DMN Blog: Grounding out the running game

[Chocolate Lab]

Werder was just on GAC and he said he talked to an opposing coach who said the perception around the league was that Garrett wants to throw the ball (just like he did as a former QB) and that he's too easily discouraged from running if things don't go well early.

Man, I'm almost starting to feel sorry for poor RJ.

 

[Idgit]

Commanders game prediction: Garrett _____ the ball, and people clamor for the ____.

Hey, look everybody! It's a CZ MadLib!

 

[Doomsday101]

I guess we can add Choice and Witten to the list of people that clearly didn't pay attention to the game on Sunday. Man, that list sure does seem to be growing.

Why they pointed out as well of situations where we could not, there were alot of those situations where 2nd an long, 3rd an long prevented it.

 

[dboyz]

Blaming Garrett for playcalling is too easy. You can cite the running numbers, but because of the offense not getting in sync, penalties and turnovers we did not have the opportunity to run much.

I'll note the opportunties to after the first quarter.

Dallas Cowboys at 09:50
1-10-DAL 25 (9:50) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 80-M.Bennett to DAL 31 for 6 yards (56-N.Barnett, 31-A.Harris).

2-4-DAL 31 (9:04) 28-F.Jones right end to DAL 31 for no gain (90-B.Raji, 50-A.Hawk).

3-4-DAL 31 (8:20) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 34 for 3 yards (59-B.Jones, 21-C.Woodson).

4-1-DAL 34 (7:42) 1-M.McBriar punts 43 yards to GB 23, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, fair catch by 38-T.Williams.

This series the best play was the passing play to Bennett. We ran on second down and third down and failed to pick up the first down. Should we have run it all plays here?

Dallas Cowboys at 04:03
1-10-DAL 28 (4:03) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 11-R.Williams to GB 30 for 42 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), RECOVERED by GB-52-C.Matthews at GB 31. 52-C.Matthews to GB 31 for no gain (19-M.Austin).

This was a good play but a turnover so we had no opportunities to run the ball.

(1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 14 for -3 yards (52-C.Matthews).

WATCH HIGHLIGHT
Timeout #1 by GB at 01:42.
2-13-DAL 14 (1:42) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 24-M.Barber to DAL 17 for 3 yards (77-C.Jenkins).

3-10-DAL 17 57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep left to 19-M.Austin (36-N.Collins).

We could have run the ball more here although there was only 1:50 in the half and we were trying to move into scoring position. The second down play to Barber could have been a run but the swing pass to Barber had the same effect.

Now to the second half.

2-M.Crosby kicks 59 yards from GB 30 to DAL 11. 28-F.Jones to DAL 36 for 25 yards (41-S.Havner).
1-10-DAL 36 (14:55) 24-M.Barber right tackle to DAL 35 for -1 yards (97-J.Jolly).

2-11-DAL 35 (14:14) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 27 for -8 yards (56-N.Barnett).

WATCH HIGHLIGHT
Timeout #1 by DAL at 13:38.
3-19-DAL 27 (13:38) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep left to 82-J.Witten (24-J.Bush) [97-J.Jolly]. Penalty on DAL-65-A.Gurode, Ineligible Downfield Pass, declined.

4-19-DAL 27 (13:29) 1-M.McBriar punts 47 yards to GB 26, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 38-T.Williams to DAL 46 for 28 yards (1-M.McBriar). FUMBLES (1-M.McBriar), RECOVERED by DAL-91-L.Ladouceur at DAL 44. 91-L.Ladouceur to DAL 44 for no gain (94-J.Wynn). Green Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 1-M.McBriar punts 47 yards to GB 26, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 38-T.Williams to DAL 46 for 28 yards (1-M.McBriar). PENALTY on GB-29-D.Martin, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, enforced at GB 33.

We ran the ball on 1st down and lost a yard. Was passing on second down unreasonable then? I would say no, but we were sacked making third down an obvious passing down.

(8:56) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete short right to 19-M.Austin (97-J.Jolly, 20-A.Bigby).

2-10-DAL 20 (8:56) Direct snap (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice left tackle to DAL 31 for 11 yards (79-R.Pickett). PENALTY on GB-31-A.Harris, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at DAL 31.

1-10-DAL 46 (8:33) 9-T.Romo FUMBLES (Aborted) at DAL 43, and recovers at DAL 43. 9-T.Romo to DAL 43 for no gain (59-B.Jones).

2-13-DAL 43 (8:04) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep right to 11-R.Williams.

3-13-DAL 43 (7:59) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 23-T.Choice to GB 35 for 22 yards (36-N.Collins). PENALTY on DAL-82-J.Witten, Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at DAL 43 - No Play.

3-23-DAL 33 (7:30) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 34 for 1 yard (59-B.Jones).

4-22-DAL 34 (6:57) 1-M.McBriar punts 46 yards to GB 20, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, fair catch by 38-T.Williams.

The 1st down play was a fumbled snap so I don't know if this was an intended run or pass. 2nd and 13 is generally a passing down although running wouldn't be out of the question. 3rd and 13 and 3rd and 23 are must passing downs.

Now to the 4th quarter.

1-10-DAL 8 (13:08) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 11-R.Williams to DAL 28 for 20 yards (20-A.Bigby).

1-10-DAL 28 (12:33) (Shotgun) 28-F.Jones right end to DAL 32 for 4 yards (59-B.Jones).

2-6-DAL 32 (11:52) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 25 for -7 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), touched at DAL 20, RECOVERED by GB-52-C.Matthews at DAL 7. 52-C.Matthews pushed ob at DAL 3 for 4 yards (82-J.Witten).

1st down was a successful passing play. The next first down was a running play. Then we lose the ball trying to pass on second and 6. I don't think passing on 2nd and 6 was unreasonable.

The next time we get the ball back there is 10:49 left and we are down 17-0 so we have to pass at that time. And we moved the ball passing the ball.

So for those criticizing Garrett, when should we have run the ball? On 3rd and 13?

Our biggest problem in this game IMO was the offensive line's inability to run and pass block. We couldn't get many good runs and the pass protection was leaky. Add in some poorly timed penalties some questionable calls and turnovers and you have an abysmal offensive showing. It's easy to say we only ran 14 times, we need to run more, but then when should we have run. I'm sure if Garrett starts calling runs on 2nd and 13 that go for 1 yard he'll get criticized for that too.

If I have on criticism of Garrett I would say that Garrett should be careful to not overuse the shotgun formation. Our heavy packages are effective in both passing and running. Even so, that wasn't our biggest problem.

 

[Doomsday101]

Blaming Garrett for playcalling is too easy. You can cite the running numbers, but because of the offense not getting in sync, penalties and turnovers we did not have the opportunity to run much.

I'll note the opportunties to after the first quarter.

Dallas Cowboys at 09:50
1-10-DAL 25 (9:50) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 80-M.Bennett to DAL 31 for 6 yards (56-N.Barnett, 31-A.Harris).

2-4-DAL 31 (9:04) 28-F.Jones right end to DAL 31 for no gain (90-B.Raji, 50-A.Hawk).

3-4-DAL 31 (8:20) (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice up the middle to DAL 34 for 3 yards (59-B.Jones, 21-C.Woodson).

4-1-DAL 34 (7:42) 1-M.McBriar punts 43 yards to GB 23, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, fair catch by 38-T.Williams.

This series the best play was the passing play to Bennett. We ran on second down and third down and failed to pick up the first down. Should we have run it all plays here?

Dallas Cowboys at 04:03
1-10-DAL 28 (4:03) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 11-R.Williams to GB 30 for 42 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), RECOVERED by GB-52-C.Matthews at GB 31. 52-C.Matthews to GB 31 for no gain (19-M.Austin).

This was a good play but a turnover so we had no opportunities to run the ball.

(1:50) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 14 for -3 yards (52-C.Matthews).

WATCH HIGHLIGHT
Timeout #1 by GB at 01:42.
2-13-DAL 14 (1:42) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short left to 24-M.Barber to DAL 17 for 3 yards (77-C.Jenkins).

3-10-DAL 17 57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep left to 19-M.Austin (36-N.Collins).

We could have run the ball more here although there was only 1:50 in the half and we were trying to move into scoring position. The second down play to Barber could have been a run but the swing pass to Barber had the same effect.

Now to the second half.

2-M.Crosby kicks 59 yards from GB 30 to DAL 11. 28-F.Jones to DAL 36 for 25 yards (41-S.Havner).
1-10-DAL 36 (14:55) 24-M.Barber right tackle to DAL 35 for -1 yards (97-J.Jolly).

2-11-DAL 35 (14:14) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 27 for -8 yards (56-N.Barnett).

WATCH HIGHLIGHT
Timeout #1 by DAL at 13:38.
3-19-DAL 27 (13:38) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep left to 82-J.Witten (24-J.Bush) [97-J.Jolly]. Penalty on DAL-65-A.Gurode, Ineligible Downfield Pass, declined.

4-19-DAL 27 (13:29) 1-M.McBriar punts 47 yards to GB 26, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 38-T.Williams to DAL 46 for 28 yards (1-M.McBriar). FUMBLES (1-M.McBriar), RECOVERED by DAL-91-L.Ladouceur at DAL 44. 91-L.Ladouceur to DAL 44 for no gain (94-J.Wynn). Green Bay challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 1-M.McBriar punts 47 yards to GB 26, Center-91-L.Ladouceur. 38-T.Williams to DAL 46 for 28 yards (1-M.McBriar). PENALTY on GB-29-D.Martin, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards, enforced at GB 33.

We ran the ball on 1st down and lost a yard. Was passing on second down unreasonable then? I would say no, but we were sacked making third down an obvious passing down.

(8:56) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete short right to 19-M.Austin (97-J.Jolly, 20-A.Bigby).

2-10-DAL 20 (8:56) Direct snap (Shotgun) 23-T.Choice left tackle to DAL 31 for 11 yards (79-R.Pickett). PENALTY on GB-31-A.Harris, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at DAL 31.

1-10-DAL 46 (8:33) 9-T.Romo FUMBLES (Aborted) at DAL 43, and recovers at DAL 43. 9-T.Romo to DAL 43 for no gain (59-B.Jones).

2-13-DAL 43 (8:04) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass incomplete deep right to 11-R.Williams.

3-13-DAL 43 (7:59) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle to 23-T.Choice to GB 35 for 22 yards (36-N.Collins). PENALTY on DAL-82-J.Witten, Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at DAL 43 - No Play.

3-23-DAL 33 (7:30) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 85-K.Ogletree to DAL 34 for 1 yard (59-B.Jones).

4-22-DAL 34 (6:57) 1-M.McBriar punts 46 yards to GB 20, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, fair catch by 38-T.Williams.

The 1st down play was a fumbled snap so I don't know if this was an intended run or pass. 2nd and 13 is generally a passing down although running wouldn't be out of the question. 3rd and 13 and 3rd and 23 are must passing downs.

Now to the 4th quarter.

1-10-DAL 8 (13:08) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass short middle to 11-R.Williams to DAL 28 for 20 yards (20-A.Bigby).

1-10-DAL 28 (12:33) (Shotgun) 28-F.Jones right end to DAL 32 for 4 yards (59-B.Jones).

2-6-DAL 32 (11:52) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo sacked at DAL 25 for -7 yards (21-C.Woodson). FUMBLES (21-C.Woodson), touched at DAL 20, RECOVERED by GB-52-C.Matthews at DAL 7. 52-C.Matthews pushed ob at DAL 3 for 4 yards (82-J.Witten).

1st down was a successful passing play. The next first down was a running play. Then we lose the ball trying to pass on second and 6. I don't think passing on 2nd and 6 was unreasonable.

The next time we get the ball back there is 10:49 left and we are down 17-0 so we have to pass at that time. And we moved the ball passing the ball.

So for those criticizing Garrett, when should we have run the ball? On 3rd and 13?

Our biggest problem in this game IMO was the offensive line's inability to run and pass block. We couldn't get many good runs and the pass protection was leaky. Add in some poorly timed penalties some questionable calls and turnovers and you have an abysmal offensive showing. It's easy to say we only ran 14 times, we need to run more, but then when should we have run. I'm sure if Garrett starts calling runs on 2nd and 13 that go for 1 yard he'll get criticized for that too.

If I have on criticism of Garrett I would say that Garrett should be careful to not overuse the shotgun formation. Our heavy packages are effective in both passing and running. Even so, that wasn't our biggest problem.

I agree. 1st time Dallas runs on a 2nd and 15 and we pick up 1 yard many of the same people will question the rational of running in that situations. When BP did it, they called that playing not to lose.

 

[NextGenBoys]

everybody is calling Garrett out cause he cost us the game.

Choice and Jason Witten said what would help would be a better on first downs to avoid second- or third-and-long situations. Penalties have also kept the down-and-distances longer than playcallers would like at times.

"Early in the year it was kind of establishing the brand, something we talked about being a team that imposes their will with three good backs and a strong line," Witten said. "We haven't done a good job with that and we've kept ourselves in bad situations where you can't run it. We've just got to get back to doing those little things and be in positive situations down and distance wise."

And how are they calling him out?

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Werder was just on GAC and he said he talked to an opposing coach who said the perception around the league was that Garrett wants to throw the ball (just like he did as a former QB) and that he's too easily discouraged from running if things don't go well early.

Man, I'm almost starting to feel sorry for poor RJ.

Who's RJ?

 

[Doomsday101]

Choice and Jason Witten said what would help would be a better on first downs to avoid second- or third-and-long situations. Penalties have also kept the down-and-distances longer than playcallers would like at times.

"Early in the year it was kind of establishing the brand, something we talked about being a team that imposes their will with three good backs and a strong line," Witten said. "We haven't done a good job with that and we've kept ourselves in bad situations where you can't run it. We've just got to get back to doing those little things and be in positive situations down and distance wise."

And how are they calling him out?

Because the posters are the ones calling him out and reading what they choose to fill their own arguments.

 

[Rampage]

It gives your defense rest if you are picking up 1st downs and moving the ball. If you run it 3 time and punt you are not giving them any more rest than you would from passing the ball. As for penalties we have gotten ample holding penalties on running plays.

I'm not opposed to running believe me I want to see balance. I don't want to be a run on 1st, 2nd pass on 3rd and punt team. I want to see Dallas mix things up between run and pass I'm not interested in exact numbers of run/pass but do like seeing us being fairly balanced. From what I saw this game was not about running it was about poor execution and too many mistakes. Pack were beating us up front on the passing plays as well as the running plays. I know it was pointed out the avg per carry thing is that avg consisted of the 1st couple of runs after that we were not getting much at all on the ground when we did run.

if you don't complete a pass the clock stops. the clock stays running whether you pick up 5 yards or 50 on the ground

Werder was just on GAC and he said he talked to an opposing coach who said the perception around the league was that Garrett wants to throw the ball (just like he did as a former QB) and that he's too easily discouraged from running if things don't go well early.

Man, I'm almost starting to feel sorry for poor RJ.

shocking..... everybody can see it but some people feel the need to defend him even when he continues to make the same mistakes like getting pass happy, not figuring out how to get a wr thats doubled the ball and making adjustments.

Choice and Jason Witten said what would help would be a better on first downs to avoid second- or third-and-long situations. Penalties have also kept the down-and-distances longer than playcallers would like at times.

"Early in the year it was kind of establishing the brand, something we talked about being a team that imposes their will with three good backs and a strong line," Witten said. "We haven't done a good job with that and we've kept ourselves in bad situations where you can't run it. We've just got to get back to doing those little things and be in positive situations down and distance wise."

And how are they calling him out?

i like how you left out the part where Choice said we should run the ball more. did you hear Wade's comments or read Bob's blog? just give it up man. you were wrong and that's ok. we are all wrong eventually including myself.

 

[Faerluna]

Who's RJ?

Red Jesus

 

[dbair1967]

Commanders game prediction: Garrett over-runs the ball, and people clamor for the pass.

Or we run the ball 30 times, win the game 17-14 and people complain and say its Garrett's fault the game was close because he didnt try to get {insert any name} more involved.

 

[dbair1967]

Werder was just on GAC and he said he talked to an opposing coach who said the perception around the league was that Garrett wants to throw the ball (just like he did as a former QB) and that he's too easily discouraged from running if things don't go well early.(

Garrett was a backup QB on a team that had the best OL at the time and arguably the best RB in the history of the game. He knows the value of a great run game as much as anyone would. The idea that he passes alot because thats what he liked to do is kinda comical to me. He was never a guy who would game after game throw 50 balls.

The running game is too inconsistent, has been for years and thats why we dont run more. I know nobody likes to hear it, but its true. It was that way when Parcells was here, it was that way when Payton called plays, it was that way when Sparano called plays and its been that way since Garrett has been here and called plays. Other than a handful of games here and there, its been this way for years. And the reason its inconsistent is because these guys are just not as good at run blocking as they are at pass blocking. People can talk all they want about how big our OL is, but as a unit they dont get a good push on run plays. Sometimes they open some nice holes, but more often than not they get no push or allow defenders into the backfield almost untouched.

 

[Jarv]

Or we run the ball 30 times, win the game 17-14 and people complain and say its Garrett's fault the game was close because he didnt try to get {insert any name} more involved.

Win the game, that's the key

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Or we run the ball 30 times, win the game 17-14 and people complain and say its Garrett's fault the game was close because he didnt try to get {insert any name} more involved.

That will never be the case with me. If we run the ball 30 times and win I will have ZERO complaints.

 

[dbair1967]

Win the game, that's the key

People dont get that concept. We've won 6 out of 9 games this yr, and won way more than we've lost since Garrett took over as OC. yet we see nothing but crying and complaining week in and week out regardless of what they do. Seriously, you'd think this team was 1-15 with the worst offense in football yr in and yr out with the way this bunch whines.

 

[dbair1967]

That will never be the case with me. If we run the ball 30 times and win I will have ZERO complaints.

If we run the ball 30 times and lose, is that ok? Thats what it appears you are intimating.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

If we run the ball 30 times and lose, is that ok? Thats what it appears you are intimating.

I won't nearly be upset because I know that we at least tried to pound the rock with our 3 RB's.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I don't care if Dallas wins by 30 or 3 points... In the NFL, a win is a win. Stick with the running game and go to a play action passing game, it works best with this kind of personnel.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Oh and another thing Dbair..

When's the last time we lost and we all thought:"wow we ran the ball way too many times."

Now, whens the last time we lost and we all thought :"wow we threw the ball way too many times"

You don't have to think back that far to find the answer to the second question.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Oh and another thing Dbair..

When's the last time we lost and we all thought:"wow we ran the ball way too many times."

Now, whens the last time we lost and we all thought :"wow we threw the ball way too many times"

You don't have to look that hard to find the answer to the second question.

I have to agree with that point...