Finally, the question answered on Playcalling

[CouchCoach]

For years, I am been asking the same question which was partially answered last season. How much of the offense is the play calling vs the audibles? How much is game planning vs game adjusting by the QB during the game? Just how many plays are executed as called vs being improvised by the QB?

OK, that's 3 questions but they're all about the same thing, play calling . Which has been suspect to me except for two times since Garrett came on board. When Sparano was the run game guy and when Callahan was the run game guy.

Most QBs audible but do they all do it to the degree Romo does and run the play clock down to where the D doesn't need the snap count?

Last season we saw this offense without Romo and that was beyond eye opening but then came that game in MIA and the comment Cassel, a veteran QB, made about not understanding the offense until he saw Romo run it. Isn't that exactly what he does, runs it? The only other QB I would call a field general equal to what Romo does would be Manning. But Manning's was by design.

So, now we get to watch a rookie QB that will have to run the plays called because he doesn't have the experience level to do what Romo does. And neither did Manning or Romo have that ability when they first started. There are just too many things rolling around a young QB's head and the speed of the game increases from what he's used to seeing and then there's the DC and his bag of tricks because the last thing a well respected DC wants is a rookie QB showing him up.

So, if Booger & Son we're willing to call out the coaching staff last season for the backups, what do you think they're thinking now? Especially after seeing that pretend season showing of the young savior.

Now I get to see if I've been unfair in my criticism of the coaching staff, specifically the play calling, because I wasn't a Garrett fan as an OC and am less a fan of Linehan's. I always suspected Romo was bailing them out and that grew even more last season so unless Dak just fails to execute, that question finally gets answered.

 

[CCBoy]

You have some really good football watching instincts kicking back into gear this season. I share the excitement.

I'm believer in men, and will eagerly watch as Dak and the defense remove most fears in the muck at present.

I'm thinking that present play calls can lead Dak into play opening types of target isolation...and his instincts work well in relief throws. I'm eager for the show this Sunday.

 

[DandyDon1722]

According to Greg Cosell, Romo was second only to Peyton Manning in his pre-snap reads and creating favorable matchups.

That can only help Dak learn what to read. I would expect he's paying a lot to attention to Tony these days.

 

[CouchCoach]

According to Greg Cosell, Romo was second only to Peyton Manning in his pre-snap reads and creating favorable matchups.

That can only help Dak learn what to read. I would expect he's paying a lot to attention to Tony these days.

Same here but seeing is doing and one of the reasons the play clock hit :01 was Romo didn't change the play just once. I got so used to watching him do that, when I watched the backups, I kept asking why are they just standing there, run around and point at people and sometimes. go back and point at them again. Romo was borderline rude with all his pointing.

More than any position in all sports, I believe QB is the most difficult to become good at and I look at guys with all the raw talent like George and Cutler that can nail a fly at 60 yards with the point of the ball and know it's a lot more than that. For some things, there is just no substitute for experience. Dak is in for a crash course in QB 101 but I feel he has a great teacher and I also feel Romo will have a strong student. But for the most part, Dak will have to execute the plays called and that's not entirely a bad thing.

Remember the Skins game when we ran the ball 13 times? In that game, the DC played Romo and had him audibling out of runs to the pass then falling back into pass D and we looked disorganized. Romo got a lot better at not getting played. Dak just needs to execute in this first game because this game will serve as the film for the Skins.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

Please, pretty please ... I do not, I repeat, do not want to see Dak waiting to snap the ball one second before the clock runs out. I am so sick of seeing that for the last 10+ years. Almost as sick as watching CBs 5-7 yards off the WR. And almost as sick as not seeing a screen pass for seemingly ages. And if a play works, please use it again. Do most of our successful plays need to returned to the library, only allowed to be checked out a few weeks later. Except for the bubble screens which we try to run even when the other team 100% expects it.

Call a play with one audible. And go out and run the play.

 

[CowboyRoy]

For years, I am been asking the same question which was partially answered last season. How much of the offense is the play calling vs the audibles? How much is game planning vs game adjusting by the QB during the game? Just how many plays are executed as called vs being improvised by the QB?

OK, that's 3 questions but they're all about the same thing, play calling . Which has been suspect to me except for two times since Garrett came on board. When Sparano was the run game guy and when Callahan was the run game guy.

Most QBs audible but do they all do it to the degree Romo does and run the play clock down to where the D doesn't need the snap count?

Last season we saw this offense without Romo and that was beyond eye opening but then came that game in MIA and the comment Cassel, a veteran QB, made about not understanding the offense until he saw Romo run it. Isn't that exactly what he does, runs it? The only other QB I would call a field general equal to what Romo does would be Manning. But Manning's was by design.

So, now we get to watch a rookie QB that will have to run the plays called because he doesn't have the experience level to do what Romo does. And neither did Manning or Romo have that ability when they first started. There are just too many things rolling around a young QB's head and the speed of the game increases from what he's used to seeing and then there's the DC and his bag of tricks because the last thing a well respected DC wants is a rookie QB showing him up.

So, if Booger & Son we're willing to call out the coaching staff last season for the backups, what do you think they're thinking now? Especially after seeing that pretend season showing of the young savior.

Now I get to see if I've been unfair in my criticism of the coaching staff, specifically the play calling, because I wasn't a Garrett fan as an OC and am less a fan of Linehan's. I always suspected Romo was bailing them out and that grew even more last season so unless Dak just fails to execute, that question finally gets answered.

Linehan knows what he is doing and he is far from conservative. It was quite clear when Romo went in tank last year that the conservative and paranoid Garrett was telling Linhehan and the QB's to check down. People will argue there is no direct evidence, but its obvious to me.

This year we will see if Garrett has learned his lesson and will open things up for the young QB that obviously has more poise and talent then any of the dregs we had last year.

 

[xwalker]

For years, I am been asking the same question which was partially answered last season. How much of the offense is the play calling vs the audibles? How much is game planning vs game adjusting by the QB during the game? Just how many plays are executed as called vs being improvised by the QB?

OK, that's 3 questions but they're all about the same thing, play calling . Which has been suspect to me except for two times since Garrett came on board. When Sparano was the run game guy and when Callahan was the run game guy.

Most QBs audible but do they all do it to the degree Romo does and run the play clock down to where the D doesn't need the snap count?

Last season we saw this offense without Romo and that was beyond eye opening but then came that game in MIA and the comment Cassel, a veteran QB, made about not understanding the offense until he saw Romo run it. Isn't that exactly what he does, runs it? The only other QB I would call a field general equal to what Romo does would be Manning. But Manning's was by design.

So, now we get to watch a rookie QB that will have to run the plays called because he doesn't have the experience level to do what Romo does. And neither did Manning or Romo have that ability when they first started. There are just too many things rolling around a young QB's head and the speed of the game increases from what he's used to seeing and then there's the DC and his bag of tricks because the last thing a well respected DC wants is a rookie QB showing him up.

So, if Booger & Son we're willing to call out the coaching staff last season for the backups, what do you think they're thinking now? Especially after seeing that pretend season showing of the young savior.

Now I get to see if I've been unfair in my criticism of the coaching staff, specifically the play calling, because I wasn't a Garrett fan as an OC and am less a fan of Linehan's. I always suspected Romo was bailing them out and that grew even more last season so unless Dak just fails to execute, that question finally gets answered.

Dak still has options. The RPO where he reads the Safety is one of them. The true read-option is another. Also, even for a set play call, the WR and QB are required to "read" the coverage and adjust. I've heard some WR mention that adjusting to coverage is a bigger issue in this scheme than other schemes that they had played in. IIRC, it might have been Butler that said it recently.

 

[BAT]

Dak still has options. The RPO where he reads the Safety is one of them. The true read-option is another. Also, even for a set play call, the WR and QB are required to "read" the coverage and adjust. I've heard some WR mention that adjusting to coverage is a bigger issue in this scheme than other schemes that they had played in. IIRC, it might have been Butler that said it recently.

The RPO will be Dak's bread and butter, interspersed with bootlegs and roll outs of course. Let Romo be Dak's QB guru and expand the playbook slowly but specifically dependong the team they're facing and passes that will maximize Dak's strengths.

 

[LocimusPrime]

Does all that audible change of play constant kill kill kill stuff make that much of a difference, I mean Rodgers, Brady, Russell, and Cam don't do much of it. I mean sure they might audible out of a play but it's not the same franctic back and forth fingerpointing type of pre snap antics.

Like the great philosopher Riddick said- skittish tombs skittish

 

[Maxmadden]

Does all that audible change of play constant kill kill kill stuff make that much of a difference, I mean Rodgers, Brady, Russell, and Cam don't do much of it. I mean sure they might audible out of a play but it's not the same franctic back and forth fingerpointing type of pre snap antics.

Like the great philosopher Riddick said- skittish tombs skittish

I would just be guessing, but I think most all of it is to get the Defense to show their hand. If it is down to one second on the play clock, then Romo knows that the defense is playing the hand that was dealt.

 

[Donhyphen]

This play clock down to one sec is garbage. One sec is a long time. Sure they have a better idea when the ball will be snapped but not exact timing. Overblown bs. Players move on the ball plain and simple.

 

[Zekeats]

For years, I am been asking the same question which was partially answered last season. How much of the offense is the play calling vs the audibles? How much is game planning vs game adjusting by the QB during the game? Just how many plays are executed as called vs being improvised by the QB?

OK, that's 3 questions but they're all about the same thing, play calling . Which has been suspect to me except for two times since Garrett came on board. When Sparano was the run game guy and when Callahan was the run game guy.

Most QBs audible but do they all do it to the degree Romo does and run the play clock down to where the D doesn't need the snap count?

Last season we saw this offense without Romo and that was beyond eye opening but then came that game in MIA and the comment Cassel, a veteran QB, made about not understanding the offense until he saw Romo run it. Isn't that exactly what he does, runs it? The only other QB I would call a field general equal to what Romo does would be Manning. But Manning's was by design.

So, now we get to watch a rookie QB that will have to run the plays called because he doesn't have the experience level to do what Romo does. And neither did Manning or Romo have that ability when they first started. There are just too many things rolling around a young QB's head and the speed of the game increases from what he's used to seeing and then there's the DC and his bag of tricks because the last thing a well respected DC wants is a rookie QB showing him up.

So, if Booger & Son we're willing to call out the coaching staff last season for the backups, what do you think they're thinking now? Especially after seeing that pretend season showing of the young savior.

Now I get to see if I've been unfair in my criticism of the coaching staff, specifically the play calling, because I wasn't a Garrett fan as an OC and am less a fan of Linehan's. I always suspected Romo was bailing them out and that grew even more last season so unless Dak just fails to execute, that question finally gets answered.

Very good post but I have to disagree. I think the success in 2014 was due to Linehan. Before Linehan was here Romo would almost always audible to a pass under Garrett and Callahan. I believe that Scott is the one that either got through to Romo or limited him to his audibles in 2014. He also stuck with the run which neither Garrett or Callahan did. Now I may get a bunch of backlash about this but most likely it's the truth. As much as I love Romo I do believe he needs to be handcuffed at times, especially in short yardage situations and that is what Linehan has done.

 

[Diehardblues]

It's difficult finding any documentation on the percentage of plays being audible. I've read some estimates its about 40% in the NFL. I've also seen some suggestions Romo audibles more than most.

There's been some criticism Romo audibles too much. Garrett even threw Romo under the bus after an interception a few years ago against the Packers in which Romo audibled out of a running play and threw a costly interception.

My hunch is some QB's are given more autonomy to audible like we've seen with Peyton and others. I would imagine Romo would be one of those.

Im not sure why it's not more disclosed how often , etc of the occurrences but with all the criticism we've seen over the years with poor play calling from our OC's would be interesting to know if more of what we percieve as bad calls actually are bad calls or poor reads by Romo on his audibles.

I'm not sure another QB like last year is a good measurement assuming they aren't audibling as much if the plays called aren't executed well enough or defended better because of a lesser talent?

If Dak executes the plays called better than Romo can then the play is going to look smarter. I'd have to assume though that a Rookie QB is not going to read defenses as well as a veteran at least initially but the offense could be ran more efficiently if the QB has the talent level to more fluidly carry out the play called.

I could definitely see our audibles being dumb down for Dak but with his arm strength and mobility we might see more plays thrown in that Dak's talent might be able to make better than Romo.

 

[Idgit]

Tony uses the time on the clock to get into the situations he wants the offense in. And he's very productive doing it relative to almost all the other teams in the league. The only reason people don't like it is it makes them nervous. There's no other explanation for having a problem with it.

And, yes, all the other teams in the league use audibles and sight adjustments with regularity.

 

[nobody]

I think Romo is going to be the one mic'd up to Dak and give him pointers on the fly during games.

 

[Diehardblues]

Tony uses the time on the clock to get into the situations he wants the offense in. And he's very productive doing it relative to almost all the other teams in the league. The only reason people don't like it is it makes them nervous. There's no other explanation for having a problem with it.

And, yes, all the other teams in the league use audibles and sight adjustments with regularity.

True but Romo's last second audibles also have led to what appears some confusion at the LOS at times leading to false starts, illegal procedures , delay of game and time outs not to mention plays which aren't well executed for whatever reason.

So yea , I do get nervous more often than not when I see and hear Romo scrambling at the LOS and yelling Kill Kill Kill for it doesn't always lead to either a correct read or execution.

 

[Diehardblues]

I've forgotten who wrote but I recall one of the local beat writers years ago who suggested when Garrett was still officially OC and calling the plays that his offensive scheme mirrored what Norv did back in Dallas with Troy.

It criticized Garrett for attempting to use Romo like Norv had Troy with plays that aren't as easily executed for Tony since he couldn't make all the throws from the pocket. It also criticized Dez at the time for running poor routes.

It concluded that plays trying to mirror what Troy and Michael were successful with was not a good plan overall with Tony and Dez.

And why Romo has had more success with his playmaking ability outside the pocket along with Dez big plays are usually more athletic than precise execution. Very interesting take!

 

[TheCount]

Tony uses the time on the clock to get into the situations he wants the offense in. And he's very productive doing it relative to almost all the other teams in the league. The only reason people don't like it is it makes them nervous. There's no other explanation for having a problem with it.

And, yes, all the other teams in the league use audibles and sight adjustments with regularity.

My question isn't so much about audibles - I actually think Dak will be given to option to switch run plays to pass plays (or the opposite) because that's pretty basic QB stuff.

My question is whether Romo is designing entirely new plays at the line by adjusting routes, blocks, etc. - stuff that goes beyond just switching the play to another play. If he's doing that, then Dak is probably in trouble.

 

[Alexander]

My question isn't so much about audibles - I actually think Dak will be given to option to switch run plays to pass plays (or the opposite) because that's pretty basic QB stuff.

My question is whether Romo is designing entirely new plays at the line by adjusting routes, blocks, etc. - stuff that goes beyond just switching the play to another play. If he's doing that, then Dak is probably in trouble.

I think last season pretty much told us the answer to this. It was not like no swapping of calls took place. The nuances Romo provided with further adjustments were just missing.

Said it when it was clear Prescott was taking over. How well this offensive staff prepares for him and designs plays for him to succeed will be the key factor in the W/L column for a while.

 

[Joe Realist]

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