Bill Callahan Departure hurt the OL?

[Bay10]

Washington averaged 2.1 yards per carry yesterday. I don't believe Callahan is that much of a difference maker.

Glad to hear that. I thought they had been pounding that rock.

 

[Beast_from_East]

OK, well, at that point, you have to question why the head coach and FO went with Weeden instead of a stud like Mark Sanchez,

Well the guy the front office and coaches went with is 0-3 so it is what it is.

 

[Zman5]

Washington averaged 2.1 yards per carry yesterday. I don't believe Callahan is that much of a difference maker.

They are better so far this year than last year. I think they were something like 20th in rushing last year and before today they were in the top 10. They probably went down a little today after the game.

 

[ConstantReboot]

I'd like to add that I don't think this is all the oline's fault. We also have scrubs like Randle and MacFadden running the ball. What makes it hard on the oline is this RBBC crap. It makes it hard for the oline to get into any type of rhythm all. Once Randle starts to get into a groove we substitute him for MacFadden and all momentum is lost because of it.

RBBC has been the number 1 reason why our run game has been awful this year. In my opinion, this oline is made for a one workhorse type of back that gets stronger as the game goes along. CMike is the only type of back that can break tackles and wear the D down. Randle and MacFadden are nothing more than change of pace backs that go down easily with arm tackles. The FO and the coaches are nuts to have Randle and MacFadden carry the ball. It should be CMike most of the time. He fits this offense more than the scrubs we have now.

 

[Joe_Fan]

I'd like to add that I don't think this is all the oline's fault. We also have scrubs like Randle and MacFadden running the ball. What makes it hard on the oline is this RBBC crap. It makes it hard for the oline to get into any type of rhythm all. Once Randle starts to get into a groove we substitute him for MacFadden and all momentum is lost because of it.

RBBC has been the number 1 reason why our run game has been awful this year. In my opinion, this oline is made for a one workhorse type of back that gets stronger as the game goes along. CMike is the only type of back that can break tackles and wear the D down. Randle and MacFadden are nothing more than change of pace backs that go down easily with arm tackles. The FO and the coaches are nuts to have Randle and MacFadden carry the ball. It should be CMike most of the time. He fits this offense more than the scrubs we have now.

I completely agree. We've tried the RBBC approach and it's been a complete failure. Let's give CM his shot and use Randle and DMC as a change of pace back after CM has worn them down.

I don't get why this is so damn hard for JG to get outside of pure stubbornness.

 

[Floatyworm]

You think thats is due to Bill leaving?

Go watch some highlight clips of Mcfadden in 2012 when Pollack was coaching in Oakland.....that guy had no where to run. Why? becaause the Raiders asked their O-line to do alot of reach blocking. And they couldn't do it. Wisnieski was a small center that got pushed back into the line and plays got blown up all the time. And now that Pollack is running the show....You just don't see guys sustaining their blocks because it's all based on timing. It's hard to describe combination zone blocking....but we are getting breakdowns because guys aren't sustaining blocks long enough in order for the the next blocker to get into position the make his reach block.....and then you see guys trying to cut block and fall to the ground...leaving defenders unblocked ready to make the tackle.

To make a long story short...I think we have got a way from double team blocking on the interior..and moving people off the ball. This whole stretch play...looking for a cutback lane....teams have figured it out if you stay home...the RB is gonna come to you.

 

[Bullflop]

Leary seems to have hurried back before he was 100% -- that seemed obvious from his performance Sunday. As if that isn't enough, Free still isn't quite what he was 2 years ago, either. We might add that even Zack Martin isn't performing up to his 2014 standards also. So I'd say yes, the OL has regressed somewhat overall without the services of Callahan. The regression, of course, isn't entirely due to his absence but I do think it helped considerably.

I can't help but doubt Pollock is likely to guide them back to the level that they were at when Callahan was in charge. They are currently a pretty average unit. Perhaps at least part of their regression is due to Romo's absence and that of Murray as well. I'm anxious to see if that might prove to be the case in the longrun.

Hopefully, the upcoming bye will afford the OL a chance to rest, recuperate and return to greater efforts and better state of mind and health. Let's hope they'll quit offering the lackluster kind of performances that they do now.

Perhaps It'd help if Cassel is allowed to assume the QB post. It might help to find out if utilizing a QB with some degree of accurate downfield passing ability would discourage opposing defenses from routinely loading the box like they do now with Weeden. This OL is operating at a distinct disadvantage when they're constantly outmanned at the LOS. At some point corrective measures must be applied -- very soon, I hope.

 

[Common Sense]

Can anyone do a breakdown of this year compared to last year? I'm curious if we're really facing that many more eight-man boxes. I don't doubt that it's more, I'm just wondering if it's THAT much more.

 

[JoeKing]

Callahan wasn't let go or allowed to walk away, he left on his own accord. He decided of his own free will he didn't want to be here and the pastures were greener somewhere else... with the Commanders. So, whatever point is being attempted to be made is moot. The current coaches want to be here and I think they are highly capable. The problem with the O-line is the same like everywhere else... injuries. Once that bug has bitten, you can't coach it away.

 

[RunDMC]

Can anyone do a breakdown of this year compared to last year? I'm curious if we're really facing that many more eight-man boxes. I don't doubt that it's more, I'm just wondering if it's THAT much more.

It has to be much more. Why wouldn't teams stack the line every time when you're facing a guy who looks like he's literally scared to play the quarterback position?

 

[burmafrd]

Pollack was the coach of the O line last year in every way that mattered. So that excuse is BS. The reasons are obvious: Martin, Leary and Free are injured/declining. We are facing a stacked box because NO ONE FEARS OUR PASS GAME.
Anyone looking for any other reason is a fool.

 

[jday]

Is Bill Callahan's departure the reason for the o line struggles? I don't see the big holes like last year.

The offensive line has struggled...but they are far from the primary reason for the Cowboys struggles. If there were even a remote threat of Weeden throwing the ball intermediate to deep on a consistent basis, we would see much bigger holes. Trouble is, those shots down field are few, far between and rarely if ever accurate. So, opposing defenses double up on Beasley and Witten and bring 8 in the box and dare Weeden to try.

 

[dallasdave]

Go watch some highlight clips of Mcfadden in 2012 when Pollack was coaching in Oakland.....that guy had no where to run. Why? becaause the Raiders asked their O-line to do alot of reach blocking. And they couldn't do it. Wisnieski was a small center that got pushed back into the line and plays got blown up all the time. And now that Pollack is running the show....You just don't see guys sustaining their blocks because it's all based on timing. It's hard to describe combination zone blocking....but we are getting breakdowns because guys aren't sustaining blocks long enough in order for the the next blocker to get into position the make his reach block.....and then you see guys trying to cut block and fall to the ground...leaving defenders unblocked ready to make the tackle.

To make a long story short...I think we have got a way from double team blocking on the interior..and moving people off the ball. This whole stretch play...looking for a cutback lane....teams have figured it out if you stay home...the RB is gonna come to you.

 

[dallasdave]

The offensive line has struggled...but they are far from the primary reason for the Cowboys struggles. If there were even a remote threat of Weeden throwing the ball intermediate to deep on a consistent basis, we would see much bigger holes. Trouble is, those shots down field are few, far between and rarely if ever accurate. So, opposing defenses double up on Beasley and Witten and bring 8 in the box and dare Weeden to try.

Well said indeed sir !!!

 

[YosemiteSam]

Hard to get big holes consistently vs 8 man boxes

Eight man fronts didn't really stop us last year. You could say that we had Romo last yera to keep them honest, but we had Romo to start the season too and that didn't help.

 

[xwalker]

Can anyone do a breakdown of this year compared to last year? I'm curious if we're really facing that many more eight-man boxes. I don't doubt that it's more, I'm just wondering if it's THAT much more.

The concept of 8 man fronts is just a generalization. If the offense is in a base then the defense can be in 7 or 8 mans fronts; however, in 3 WR sets it's 6 or 7 man fronts with 7 being the run defense option.

There are many other thing that represent a heavy run defense vs more of a pass defense formation. The DEs can hold up their pass rush looking to the run. They can play the LBs closer to the line, etc..

 

[Wood]

Is Bill Callahan's departure the reason for the o line struggles? I don't see the big holes like last year.

can we please stop with this. Its asked over and over. Bill Callahan wanted to leave Dallas Cowboys. Some fans are posting this as if Cowboys made a bad decision in letting him go. This was not a cowboys decision.

 

[perrykemp]

I think part arrogance and falling in love with his big arm. They probably thought with our OL and skill players, guy with a good arm can win us games. WeDone probably looks good in practice against a our defenders not trying to kill him like in real games

The NFL boneyards are filled to the brim with 'big arms' who couldn't play QB a lick.

 

[RunDMC]

Eight man fronts didn't really stop us last year. You could say that we had Romo last yera to keep them honest, but we had Romo to start the season too and that didn't help.

We only had Romo for one game and a half. Dez was also out against Philadelphia.

The run game would've been fine against the Giants if we didn't fall behind and could've stuck with it.

 

[Alexander]

Pollack was the coach of the O line last year in every way that mattered. So that excuse is BS.

If so, he would probably be one of the more powerful assistant OL coaches in the history of ever.

All I can see are facts.

Fact is, Pollack has been fully in charge of an NFL OL in two places, Oakland and now Dallas. One was a colossal flop, the other has talent but is not achieving to previous levels.

It is not that hard to figure out.