A Gut-Wrenching Look at the 2 Minutes Before Halftime. Entire Season Breakdown

[Dodger12]

Did we run the ball enough this season in games? No. Did it really matter? No. We were 1 INT away from possibly making the playoffs. Let it go already.

You mean in the two minute drill, we may pass more frequently.

Huh. Cutting edge stuff right there. You may be onto something.

Just my opinion but I think you guys are looking at it wrong. One of the major rules of having the ball the final two minutes of the half is to not give the opposing team the ball back, especially with any time left on the clock where they can do something with it. It's maddening when we do that and the team goes right down and scores to end the half.

Take the Eagles game. We have the ball at the 50 yard line with 2 minutes left and all 3 of our time outs in a close game. The Eagles get the ball to start the second half so there is no way you give them the ball back with a chance to score on two straight possessions. We pass on first down and it's picked. By the time there's something like 1:03 left on the clock, the Eagles had gone down the field and scored a TD. In other words, the Eagles scored on just a couple of plays in just under a minute.

That score by the Eagles to end the half turned out to be huge. That should never happen but as the Op showed, it happens more often than not. No coach worth his salt in a tight game with your back-up QB gives the ball back to the other team in that scenario. Sure we all want a TD when we start at the 50 but in that scenario you'll take the FG.

On the flip side, the Red Headed Trainee gets the ball back at the Eagles 20 after a huge turnover and he calls these dump passes to the TE. It's maddening. That was our chance to keep the momentum and win the game and we couldn't even muster a yard or two. He has no offensive flow during a game and the play calling in those two series I mentioned were horrendous. Simply putrid.

It's bad enough if you believe we don't have the talent and it's something we debate here constantly. But it's even worse when you don't have a coach with a basic clue about clock management. We've seen this for 3 years now and even Jerry knows it. This is where the Trainee costs us games during the season.

 

[AdamJT13]

It is actually a very informative post and a lot of effort

It was a lot of effort, but there is no context. There is nothing about what is a typical run/pass breakdown in the final 2 minutes of the half, only the poster's personal opinion about what is "good" or "bad."

The poster might be surprised to find out that our opponents were even more pass-happy than we were in the final 2 minutes of the first half this season, for example. Or that other offenses were as well. Or that our opponents also "ran the ball only 1 single time between the 20's when they were attempting a drive" -- and that came at our 22-yard line with 1:54 left in the half.

Vintage was right. In the last two minutes of the half, teams pass the ball a lot more, which is basically all that the original post shows.

 

[visionary]

It was a lot of effort, but there is no context. There is nothing about what is a typical run/pass breakdown in the final 2 minutes of the half, only the poster's personal opinion about what is "good" or "bad."

The poster might be surprised to find out that our opponents were even more pass-happy than we were in the final 2 minutes of the first half this season, for example. Or that other offenses were as well. Or that our opponents also "ran the ball only 1 single time between the 20's when they were attempting a drive" -- and that came at our 22-yard line with 1:54 left in the half.

Vintage was right. In the last two minutes of the half, teams pass the ball a lot more, which is basically all that the original post shows.

Fair enough
Would this be more informative in context? Yes

Looking at the forest is important but sometimes the trees can also tell a story
When we have run 1 time during a drive between the 20's in the last 2 minutes before the half over a span of 16 games, that tells other teams and defences that it is not just less likely we will run but extremely unlikely. Information like this and tendencies like this have been pointed out by many many media outlets and posters about Garrett's offense and gives defences a significant advantage in game planning and may help in explaining some of our problems

See Dodger12s post above

So dismissing it as nothing is not smart, looking for context to inform the discussion further, is

 

[blackbull]

Ill take a #7 with a coke. Do you deliver?

Do you sit down when you urinate?

 

[TheCount]

Did we run the ball enough this season in games? No. Did it really matter? No. We were 1 INT away from possibly making the playoffs. Let it go already.

1 INT away? You think Orton's int is the reason we didn't make the playoffs in 2013?

In regards to the OP, thanks for taking the time to compile the stats. It tells an interesting story, but one that may be incomplete without having something to compare it to.

For all we know, there are winning teams with similar run/pass discrepancy in the last 2 minutes before the half, and some of those teams might actually be more effective in doing so.

Me personally, I have always felt Garrett was too inexperienced for the job. I never thought he earned it, but rather it was given to him. I expected a bumpy road, but what I didn't expect is for him to keep repeating the same mistakes again and again.

 

[blindzebra]

Yeah the OP did not think lets make Garrett look bad so here are some meaningless stats without context.

The funny thing is if we did a give up before the half the same posters would be *****ing about how we should be going for points and Garrett is coaching not to lose.

 

[Frosty]

First of all, apologies if any of this is difficult to read. I had a lot of research to put together here. There are many more eye-popping stats in the details as well (not just the portions in bold). The devil is in the details regarding this post.

Onward we go....

One of the game management problems which bothered me a lot this season was the final 2 minutes before half-time. I decided to break it down for the board.

Now, this is only the final 2 minutes before the half. Does this same game-management apply to the other 58 minutes?

Perhaps it may. I admit that I became even more shocked as I broke this down.


On the season, the Cowboys passed 57 times and ran the ball 6 times in the final two minutes before halftime.

Of those 6 runs:

*1 Rush was a 8 yard gain on 3rd and 19 on a give-up play. (vs Giants)

*1 Rush was a -1 Randle rush in the redzone after a Sean Lee Interception giving the Cowboys a 1st and goal from the 4. (at Detroit)

*1 Rush was a redzone TD by Murray (vs Raiders)

*1 Rush was a redzone TD by Murray (vs Packers)

*1 Rush was in the middle of a Cowboys drive (vs Packers)

*1 Rush was after an INT by Heath; a 7 yard gain by Murray with 47 seconds left and all timeouts remaining Cowboys chose to let the clock wind down and head to the locker-room)

Summary of the 6 rushes within last 2 minutes of half: 3 Red-Zone rushes for 2 TDs. 2 Give-up rushes. 1 rush used within a drive.


Yes, you read that correctly...

On the season, in the last 2 minutes before the half. We ran the ball only 1 single time between the 20's when we were attempting a drive.

You may also note that...

Out of our 57 pass attempts, we scored only 1 TD after a 74 yard INT return which set us up with goal-to-go.


On the season, in the last 2 minutes of the half, the Cowboys were outscored 65 to 34.

If you look at those stats, you may say the Defense is to blame.

However, during the last 2 minutes before halftime on the season...

*Of the 34 points we scored, 2 can be attributed to Defense Turnovers. 1 INT for TD and one INT to bring Cowboys Offense to 1st and goal from the 4.

*Though we only ran the ball 6 times (the entire season) in the final 2 minutes before halftime; 3 of those were in the RZ with 2 rushing TDs.

*Our Special Teams also saved 3 points from the opponents 65 total points by blocking a FG before halftime.

*Our D also saved another potential 7 points with an INT at the 7 yard line.

*Also the 2 Sean Lee INTs not only prevented our opposition from scoring but swung the point favor to the Cowboys in the process.

*Our offense had 2 turnovers. One of which led to a TD by the opponents.


With a microscopic look, it's my opinion that the Defense did everything in its power to save this team from Offensive clock and game mismanagement, not properly using time-outs and imbalanced play-calling for down and distance situations. There seems to be plenty of those 2nd and 4 and 3rd and 4 passes as well...

Keep in mind, that this is only a look at the last 2 minutes prior to halftime. In my opinion, I can count 2 games with proper management and play calling to end the half. Those games were vs the Packers and Raiders.

The other 14 games?...I'll let you decide for yourselves.


Individual notes and team scores broken down by individual games - The first # is the score with 2 minutes before the half.

0-7 Cowboys 0 vs Giants: 7 passes 1 rush=result: Punt
(Notables: 1 Rush was on 3rd and 19) Edit: *Eli Manning TD pass to Cruz at 2:01

0-0 Cowboys 0 at Chiefs 0: 2 Passes 0 rushes Results 1 Punt 1 Kneel
(Notables: Cowboys blocked Chiefs FG attempt; 2 Dallas possessions; Punt from Dallas 49; Kneel at Dallas 46)

0-0 Cowboys vs Rams: 3 passes 0 rushes = Result 1 punt
(Notables: Pass on 2nd and 4, pass on 3rd and 2; Punt from Dallas 47)

7-3 Cowboys at Chargers: 0 passes 0 rushes = Result Defensive TD
(Notables: Sean Lee Interception for TD; Chargers kick FG)

3-7 Cowboys vs Broncos: 3 passes 0 rushes = Result FG
(Notables: Broncos used a timeout with 28 seconds left-allowed us to kick a FG with 3 seconds left; Cowboys used all of their Timeouts on Broncos TD drive)

0-3 Cowboys vs. Commanders 0 passes 0 rushes = Result N/A
(Notables: Cowboys O did't have the ball within 2 minutes)

0-0 Cowboys at Eagles: 5 passes 0 rushes = Result 1 punt 1 interception
(Notables: Eagles missed FG; 2 Dallas possessions; Punt from Dallas 33; Hail Mary Interception, 1 pass broke down which was a Romo 4 yard run)

7-0 Cowboys at Lions: 2 passes 1 rushes = Result 1 TD; 1 Kneel at Dallas 33
(Notables: Sean Lee 74 yard Interception set Cowboys offense up at 1st and goal at Detroit 4 yard line)

0-7 Cowboys vs Vikings: 6 passes 0 rushes = Result punt from Dallas 37
(Notables: Cowboys used a timeout after a 1st down run by AP run. Vikings TD 2 plays later: After a 2nd and 6 incompletion sack on 3 and 6)

0-14 Cowboys at Saints: 3 passes 0 rushes = Result punt from Dallas 28
(Notables: Cowboys passed on 2nd and 2 and 3rd and 2 resulting in a punt to the Saints with 1:01 remaining. Cowboys used their 2nd and 3rd Timeouts on Saints 1st TD Drive. Saints decided to use their timeouts on their own 2nd TD within the final 2 minutes of the game)

0-0 Cowboys at Giants: 4 passes 0 rushes = Result punt from Dallas 27
(Notables: Cowboys used a Timeout after a 1st down completion...After which was an incomplete pass and a sack giving the ball back to the Giants where Giants drove enough to attempt a Hail Mary)

7-7 Cowboys vs Raiders: 7 passes 1 run = Result 1 TD
(Notables: Sustained drive with proper use of timeouts. Cowboys used all 3 timeouts during our own TD drive; Raiders scored a TD with exactly 2 minutes on the clock)

0-10 Cowboys at Bears: 4 passes 0 runs = Results 1 punt; 1 kneel down
(Notables: Cowboys used a timeout and had 3 consecutive incompletions to give the Bears the ball back with 59 seconds - Bears drove and scored for the 2nd time within 2 minutes)

7-0 Cowboys vs Packers; 4 passes 2 runs = Rushing TD
(Notables: Cowboys had good mix of run and pass with proper time management. Packers get 34 yards with 3 seconds left)

0-0 Cowboys at Commanders: 1 Run = Results end of half
(Notables: Cowboys ran for 7 yards on 1st and 10 with 47 seconds left in the half: Cowboys had all timouts remaining, chose to end the half after the run)

3-7 Cowboys vs Eagles: 8 passes 0 runs result 1 interception and 1 FG
(Notables: INT led to Eagles TD, on 3rd and 10 Dallas passes for minus 1 yard, Orton did have a rush due to breakdown)

Total Score: 34-65

I could have added quite a few more "notables" but it may have taken up the whole board. Though I think this should leave enough for discussion

Thanks for taking the time to do the research. I enjoy reading post like these IMO it makes the Zone a lot better. People actually make an effort and bring something to the table to discuss instead of just venting the normal garbage.

Really waiting to read some of the awesome year end reviews from posters like, Couchscout, Hostile and others.

 

[visionary]

Yeah the OP did not think lets make Garrett look bad so here are some meaningless stats without context.

The funny thing is if we did a give up before the half the same posters would be *****ing about how we should be going for points and Garrett is coaching not to lose.

Good to see that zebras aren't the only blind creatures in your world

 

[AdamJT13]

When we have run 1 time during a drive between the 20's in the last 2 minutes before the half over a span of 16 games, that tells other teams and defences that it is not just less likely we will run but extremely unlikely. Information like this and tendencies like this have been pointed out by many many media outlets and posters about Garrett's offense and gives defences a significant advantage in game planning and may help in explaining some of our problems

Again, that "tendency" reveals nothing if it is not unusual, and there's no way to know that without context. Teams pass the ball the vast majority of the time in the two-minute offense -- it's not just us. And that doesn't give defenses a "significant advantage," it gives offenses a better chance to score quickly.

 

[Carolina Cowboy]

Now if we could just get one of JG's teachers (after all that's what JJ says we are doing right) to have 1/2 the insight and intellect that the OP just demonstrated, we might be onto something.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

How often are teams running the ball in a 2 minute offense?

 

[Sb or Bust]

When running 2 minute/ hurry up offense, I expect the ratio of pass vs run to be heavily skewed in pass favor, especially if you are trying to score before half. Now if this was the case with the 4 minute offense, then I'd agree.

 

[Ultra Warrior]

1 INT away? You think Orton's int is the reason we didn't make the playoffs in 2013?

There were plenty of other reasons why but it was the last time we touched the ball. It was the last play that put a nail in the coffin of the 2013 season. It's a lot of What If deals & none of them matter now. Seasons over & Garretts the coach. None of these threads or posts will change it.

 

[SWG9]

Just my opinion but I think you guys are looking at it wrong. One of the major rules of having the ball the final two minutes of the half is to not give the opposing team the ball back, especially with any time left on the clock where they can do something with it. It's maddening when we do that and the team goes right down and scores to end the half.

Take the Eagles game. We have the ball at the 50 yard line with 2 minutes left and all 3 of our time outs in a close game. The Eagles get the ball to start the second half so there is no way you give them the ball back with a chance to score on two straight possessions. We pass on first down and it's picked. By the time there's something like 1:03 left on the clock, the Eagles had gone down the field and scored a TD. In other words, the Eagles scored on just a couple of plays in just under a minute.

That score by the Eagles to end the half turned out to be huge. That should never happen but as the Op showed, it happens more often than not. No coach worth his salt in a tight game with your back-up QB gives the ball back to the other team in that scenario. Sure we all want a TD when we start at the 50 but in that scenario you'll take the FG.

On the flip side, the Red Headed Trainee gets the ball back at the Eagles 20 after a huge turnover and he calls these dump passes to the TE. It's maddening. That was our chance to keep the momentum and win the game and we couldn't even muster a yard or two. He has no offensive flow during a game and the play calling in those two series I mentioned were horrendous. Simply putrid.

It's bad enough if you believe we don't have the talent and it's something we debate here constantly. But it's even worse when you don't have a coach with a basic clue about clock management. We've seen this for 3 years now and even Jerry knows it. This is where the Trainee costs us games during the season.

You beat me to it. That sequence at the end of the half really drove the point home. 1st and 10 at your own 47 with all three timeouts in a 3 point game -- after your backup QB makes a huge play on 3rd and 9 to get a first down -- and we're throwing. Absolutely senseless playcalling there, Orton bails you out of trouble and then you just jump right back in.

 

[pjtoadie]

Did we run the ball enough this season in games? No. Did it really matter? No. We were 1 INT away from possibly making the playoffs. Let it go already.

Is that you Jerry?

 

[SWG9]

Again, that "tendency" reveals nothing if it is not unusual, and there's no way to know that without context. Teams pass the ball the vast majority of the time in the two-minute offense -- it's not just us. And that doesn't give defenses a "significant advantage," it gives offenses a better chance to score quickly.

I generally agree with what you're saying, but I still think there's a lot of value in the OP's research. Another broader point that can be gleaned from this is that the Cowboys (in 2013, at least) generally didn't do well throwing heavily in the last two minutes of the half, so perhaps they should have ran the ball a little more.

I'd assume (although I could be wrong) that a -31 point differential probably ranks in the bottom half (maybe bottom 3rd?) of the league.

These sequences are obviously critical; Dallas was outscored in the final two minutes of a half 7 times this year, pushed 6 games, and "won" 3. That can't be good.

 

[blindzebra]

The football ignorance of some is astounding.

You have a monumentally bad defense, the one thing you can't do is waste possessions. And knowledgeable fans realize how important that last drive of the half can be to winning games.

 

[Ultra Warrior]

Is that you Jerry?

Is that you, Dave Chappelle?

 

[Hoov]

Just looking at the final game alone. I wanted a conservative approach to take time off the clock and would have been pleased with a fg there.
The eagles have been a team that typically has been out scored in second half.
That int gave the eagles another td before halftime.

Did not like the game management there at all.

 

[AdamJT13]

I generally agree with what you're saying, but I still think there's a lot of value in the OP's research. Another broader point that can be gleaned from this is that the Cowboys (in 2013, at least) generally didn't do well throwing heavily in the last two minutes of the half, so perhaps they should have ran the ball a little more.

I'd assume (although I could be wrong) that a -31 point differential probably ranks in the bottom half (maybe bottom 3rd?) of the league.

These sequences are obviously critical; Dallas was outscored in the final two minutes of a half 7 times this year, pushed 6 games, and "won" 3. That can't be good.

The original post doesn't tell you whether the Cowboys did well or did not do well "throwing heavily" in the last two minutes of the half. It says we scored 34 points, but it doesn't tell you whether that is more than, less than or about the same as what we should have scored in those situations.And simply running the ball more often in those situations doesn't mean you'll score more or do any better -- it could just mean than you run out of time sooner.

Like I've been saying, analysis without context is meaningless.