Offense: Intelligence & Scheme Changes

Melonfeud

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This is a review of the offensive with regards to football intelligence.

In order to use a more varied offensive scheme, the players must execute the new changes.


I'm confident that Kellen Moore can make the scheme much better and less predictable; however, my concern is that he might implement too many changes too soon. I don't think that will happen; however, it's always possible with a new coach or new (modified) scheme.

In the past the Cowboys were limited by a few dumb players like Dez and TWill.

The increase in intelligence just at the WR position as compared to 2017 and earlier is huge. Cooper/Cobb vs Dez/TWill is like upgrading your son's science fair partner from Dexter Manley and Terry Bradshaw to a reincarnation of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Looney over-achieved his talent last year but getting Frederick back is huge with regards to the overall intelligence of the offense. They missed Frederick's line calls.


Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper
The best route runner in the NFL according to Aikman. Game knowledge appears to be off the charts.​

Michael Gallup
Advanced route runner in college. Adapted quickly as a rookie.​

Randall Cobb
Known for being a smart player. Very experienced.​

Noah Brown
The opposite of a ready-now player when drafted because injury limited his experience in college. Very polished as a blocker. Receiving ability (mental and physical) still in question. Was 4th in Special Teams Snaps played as a percent of possible ST snaps in the games that he played.​

Cedrick Wilson
Advanced route runner in college.​

Tavon Austin
Reported to be exceptional in regards to football knowledge in training camp last year.​

Allen Hurns
Might not make the roster, but is an experienced and versatile backup.​

Jalen Guyton
Jon'Vea Johnson
Devin Smith
Lance Lenoir Jr.
Reggie Davis

Tight Ends
Jason Witten
Extremely experienced (16 years). Just don’t ask him to explain football while in a TV game booth...
Blake Jarwin
Things seemed to “click” for him as a receiver as the 2018 season progressed. Reported to be in sync with Dak with regards to “seeing” the defense.​

Dalton Schultz
Adapted quickly as a blocker during his rookie season.​

Rico Gathers
Paraphrasing Forrest Gump “Not a smart man”.​

Codey McElroy

Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott
Showed great attention to detail and understanding of defenses in 2018 including blocking/receiving as well as rushing.​

Tony Pollard
Saavy player based on game footage. In college showed a great understanding of the Memphis scheme which was unique and varied. He was a very versatile player and showed a good understanding of his roles as a lead blocker, runner and receiver.​

Jamize Olawale
Jack-of-All Trades type player.​

Mike Weber Jr.
From draft reports: Savvy, slippery runner who sets up blocks well at the point of attack. Quick to identify vacancies in the defensive front or when he needs to get his head around vs. pressure as a pass outlet. Has that "do it all" vibe. High motor player who has been the consummate teammate.​

Darius Jackson
Jordan Chunn

Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott
Adapted to the NFL very quickly as a rookie and as football smart (or smarter) as compared to other 4th year QBs.
Cooper Rush
Mike White

Offensive Linemen
Travis Frederick
Smartest player on the team according to teammates.​

Zack Martin
Technique master and was one of the most ready-now players his rookie season that’s ever come out of college.​

Connor Williams
Struggled physically as a rookie that was 296 pounds when drafted; however, mentally he adapted quickly to the NFL game and position change. The 4th ever player in UT history to receive All-American honors as a Sophomore.​

Tyron Smith
Ninth year.​

La'el Collins
They can’t all be smart.​

Joe Looney
Incredibly well prepared as a backup that became a season long starter. As a starter probably a bit lagging in the ability to “read” a defense and make line calls.​

Cameron Fleming
Experienced backup.​

Connor McGovern
Started as a freshman. Started 35 of 39 possible college games.​

Xavier Su'a-Filo
Experienced backup.​

Mitch Hyatt
A 4 year starter in college known for his advanced understanding of how to play the position.​

Larry Allen Jr.
Harvard​

Brandon Knight
From draft reports: Outstanding football intelligence and awareness in pass pro. Eyes work fast to process twists and stunts. He's a quick processor.​

Derrick Puni
Cody Wichmann
Adam Redmond
Jake Campos
Cool write-up/admirable piece of structurally intelligent insightfullness, that should be more deeply appreciated than it probably will be around here ,,,my man, xwalker:thumbup:

:starspin::yourock::starspin:



* Lmao ,Dexter Manley:lmao2:,that Commander proved out to be a formidable foe when facing US,,,& BRADSHAW's somewhat semi literate spelt signature across OUR forehead is still legible when viewed
in the right angle/lightingo_O*
 

Melonfeud

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Oh,Yeah!,,,& I'm wanting my addendum of inquiry to be officially recognized & duly noted into the O.P.'s offensive outlay,,,er,,, what's the over/under of pre-snap Zebra awards fer' the #82,,,baseline of 10 on the season?o_O






:lmao:
 

Bullflop

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As far as intelligence and schemes are concerned, let's all hope those qualities are manifested with Moore.

I'm also hoping that WR, Cedrick Wilson gets off to a good start this year by advancing his status as a WR.

Seems to me that he might have an exceptional opportunity, being as how he and Moore were teammates!
 

Melonfeud

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Ever watch "It's A Football Life" about Jimmy Johnson - he is on his boat talking about drafting player(s) and he says he to Belichik of all people I think: "Hit me in the head with a hammer the next time i pick a dumb guy". Football smarts/brains/intuition is an under-rated quality in a player sometimes.....
Hey Man, have you ever watched Bill Belichick's football life when he was working overtime
( compiling his working crew& capital assets, only to see it fly away to BALTIMORE& quickly snag a Lombardi, after the league hit the flush lever on the browns ) when he flew the plane for the Cleavland Steamers?,,,o_O
 

Melonfeud

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I was referring to Rico's knucklehead factor, not really his progress as a player. He's on the pace development wise that should be expected of a college basketball player.

Rico has big shoes to fill in regards to college basketball player turned NFL football player for the Cowboys and going into his 4th year.

Parnell was a college basketball player. During his 4th year in the NFL, he was The Swing Tackle and rotated series with Free in the final 4 games.
I'm in the campfires lighted view that both jersey numbers of 80&85 could be better utilized with others,,,er,,, than what's currently filling themo_O
 

Melonfeud

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So,yer' in open admittance of being ignorant in those particulars of which yer' attempting in making some personal affronted hay outta',,, EH @Oz-of-Cowboy-Country ? ,,,just sayin',Bro! ya,knowo_O
 

Melonfeud

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So everyone that doesn't speak the way you would like them to is dumb. They must use your verbiage to be smart. Well I would like to inform you that people don't get nervous I front of the cameras.

T Will didn't go out of bounds, he's dumb. Dez can't run a china route he's dumb. Nooooo. Actually is less then favorable for the coaches to expect a guy that's 220lbs. to get open on a china route.

So excuse me if I refuse to call someone dumb that I've never rubbed elbows with. That's just me. To each it's own. But I plan on having all the right answers when I get to the Pearly Gates. So when the "Man Upstairs" ask you why'd you continuously call people names year after year? What are you going to say? Are you going to cop an attitude with him like you do with posters on this site?

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT.
I'm going to continue to be me. You be you. And let's see where we end up. The end.
* I don't wanna crush yer' indoctrination of envisioned beliefs about the" pearly gates" but that galaxy monstrodial space crafts Captain & Crew fully intend to devour yer' very soul like a pearl onion in the bottom of a vodka martini glass,,,
 

Bullflop

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I'm in the campfires lighted view that both jersey numbers of 80&85 could be better utilized with others,,,er,,, than what's currently filling themo_O

I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear of "The Turk" seeking Rico and Noah out at the final cuts to deliver the bad news. ;)
 
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NotForLong

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* I don't wanna crush yer' indoctrination of envisioned beliefs about the" pearly gates" but that galaxy monstrodial space crafts Captain & Crew fully intend to devour yer' very soul like a pearl onion in the bottom of a vodka martini glass,,,
Talk about indoctrination . . . sounds like someone grew up watching "Alien" Week on the History Channel :huh:. . . .:facepalm: . . . :muttley:
 

Future

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Cole Beasley is as intelligent as just about any WR in the game, and they got rid of him. You don't get open late in plays like TWill did without being a smart football player.

I get the point, but think it's a pretty serious reach to think that because the WRs are smarter, they're going to be a more complex offense.
 

Kaiser

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FWIW, Calvin Watkins did a roster projection saying Reggie Davis makes the team at WR over Tavon Austin. He has Noah Brown and Jon'Vea Johnson as the other WRs, which I can definitely see. This was the section of that article -

Who makes it: Reggie Davis, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Amari Cooper, Jon’vea Johnson and Noah Brown.

Comment: Tavon Austin and Allen Hurns have the experience but, as of now, nobody would be surprised if the Cowboys go with younger talent. Johnson was getting run with the twos in the mandatory minicamp while Davis made numerous plays in traffic and was able to beat defenders deep. Davis’ ability to return punts gives him an edge to make the roster. Hurns is coming off a broken ankle but is running routes. His contract will need to be adjusted, as the Cowboys are not willing to pay him a base salary of $4 million.
 

beware_d-ware

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You really need to know what assignments players are given to execute, and hear them break down what they're seeing themselves before you judge someone as a "smart player". Yes, there are a couple guys like Witten who clearly have a brilliant understanding of the game, and there's a few knuckleheads who clearly have no idea what they are doing out there, but I don't know how you discern the 80% of guys in the middle just off of fluff pieces and broadcast TV angles.
 

xwalker

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CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Cool write-up/admirable piece of structurally intelligent insightfullness, that should be more deeply appreciated than it probably will be around here ,,,my man, xwalker:thumbup:

:starspin::yourock::starspin:



* Lmao ,Dexter Manley:lmao2:,that Commander proved out to be a formidable foe when facing US,,,& BRADSHAW's somewhat semi literate spelt signature across OUR forehead is still legible when viewed
in the right angle/lightingo_O*
New Avatar Eh...

Bob Gilligan Denver.
 

Kevinicus

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TLDR.

Stop myself as soon as he called Dez and T.will dumb. I've called people dumb before but only after I'd directly rubbed elbows with them.

So I wouldn't call Dez or T.Will dumb because I don't know them. I also wouldn't say the guys we have now are smarter.

Then again maybe X.WALKER administered an IQ test to these guys personally. But I haven't. Just saying.

He has a tendency to pull things out of thin air and pass it off as fact.

Like the idea that Dak wasn't allowed to read defenses pre-snap. Coaches dicated ahead of time what the reads would be.
 

speedkilz88

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FWIW, Calvin Watkins did a roster projection saying Reggie Davis makes the team at WR over Tavon Austin. He has Noah Brown and Jon'Vea Johnson as the other WRs, which I can definitely see. This was the section of that article -

Who makes it: Reggie Davis, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Amari Cooper, Jon’vea Johnson and Noah Brown.

Comment: Tavon Austin and Allen Hurns have the experience but, as of now, nobody would be surprised if the Cowboys go with younger talent. Johnson was getting run with the twos in the mandatory minicamp while Davis made numerous plays in traffic and was able to beat defenders deep. Davis’ ability to return punts gives him an edge to make the roster. Hurns is coming off a broken ankle but is running routes. His contract will need to be adjusted, as the Cowboys are not willing to pay him a base salary of $4 million.
Reggie Davis had one great day during all of OTAs and Minicamp.
 

Fire407

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Acquiring players is a tricky thing and not everyone is good at it. Jimmy and Bill both drafted Football players that were athletes. Wade seem to draft athletes that played football. Garrett has gotten back to getting football players that are also good athletes. It makes a big difference IMO
Don't you mean Stephen has gotten back to getting good football players...? Garrett might be able to offer some suggestions, but he's not making any decisions
 

DuncanIso

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What's up with the Dez hate?!?

Btw, Coop and Dez stats are very close.

Except Dez has more TDs. The most in Cowboys history.

Just saying....
 

Cowboy4ever

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Don't you mean Stephen has gotten back to getting good football players...? Garrett might be able to offer some suggestions, but he's not making any decisions

Stephen has been around since Jerry bought the team. You can hide from the fact that the cap was a mess and the team was full of old players and bloated contracts when Garrett took over and pretend Stephen is the one that fixed that, after he was part of the one that caused that if you wan to.
 
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