casmith07
Attorney-at-Zone
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Time for this week's after-action review...give me your 3 Ups and 3 Downs.
3 Ups
- The defense. Yes, we did lose the game, however, the defense only gave up two offensive touchdowns and two field goals, and one of the touchdowns came at the hands of a short field thanks to a Tony Romo interception. Rob Ryan, somewhat quietly, has our defense playing like a top 5 defense. In fact, we are #4 in the NFL in total defense, and we have the #1 rush defense in the NFL. Not too shabby at all.
- Laurent Robinson. I think we have a #3 WR now, who also looks to be a lot better than Patrick Crayton ever was. Yes, he has to run that slant a little better, but otherwise a very solid performance turned in by a guy we got off the scrap heap. I'm feeling good going forward about our WR corps.
- The offensive line. They played great, despite the game-ending sack. This is a unit that over time, and with experience, is going to be very, very good. Romo has a clean pocket more often than not. They still are leaving a lot out there on the field in the run blocking game, though.
3 Downs
- You can't have a list of downs without listing Tony Romo. Three turnovers that directly led to 21 Detroit points, 14 of which were giftwrapped and 7 that were surrendered by our defense after getting put on the field inside the red zone. I still believe in the guy, but you absolutely cannot make those throws, especially when you're trying to preserve what was a 24 point lead, then a 17 point lead, and then a 3 point lead. A pretty bad performance by our QB. No excuses this week at all.
- The running game. Arguably, one of the reasons we have to throw so much is because we can't move the football on the ground. We rank 26th in the NFL in rushing offense, and that's just not going to cut it. 1st or Top 5 is not necessary, but I would argue that we need to be at least around the 15 mark, in the top 50% of the league in rushing. It helps soften up the defense, makes it easier for the passing game, and controls the clock. Which brings me to my last down...
- Clock/Game Management. I believe in everything Jason Garrett is doing here at a leader and as a head coach. The culture of the team has changed -- no longer do you see hanging heads when the going gets tough, and I can honestly say that when the defense trots out there I'm confident that we're going to force a punt at the least, and at best get a three and out or a turnover. When Wade Phillips was here, 3rd and long meant a conversion. Not anymore. Our guys play their butts off for 60 minutes.
However, the management of the Lions game was pretty abysmal, and that's being nice. When you are up 27-3 midway or late in the 3rd quarter, and your defense is forcing errant throws by the opposing QB and doing a great job containing the best WR in the NFL, there is absolutely no reason to be chucking the ball around. Run the ball, throw short, safe passes, and if you get a 4th down you put the ball in the hands of the best punter in the NFL and let him do his coffin corner thing. Flip the field position and let your defense go to work. EVEN if the defense gives up a TD, the Lions would have to go the length of the field and STILL score 3 more times to lead or tie the game, and by then they would run out of time -- and that's assuming that your offense, which has already put up 27 points at ease doesn't score anymore. I cannot say enough how frustrated I am this morning with the game management from yesterday after cooling off through the night. Not a good showing from a Coach that many around the league have lauded for his football smarts. Lets hope that Jason sees it as well, and improves in the future.
3 Ups
- The defense. Yes, we did lose the game, however, the defense only gave up two offensive touchdowns and two field goals, and one of the touchdowns came at the hands of a short field thanks to a Tony Romo interception. Rob Ryan, somewhat quietly, has our defense playing like a top 5 defense. In fact, we are #4 in the NFL in total defense, and we have the #1 rush defense in the NFL. Not too shabby at all.
- Laurent Robinson. I think we have a #3 WR now, who also looks to be a lot better than Patrick Crayton ever was. Yes, he has to run that slant a little better, but otherwise a very solid performance turned in by a guy we got off the scrap heap. I'm feeling good going forward about our WR corps.
- The offensive line. They played great, despite the game-ending sack. This is a unit that over time, and with experience, is going to be very, very good. Romo has a clean pocket more often than not. They still are leaving a lot out there on the field in the run blocking game, though.
3 Downs
- You can't have a list of downs without listing Tony Romo. Three turnovers that directly led to 21 Detroit points, 14 of which were giftwrapped and 7 that were surrendered by our defense after getting put on the field inside the red zone. I still believe in the guy, but you absolutely cannot make those throws, especially when you're trying to preserve what was a 24 point lead, then a 17 point lead, and then a 3 point lead. A pretty bad performance by our QB. No excuses this week at all.
- The running game. Arguably, one of the reasons we have to throw so much is because we can't move the football on the ground. We rank 26th in the NFL in rushing offense, and that's just not going to cut it. 1st or Top 5 is not necessary, but I would argue that we need to be at least around the 15 mark, in the top 50% of the league in rushing. It helps soften up the defense, makes it easier for the passing game, and controls the clock. Which brings me to my last down...
- Clock/Game Management. I believe in everything Jason Garrett is doing here at a leader and as a head coach. The culture of the team has changed -- no longer do you see hanging heads when the going gets tough, and I can honestly say that when the defense trots out there I'm confident that we're going to force a punt at the least, and at best get a three and out or a turnover. When Wade Phillips was here, 3rd and long meant a conversion. Not anymore. Our guys play their butts off for 60 minutes.
However, the management of the Lions game was pretty abysmal, and that's being nice. When you are up 27-3 midway or late in the 3rd quarter, and your defense is forcing errant throws by the opposing QB and doing a great job containing the best WR in the NFL, there is absolutely no reason to be chucking the ball around. Run the ball, throw short, safe passes, and if you get a 4th down you put the ball in the hands of the best punter in the NFL and let him do his coffin corner thing. Flip the field position and let your defense go to work. EVEN if the defense gives up a TD, the Lions would have to go the length of the field and STILL score 3 more times to lead or tie the game, and by then they would run out of time -- and that's assuming that your offense, which has already put up 27 points at ease doesn't score anymore. I cannot say enough how frustrated I am this morning with the game management from yesterday after cooling off through the night. Not a good showing from a Coach that many around the league have lauded for his football smarts. Lets hope that Jason sees it as well, and improves in the future.
