Game Thoughts after rewatching

[dboyz]

I wonder if we would consider working JJ Wilcox in for Will Allen. Allen is ok, probably lines up in the right spot but he could make more plays. In the first drive, he really should have had a pick. Had his hands on a ball. A ball hawking safety would have had that one. On the 3rd and 15 that Alex Smith converted by running Allen had trouble coming through a block to get to Smith. Wilcox I think would have made that play. BTW, I fully realize there would be growing pains with Wilcox, but I also think he could make some plays.

From what I saw of Frederick a real mixed bag. Some good, some bad, some ugly. Expected growing pains. Poe looks like a player. We overall had trouble with some blitzes.

I don't really agree with those (including Garrett) that say we aren't running enough. We need to run effectively and when teams stack the line, we need to pass them out of it, not run them out of it. One play Romo clearly audibled to was probably going to be a run, but instead was a pass to Dez Bryant for a 20 plus yard gain which was negated by penalty. I'm fine with Romo doing this. We just have to convert and have the refs not ruin it for us in that case. FWIW I do think that this line, including Waters, once it has a chance to play together, can get better running the ball.

Really liked Hatcher's game and I really like Selvie. That guy is a find.

Why aren't we throwing any passes to Miles Austin down the field?

We need to eliminate quick passes to Witten; he just isn't quick enough to RAC especially when he is at a standstill. Witten should be working more down the field intermediate routes. I also think Romo just naturally gravitates to Witten because he is so reliable and he is so used to him, but I think Romo needs to be forced to look other directions. There are other players who can better get separation.

Overall Romo was pretty darn good. I do blame the fumble on him. There also was a sequence in the second half where he was wildly inaccurate possibly due to the ribs, which many have pointed out. Also just before the half, he had Witten open for the first down at the sticks in Chiefs territory. Throwing to his left he just missed on the throw and the pass was broken up. Would have been nice to get a field goal there. Again, mostly Romo was right on. I'm pointing out a few exceptions.

 

[DandyDon1722]

Good perspective thanks for taking the time to to that.

 

[Gameover]

When was the last time Dez and Miles had a big game in the same game?

Have they ever had hundred yard days in the same game?

Scouting the game.. Frustrating bunch

 

[blackbull]

I've been saying that about Wilcox for the longest. You can't tell these scary guys anything though. Next thing you know next year rolls around (hey guys this is JJ's first year starting you can't expect blah blah blah). Never ends

 

[The Natural]

I've been saying that about Wilcox for the longest. You can't tell these scary guys anything though. Next thing you know next year rolls around (hey guys this is JJ's first year starting you can't expect blah blah blah). Never ends

Agreed

 

[Oh_Canada]

I like Witten, but completely agree on your assesment.
I really think the offense would be better served using Hanna on more of those short/intermediate routes where he can utilize that 4.4 speed.

 

[Zordon]

I've been saying that about Wilcox for the longest. You can't tell these scary guys anything though. Next thing you know next year rolls around (hey guys this is JJ's first year starting you can't expect blah blah blah). Never ends

lol

 

[Idgit]

I've been saying that about Wilcox for the longest. You can't tell these scary guys anything though. Next thing you know next year rolls around (hey guys this is JJ's first year starting you can't expect blah blah blah). Never ends

Two people really liked this post, and it makes me feel bad because I can't honestly tell what you were trying to say. You want Wilcox to start, but can't tell scary guys anything? Then next year is JJ's (?) first year starting, and you can't expect blah-blah? And then the same thing happens again next time?

 

[kramskoi]

I wonder if we would consider working JJ Wilcox in for Will Allen. Allen is ok, probably lines up in the right spot but he could make more plays. In the first drive, he really should have had a pick. Had his hands on a ball. A ball hawking safety would have had that one. On the 3rd and 15 that Alex Smith converted by running Allen had trouble coming through a block to get to Smith. Wilcox I think would have made that play. BTW, I fully realize there would be growing pains with Wilcox, but I also think he could make some plays.

From what I saw of Frederick a real mixed bag. Some good, some bad, some ugly. Expected growing pains. Poe looks like a player. We overall had trouble with some blitzes.

I don't really agree with those (including Garrett) that say we aren't running enough. We need to run effectively and when teams stack the line, we need to pass them out of it, not run them out of it. One play Romo clearly audibled to was probably going to be a run, but instead was a pass to Dez Bryant for a 20 plus yard gain which was negated by penalty. I'm fine with Romo doing this. We just have to convert and have the refs not ruin it for us in that case. FWIW I do think that this line, including Waters, once it has a chance to play together, can get better running the ball.

Really liked Hatcher's game and I really like Selvie. That guy is a find.

Why aren't we throwing any passes to Miles Austin down the field?

We need to eliminate quick passes to Witten; he just isn't quick enough to RAC especially when he is at a standstill. Witten should be working more down the field intermediate routes. I also think Romo just naturally gravitates to Witten because he is so reliable and he is so used to him, but I think Romo needs to be forced to look other directions. There are other players who can better get separation.

Overall Romo was pretty darn good. I do blame the fumble on him. There also was a sequence in the second half where he was wildly inaccurate possibly due to the ribs, which many have pointed out. Also just before the half, he had Witten open for the first down at the sticks in Chiefs territory. Throwing to his left he just missed on the throw and the pass was broken up. Would have been nice to get a field goal there. Again, mostly Romo was right on. I'm pointing out a few exceptions.

You don't think that the Cowboys run enough? Here is a little field trip down memory lane for you and others who think a running game for the Cowboys is expendable:



Watch carefully the entire first half as Marion Barber runs over and through the Giants. Moreover, especially watch the 10.5 minute 20 play, 90 yard demolition job put on the Giants right before halftime. Then watch the biggest choke job by a coordinator and a quarterback in the fourth quarter, down only 4, as they forget that they even have a running back.

 

[Doomsday]

I dont think we use either TE effectively in the passing game. Other teams dont seem to have issues getting their rookie TEs the ball down the field. Seems like everything we throw to our TEs is with 5 yards of the LOS.

 

[burmafrd]

You don't think that the Cowboys run enough? Here is a little field trip down memory lane for you and others who think a running game for the Cowboys is expendable:



Watch carefully the entire first half as Marion Barber runs over and through the Giants. Moreover, especially watch the 10.5 minute 20 play, 90 yard demolition job put on the Giants right before halftime. Then watch the biggest choke job by a coordinator and a quarterback in the fourth quarter, down only 4, as they forget that they even have a running back.

what happened was the O line got gassed and the Giants with their rotation of DL had much fresher players in the 4th qtr. That is what really happened to the running game. And our Pass protection also got worse.

 

[jblaze2004]

I dont think we use either TE effectively in the passing game. Other teams dont seem to have issues getting their rookie TEs the ball down the field. Seems like everything we throw to our TEs is with 5 yards of the LOS.

its garrett's stupid offense/ play design. Its like you know will certain players will be. Our offense consist of mostly out routes, comebacks and hooks. A slant or 2. Throw in a streak from dez here or there. Our TE's don't attack the seams like they should. They are stuck running flare routes, hooks or out routes.

 

[jobberone]

The safeties have to know how to play the scheme and know how to play DB. Wilcox has great talent and I think he'll be a player down the road. You don't put people at that position who are going to blow assignments like he did in preseason. Give the guy a chance to learn to play safety in this scheme and the NFL. Allen was a decent get. He'll make an occasional play and not mess up a lot. Once Wilcox learns what to do then he's going to be a playmaker IMO.

I don't really agree with those (including Garrett) that say we aren't running enough. We need to run effectively and when teams stack the line, we need to pass them out of it, not run them out of it. One play Romo clearly audibled to was probably going to be a run, but instead was a pass to Dez Bryant for a 20 plus yard gain which was negated by penalty. I'm fine with Romo doing this. We just have to convert and have the refs not ruin it for us in that case. FWIW I do think that this line, including Waters, once it has a chance to play together, can get better running the ball.

Can't tell you how much I agree with the above. You want to run the ball but if they stack the box with 8 or 9 players then you pass the ball. Or you can't run in any event. You have to move the ball somehow.

Really liked Hatcher's game and I really like Selvie. That guy is a find.

Agree with this as well. But Selvie has to play the run better. They ran fairly well against Selvie and Spencer.

Nice post. Enjoyed it.

 

[blackbull]

The safeties have to know how to play the scheme and know how to play DB. Wilcox has great talent and I think he'll be a player down the road. You don't put people at that position who are going to blow assignments like he did in preseason. Give the guy a chance to learn to play safety in this scheme and the NFL. Allen was a decent get. He'll make an occasional play and not mess up a lot. Once Wilcox learns what to do then he's going to be a playmaker IMO.

I don't really agree with those (including Garrett) that say we aren't running enough. We need to run effectively and when teams stack the line, we need to pass them out of it, not run them out of it. One play Romo clearly audibled to was probably going to be a run, but instead was a pass to Dez Bryant for a 20 plus yard gain which was negated by penalty. I'm fine with Romo doing this. We just have to convert and have the refs not ruin it for us in that case. FWIW I do think that this line, including Waters, once it has a chance to play together, can get better running the ball.

Can't tell you how much I agree with the above. You want to run the ball but if they stack the box with 8 or 9 players then you pass the ball. Or you can't run in any event. You have to move the ball somehow.

Really liked Hatcher's game and I really like Selvie. That guy is a find.

Agree with this as well. But Selvie has to play the run better. They ran fairly well against Selvie and Spencer.

Nice post. Enjoyed it.

What assignments did he blow in preseason? Give specific examples.

 

[jobberone]

What assignments did he blow in preseason? Give specific examples.

What makes you think I'm your boy? If you're that interested you find them. The NFL preseason pass is no longer available BTW.

What makes you think they trust him enough to put him out there? He's obviously superior talent wise to any of the other safeties. They don't because he's only played DB for a year in college after being a QB, RB, and WR. Now you want him to take the field in the NFL at a position he's essentially new at in a scheme he's never seen.

 

[erod]

While I'm very high on the prospects of Wilcox in the future, he is NOT ready yet. That would be a disaster right now.

Maybe by November, but probably next year for him. He just needs to learn.

 

[erod]

What assignments did he blow in preseason? Give specific examples.

Oh my gosh, it would be easier to list the assignments he didn't blow. He was completely lost.

 

[TonyS]

My synopsis of the game isn't worth its own thread, so I'll hijack this one since it is turning into a competition between posters anyway... ;-)

1) I agree with OP on Frederick. He blew a couple of plays, allowing unblocked defender to get to Romo. He shows he's got the skills, he needs to recognize the tricks the D will play better. This will come with time.

2) Whatever the case with our play calling, when we did run the ball, it was not effective, which will lead to fewer attempts in this Garrett, Callahan, Romo offense. It has been beat to death, but Murray does not look good out there. He leaves yards on the field. He isn't explosive and lacks vision and the moves to get to the open lane and break big runs. He is not terrible, but he doesn't look like a starting RB or one that will make the Defense respect him. Don't know what we have behind him, but they need to have a chance to get more reps. Dunbar has turned into a fumbler, but has the speed and moves. When he has the ball, the difference is noticeable between his talent and Murrays. Just needs to hold on better.

3) Offense looks off track. Watching the Steelers/Bengals game last night was comfortable in that both offenses looked somewhat lost out there. I don't understand why we can't "take what the defense is giving us" either way and make it productive. If they are keeping us in front of them and taking away the deep ball, then make the short/intermediate pass plays work. Anytime a defense has to account for one player (Dez), we should make them pay. Austin and Williams both have skill and we have an all-world TE in Witten. Also, our pass protection has been good enough to give Romo time and Murray has been effective in the flat. We should not have to dink/dunk or call extravagant plays that lose yardage to get the job done. YAC should be our friend.

4) Defense kept us in this one. While probably giving a solid B or B+ performance, the D gave the O plenty of opps to win this one in the end. The line pressure was good. We are still weak in the middle and was hoping that Lee and Carter would be able to shore up the middle with speed and intelligence. Carter looks to be handling it ok, but Lee may be struggling. It is a new defense, so we have to give it some time for sure. Hoping they can turn it around by looking at tape because opposing offenses will be looking at the same tape.

5) Head Coaching - Garrett still hasn't impressed me in the game day department. I agree with a couple posts (some were closed early) that he used the timeouts too soon in the 4th quarter. He probably should have kept them a little longer, but I don't think it lost the game for us. I think he will be ok.

6) Romo - I don't know enough about who called or audibled on offense to make a decision on play calling, but Romo made some boneheaded pass decision that didn't give us a chance on a few plays. I ultimately think that Romo needs to be the bus driver and manage the game better, but not sure that goes to his skillset. He can put up a ton of yardage, but where has that gotten us the past few seasons? The best defense is an offense that can grind for about 80 yards and take up minutes while keeping the opposing offense off the field. Gives our defense much needed rest while wearing down the opponent and keeping their offensive players cold. We need that to win consistently and that goes back to a solid running game and consistent 5-15 yard passes. Hey, a man can dream can't he?

 

[kramskoi]

what happened was the O line got gassed and the Giants with their rotation of DL had much fresher players in the 4th qtr. That is what really happened to the running game. And our Pass protection also got worse.

Well we will agree to disagree because it was very apparent that a state of panic had descended on the offense in the fourth quarter. The offensive line had no troubles with the Giants rotation in the previous two regular season matchups. After the field goal at 6:56 left of the 3rd quarter, Barber ran:

3rd Quarter [off left tackle / 3yds] 3:07 [punt] [2:14]
4th Quarter [off left tackle / -1yd] 13:22
4th Quarter [off left guard / 2yds] 11:04 [punt] [4:02]
4th Quarter [middle / 4yds] ...........7:00 [punt] [3:41]
4th Quarter [middle / -1yd, 9yd pass]1:50 [INT] [1:41]

Barber, from 6:56 of the 3rd quarter: 5 carries for 7yds and a 9yd pass over 4 possessions...and that's all folks! They might as well have been down 40 rather than 4!

 

[dboyz]

Thanks for all the comments. I'll generally resond to the discussion.

One additional thing I forgot to include in the original post. I think the Chiefs were giving us opportunities to get the ball to Dez Bryant and we did not do a good enough job taking advantage of them. There was the drop by Dez, the penalty which looked like a bad call. On one play, the corner lined up across from Dez blitzed so Dez was one on one with a safety. It was 3rd and 10 and we threw a slant to Williams short of the first down. This is in addition to the play everyone pointed out in the redzone where Dez was one on one. Obviously we are not going to hit on all of these, but the point is KC gave Dez an opportunity to take over the game. We have to let him do that and I'm not pointing out one flaw. It is about protection, Dez catching, Romo executing, and the refs letting us play.

Regarding the Will Allen comments, I fully realize that J.J. Wilcox may not be ready. I just hope that there is a plan ot get him some reps going forward. Because to me with Allen we are leaving some opportunities on the field.

On the running game, I was not trying to make any grand statements about running game over time, let alone in a playoff game years ago. I just think upon review that if I was to look at the flaws in the KC game, to me the flaw was not running it too few times. The flaws were two fumbles, dropped pass by Dez, a few misses by Romo, some problems in protection by the line, a bad series by the defense at the end of the game, etc.

I think if teams are going to stack the line we should burn them through the air until it is so painful to them they back off out of it. Then we can run the ball. This idea of blitzing us up the middle repeatedly has had some success including in last years season ending Commanders game. We have to pick up the blitz, make the right throw and burn the defense.