Broaddus: Gameplan For Escobar, OL Depth Highlight 12 Thoughts

[RS12]

1) It was nice to once again see Dez Bryant running around on the practice field, but what was even more encouraging was to see Morris Claiborne having success covering him during the team period. Claiborne lined up across from Bryant for four snaps, with only one ball going his direction. On that particularplay Bryant tried to shake him, but Claiborne managed to carry him up the field and maintain his position to defend the route as the ball sailed out of bounds.

2) I am starting to get the feeling that, with the suspension of Rolando McClain, his replacement inside is going to be Anthony Hitchens with Andrew Gachkarlining up at Sam. If for some reason Hitchens cannot go -- and there is little concern that will happen – I would expect to see Gachkar line up as the Mike with Kyle Wilber playing the Sam. I wouldn’t call Gachkar’s versatility a surprise, because his tape from San Diego was productive in the snaps he received. What has been a surprise is how consistent he has been -- no matter where they have played him.

3) We’re seeing less of Gavin Escobar as an inline “Y” and more as a big slot. We talk every day about having a fifth receiver on this roster, but in all honesty – that’s really Escobar. The way that he is being used, it is becoming clear that these offensive coaches would rather play to his strengths than try and make him do something that he struggles with. His route on third down during the play action period, where he split Cover 2, was textbook.

4) In blitz period – Darren McFadden took more of the snaps than Joseph Randle.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...=10154240676492814&adbpl=fb&adbpr=99559607813

 

[RS12]

8) Sean Lee continues to cause these offensive linemen trouble when he takes off running to the ball. I have lost track how many times he has beaten blockers to the spot on his way to making the tackle. When Lee has been on the field, he has been one to two steps faster than anyone on this defense.

What a shame this guy hasnt been able to stay healthy. Huge difference maker. Mike Singletary loved him coming out of PSU.

 

[RS12]

3) We’re seeing less of Gavin Escobar as an inline “Y” and more as a big slot. We talk every day about having a fifth receiver on this roster, but in all honesty – that’s really Escobar. The way that he is being used, it is becoming clear that these offensive coaches would rather play to his strengths than try and make him do something that he struggles with. His route on third down during the play action period, where he split Cover 2, was textbook

Lets put him in a position to be the best he can be and create mismatches.

 

[CATCH17]

I heard the Cowboys are going to flex out Escobar more this year and they have a 2 TE package with Beasley that is designed to catch a defense in their base set and then make the defense decide how they want to cover us if Escobar is lined up out wide with Beasley in the slot.

 

[Doc50]

I heard the Cowboys are going to flex out Escobar more this year and they have a 2 TE package with Beasley that is designed to catch a defense in their base set and then make the defense decide how they want to cover us if Escobar is lined up out wide with Beasley in the slot.

From day one, that seemed like the right strategy with him and even Hanna (to a lesser degree) in order to let them find their niche as big receivers.
The 12 sets and other wrinkles haven't yet materialized effectively, but you would think they've now had enough time to master that.

If this evolution really is becoming prominent, we might keep 4 TE's. Would always look run-strong and pass-versatile.

 

[Picksix]

I heard the Cowboys are going to flex out Escobar more this year and they have a 2 TE package with Beasley that is designed to catch a defense in their base set and then make the defense decide how they want to cover us if Escobar is lined up out wide with Beasley in the slot.

Perhaps this was the thinking when they traded back into the draft to pick up Swain. If they move Escobar to more of a slot position, then Swain gives them the inline guy they need. Like Broaddus said, this may affect where they go with the 5th WR.

 

[windjc]

5) If Ronald Leary or Zack Martin could not start or finish a game – the replacement would be Mackenzy Bernadeau over La’el Collins. It has been a learning experience for Collins, who has had his moments where things have gone as planned -- then others where he has struggled with his technique and an occasional assignment.

I find this hard to believe.

 

[CATCH17]

Perhaps this was the thinking when they traded back into the draft to pick up Swain. If they move Escobar to more of a slot position, then Swain gives them the inline guy they need. Like Broaddus said, this may affect where they go with the 5th WR.

I think the Formation would be Dez and Escobar out wide with Beasley in the slot.

So then the problem becomes who to put on Escobar and Beasley.

You put a corner on Beasley then it may not be a guy that does good at covering the slot.

You put a safety or LB on Beasley and they are toast.

I think the Cowboys feel great about a safety or LB trying to guard Escobar or Beasley.

 

[xwalker]

5) If Ronald Leary or Zack Martin could not start or finish a game – the replacement would be Mackenzy Bernadeau over La’el Collins. It has been a learning experience for Collins, who has had his moments where things have gone as planned -- then others where he has struggled with his technique and an occasional assignment.

I find this hard to believe.

Bern started the Vikings game over Collins.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

And Dunbar once again makes the team with the promise of more touches and a break out year...... I don't see it.

 

[windjc]

Bern started the Vikings game over Collins.

Right, but is Bern really better than Collins right now? Hard to believe if true.

 

[xwalker]

Right, but is Bern really better than Collins right now? Hard to believe if true.

Collins makes some mistakes and has had issues making the 2nd level blocks consistently. It like a home run hitter that strikes out too much vs the guy with a better average but lacking home run power.

 

[Wolfpack]

Putting Escobar out wide is only going to get you a nickel look from the defense unless you show them that you can and will run the ball with that personnel group.

 

[VACowboy]

I like the idea of a three TE formation that puts Witten inline, Swain at the H and Escobar in the slot next to Dez.

 

[Bluefin]

Putting Escobar out wide is only going to get you a nickel look from the defense unless you show them that you can and will run the ball with that personnel group.

True.

This offensive package loses its value if defenses aren't concerned with the running game and go to their Nickel.

Dallas must be capable, and willing, to run from this look in order to achieve maximum effect.

 

[burmafrd]

If I were the OC I would want 260 + lb guys running down the middle of the field all the time. There would be lots of 'business decisions' made by the DBs.

and the ones that are willing to stick their helmets in would be banged up real fast.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

5) If Ronald Leary or Zack Martin could not start or finish a game – the replacement would be Mackenzy Bernadeau over La’el Collins. It has been a learning experience for Collins, who has had his moments where things have gone as planned -- then others where he has struggled with his technique and an occasional assignment.

I find this hard to believe.

I could be talked into Collins stepping in for Leary on the left side. I very much doubt he'd step in over Bern on the right side.

 

[Iago33]

Bern started the Vikings game over Collins.

Interesting. Some of us made the same argument for the preference of Free over Parnell. I think people have a tendency to undervalue consistency in the OL. I'll take consistency over power. However, one of the reasons Bern isn't starting is because of a lack of consistency.

 

[Bluefin]

9) It’s a good sign for this offensive line to see Doug Free regain some of the form that we had seen from him in the past. His movement has improved to the point where you see him executing those backside cut off blocks where he has to work hard inside to get his head in front of the defender. There were times in this camp where he didn’t look like that same player, and I have to admit there was some concern. His game now looks healthy and confident.

Very good news.

However, it does nothing to abate my concern about Doug Free's 16 game availability for this season.

Players get injured more frequently as they age and are less likely to be able to play when banged up as seasons progress.

Free has had problems two years running and I'm fretting it will turn into three at some point this year.

Prove me wrong, Free, I want to to be.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

What happened to Damien Wilson? I thought he was playing so well that he was a lead candidate for a starting LB spot while McClain is gone and possibly even has a chance to steal a starting spot from Hitchens when McClain comes back. Now, all of a sudden, he's not even mentioned for a starting spot at all and guys like Gachkar and Wilber are.