DMN Blog: Cowboys looking at short yardage issues

[cowboyjoe]

Cowboys looking at short yardage issues
4:59 PM Mon, Dec 28, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


Against San Diego the Cowboys failed on three chances to score from the Chargers 3. On Sunday at Washington they failed on four tries of third-and-1 or -2 and fourth-and-1.

Marion Barber got the call on those plays between the tackles. In the past Barber was automatic on short yardage situations, or at least it seems. As Gerry pointed out in an earlier post, Barber is 2-of-7 recently after converting 10 of 11.

Wade Phillips said the coaches are looking at the short-yardage package to correct what has gone wrong but he doesn't think doubt will creep in. He said Albert Haynesworth had a lot to do with the Commanders coming up with the stops. He disagreed with a notion that the Cowboys ran finesse plays from close in.

"We've been successful," Phillips said. "We were one of the most successful and Marion was one of the most successful guys and has been through his career, so I think we can get back to that."

 

[Scranton Tiger]

How about this. After failing to gain an inch with only a yard to go on three seperate tries against the chargers and five more against the Skins by running straight up the gut, why not AT LEAST try the sweep with Jones just once. If he's tackled short or for a loss, then throw it. The best chance for a TD is probably with Romo scrambling around and finding a receiver anyway. But that's just me.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I'm will to bet Wade will demand Payton and Houck to get it fixed.

 

[thechosen1n2]

its simple, spread you offense a little so the defense cant bunch up, and stop telegraphing where you are running with a mediocre fullback.

 

[Eskimo]

I'm will to bet Wade will demand Payton and Houck to get it fixed.

You mean Garrett and Houck?

Anyway, I think Choice is our best short yardage back. He has better vision and his more decisive than Barber who is playing it too tentatively.

I also think the formation would be helped by Felix even if he is only a decoy that sometimes motions into the flat to take a LB with him.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

You mean Garrett and Houck?

Anyway, I think Choice is our best short yardage back. He has better vision and his more decisive than Barber who is playing it too tentatively.

I also think the formation would be helped by Felix even if he is only a decoy that sometimes motions into the flat to take a LB with him.

My bad correction... Garrett and Houck.

 

[Juke99]

its simple, spread you offense a little so the defense cant bunch up, and stop telegraphing where you are running with a mediocre fullback.

That's what has always killed me about those jumbo packages in short yardage...

Hell, I'd put in 4 wr's...spread the defense out...

I've never understood goal line packages.

 

[cowboyjoe]

How about this. After failing to gain an inch with only a yard to go on three seperate tries against the chargers and five more against the Skins by running straight up the gut, why not AT LEAST try the sweep with Jones just once. If he's tackled short or for a loss, then throw it. The best chance for a TD is probably with Romo scrambling around and finding a receiver anyway. But that's just me.

I think what some of it is has to do with Marc Columbo missing the last 6 games, due to his good run blocking. Then, you add in that deon anderson was hurt too. That's 2 key blockers on the line.

I said it once, and I will say it again, this team needs to draft a big bruising fullback, ala the Moose, Daryl.

Anderson keeps getting hurt when we need him for key blocking.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

That's what has always killed me about those jumbo packages in short yardage...

Hell, I'd put in 4 wr's...spread the defense out...

I've never understood goal line packages.

Me too.

Sorta like the offensive equivalent of the prevent defense.

 

[LeonDixson]

Cowboys looking at short yardage issues
4:59 PM Mon, Dec 28, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


Marion Barber got the call on those plays between the tackles. In the past Barber was automatic on short yardage situations, or at least it seems. As Gerry pointed out in an earlier post, Barber is 2-of-7 recently after converting 10 of 11.

That's looking like the Nick Folk syndrome right there

Yes, I understand it's a completely different situation. I agree with others above who would like to Choice or Felix in there in those situations.

I really like Barber and think he has incredible balance and a lot of heart. However, I don't understand Wades, Peete's and Garrett's thinking that he's the best RB on the team. He's not.

 

[CowboyOK85]

Give it to choice, and tell him to jump over the line! I miss that..No one ever does that anymore.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

we need the line and 3 TEs out there on those short-yardage plays

and Roy Williams to act as a 6th Offensive Lineman

 

[bbgun]

I'm glad Kosier is healthy this year, but he got manhandled on that first 4th and 1 series.

http://img704.*************/img704/5775/21904261.jpg

 

[Zman5]

As I said in another thread get Spear in there as a FB and have Choice run behind him. Spear can get the push while Choice can run while "hiding" behind Spear. Defender will have harder time locating Choice and that should give enough time for us get a freaking yard.

 

[anava]

I'm glad Kosier is healthy this year, but he got manhandled on that first 4th and 1 series.

http://img704.*************/img704/5775/21904261.jpg

I was yelling at Flo to push the pile there do something...Just stood there...same as Roy on Wittens long run..

 

[Bob Sacamano]

to be fair, Fat Albert pushes most Olinemen back

that's why he's usually doubled

 

[GOLDENCHILD1688]

at least were trying to do something about it

hopefully someone says something to garrett about calling half back counters on short yardage situations. run it straight up the middle. if not successful try a qb sneak. it really wouldnt hurt!

 

[Hoofbite]

That's what has always killed me about those jumbo packages in short yardage...

Hell, I'd put in 4 wr's...spread the defense out...

I've never understood goal line packages.

That makes three of us. With some of those packages that were on the field, Dallas couldn't pass if they wanted to.

Spread em out, give yourself a passing possibility. Give the defense a little something to think about and let the OL beat the DL.

You cannot let the DL, LBs and half the secondary stand right in front of you.

 

[theogt]

I'm glad Kosier is healthy this year, but he got manhandled on that first 4th and 1 series.

Barber would have had the first if he hadn't stood himself up. There is no reason he should be facing backwards there. That only happens if you don't lower your shoulder and get that extra half yard. The hole was open, largely due to Kosier.

 

[Idgit]

Barber would have had the first if he hadn't stood himself up. There is no reason he should be facing backwards there. That only happens if you don't lower your shoulder and get that extra half yard. The hole was open, largely due to Kosier.

Not sure I agree with you on the Kosier part, because he basically got blown up but tried to stay in position, but looking at that screen grab three, it's pretty amazing that Barber didn't end up with the first down on that play.