Cowboys 2018 Run Game: Blocking differential highlights diminishing returns

[percyhoward]

https://www.cover1.net/dallas-cowboys-run-game-2018-season/

The difference between box defenders and run blockers was referred to as blocking differential. For example, a differential of minus-one meant there was one fewer blocker than the number of defenders in the box. When both blockers and defenders were equal, the differential was called even or zero.

On both the even and minus-one differentials, as the number of blockers increases, the yards per carry decreases. So, even when the offense has enough blockers to match up with every defender in the box, the more players, the less efficient the run game.

Many fans and critics are already of the opinion that the team’s new offensive coordinator must use less dual and triple tight end runs and that they should utilize lighter boxes more often on early downs. Now they have more definitive and contextual data to support that argument.

--Allan Uy

 

[xwalker]

https://www.cover1.net/dallas-cowboys-run-game-2018-season/

The difference between box defenders and run blockers was referred to as blocking differential. For example, a differential of minus-one meant there was one fewer blocker than the number of defenders in the box. When both blockers and defenders were equal, the differential was called even or zero.

On both the even and minus-one differentials, as the number of blockers increases, the yards per carry decreases. So, even when the offense has enough blockers to match up with every defender in the box, the more players, the less efficient the run game.

Many fans and critics are already of the opinion that the team’s new offensive coordinator must use less dual and triple tight end runs and that they should utilize lighter boxes more often on early downs. Now they have more definitive and contextual data to support that argument.

--Allan Uy

I've never been impressed with the Garrett era Cowboys in jumbo sets. My preference is for them to run from 3 WR sets more often.

I would use Noah Brown as the slot WR instead of as an outside WR because it would not be as obvious that it's a run when he motions down from his outside WR position.

 

[Beast_from_East]

You mean running into a stacked line on 4th down in the playoffs with the season on the line is not the best call in that situation according to these stats?

I'm shocked

 

[Crown Royal]

I almost posted this as it's own thread but I'll use it to flavor this one because I love it so much.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/feature...king-success-isnt-the-linemen-its-sean-mcvay/

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol


Two really good reads on OL capability and how the Rams are so good. I personally like it because it validates so many of my theories after we got WALLOPED by the team. They figured out (as @xwalker proposes we should do) that running from 11 or s11 is the way to go. 6 vs 7 blockers is WAY more efficient than 7 vs 8 blockers, especially when you run/pass balance. Unloading the box is is best for offense in all scenarios and worked for them.

I also really like footballoutsiders methodology for OL efficiency. It isn't perfect, but it's a good start.

 

[xwalker]

I almost posted this as it's own thread but I'll use it to flavor this one because I love it so much.

https://fivethirtyeight.com/feature...king-success-isnt-the-linemen-its-sean-mcvay/

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol


Two really good reads on OL capability and how the Rams are so good. I personally like it because it validates so many of my theories after we got WALLOPED by the team. They figured out (as @xwalker proposes we should do) that running from 11 or s11 is the way to go. 6 vs 7 blockers is WAY more efficient than 7 vs 8 blockers, especially when you run/pass balance. Unloading the box is is best for offense in all scenarios and worked for them.

I also really like footballoutsiders methodology for OL efficiency. It isn't perfect, but it's a good start.

I think individually that the Cowboys OLine even without Frederick was more talented than the Rams OL; however, as a unit the Rams OL was superior.

The Cowboys had an OL coaching/scheme advantage when Bill Callahan was the OL coach (2012-2014) but Callahan disliked Garrett and fled as soon as his contract was over.

The OL improved when Columbo replaced Alexander but that might just be because they went back to doing what was familiar to them. Columbo's mentor Houck never impressed me the way that Callahan did or the way the Rams coaching did this year (Not certain how much is the Rams OL coach and how much is McVay).

 

[percyhoward]

I've never been impressed with the Garrett era Cowboys in jumbo sets. My preference is for them to run from 3 WR sets more often.

Just one of the reasons I hope Garrett has as little as possible to do with the game plan and the play calling.

 

[Crown Royal]

I think individually that the Cowboys OLine even without Frederick was more talented than the Rams OL; however, as a unit the Rams OL was superior.

The Cowboys had an OL coaching/scheme advantage when Bill Callahan was the OL coach (2012-2014) but Callahan disliked Garrett and fled as soon as his contract was over.

The OL improved when Columbo replaced Alexander but that might just be because they went back to doing what was familiar to them. Columbo's mentor Houck never impressed me the way that Callahan did or the way the Rams coaching did this year (Not certain how much is the Rams OL coach and how much is McVay).

I think because of Tyron & Martin being individually better than anyone, you are right, but the Rams had an un-injured 2018 OL and stability of scheme and coaching year over year. The Cowboys holes (LG and C specifically) were worse, and TE blocking probably a smidge worse as well.

Callahan was great, but it wasn't just technique coaching that changed, we became much more power oriented when he left than zone and stretch oriented. That is questionable to me.

McVay's scheme was brilliant this year, but it will have to adapt quickly into next year. Ultimately, teams will learn to just practice pure nickel against them and read keys better. The 2017-18 Rams 11 Attack will be similar to the 2013-2016 Cover 3 multiple front, 2012-2015 Read Option, and the wildcat.

Really innovative concepts that worked for a couple of years but in their core simplicity had to evolve.

 

[Creeper]

No surprises here. The Cowboys tip off their play by personnel groups. I would love to see them spread out the defense nad run from that formation more often. Likewise, I would like to see them get in bunch formations and throw with play action fakes. It would be good to have a TE with a little speed to get down the seams.