tyler's game speaks for itself.

Let's see if Kellen adjusts his calls to advantage in the weeks ahead before giving up on him. It's impossible for anyone to really appreciate a running game that's unable to open the holes necessary for the RBs to succeed. Our running game just might be taking a turn for the better.

OL problems appear to be rectified to a significant extent now. Washington has always been a tough team to run against. If we're able to run somewhat successfully against them, it might, most likely, be an encouraging sign that we're on the right track.

Awakened · Oct 1, 2022

I think it's notable that Zeke is now treating Pollard as an equal. He hasn't done that until this season. He always wanted to get his 20 carries and be the feature back, which likely affected the chemistry on the offense. This is good news for the offense.

What does this say about where Zeke now sees his career and his future with the Cowboys? My guess, and totally a guess, is that Zeke will be willing to restructure after this season for less money. At this point, he knows he won't get a new contract from another team for big money.

noshame · Oct 1, 2022

It's not that simple, just committing to it doesn't work, we tried that, running Zeke into a wall last season.
Teams were taking away the middle, clogging the run and short passing game at the same time.

Rush is pulling the trigger and backing off the safeties and look at that, the running game opens up..
So have a passing threat, or nothing works.

Cumart21 · Oct 1, 2022

Running the ball is a mentality. You can't just talk about wanting to be better at it, it needs to be emphasized in the off-season. From preseason game one, the running game has been better and that's because they've clearly put an emphasis on it. The more successful the running game is early in games, the more likely they are to go back to it.

fivetwos · Oct 1, 2022

Interesting debate.

But in the end it’ll come down to what coach Jerry thinks is best.

Do any of you actually trust him to not stick his nose in and “suggest” what’s going to work best?

Sorry, but I don’t.

Kingofholland · Oct 1, 2022

Mike McCarthy has only been top 10 in rushing attempts once and it was 2000 his first year as an offensive coordinator. Kellen Moore also did it once in 2019 his first year as an offensive coordinator. It's surprising to me how that team didn't finish better than 8-8. They started 3-0, had a top 10 offense and defense, but lost a lot of close games that probably came down to coaching and defenses inability to make plays at critical moments.

Bottom line neither head coach or offensive coordinator have ever been run heavy guys, so as much as they talk about it I don't know if it's something they can actually commit to regularly.

Bullflop · Oct 1, 2022

Kingofholland said:
Mike McCarthy has only been top 10 in rushing attempts once and it was 2000 his first year as an offensive coordinator. Kellen Moore also did it once in 2019 his first year as an offensive coordinator. It's surprising to me how that team didn't finish better than 8-8. They started 3-0, had a top 10 offense and defense, but lost a lot of close games that probably came down to coaching and defenses inability to make plays at critical moments.

Bottom line neither head coach or offensive coordinator have ever been run heavy guys, so as much as they talk about it I don't know if it's something they can actually commit to regularly.

Things can change in an instant in the NFL. Just because some of us have lost confidence in the running game now, that doesn't necessarily mean things can't improve with far better run blocking entering into the picture. Let's not assume our fortunes can't change, especially now that better run blocking has taken place within this o-line lately. Things do change when the circumstances allow it to occur. Giving up on the running game now wouldn't be wise.

xwalker · Oct 1, 2022

SteveTheCowboy said:
Not sure if this has been posted. I haven't seen it. Confirms what many have known/suspected.

"“We talked about this in training camp,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed to run the ball better. More importantly, we needed to get more attempts at the plate. We needed to stay committed to it. I think we’ve definitely done that the last two weeks.”

The thing I'd like to know is why were they not committed? Some say Jerry wants Dak featured because of...well...40 million reasons. But Zeke is his boy too.

"McCarthy said being balanced has been the team’s winning formula as the run game has allowed Rush to operate with clean pockets in the passing game while also chewing up the clock to keep their defense off the field and rested.

“It starts with running the football,” McCarthy said."

Duh.

"But the Cowboys like the current distribution and remain cautious about wearing Pollard down, considering he has never carried a full load at running back going back to high school."

Yep.

"The best part about it as the Elliott and Pollard each other’s biggest fans, allowing the Cowboys to use them in tandem and interchangeably at a moments noticed:

This is something I have been saying. Pollard had been coming in a predictable times. Zeke raises his hand. Or 3rd series. Even if the same defense is out there...they know pretty much where to try to defend each RB. Now...not so much.

"Elliott is good with it because believes it’s the best way for the Cowboys to win.
And that’s all he cares about.
“All I’m worried about is winning football games and going to chase that ring,” Elliott said. “Do what we’ve got to do. We stay committed to the run and we keep getting those attempts, I think we’ll be successful.”

Good team mates!

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dallas-cowboys-stick-cooper-rush-095500046.html

TequilaCowboy said:
Not sure why they always keep saying, and even fans here on the forum, that it is so simple.... just run the dammmm ball. Well you can't just run the ball if the defense decides to put 8 men in the box and stuff your run. You have to be able to throw intermediate routes consistently and deep routes as well. Get the DBs back more than 10 to 15 yards off the LOS. Then your OL and TE can deal with the front 6 or 7. Rush has done that well. Setting up a decent run game. Dak needs to do the same, and not go to his check downs and short passes almost like handoffs. He has the whole defense playing him within 10 yards of the LOS. Of course you can't run like that. Committing to the run would be dumb.

Saints game in Garrett's final season...

The won the first 3 games with Kellen Moore's style offense.

Then in game 4 vs the Saints, they 'stick to the run' which was obviously forced by Garrett and confirmed later by the Mickey and the dc.com people.
Result = Loss

Obviously there have been games when they needed more rushing attempts, but they can't just blindly 'commit' to run the ball.
- The opponent and the situation matter.

Reality · Oct 1, 2022

The NFL has been more of a pass-heavy league over the last several years and Kellen Moore, a former NFL quarterback, likes to focus on passing because it offers a higher percentage of large gains.

I am sure McCarthy was not completely happy with the run-pass balance last year, but it is hard to complain or demand changes when your team is 12-5.

McCarthy likely knows a running game can slow the game down by using more clock time, it can give the defense more time to rest and recover, and it can provide a chance to improve field position even with a 3-and-out.

McCarthy also likely knows he is on the hot (or at least warm) seat this season, so he is probably being more involved with the offense than he was last year.

I suspect that if the offense struggles through the first half of the season, we may see him get even more involved with the offensive game planning and possibly even calling some plays through Moore or directly himself in games.

john van brocklin · Oct 1, 2022

SteveTheCowboy said:
Not sure if this has been posted. I haven't seen it. Confirms what many have known/suspected.

"“We talked about this in training camp,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed to run the ball better. More importantly, we needed to get more attempts at the plate. We needed to stay committed to it. I think we’ve definitely done that the last two weeks.”

The thing I'd like to know is why were they not committed? Some say Jerry wants Dak featured because of...well...40 million reasons. But Zeke is his boy too.

"McCarthy said being balanced has been the team’s winning formula as the run game has allowed Rush to operate with clean pockets in the passing game while also chewing up the clock to keep their defense off the field and rested.

“It starts with running the football,” McCarthy said."

Duh.

"But the Cowboys like the current distribution and remain cautious about wearing Pollard down, considering he has never carried a full load at running back going back to high school."

Yep.

"The best part about it as the Elliott and Pollard each other’s biggest fans, allowing the Cowboys to use them in tandem and interchangeably at a moments noticed:

This is something I have been saying. Pollard had been coming in a predictable times. Zeke raises his hand. Or 3rd series. Even if the same defense is out there...they know pretty much where to try to defend each RB. Now...not so much.

"Elliott is good with it because believes it’s the best way for the Cowboys to win.
And that’s all he cares about.
“All I’m worried about is winning football games and going to chase that ring,” Elliott said. “Do what we’ve got to do. We stay committed to the run and we keep getting those attempts, I think we’ll be successful.”

Good team mates!

Full article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/dallas-cowboys-stick-cooper-rush-095500046.html

Thanks for posting,
Good stuff

acr731 · Oct 1, 2022

Bobhaze said:
I’ve never been convinced that Kellen Moore has an adequate appreciation for the running game.

All he knows is the Boise State, throw the ball 90 times a game, style of offense. That's what he learned to run when he was there.

erod · Oct 1, 2022

If only it was this simple.

MM admits they didn't commit to the run

SteveTheCowboy

Well-Known Member

TequilaCowboy

Well-Known Member

Bobhaze

NumOneQB

Well-Known Member

America's Cowboy

Well-Known Member

SteveTheCowboy

Well-Known Member

Chuck 54

Well-Known Member

DeaconMoss

Well-Known Member

Bullflop

Cowboys Diehard

Awakened

the Dude abides

noshame

I'm not dead yet......

Cumart21

Well-Known Member

fivetwos

Well-Known Member

Kingofholland

Well-Known Member

Bullflop

Cowboys Diehard

xwalker

Well-Known Member

Reality

john van brocklin

Captain Comeback

acr731

Jerry learned to GM from Pee Wee Herman

erod

Well-Known Member