DMN Blog: Blitz pick-up appears to be a problem

[WoodysGirl]

1:59 PM Wed, Jun 17, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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By rule, there's no contact permitted during OTAs and minicamps. In reality, there's minimal contact -- not enough to tell much about the offensive linemen.

But one thing you can see is when blitzers aren't picked up. And we've seen that fairly often over the last week.

If you want to look on the bright side, it's a sign that the Cowboys will have a good shot of repeating as the NFL sacks champion. But pessimists could point out that blitz pick-up was a problem for the Cowboys last season, especially during their disastrous December.

"They've thrown a lot of different stuff at us," Pro Bowl C Andre Gurode said, "but we've just got to keep with it."

It's also worth noting that the Cowboys have added a lot to the offensive playbook this off-season, including some stuff that will be scrapped before training camp. Wade Phillips said the defense isn't working on nearly as much new stuff.


Comments (4) Leave comment | E-mail entry

 

[Jon88]

It has been for a while. We used to get destroyed by the Eagles every game.

Last game we sure did.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Double edged sword. Defense seems to be looking dominant and primed for another league leading sack season, but the O-line still seems to be having trouble. Don't know what I should be happy about...

 

[ethiostar]

Double edged sword. Defense seems to be looking dominant and primed for another league leading sack season, but the O-line still seems to be having trouble. Don't know what I should be happy about...

The fact that Carp is looking great.

 

[Jon88]

Pick up the blitz and design plays to counteract it. What's the big deal? I can understand why we couldn't against Campo because we basically fielded a CFL team with CFL coaches, but not now. Someone needs to come up with some ideas because it isn't going away.

 

[Big Dakota]

They better get it figured out. If they don't Red Jesus will be tying his hankie to a stick.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

The fact that Carp is looking great.

Okay but it looks like Romo is going to get killed again this year...

 

[ethiostar]

Okay but it looks like Romo is going to get killed again this year...

I was just kidding, carp looked great last year this time also. I think a healthy Kosier will be a big help.

 

[Jon88]

They better get it figured out. If they don't Red Jesus will be tying his hankie to a stick.

Seems like a basic problem to fix to me.

Pick up the blizters maybe? Anticipate when they're coming? What exactly is the deal here?

 

[SLATEmosphere]

I was just kidding, carp looked great last year this time also. I think a healthy Kosier will be a big help.

I hope so. They need to max protect.Hopefully the two tight end sets will help.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Seems like a basic problem to fix to me.

Pick up the blizters maybe? Anticipate when they're coming? What exactly is the deal here?

Gurode is dumb as rocks.

 

[sbuscha]

This is why we practice, no team comes to camp a champion!!!

 

[SLATEmosphere]

This is why we practice, no team comes to camp a champion!!!

The NY Jets are

 

[Sarge]

I'll say it again for the thousandth time - the OL is simply nothing great.

 

[Big Dakota]

Seems like a basic problem to fix to me.

Pick up the blizters maybe? Anticipate when they're coming? What exactly is the deal here?

I have to agree with SLATE, Gurode is the QB of the OL and a lot of the responsibility falls to him. But, as a unit, they must get their poop in a group this year.

 

[Jon88]

Gurode is dumb as rocks.

No crap, but he would be good as a guard. Why didn't we draft a smart center?

The OLine is basically a patchwork of free agent finds. We let other teams find the right people, then steal them away. We have NO CLUE how to draft for offensive line.

 

[ethiostar]

Gurode is dumb as rocks.

Just out of curiosity, where does this label come from? Is it the fact that he sailed a few snaps above Romo's head? or is there some other basis to this statement? This is not the first time i've heard this.

 

[Jon88]

I have to agree with SLATE, Gurode is the QB of the OL and a lot of the responsibility falls to him. But, as a unit, they must get their poop in a group this year.

He should understand by now. He's been doing it long enough.

I hope he has the snaps straight in shotgun. It goes to the QBs hands. Not over their head. It reminds me of Quincy having to learn to properly grip the ball.

 

[Jon88]

Just out of curiosity, where does this label come from? Is it the fact that he sailed a few snaps above Romo's head? or is there some other basis to this statement? This is not the first time i've heard this.

TO had a few outbursts towards him. And blitz pickup, the subject.

 

[Mash]

Even back when Parcells was coaching we heard that if teams want to blitz....we will make them pay.

Its still a problem.

btw....alot of what TO said or complained about was true....it was the manner he did his complaining that rubbed people the wrong way.

Players have to be accountable.......and Ive stated this before....the biggest disappointment last year was the play of the OL.....and Im not taking injuries as a excuse.....

I hope the OL coach can get his troops in order.......if not.....it doesnt matter how much talent we have....this offense will struggle.