Instant Replay 2016 - Game 2 Washington (wPics)

[LocimusPrime]

Skins first drive.

After Skins gash the D on a 7 yard up-the-middle run, Desean Jackson comes completely free on a crossing pattern--perhaps a missed assignment--and he gains 35.

On third down after the Jackson catch Cousins badly overthrew a wide open Crowder on a play that should have been a TD. It's very unclear who was supposed to be covering him. Skins punt. Announcers comment that Cousins has not been sharp so far in '16.

Whose man was that. Dang there's nobody near him.

 

[T-RO]

Whose man was that. Dang there's nobody near him.

I know! And even the coach's film angles couldn't help me discern the responsibility either.

The Skins also had Jackson going deep and it looked like that was whom was occupying much of JJ Wilcox's attention (he was lone deep safety). That's the problem with zone defenses sometimes...you saturate a certain part of the field and somebody can go unattended.

 

[T-RO]

With our OL, Zeke, Witt slowing down, and another quick WR in Switzer, I actually expect us to run quite a bit of S10 this year.

4 wr's, Zeke in backfield, no TE. Our running game and Zeke's blocking ability allows you to basically force them to make a decision, of which you can adjust pretty easily.

Lighter defensive package for more DBs and you're going to get some DBs run over by some All-Pro linemen with Zeke lowering his shoulder. You also have Zeke as a wheel out option in that case too. You want to go a little heavier to focus on the run a little more and give you some pass rush ability? Good luck, first you have to beat this OL, you have blitz beaters in Beasley/Switzer, or a simple route to Zeke. They're bringing a heavier blitz, if you get past the OL then one of the best pass blocking backs in the league stays home, and you're either leaving Dez 1on1 or you're going to have a part of the field with a huge weakness that Cole/Switz or even Twill can adjust too if they have a ridiculous match-up.


Then don't forget you have a QB that can make plays with his feet.

It's like a spread offense for men.

Good stuff. And many fans don't realize how effectively you can run from a 4 receiver set. Defenses just can't flood the box.

 

[T-RO]

Seriously T-RO... nice thread and I appreciate all the hard work. Just bustin' your chops a little in my previous post.

Good job.

Oh...it won't be my last mistake. I was actually flashing back in my mind to one of field goal kickers back in the day...Lin Elliot.

 

[AsthmaField]

Oh...it won't be my last mistake. I was actually flashing back in my mind to one of field goal kickers back in the day...Lin Elliot.

I actually thought that might be it.

 

[ConstantReboot]

After Cole's catch and run takes the ball to the five, Cowboys stall on two passes and a shovel to Zeke. It seems that the narrative of week 1 is continuing: can't close the deal in the Red Zone.

Cowboys 3, Commanders 0

I don't know why but we seem to stall a lot in the redzone and tend to settle for field goals way too much. Our redzone offense needs to improve especially when we have the best oline in the NFL.

 

[FiveTime]

Thanks for putting these posts together @T-RO ...fun stuff to see and read!

 

[haleyrules]

I don't know why but we seem to stall a lot in the redzone and tend to settle for field goals way too much. Our redzone offense needs to improve especially when we have the best oline in the NFL.

It will improve this yr as Prescott develops...

 

[T-RO]

It will improve this yr as Prescott develops...

It should. And I'm not sure we were that bad in the Red Zone last year, anyway. We sure were in the Giants game and early in Skins game. I'll take special note of this as I continue my replays.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Zeke was not reading his keys and not being patient which saw him running to darkness quite often. It's hard to score TDs in the red zone when you struggle to run the ball. He made an adjustment in game 3 and the rest is history.

Now consider that he will not have those same issues and will be more proficient in the passing game this year.

 

[haleyrules]

It should. And I'm not sure we were that bad in the Red Zone last year, anyway. We sure were in the Giants game and early in Skins game. I'll take special note of this as I continue my replays.

Bryant could make a huge difference in that area also. He should be a big asset, especially considering he does not need to be the focus of the offense...great running game...more offensive options and a QB that is both mobile and can read the defense quickly and make good decisions.

 

[T-RO]

Washington takes second half kickoff and cuts through the Dallas defense like butter.

The Dallas defense only forces third down once on the drive. No pass rush and soft zone coverage permits 75 yards in just 8 plays.

Crowder beats Scandrick for TD. Skins w/first lead, 17-13.

 

[T-RO]

Ensuing Cowboys drive starts at 25.

Cowboys run-fake to the left, pass to the right. Witten gains 15. Dallas is absolutely beating Washington like a drum with this directional play-action. It's just pitch and catch with lots of easy gravy.

Ryan Kerrigan in particular isn't enjoying himself with this, chasing his way out right out of the play.

 

[T-RO]

Play two... run left to Elliott. Good hard run for 9 yards. Smith and Collins with top-drawer blocking.

A running back must love the look of this.

 

[T-RO]

Very next play...manhandling continues...

 

[T-RO]

Next...a 5 yard pass to the fullback and a 22 yard Zeke run.

Notice the road grading by Witten and Collins and the athleticism of Martin who pulled from his right guard position to get this downfield gem. All six Cowboys pictured here were on a body.

 

[T-RO]

After a sack Dallas faces third and 11. But Prescott finds Dez Bryant.

Bryant when running routes on the right side against Josh Norman...it's famine. But when on the left side facing Breiland...he's feasting.

 

[T-RO]

In the Red Zone, 1st and goal at the 7. First play is lob-it-up to Dez. Play has no chance as Dak doesn't put nearly enough air under the ball.

Second play...Dak drops back but sees his opening. Runs it in for TD. He probably doesn't score unless he smartly fakes a pass at the LOS, freezing the linebacker.

Cowboys 20-17.

 

[T-RO]

More later.

 

[xwalker]

I don't know why but we seem to stall a lot in the redzone and tend to settle for field goals way too much. Our redzone offense needs to improve especially when we have the best oline in the NFL.

Dallas was 5th in Red Zone TDs in 2016.

They were 2nd in 2014.