The way the offensive line looked today gives me hope. La'El clearly gave us a spark and boy those three All Pros from last year played like it. Frederick and Martin in particular and especially on the goal line. They looked like the offensive line we saw last year. Blowing guys off the ball and the line of scrimmage. Sustaining blocks. Getting to the second level. They adjusted the scheme which I thought helped because I believe we're better as a power running team and not as good at zone running. At least not this year.
Let's be honest they will face a much bigger test next week up front against Seattle. All though they haven't been quite as disruptive up front and they've had some miscommunications in the secondary and big plays given up particularly in the fourth quarter as a result. Think we have to see more Christine Michael. As much as I loved seeing McFadden ran like he did the guy isn't gonna last if we keep running him 30 times. Needs to be more balance within the run game and hopefully Randle can play because he looked good to start before hurting the back.
Defensively we're facing another weak offensive line. Much like the Giants they're vulnerable in the middle of that line because they haven't adequately replaced Max Unger who I thought was their best linemen. Containing Russell is always key. Lynch got going. He's been dealing with a hamstring, but the Giants really pounded us early. Rolando McClain needs to take on and defeat blocks better. With the lack of gurth up front he has to be able to shed blocks, attack, fill holes, and bring Lynch to the ground. Byron Jones has been superb matching up against tight ends and I see zero reason to believe he can't do the job against Jimmy Graham. It'll be a fantastic matchup between two freaks of nature.
As disgusted as I am with this team right now there were some good signs. Already touched on the ground game, but the recievers showed signs of life. Brice Butler with his size made some tough catches and would like to see him utilized more on the goal line. Take advantage of his size and strength. Terrance was pathetic on the comeback route, but we got him a deep drag route down the field and I feel that's when he's at his best. Catching the ball on the move and please no timing patterns with this dude. Getting zilch from Beasley right now. Did a good job using Whitehead on some reverses. Let's see what he can do as a reciever. Hasn't really gotten that opportunity yet.
Matt Cassel made some really nice throws. Fit the ball into some tight Windows. Escaped the pocket. That throw in the corner of the end zone to Street was perfect. He definitely made throws Weeden couldn't. The turnovers cannot happen. The first I don't put on him. I like the taking shots, but you have to confine yourself and not be reckless. Terrance had his man beat, but he was late and just didn't really see the field particularly well. Forcing it into double coverage. Just have to cut that out. Take shots when they're there. Seattle has struggled in the middle of field and defending it. Outside of Wagner the rest of their backers can be exploited in coverage. I expect a big day from Witten. To me there's a fine line between taking calculated risks and just being dumb and making dumb decisions. You can't play scared, but as a quarterback you have to find that fine line between not being conservative, but not being reckless either. If one of your recievers is turned loose down the field I think you have to let it rip, but you can't be late and can't stare down recievers and telegraph. Not in this league.
Seattle is clearly not the same team. Russel Wilson has basically been a one man show at times this year. Graham has gotten going a bit the last few games, but he hasn't had the impact many anticipated. Their recievers still struggle to get seperation if you don't allow them to get the run game cranked up and keep Wilson in the pocket. The Cowboys had a great defensive game plan last year. Played stout man coverage and plastered their recievers, rushers were disciplined, didn't allow Lynch to break many tackles, really good job gang tackling him, stayed in our gaps, got off blocks, were disciplined in pursuit, and didn't allow their offensive line to stone wall our backers like we did today. That needs to be duplicated. If it is we give ourselves a chance.
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