ESPN Mosley Blog: Todd Bowles response on slowing down Pats offense

[WoodysGirl]

<snip from larger blog entry>

And the bad news for the Cowboys is that cornerback Anthony Henry, the man brought in to cover players like Moss, will not be at full strength even if he plays. I asked Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles yesterday how he planned to slow down the Patriots' high-powered offense, and he just started laughing. I promise he did not tell me this but it wouldn't shock me to see them do something unconventional, such as asking linebacker DeMarcus Ware to jam Moss at the line of scrimmage. The Ravens used to do that with Adalius Thomas before he departed for New England.

Asked about the Patriots' talented receivers, Bowles said, "They only have one ball."

It's not that difficult to take one receiver out of a game. I've watched the Cowboys do it with Steve Smith. But what do you do about the other two receivers? Oh, and the tight ends aren't slouches either.

We're about to find out. Now, I'm going to serve up some Afternoon Hash for those of you who've been grumbling about "Duel in Dallas" week. You guys should see my "Duel in Dallas" T-shirt. Little on the snug side, but it's not bad.

The ETA on the Hash is now 5:25 ET.

all my best,

m

p.s. Did you guys organize a boycott on my chat today? Pretty slim pickins' in there.

(Photo: Associated Press)


Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Patriots-Cowboys, Todd Bowles, Jerry Jones

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[BlueStar22]

Ware needs to be rushing the passer.

 

[jterrell]

I'd love to see Ware jamming Moss at the line.

For all the damage Moss does he still does jack squat when he isn't allowed to get deep.

The reason he sucked in Oakland was they didn't have the line or QB to get him the ball 30 yards down the field.

If we keep him tied up at the line for a bit he will fade quickly into nothingness and bad attitudes. He is more moody then T.O. and has more quit in him.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Ware needs to be rushing the passer.

Maybe ROY can hit him hard with 5 yards?

 

[Mr Cowboy]

The Ravens used to do that with Adalius Thomas before he departed for New England.

Is he making this up? Howoften did the Ravens play against Randy Moss when Adalius Thomas was there?

 

[joseephuss]

It is not that unconventional to use the OLB in the 3-4 scheme to line up over a receiver. Dallas did it with Ware on Moss several times when they faced Oakland in 2005. Everyone remembers the first big play, but Dallas did it several more times that game very effectively. Ware is much better now than he was then as a rookie. He and the whole defense are much more comfortable playing in the 3-4 scheme now than when they were first learning the scheme back in 2005. Ware is no longer a rookie making a big transition. He is a force.

 

[joseephuss]

Is he making this up? Howoften did the Ravens play against Randy Moss when Adalius Thomas was there?

I know they faced each other last season.

 

[Meat-O-Rama]

How likely is it that we see Pat Watkins in there providing some size when doubling up on Moss? Could be a breakout game for Pat...

 

[joseephuss]

How likely is it that we see Pat Watkins in there providing some size when doubling up on Moss? Could be a breakout game for Pat...

Maybe. Roy and Ken are pretty good sized, strong and tough safeties.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I'd love to see Ware jamming Moss at the line.

Here, I can show you first hand. :bang2:

 

[CaptainAmerica]

How likely is it that we see Pat Watkins in there providing some size when doubling up on Moss? Could be a breakout game for Pat...

I thought about that. Pat could possibly play the deep ball and leap with Moss and not be outjumped. He seems much more comfortable this year than last year.

 

[joseephuss]

Here, I can show you first hand. :bang2:

One play when Ware was new to the position. He is much better now. He also ran it much better later in that same game. Jammed Moss good.

 

[jcblanco22]

I don't know that not having Anthony Henry available is such a burden. Henry cannot keep up with Moss speedwise, even at full health, regardless of how close his height is to Moss's.

 

[DBoys]

Henry vs Moss hahahaaahha

We need Newman bigtime and be thankful Reeves is fast.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Kinda weak article.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Kinda weak article.

yep, one quote, "lol"

and speculation