I sure hope Linehan means this

[NJ22]

“If we play smart, winning football, physical football, we have the ability to run the football when we want, not just when people are giving us the run,” Linehan said. “That is something we really want to work on.”

If I have to hear "we threw it 30 straight times even though we had a 3 score lead because that is what the defense dictated we do and what a shock we lost again" I will stab someone with an ice pick.

 

[Frozen700]

I really want us to run with the lead in the 4th. Stop passing to Witten for 3 yards on 3rd and long. Throw more to Dez.

If we can do these 3 things, we are good.

 

[NJ22]

Running with the lead is football 101 ..for most teams. But we need to commit throughout the game. It keeps our weak D on the sidelines, it chews clock, it wears down the opposing D and it makes them respect play action. I'd like to see the % of opposing teams possessions that ended in scores last year, because if you reduce the number of possessions you will reduce the points allowed too. You can not let the opponent dictate to you when you will run and not run. When we were great we ran when we wanted not when we were allowed to. Hopefully the much needed commitment to the o-line will equate to a commitment to the run game.

 

[morasp]

I sure hope so. The difference this year may be that we have the line to do it. Running it even when you only get 2-3 yards in the first half pays dividends in the second. The other obvious advantage is it makes it easier to pass if they have to bring eight in the box and honor the play action.

 

[BigStar]

I really want us to run with the lead in the 4th. Stop passing to Witten for 3 yards on 3rd and long. Throw more to Dez.

If we can do these 3 things, we are good.

I agree, use the talent to build the lead (Dez-TW) and learn how to finish off teams by running with the lead (even with a poor D). This will still be a passing team bc the quick score capability is there for our advantage. We won't turn into SEA (or want to) bc we have better weapons on O.

 

[Nation]

I really want us to run with the lead in the 4th. Stop passing to Witten for 3 yards on 3rd and long. Throw more to Dez.

If we can do these 3 things, we are good.

In fairness, it is tough to pass the ball on 3rd & long. Denver had the best offense ever and only converted 48% of their first downs last year, and that includes 3rd & short and 3rd & medium situations. A dump-off may only get you a couple yards, but it is better than throwing a dumb pass or taking a sack and losing field position. The other team is going to cover the sticks.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

its simple...we dont run because we dont convert on 3rd downs.

running on 1st when you cant convert on 3rd, is wasting a down.

If we get to where we convert on 3rd, then we'll run more.

 

[erod]

Some of this is overplayed.

Yes, Dallas had games last year when the run was not used enough. But with that defense, often they had to throw to keep up. Punts were football suicide.

You can't run the ball and play field position unless you can play at least average defense.

 

[lostar2009]

I agree, use the talent to build the lead (Dez-TW) and learn how to finish off teams by running with the lead (even with a poor D). This will still be a passing team bc the quick score capability is there for our advantage. We won't turn into SEA (or want to) bc we have better weapons on O.

If our run game is strong it will bring another dimension to our offense. You would not have to stack the offense. 2 good wrs, a te, and a 1k rushing running back is all that's needed. Dallas is the only team that will have all of this plus a stable of running backs and can't do squat.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

“If we play smart, winning football, physical football, we have the ability to run the football when we want, not just when people are giving us the run,” Linehan said. “That is something we really want to work on.”

If I have to hear "we threw it 30 straight times even though we had a 3 score lead because that is what the defense dictated we do and what a shock we lost again" I will stab someone with an ice pick.

take it out of Romo's hand to change plays at the line.....teach him to rely on his OL and running game.

 

[NJ22]

I sure hope so. The difference this year may be that we have the line to do it. Running it even when you only get 2-3 yards in the first half pays dividends in the second. The other obvious advantage is it makes it easier to pass if they have to bring eight in the box and honor the play action.

I agree they should be better, but what is maddening about last year is Murray ran for over 5ypc and they still refused to commit to it! If they are waiting for it to become better than that, they will be waiting a long time.

 

[Doomsday101]

Some of this is overplayed.

Yes, Dallas had games last year when the run was not used enough. But with that defense, often they had to throw to keep up. Punts were football suicide.

You can't run the ball and play field position unless you can play at least average defense.

I agree, I want to see Dallas be able to run not so much to control the clock but to make the overall offense more productive. I think the more you can keep defense guessing and off balance the better off the entire offense is and gives you more oppertunities to attack down field as defense starts to creep up to the line.

 

[NJ22]

Absolutely. I am a huge Romo fan, but if he does not understand the situation, the coach needs to coach.

take it out of Romo's hand to change plays at the line.....teach him to rely on his OL and running game.

 

[BigStar]

If our run game is strong it will bring another dimension to our offense. You would not have to stack the offense. 2 good wrs, a te, and a 1k rushing running back is all that's needed. Dallas is the only team that will have all of this plus a stable of running backs and can't do squat.

We have that now? (Bryant-TW-Witt-Murray) Are you saying this structure (or talent) doesn't mean much if you don't run the ball? I agree with you there and the three 8-8 seasons support your argument.

 

[BigStar]

its simple...we dont run because we dont convert on 3rd downs.

running on 1st when you cant convert on 3rd, is wasting a down.

If we get to where we convert on 3rd, then we'll run more.

Or running on third down will lead to more conversions? Mainly thinking of the passes on 3rd and short that weren't converted.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Absolutely. I am a huge Romo fan, but if he does not understand the situation, the coach needs to coach.

and yes put his foot down. and slap him around....

 

[lostar2009]

We have that now? (Bryant-TW-Witt-Murray) Are you saying this structure (or talent) doesn't mean much if you don't run the ball? I agree with you there and the three 8-8 seasons support your argument.

Our offensive game plan isn't to good. We have the talent but do we have the correct scheme?

 

[noshame]

I really want us to run with the lead in the 4th. Stop passing to Witten for 3 yards on 3rd and long. Throw more to Dez.

If we can do these 3 things, we are good.

Yep, I like to see 30 carries a game + the other two things. We will win.

 

[nalam]

I really want us to run with the lead in the 4th. Stop passing to Witten for 3 yards on 3rd and long. Throw more to Dez.

If we can do these 3 things, we are good.

As much as I don't like we passing 3 yards on 3 and long, Dez has to consistently catch some clutch ones, he had some critical drops like the chiefs game ( if my old memory survives) .

But yes, we need to run and pick up those 2-3 yards when the opposing D knows we are running. Amen to that!

 

[Risen Star]

Gentlemen, Scott Linehan is not a better offensive mind than Jason Garrett. The same way Bill Callahan wasn't. This is a cosmetic change. It won't amount to anything.