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

[pjtoadie]

Is that you, Dave Chappelle?

Shhh don't tell anyone

 

[visionary]

Is that you Jerry?

I was going to ask a similar question
I am sure some if the younger jones clan post here and that might explain some of the disregard of the obvious by some

 

[khiladi]

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.

So you don't run the ball and make yourself one-dimensional? Teams run the ball all the time in the last two minutes, especially if they got TOs and the defense is playing soft coverage and focused on the deep play.

 

[JBS]

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.

What a stupid comment. Instead of our season coming down to week 17 every single year... Why don't we try being an upper echelon team in the NFC? You ever think of that?

I swear. It's like just getting into the playoffs is the ultimate goal around here.

Who gives a darn if we get in the postseason and do nothing?

 

[Nation]

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

That's the only problem with the post, there isn't any context to the stats by comparing to other teams.

 

[coult44]

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.

Nope but Romo's against GB could be...

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

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

Great post , and it has been this way for years . This team loves keeping teams in ball games and does not play 60 min .

 

[ftghb]

You mean teams don't run the ball in a two minute drill when they're trying to score? Shocker.

The point of this thread confuses me. A team in a two-minute drill is typically trying to move the ball as quickly and efficiently using as little time as possible. By any metric, running the ball off a straight handoff yields the lowest amount of yards per play as well as chews up the most amount of time.

If you're talking about short plays to keep the defense honest, then I would suggest you look at the number of screen passes, swing passes, inside shovel passes, and flat routes they run; because i would classify those as run plays (even though they are scored as pass attempts), except they wouldn't be wasting 30 seconds just to get a 3-4 yard gain if the defense is ready for it and they just decide to just throw it away.

It's not your grandfather's nfl. When peyton manning gives an inside shovel handoff to knowshon moreno for a 57 yd touchdown, that counts as a pass. When drew brees dumps off a screen to darren sproles for 20 yards, that counts as a pass. But statheads who simply look at the boxscore think and quickly assume 'ZOMG, THEY MUST BE BOMBING A PASS EVERY PLAY'

 

[J_Allen]

It's a process. Sometimes you pass more than you run. Sometimes you run more than you pass. Sometimes you pass, pass, run. Sometimes you run, run, pass. Sometimes you pass, pass, pass and on the flipside sometimes you run, run, run. It's about stacking drives and putting up points each and every game.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Keeping the ball away from the opposing offense is a good idea with our defense. Even if we don't score, please don't give the ball back. Running can help in that regard.

 

[pjtoadie]

I was going to ask a similar question
I am sure some if the younger jones clan post here and that might explain some of the disregard of the obvious by some

Exactly!

 

[romothesavior]

I mean, yeah, I get the criticism that it lacks context, but its still pretty informative because its a swath of the entire season. It's not like this is a small sample size. One run play between the 20s inside two minutes all year? Sure, in many of those games, the opportunity may not have presented itself. But those numbers are truly eye-popping when you consider that they represent our playcalling over the course of the whole season.

 

[Ultra Warrior]

What a stupid comment. Instead of our season coming down to week 17 every single year... Why don't we try being an upper echelon team in the NFC? You ever think of that?

I swear. It's like just getting into the playoffs is the ultimate goal around here.

Who gives a darn if we get in the postseason and do nothing?

The very idea that you think they aren't TRYING to be "an upper echelon team in the NFC" shows your brain level.
Just getting into the Playoffs is where you need to be, if you want to go to the Super Bowl but I'm sure an Einstein like yourself can figure that out.....then again....I doubt it.
Also, with this god awful defense, how far did you see this team going BEYOND the Playoffs if they DID get in?

Better yet, don't bother coming up with an answer. It'll be a waste of my time & you'll just end up laying on the floor in the fetal position, drooling all over yourself. Carry on.
Oh & Happy New Year.

 

[JBS]

The very idea that you think they aren't TRYING to be "an upper echelon team in the NFC" shows your brain level.
Just getting into the Playoffs is where you need to be, if you want to go to the Super Bowl but I'm sure an Einstein like yourself can figure that out.....then again....I doubt it.
Also, with this god awful defense, how far did you see this team going BEYOND the Playoffs if they DID get in?

Better yet, don't bother coming up with an answer. It'll be a waste of my time & you'll just end up laying on the floor in the fetal position, drooling all over yourself. Carry on.
Oh & Happy New Year.

It's this new style of thinking that has this franchise screwed in the first place.

Hey look- the giants are winning Super Bowls at 9-7...why can't we?? Jerry is selling this lousy product and our idiot fan base is eating it up.

 

[SWG9]

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.

Right. And we sucked at the last drive before the half in 2013, hence a -31 point differential. You really should try to read and understand what's going on before you mouth off.

 

[SWG9]

You mean teams don't run the ball in a two minute drill when they're trying to score? Shocker.

The point of this thread confuses me. A team in a two-minute drill is typically trying to move the ball as quickly and efficiently using as little time as possible.

Not always, not by a long shot. Ideally you want to score but you definitely DON'T want to give the other team another possession with time to do some damage, especially when you have a defence as epically bad as what Dallas's was this year.

If you have 20 seconds left and one time out, by all means, throw throw throw. If you have 2 minutes and all three timeouts, you do not have to rush things to the same extent. Go back and look at the game by game chart; we rushed things far more than we had to, and it did cost us.

 

[blindzebra]

Right. And we sucked at the last drive before the half in 2013, hence a -31 point differential. You really should try to read and understand what's going on before you mouth off.

yeah the worst defense in our history had no part in it whatsoever.

 

[DC Cowboy]

Yup! The Dallas Cowboys play calling! Please, Jerry, bring in someone who actually knows what they're doing, *cough* Norv *cough*.

Norv or Gary Kubiack

 

[Hot_Toddy]

Great discussions guys and gals. Interesting comments in regards to both for and against aspects of the info.

However, I assure you this was not intended to be a post strictly about run vs pass, nor was it an anti-"anybody" thread.

This was simply put forth to give a lot of information regarding all kinds of aspects in regards to the 2 minutes before halftime. To see if there's anything that our Cowboys can correct and find a solution for.

Dodger12, visionary and others seemed to read my mind as to where I was going with this. There's much more information such as timeouts (when used and why not used) - Rushes vs passes regarding down-and-distance. *Such as 2nd and 4, 3rd and 2 at midfield with all timeouts remaining (see Eagles, Saints and Bears etc. games under notables in the original thread.), use of the clock vs down-and-distance and where we were on the field.

Thank you guys and gals for the great discussion and reads.

Giving all my fellow Cowboys fans "likes" in this post - regardless of point of view. Very enjoyable - Thanks to all..

Yes, I read your replies regarding putting it in context/needing a comparison.

The original post took quite a while.

A comparison is on the way....

 

[Hot_Toddy]

Unfortunately, there are no simple split-stats for all 31 teams regarding just the last 2 minutes of the half (only both halves combined).
So frankly, I don't have enough time in my day to break down all of the other 31 teams.

So I was trying to figure the best way to compare:

Should I compare to just the Seahawks? Nope, everyone would say that they have a great Defense and we don't.
How about the Eagles? Nope, it would be dismissed as some would say they are the top rushing team.
What about just any team? Oh heck no, I could attempt to skew the stats by finding the best "2 minute-before-half team".
How about them 90's Cowboys? Oh that would be quickly dismissed as different era's.

This is the best comparison I could think of, a diverse look at multiple 2013 playoff teams...

Here is every NFC playoff team vs other Playoff teams from both the NFC and AFC:

Totals:

Total Passes: 76
Total Rushes: 31 (24 of the rushes were between the 20's)

17 games x 2 = 34 total team games to be accounted for in final 2 minutes in the half.

In-Depth:

Seahawks vs 49ers. Niners 0 passes 0 rushes; Seahawks had 2 passes 3 rushes (all between the 20's) (also 1 QB run which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).
Seahawks at Panthers: Seahawks 4 passes and 2 rushes (both between the 20's). Panthers had 0 passes and 1 rush.
Seahawks at 49ers: 49ers 2 passes 1 rush (between the 20's): Seahawks had 0 passes 2 rushes (between the 20's).
Seahawks vs Saints: Seahawks had 6 passes and 3 rushes (2 rushes between the 20's). Saints 0 passes 0 rushes (Seahawks had 2 QB runs which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).
Seahawks at Colts: Colts 1 pass 2 rushes (Between the 20's). Seahawks 5 passes 0 runs also (1 QB run which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).

Panthers at 49ers: Panthers 0 passes 1 TD run (Between the 20's). 49ers 3 passes 2 runs (both between the 20's). (1 QB run which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).
Panthers vs Patriots: Panthers 2 passes 0 runs. Patriots 1 Pass 0 Runs.
Panthers at Saints: Panthers 0 passes 1 run (between the 20's). Saints 6 passes 0 runs.
Panthers vs Saints: Panthers 0 passes 1 TD run (between the 20's - 43 yard TD). Saints 6 passes 0 runs.

Eagles at Chargers: Eagles 5 passes 2 rushes. Chargers 2 passes 0 rushes.
Eagles at Chiefs: Eagles 2 passes 1 rush (between the 20's). Chiefs 3 passes 0 runs. (1 QB run which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).
Eagles at Broncos: Eagles 0 passes 0 Runs. Broncos 5 passes 1 run (between the 20's).
Eagles at Packers: Eagles 3 passes 0 rushes. Packers 8 passes 0 rushes (Eagles had 1 QB run which I didn't put in either category as it may have been a designed run or a pass play breakdown).

Packers at Bengals: Packers 2 passes 1 run. Bengals 0 passes 0 rushes.

49ers vs Colts: Colts 2 passes 2 rushes (both between the 20). 49ers 0 passes 0 rushes.
49ers at Saints: 49ers 4 passes 1 rush (between the 20's). Saints 0 passes 0 rushes.

Saints at Patriots: Saints 0 passes 0 rushes. Patriots 2 passes 4 rushes (2 rushes between the 20's)

In Summary:

NFC Playoff Teams (34 games):
76 Passes
31 Rushes
24 Rushes between the 20's

Cowboys Season (16 games):
57 passes
6 rushes
1 Rush between the 20's.

Note: As I mentioned, my original post was not intended to be a "we need to run more". It is much more than that. For instance look above (or look at any particular boxscore) and note how many teams weren't even given the opportunity to have the ball due to their opponents "before-the-half management". There are quite a few "0 pass 0 run" teams above due to proper use of timeouts, pass or run, down and distance clock management etc. Which is why I added "notables" in the original post.

I was merely stacking details in a portion of the Cowboys games which have bothered me this season (Last 2 minutes of the half).

We all want our Cowboys to be the best in all situations. Just bringing some light to this particular situation.