Cowboys appear to have discovered secret sauce on offense

[Doomsday101]

But one of the biggest reasons why the Cowboys rushing attack has gotten going is the growing use of motion.

Last year, Kellen Moore refused to use motion in run plays. Although it was a tactic consistently employed in the passing game, Dallas was 27th in the NFL in motion rate when running the football (39%) per Sports Info Solutions.


This year, that number has shot all the way up to 51%, which is the 9th highest in the league.

A quick look back to the Cowboys’ 49-29 win over the Bears provides some examples of how simple yet devastating motion can be in the run game.

In the first score of the game, the Cowboys ran a read option concept that had Dalton Schultz pulling from the backside to bluff a block on the pursuing defensive end before leading the way for Dak to walk untouched into the end zone.

But look at CeeDee Lamb’s motion and the effect it has on safety Eddie Jackson (#4). It literally takes the defensive back out of the play even if Prescott hands the ball off to Pollard.

But not every motion has to be fancy eye candy for the offense. Even a simple pre-snap motion from a wide receiver can give any defense a headache.

In Pollard’s touchdown below, Lamb attaches himself to the offensive line and simply adds one more gap for the defense to account for. It doesn’t look like much, but it keeps the defense on its heels to not mess up the run fits.

Cowboys appear to have discovered secret sauce on offense (atozsports.com)

 

[OmerV]

It's just thousand island dressing ...

 

[fivetwos]

But one of the biggest reasons why the Cowboys rushing attack has gotten going is the growing use of motion.

Last year, Kellen Moore refused to use motion in run plays. Although it was a tactic consistently employed in the passing game, Dallas was 27th in the NFL in motion rate when running the football (39%) per Sports Info Solutions.


This year, that number has shot all the way up to 51%, which is the 9th highest in the league.

A quick look back to the Cowboys’ 49-29 win over the Bears provides some examples of how simple yet devastating motion can be in the run game.

In the first score of the game, the Cowboys ran a read option concept that had Dalton Schultz pulling from the backside to bluff a block on the pursuing defensive end before leading the way for Dak to walk untouched into the end zone.

But look at CeeDee Lamb’s motion and the effect it has on safety Eddie Jackson (#4). It literally takes the defensive back out of the play even if Prescott hands the ball off to Pollard.

But not every motion has to be fancy eye candy for the offense. Even a simple pre-snap motion from a wide receiver can give any defense a headache.

In Pollard’s touchdown below, Lamb attaches himself to the offensive line and simply adds one more gap for the defense to account for. It doesn’t look like much, but it keeps the defense on its heels to not mess up the run fits.

Cowboys appear to have discovered secret sauce on offense (atozsports.com)

Hasn’t an opponent or three come out and said they knew what was coming based on pre snap motion?

The second half of last year felt like the defense knew what we were running every play.

 

[Proof]

is 40 pct to 50 pct really that drastic?

 

[Denim Chicken]

But one of the biggest reasons why the Cowboys rushing attack has gotten going is the growing use of motion.

Last year, Kellen Moore refused to use motion in run plays. Although it was a tactic consistently employed in the passing game, Dallas was 27th in the NFL in motion rate when running the football (39%) per Sports Info Solutions.


This year, that number has shot all the way up to 51%, which is the 9th highest in the league.

A quick look back to the Cowboys’ 49-29 win over the Bears provides some examples of how simple yet devastating motion can be in the run game.

In the first score of the game, the Cowboys ran a read option concept that had Dalton Schultz pulling from the backside to bluff a block on the pursuing defensive end before leading the way for Dak to walk untouched into the end zone.

But look at CeeDee Lamb’s motion and the effect it has on safety Eddie Jackson (#4). It literally takes the defensive back out of the play even if Prescott hands the ball off to Pollard.

But not every motion has to be fancy eye candy for the offense. Even a simple pre-snap motion from a wide receiver can give any defense a headache.

In Pollard’s touchdown below, Lamb attaches himself to the offensive line and simply adds one more gap for the defense to account for. It doesn’t look like much, but it keeps the defense on its heels to not mess up the run fits.

Cowboys appear to have discovered secret sauce on offense (atozsports.com)

Not just motion, but the increased use of play action helps Dak a lot. He has always been a great play action passer. Not sure why they got away from it.

 

[speedkilz88]

BTB article believes it's the new influence of Brian Schottenheimer





The unsung hero behind Kellen Moore and the Cowboys’ resurgent run game
The Cowboys are running the ball better than ever in 2022. So what changed?

By David Howman



So where did this come from? Kellen Moore has generally been more of a pass-happy offensive coordinator; in fact, since taking over the offense, Moore’s Cowboys have finished a season in the top ten in either carries or rushing DVOA just once. Both instances came in 2019, Moore’s first year as the coordinator, when Jason Garrett was still the head coach.

Not only has the run game ratcheted up in use this year, but Moore has been employing rushing concepts and styles that he’s never used before. But there is a coach on this staff whose background matches up well with what we’ve been seeing: coaching consultant Brian Schottenheimer.

Schottenheimer was hired in the offseason to fill the role that was vacated when Ben McAdoo left to become the Panthers offensive coordinator. His duties were described as helping both Moore and Dan Quinn with advance scouting and keeping up on league-wide trends. That’s intentionally vague, but a closer examination of Schottenheimer’s résumé offers some hints.

Schottenheimer has been coaching since 1997, and he’s spent 12 seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator, along with one season as an offensive coordinator at the college level and one as the pass game coordinator for the Jaguars. However, Schottenheimer has always been known for his affinity to the run game. More often than not, his offenses have fared well in their rushing attacks.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Hasn’t an opponent or three come out and said they knew what was coming based on pre snap motion?

The second half of last year felt like the defense knew what we were running every play.

Don't know if anyone has come out and said that or not, but reality is you can make just about anything work in the NFL. The trick is you have to constantly mix up your tendencies. Even a bad defense is really good if they know what is coming.

 

[KJJ]

The Cowboys have had one real good offensive game all season so it still remains to be seen if they found a formula. Dak returning and getting some rust knocked off has helped. I’m certainly not expecting 42 points from the offense every week. Would like to see us average around 26-27 but our receivers are going to have to improve. A true number one receiver is going to be high on our wish list during the offseason.

 

[jaythecowboy]

Hasn’t an opponent or three come out and said they knew what was coming based on pre snap motion?

The second half of last year felt like the defense knew what we were running every play.

if that is the case then that means they need multiple play options with the same motion so the defense is still guessing. Not remove motion from the playcalling.

 

[Doomsday101]

The Cowboys have had one real good offensive game all season so it still remains to be seen if they found a formula. Dak returning and getting some rust knocked off has helped. I’m certainly not expecting 42 points from the offense every week. Would like to see us average around 26-27 but our receivers are going to have to improve. A true number one receiver is going to be high on our wish list during the offseason.

I agree, I think main key is to consistently move the ball. Too many 3 and outs gets you in trouble and tires out the defense.

 

[KJJ]

I agree, I think main key is to consistently move the ball. Too many 3 and outs gets you in trouble and tires out the defense.

We have to avoid the stupid penalties, especially the pre-snap penalties that have killed a number of our drives. We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

 

[Runwildboys]

It's just thousand island dressing ...

That's the stuff that makes a Big Mac tolerable.

 

[FVSTONE]

But one of the biggest reasons why the Cowboys rushing attack has gotten going is the growing use of motion.

Last year, Kellen Moore refused to use motion in run plays. Although it was a tactic consistently employed in the passing game, Dallas was 27th in the NFL in motion rate when running the football (39%) per Sports Info Solutions.


This year, that number has shot all the way up to 51%, which is the 9th highest in the league.

A quick look back to the Cowboys’ 49-29 win over the Bears provides some examples of how simple yet devastating motion can be in the run game.

In the first score of the game, the Cowboys ran a read option concept that had Dalton Schultz pulling from the backside to bluff a block on the pursuing defensive end before leading the way for Dak to walk untouched into the end zone.

But look at CeeDee Lamb’s motion and the effect it has on safety Eddie Jackson (#4). It literally takes the defensive back out of the play even if Prescott hands the ball off to Pollard.

But not every motion has to be fancy eye candy for the offense. Even a simple pre-snap motion from a wide receiver can give any defense a headache.

In Pollard’s touchdown below, Lamb attaches himself to the offensive line and simply adds one more gap for the defense to account for. It doesn’t look like much, but it keeps the defense on its heels to not mess up the run fits.

Cowboys appear to have discovered secret sauce on offense (atozsports.com)

Moore needs to play the little (Turpin) guy a lot more than he's been used to this point! I don't think there are a lot of CBs who can lock this little guy down.

 

[Doomsday101]

Moore needs to play the little (Turpin) guy a lot more than he's been used to this point! I don't think there are a lot of CBs who can lock this little guy down.

I think they are trying to work him in. I guess we will see over the 2nd half of the season.

 

[Zman5]

if that is the case then that means they need multiple play options with the same motion so the defense is still guessing. Not remove motion from the playcalling.

They actually did much more of that against the Bears. The two consecutive plays with Turpin is a good example of that. They actually ran the same formation and same motion two plays in a row. First time, Turpin got the ball and got like 12 yards. The second time, they faked it to Turpin and Dak passed from it.

They also did similar thing with 3 TE sets also in that game.

 

[MRV52]

Here is the secret sauce. Dak was missing for 5 games of course the offense was anemic. We have a top 10 offense, but we were not able to display it.

 

[Praxit]

..yep, yep... I always wondered why Dallas O, from the days of Linehan till now. Never or hardly used motion?

Now its been a game changer. Keeps the defense guessing. What a neat idea? ..

 

[plymkr]

Don't know if anyone has come out and said that or not, but reality is you can make just about anything work in the NFL. The trick is you have to constantly mix up your tendencies. Even a bad defense is really good if they know what is coming.

Right on. When I'm playing Madden I really mix things up to keep the other guy guessing. Sometimes I hit the green button for cover 2 like 6 or 7 times and then hit red button for blitz. On offense I like to do a lot of play action on 1st down and then go long on 2nd down.

Not trying to brag about myself but in my last Madden tournament I got 7th out of 10! Boom!! Count it. I don't post my gamer score online cuz I'm scared it would cause all the women around me to go into an erotic rage and I can't fight them all off.

 

[shabazz]

Here is the secret sauce. Dak was missing for 5 games of course the offense was anemic. We have a top 10 offense, but we were not able to display it.

We’ve played 3 teams that have top 10 defenses. 2 games with Rush and 1 with Dak at the helm. We went 1-2 losing to the Bucs and Eagles by big margins and won against the Rams. With Dak back after injury they’ve gone 2-0 with wins over the 32nd ranked and 18th ranked defense.

I haven’t seen see enough of our offense after Daks injuries over good defenses to conclude if they are truly a top offense

with the exception of playing the Eagles again, we may not face another top 10 defense in the regular season

 

[big dog cowboy]

The question is, will the sauce go bad and be spoiled by the playoffs?