Comes down to running the football and stopping the run

[sjmike]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

 

[kskboys]

If you can't stop the run, you will not win in the playoffs. No more complicated than that.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

Follow the stats.
Dak needs 100 yards on the ground to win. When we give up over 100 yards on the ground we lose. It's not rocket science.

 

[Cowboyny]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

Basic football in any period. Teams who win the trenches, win the football games.

 

[Creeper]

This is why I am picking the Eagles to win the division this year. They showed they can run the football and they can stop the run. With Brandon Graham coming back and Jordan Davis filling the inside, I think their defense has the potential to be lights out against the run. We'll see.

 

[morat1959]

Follow the stats.
Dak needs 100 yards on the ground to win. When we give up over 100 yards on the ground we lose. It's not rocket science.

What does he need to win a playoff game?

 

[jazzcat22]

All in the trenches. Need strength there to start.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

What does he need to win a playoff game?

A defense and a better offensive coordinator.

 

[AyeAtey]

The power of the trenches; control that, very good things happen.

 

[Coogiguy03]

How about we stop playing to what the league is trending, and just play smart football

 

[PAPPYDOG]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

Need to score points to WIN.
We fall short esp the 1st 3 Quarters of our playoff games!
P.S.Playoff team defenses who don't have to worry about the QB can stop any running attack!!!!

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

It's sort of a conundrum to start off with "I know this is a pass happy league"...and then say "must stop the run!".

And I get it. Normal games....especially for m any like us playing catch up!...passing stats can get skewed. During the big time tough games...you control the clock and the line of scrimmage....and do NOT get behind by a large margin. That is the run game.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

This team needs to be a past first team going forward, but the run game definitely must improve from what it was the 2nd half of last year. Now I would love a pound the rock team, but not with Zeke. Run game needs to be revamped completely and they appear to be doing that. Hopefully that will continue with dumping the Zeke after this season.

Balance is key

 

[CowboyRoy]

This is why I am picking the Eagles to win the division this year. They showed they can run the football and they can stop the run. With Brandon Graham coming back and Jordan Davis filling the inside, I think their defense has the potential to be lights out against the run. We'll see.

Its a misleading stat. The only reason they led the league is because of their running QB. Its not like they lined up and handed the ball off to the RB and had lots of success.

 

[KJJ]

Both areas are going to continue to be a problem until proven otherwise. If we don’t get better in the trenches this could be a long season. The book on beating the Cowboys is to be physical.

 

[Ranched]

What does he need to win a playoff game?

For starters a decent Oline. Even the great Ezekiel Elliott had problems finding holes. Dallas is very fortunate Dak's not a pocket passer or else they would have lost him very early in the season to injury.

Then many fans as yourself wouldn't be sitting behind a keyboard blaming him for even making the playoffs!

 

[john van brocklin]

I know that this is now a pass happy league but if we want to make some noise in the playoffs and make a run for the Lombardi, it comes down to our ability to run the football and to stop the other team from being able to run it. A strong run game opens up the ability to pass and keeps the other defense off-balance. San Franciso used their running game to pound us into submission in the playoffs. We need to be able to do that to our opponents.
Tyler Smith, Ferguson and Ridgeway should help us to that end. Not sure if we did enough or if there are free agents still out there that could aid in this cause. I think that a healthy Gallimore also helps a ton. What say you? Should we focus on the run or the pass to get to the next level?

Well that's 50% of it, lol

 

[Whirlwin]

It comes Down to the lineman. It always will it always has. Can’t run the ball you can’t protect the passer. You can’t stop the run you can’t get to the quarterback. It’s a very simple game that the Cowboys don’t understand.

 

[Mcsports]

Heard a stat from last season:
Zeke ran an average of 1 yard before coming into contact with a defender.
The O line obviously needs more physicality.
Zeke, admittedly, was lacking explosiveness
As well.

 

[AyeAtey]

It comes Down to the lineman. It always will it always has. Can’t run the ball you can’t protect the passer. You can’t stop the run you can’t get to the quarterback. It’s a very simple game that the Cowboys don’t understand.

And/or execute