cowboys1981
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I always give my take after 4 games. So here we go...
Offense:
I see moments of Championship type of drives when we impose our will. Blocks get set, Dak has the passing lane and Zeke has running room. Our receivers also make some good catches as well in key moments.
As much as I want to give the Oline smack, they are still trying to gel the RT and LG spots and it doesn't help when the defense stacks 7-8 players in the box. On run plays we are outnumbered when it comes to defenders and effective blockers. I notice this issue more when we try to sweep to the outside. When I see the outside runs, poor blocking and a lack of burst from Zeke makes for quick stops. I would like to see us start off with more of a north and south target zone. I would use fake handoffs to Zeke and quick pass to Beasley. We have to keep the defenses stretched east to west so the running lanes are there for Zeke.
Zeke doesn't appear to be the same Zeke from last season. Still, the current Zeke is still among the top backs in the league. I can almost be certain his case is weighing in on him. He has shown flashes where he bursts through the line like last season. I'll say between the distraction and offensive line's continuity, it is more along the lines of continuity that needs to improve in order to see Zeke make more big runs. I say that because the Oline does have its moments where the run blocking fails and in some cases the pass blocking as well. I think time will benefit this area and this will be a forgotten point of the season.
Dak, as much as he had a wonderful season last year, he is not in sync with the receivers this season. As much as it is easy to blame the problems on Dez, Dak also needs to check himself. For instance, he needs to improve in the pocket when pocket collapses and not settle for check down routes before plays develop. He shouldn't be throwing a few yards down the field when the first down marker is nearly 10 yards away. He is quick to settle on dump offs and is off on targets in the intermediate range. What I love about Dak is he is the type of player that does feed off of adversity and will respond to it more often than not. I just don't want to describe him in a manner in which he is either flawless or a bust. I have no doubt he'll come out and respond vs Green Bay.
Defense:
This is the area I've always harped on. I like the DBs we got this off-season in the draft. Awuzie, Lewis and Woods are the real deal. With a young secondary we will have growing pains. At this point Heath can stick to special teams. I feel Woods can be a better choice of an option there. My issue when it comes to defense is the scheme. For example, when LA was on our side of the field on their final drive, I didn't understand why we were playing two safeties back when we should've been in an 8 man look. I still get bothered seeing CBs playing off as they give the Dline no chance to get to the QB. On the flip side, I also understand we have to have a rotation, but it also needs to be effective. When Lawrence was out, pass rush was non-existent.
Coaches:
I love how coaches can get these players to give it their all. I disagree alot with schemes on both sides of the ball. Time will help with continuity with the Oline and secondary, but we need to press more often and disrupt receivers from breaking to their routes cleanly. I won't go on a "fire them all" tirade.
As the season continues we will continue to see development from the Oline, DBs and Jaylon. It is way too soon to write them off, especially when our coaching staff lends a hand in not setting them up for success from time to time. As much of a homer I am labelled I do see some areas where we need some improvement.
Offense:
I see moments of Championship type of drives when we impose our will. Blocks get set, Dak has the passing lane and Zeke has running room. Our receivers also make some good catches as well in key moments.
As much as I want to give the Oline smack, they are still trying to gel the RT and LG spots and it doesn't help when the defense stacks 7-8 players in the box. On run plays we are outnumbered when it comes to defenders and effective blockers. I notice this issue more when we try to sweep to the outside. When I see the outside runs, poor blocking and a lack of burst from Zeke makes for quick stops. I would like to see us start off with more of a north and south target zone. I would use fake handoffs to Zeke and quick pass to Beasley. We have to keep the defenses stretched east to west so the running lanes are there for Zeke.
Zeke doesn't appear to be the same Zeke from last season. Still, the current Zeke is still among the top backs in the league. I can almost be certain his case is weighing in on him. He has shown flashes where he bursts through the line like last season. I'll say between the distraction and offensive line's continuity, it is more along the lines of continuity that needs to improve in order to see Zeke make more big runs. I say that because the Oline does have its moments where the run blocking fails and in some cases the pass blocking as well. I think time will benefit this area and this will be a forgotten point of the season.
Dak, as much as he had a wonderful season last year, he is not in sync with the receivers this season. As much as it is easy to blame the problems on Dez, Dak also needs to check himself. For instance, he needs to improve in the pocket when pocket collapses and not settle for check down routes before plays develop. He shouldn't be throwing a few yards down the field when the first down marker is nearly 10 yards away. He is quick to settle on dump offs and is off on targets in the intermediate range. What I love about Dak is he is the type of player that does feed off of adversity and will respond to it more often than not. I just don't want to describe him in a manner in which he is either flawless or a bust. I have no doubt he'll come out and respond vs Green Bay.
Defense:
This is the area I've always harped on. I like the DBs we got this off-season in the draft. Awuzie, Lewis and Woods are the real deal. With a young secondary we will have growing pains. At this point Heath can stick to special teams. I feel Woods can be a better choice of an option there. My issue when it comes to defense is the scheme. For example, when LA was on our side of the field on their final drive, I didn't understand why we were playing two safeties back when we should've been in an 8 man look. I still get bothered seeing CBs playing off as they give the Dline no chance to get to the QB. On the flip side, I also understand we have to have a rotation, but it also needs to be effective. When Lawrence was out, pass rush was non-existent.
Coaches:
I love how coaches can get these players to give it their all. I disagree alot with schemes on both sides of the ball. Time will help with continuity with the Oline and secondary, but we need to press more often and disrupt receivers from breaking to their routes cleanly. I won't go on a "fire them all" tirade.
As the season continues we will continue to see development from the Oline, DBs and Jaylon. It is way too soon to write them off, especially when our coaching staff lends a hand in not setting them up for success from time to time. As much of a homer I am labelled I do see some areas where we need some improvement.
