All 22 - offense review and other notables (update post #14)

[TheDude]

I haven't been able to do an ALl-22 write-up in a while as my wife's mother is very ill and time has been a commodity. I'll try to keep most of the review to Minn, but I would like to throw out a few obervations over the last few weeks. THe All 22 comes out tonight, so a further breakdown will follow

Positives
Not too controversial, but on the whole, the effort the DL is giving is commendable. I hadn't been able to keep up with all the new numbers. But I love the fact that Dlinemen are running down receiver screens, etc 10-15 yards down the field. Nevis appears to consistently beat his man. Everett Brown was amazing this game, Wynn looked good as well. In short, there may not be an All-Pro in these street signings, but effort is outstanding. I cant help but think the churning has gotten some of these guys to concretely play for their jobs. I see no one standing around or jogging. Sometimes they get stoned, but they dont quit. Oddly, I am appreciating that more than just 3-4 plays by some stars followed by 5-6 plays "taking off" (No one being called in particular, just a general eyeball test).

Scandrick is playing amazing football. He is a SURE tackler as well. He did an amazing job on Welker, saved a couple of CJ TDs last week and is playing as sticky as I have seen a Cowboy corner play since Deion (not the ball skills, but better tackler). Lee (another "duh" pick), but he diagnoses plays very fast and seems to get through trash better than any MLB I have seen in a long time. He also plays throuh the whistle and that effort is rewarded (See 1st pick vs Det).

I have noticed Durant is performing well when he is in - which is rare since the nickel is used so often

On offense, Terrance Williams, Brian Waters ( I know he is out now), Fred, Beasley are all standing out. Wont say much about Dez and Romo. They have been fine in general, though I am starting to question some of Romo's progressions whterh it too fast or the order. T Williams is getting better each week, running crisper routes and playing the ball in the air. Beasley is a very "sudden", his catch, spin and turn upfield move is impressive. It catches Defenses off gaurd and is a nice change of pace. Waters took a couple of games, but he is "noticeably" an upgrade to Berny and that has helped Fred as well.

Negatives
Alot has been lamented about the lack of running success. Over the last 3 weeks, I have found 2 consistent themes.

1. Leary is getting abused, looks confused and rarely gets a block at the second level and in space.
2. Our TEs are atrocious at blocking.

On point 1, Leary takes on a bull rush ok, any moves, stunts (i.e. Fairely last week) and he as bad as Berny was last year. There were multiple time in the last 3 games that he failed to come close to the LB which ultimately blew up the play. on other occassions he chose to double Tyron or Freds man and not recognize the LB. In general Tyrona dn Leary are not recognizing run blitzes very effectively right now

On point 2, Witten is at best a serviceable blocker. Hanna is atrocious and it seems that many run play s are asking him to find his block on the move and whiff and/or he gets driven back 5 yards in the running lane. I haven't seen enough of escobar to say if he is better, but since he gets littel playing time I will assumehe is. I have noticed the last couple of weeks that they are using D Harris to crackback on a blitz or DE. THat has been a failure as well. I also noticed a rare Andre Smith sighting in Detroit. at 3:58 of the 3rd quarter Randle gets the carry for 0yds. Andre Smith is lined up beside Tyron and is completely lost blocking out on Tyrons man while the SLB fills the hole and makes the tackle. Smith is visibly upset after the play.

I think there may be something that may be tipping the defense. On the second play of the 2nd Qtr vs Detroit. Romo is under center, but the all the Oline is in an "up" stance used in shotgun (no hand on the ground. Romo gets killed Leary gets beat and the safety blitz about gets to Romo. On the next drive, Leary doesn't have his hand on the ground but every other Olineman does. On that run to Dunbar, Leary tries to cut a LB downfield and goes too early at his feet. The LB regains balance and makes the tackle for 4 yards. Trying to see more oddities in formation, but Minn and detroit seemed to know when it was a run and to the gap it was going. The successful runs looked more improvised.

Anyway, I'll try to recap the whole Minn game tonight. Disecting the running plays should be a breeze. And from what I see on the condensed version, the OG combo of Berny and Leary isn't going to be pretty

 

[Hoov]

Thanks mclovin. Also sorry to hear about ur mother in law.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I got grief by a few posters for saying in a couple if threads about the scheme and philosophy as it pertains to Romo's progressions. It was mentioned yesterday by Harris that Witten is the first option and in the further quote it even states meaning inside out. So IMO I think this is a huge failure and has a lot to do with the passing game and why the outside WRs are not getting the ball quickly and why our passes seem to take so long to develop

 

[TheDude]

Thanks mclovin. Also sorry to hear about ur mother in law.

Thanks. My wife has never had to deal with pending loss (i.e. grandparents lived in another country) - so obviously much harder on her in every way.

 

[TheDude]

I got grief by a few posters for saying in a couple if threads about the scheme and philosophy as it pertains to Romo's progressions. It was mentioned yesterday by Harris that Witten is the first option and in the further quote it even states meaning inside out. So IMO I think this is a huge failure and has a lot to do with the passing game and why the outside WRs are not getting the ball quickly and why our passes seem to take so long to develop

Yeah, I can't tell if it is all Romo, or if he is "sensing" pressure ealier or if the receiver progression/priority is off. Sturm illustrated one last week where Dez was open for > 25 yards, but the ball went o Hanna for 6. Sometimes it seems that Romo is looking at a recevier running a deeper route first and then moving on to option 2-3-4. It usually happens when we run the clock to 0. On the few occassions we snap the ball quick, the whole oeration seems more fluid - again eyeball test.

 

[CowboyStar88]

Yeah, I can't tell if it is all Romo, or if he is "sensing" pressure ealier or if the receiver progression/priority is off. Sturm illustrated one last week where Dez was open for > 25 yards, but the ball went o Hanna for 6. Sometimes it seems that Romo is looking at a recevier running a deeper route first and then moving on to option 2-3-4. It usually happens when we run the clock to 0. On the few occassions we snap the ball quick, the whole oeration seems more fluid - again eyeball test.

Absolutely agree with the whole fluid deal. I can't count how many times everything seems so rushed and chaotic and the "eyes" get huge and it all just seems rushed. No confidence at all. But when the ball is getting snapped quicker everything seems smooth.

 

[honyock]

Thank, great write-up. Really agree about both your negative observations. I'm a little worried about Leary. I thought he had a solid TC, preseason and was solid the first quarter of the season. He looked to have plenty of strength, some nice agility and some attitude to boot.

But it looks like he has regressed the past 2-3 games especially. Like you say, he looks to just not have much ability right now to deal with quickness or stunts or anything other than just vanilla bullrushes. It makes me wonder if the knee that was bothering him a couple of games ago isn't right yet. Who knows, maybe he's just hit the wall a little early. But for now, he's seriously struggling and his agility and quickness look pretty suspect.

Agree about the TE's atrocious blocking, and especially Hanna. This really jumps out when you rewatch the games and focus on the line play...I've thought he's been consistently terrible.

I've also wondered about whether we've got some tells about when we're running. Interesting observations about the linemen and their stances. Look forward to more when you get the chance.

 

[TheDude]

Thank, great write-up. Really agree about both your negative observations. I'm a little worried about Leary. I thought he had a solid TC, preseason and was solid the first quarter of the season. He looked to have plenty of strength, some nice agility and some attitude to boot.

But it looks like he has regressed the past 2-3 games especially. Like you say, he looks to just not have much ability right now to deal with quickness or stunts or anything other than just vanilla bullrushes. It makes me wonder if the knee that was bothering him a couple of games ago isn't right yet. Who knows, maybe he's just hit the wall a little early. But for now, he's seriously struggling and his agility and quickness look pretty suspect.

Agree about the TE's atrocious blocking, and especially Hanna. This really jumps out when you rewatch the games and focus on the line play...I've thought he's been consistently terrible.

I've also wondered about whether we've got some tells about when we're running. Interesting observations about the linemen and their stances. Look forward to more when you get the chance.

Thanks - glad to know I am not in another zipcode. I'm sure that there are some good Hanna plays, but I haven't seen anything noticeable. Right now,

I think there are some tells, I have never seen a QB under center with a RB and the line all with their hands on their knees. It seems to further sho the defense - even when we are in a possible running formation, we further signal pass. I looked at a few earlier games and Leary was the only one without a hand on the ground in certain plays. It also looks like spacing is different from time to time. Haven't been able to pull out a measuring tape though

 

[waving monkey]

good observations and enjoyable read keep it up and make my day

 

[21Savage]

So you've watched the all-22? Hmmm.

It seems to not become functional for me until the Monday night game is over but oh well

 

[CowboyStar88]

So you've watched the all-22? Hmmm.

It seems to not become functional for me until the Monday night game is over but oh well

He hasn't watched the Vikings film yet he stated that in his opening post

 

[21Savage]

He hasn't watched the Vikings film yet he stated that in his opening post

You're right. I clearly missed that part and jumped the gun on this; I apologize.

On the other hand, if most of the write up is focused on the Minny game and the all 22 isn't out yet then the thread shouldn't be titled as such.

 

[TheDude]

You're right. I clearly missed that part and jumped the gun on this; I apologize.

On the other hand, if most of the write up is focused on the Minny game and the all 22 isn't out yet then the thread shouldn't be titled as such.

My examples came from trends fromwash, philly and especially detroit (where I gave specific plays).

 

[Idgit]

Really good stuff, McLovin. I agree with all of it.

I do think, if we're not throwing to him more, it's time to consider using Andre Smith more in formations if we're going to end up relying on TEs blocking.

One of my buddies is a big MIN fan, and he knew little about what the Cowboys were doing defensively. The one comment he made about the game was how impressed he was to see our DLs hustling to catch AD from behind. Said he hadn't seen any such thing all year, and it was driving him crazy to see Peterson get past the line and then dragged down before he could really get into the second level.

 

[TheDude]

Here are the Running play breakdowns. Again, TEs and Leary play a role.

1. Murray sweep for -2. If ever a play looked “tipped off” – it’s this. First Sendejo (MINN Safety) is coming up from the safety position as Hanna goes in motion. He isn’t coming toward Rom or even close to the edge, but between Hanna and Dez. Sendejo blows up Hanna and pushes him 3 yards in the backfield. Jared Allen is also getting incredible containment penetration and Tyron is not in leverage position but would not have made the impact if the S was neutralized. I think Dez was supposed to block down, but is also knocked down by Hanna/Sendejo. An utter mess with 3 defenders at Murray 3 yards back.

• • This play somewhat similar to a Minn sweep at 6:38 in Q2 that is executed (though with motion WR block on DE and 2 pulling OL). I have only seen Harris try to do this vs Detroit (fail)

1. Murray up the gut for 27. Great blocking. Great vision by Murray. Leary knocks/spins his man off the ball Fred has a beautiful seal, the blitz ran behind the Fred/Berny seal. The only bad spot on the play was the block by TWill. This happened in the Ram game as well. He doesn’t seem to want to or know how to block. If he blocks the CBto give murray the sideline, it could be a TD. That’s what Murray wanted but TWIL waited for the CB to to engage. The CB funneled it back to the middle to allow pursuit to catchup. EOuld imagine Twill will get better at it after another 9 games in the league
2. Randle for 3yards. Blown up by Sendejo. Sendejo initially back peddles then closes from deep on the sweep. The play looked block well. The only thing I could think of was that Randle should have taken it to the sideline as Dez had hi man controlled. Great tackle
3. Dunbar -3yards, Leary whiffs on the block. Free gets beat inside. And Harris (who blocks about as well as Hanna from what I have seen vs Minn and Detroit) gets beats. Leary the main culprit. Nothing else to say
4. Murray for 6 yards on 3rd and 1. Minn had 6 defenders to the side we ran. Berny got a great block as did Bosworth. I call this a nice run
5. Dunbar for 2 yards (shotgun). Again Minn has a one man advantage in overloading to where the play looks like the cutback should go. Witten gets driven into Dunbar which allows him to bounce to the left for an unbelievable 2 yards
6. Murray for 0 yards – 3rd and 1. the CB crashing down and hits Murray 2 yards behind the LOS. If Bosworth picks up the CB, this is converted. Berny lets the DL under his pads so he peels off and helps the CB stop Murray
7. Romo scrambles for 8.
8. Last Run - 3rd Quarter 1:16 left. Both LBs are blitzing. Berny is late pulling to Greenway, the MLB is never touched following Berny out of the hole. Just atrocious line call and recognition. Not the kind of formation a delayed draw beats.

 

[Vintage]

So basically, the run blocking sucks.

Not a surprise. Nor is it a surprise we don't stick to the run because of this.

 

[Nexx]

im seeing just the opposite from twill right now. he still runs terrible routes, took 5 yards further down the field to cut to his out route allowing the defender to cut in front and intercept the ball in the minny game. not to mention his drops which are consistent. he's leveling out for me. he really needs to work to get good at his craft but i see the potential. jugs machine everyday after practice please.