Has our running game been that bad?

[Bizwah]

I've rewatched the Saints game and the Seahawk game. Yardage wise, we really were not very good against the Seahawks....we actually looked decent at times versus the Saints....but we owned time of possession.

Our running game isn't doing much, but if we can continue to move the ball and get first downs, then isn't that what we want.

Now, I know it's important to be able to run effectively inside the redzone, so we need to improve there....

But you run the ball to control the tempo, move the chains, and wear down a defense.

We're doing that right now......of course, it is preseason.

 

[dougonthebench]

I've rewatched the Saints game and the Seahawk game. Yardage wise, we really were not very good against the Seahawks....we actually looked decent at times versus the Saints....but we owned time of possession.

Our running game isn't doing much, but if we can continue to move the ball and get first downs, then isn't that what we want.

Now, I know it's important to be able to run effectively inside the redzone, so we need to improve there....

But you run the ball to control the tempo, move the chains, and wear down a defense.

We're doing that right now......of course, it is preseason.

wait till we get TO on the field,that'll open up some running lanes.

 

[lane]

wait till we get TO on the field,that'll open up some running lanes.

very true statement.

 

[Clove]

Yeah our first unit playing new orleans did open up some holes and what not. But we must be able to atleast pull 3 yards here and there to effectively be able to go deep at will.

 

[theogt]

The New Orleans game made me hopeful, but it could have just been that they were *that* bad. Still, it could be a sign of "gelling" and "progress". Saturday should be a good measuring stick.

 

[LeonDixson]

I don't really like our running game yet. Your points are valid and the overall objective is being met, but I'm so sick of seeing the opposing D in our backfield about the same time as our RB gets the handoff that I could scream.

 

[DragonCowboy]

Two things that give us hope:

1. A big threat like T.O. will open up lanes for the running game (I still hate him )

2. Before Flozell Adams went down, we went 5 for 31 or something. 6 yds per carry is pretty good. Then, Adams gets kicked, McQuistan, a rookie, comes in, and then basically blows a running play, and we lost like 5 yards.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Rewatching it, to me looks like Julius doesnt improvise any or follows the wrong holes. I think he is part of the reason. Polite and Al Johnston missed block after block in the second half, but Barber and Tyson didnt have as much negative yards.

 

[MiStar]

It's bad, but good enough to make teams pay for trying to cheat against the pass. Make no mistake though, fixing the running game should be the top priority right now.

I can dream about luring Willie Roaf out of retirement to play for the Cowboys can't I?

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Rewatching it, to me looks like Julius doesnt improvise any or follows the wrong holes. I think he is part of the reason. Polite and Al Johnston missed block after block in the second half, but Barber and Tyson didnt have as much negative yards.

To me, it seems that Julius Jones is not that good running through the inside lanes unless the OL opens up the hole for him. In other words, he's not very good at making something out of nothing near the line of scrimmage. Where Jones is good is when there is a hole and he can get 2 yards past the line of scrimmage untouched. It's at that point where he's able to make an elusive move against a LB and run for a big play. I also see Barber as the opposite. He's great between the tackles - hole or no hole - but once he passes the line of scrimmage, he's just running straight ahead, cna't make a soul miss him, and is therefore prone to being tackled.

**

 

[LeonDixson]

Rewatching it, to me looks like Julius doesnt improvise any or follows the wrong holes. I think he is part of the reason. Polite and Al Johnston missed block after block in the second half, but Barber and Tyson didnt have as much negative yards.

You are right, but that is what BP drummed into his head from the very start. Remember BP saying that he had to beat it into JJ's head to "trust the Play" and run to where the play was designed and trust the hole to be there. He made those comments during JJ's rookie year.

I've never heard him say that about MBIII or TT. IMHO the line (including the TEs) needs to do a much better job of keeping defenders out of the backfield and opening up a little bit of a hole on a more consistent basis.

 

[Wezsh0T]

Say what you want...but JJ is a much different runner than during his rookie season. He just doesn't use his incredible cutting ability to bounce runs outside anymore...sigh...I can't get over how different he is, which is why I have a hard time resisting these threads = )

 

[burmafrd]

Blame BP - he is the one always ranting about negative plays and trust the blocking- which over the last two years has been a pretty stupid thing to say.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

BP loves to control the clock and let the def win games