The rest excuse only works in the latter part of the second half. The offense had 9 plays on both the first two drives against the Detroit. The defense had plenty of time to rest before the start of the game and after the offense held the ball for 5-10 minutes wall clock time on both its first two drives. . Even if the offense did not cash in they kept the defense off the field for an extended period. The defense responded by giving up a 70 yard TD drive on Detroit's first drive. Followed by a 58 yard FG drive on the second and 63 yard TD drive on the third drive of the first half. We can beat up the offense for not putting up points but if the defense is getting "tired" after one or two drives by the opposing offense then the Cowboys need a new strength and conditioning staff.
This isn't about the defense being gassed. It is about the offense doing anything when the game is on the line before they have to become one-dimensional. If they were just able to put 1 drive together and score one TD in those 20 minutes of the first half, we could have kept the Lions from scoring a TD late and gone into the half down 20-13 instead of 27-6.
Instead they gained -1 yard on 4 drives. And this isn't the only game.
Against the Ravens, we were down 14-3, what the the offense do? Fumble, 3 and out, 3 and out, before a short field goal drive right before the half. Then they start the 2nd half with a punt then a turnover on downs. By that time the game was all but over.
Even in the three wins this offense disappeared for long stretches.
We have invested 50% more salary on our offense than our defense (40 million more this season), they should be controlling the TOP and limiting opponent opportunities, it's where we spend our resources. We are literally built as an offensive team.
We have the 4th most expensive offense in the NFL this season and they are ranked 29th in time of possession, 14th in yards per game, 21st in points per game, and 31st in giveaways (one away from last in the NFL).
We have the 25th most expensive defense in the NFL this season and they are ranked 24th in yards, 29th in points per game, 29th in time of possession, and 21st in takeaways.
We are looking at both sides of the ball as if they should be equals, but we really should be looking at the fact that we are a spend-heavy, offensive-minded team. It is what we have been for years. And right now it isn't performing close to where it should.
The defense sucks. Yes, they do, but given the resources spent on the other side of the ball, the offsense should be doing what it's paid 4th highest in the NFL to do; hold onto the ball, and sustain drives, not gain -1 yard in 4 drives over the course of 1/3 of a game. I won't even mention scoring, because they aren't getting in the end zone, 30th in thr red zone. I thought that was where you boy was supposed to shine? So much so they didn't use him in that role the week before.
. I actually appreciate oversight and levity.
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