Irvin on The Fan

[WPBCowboysFan]

They get paid to make things happen....not to sit and say oh we'll,

I think you have our coaches confused with this guy

 

[BigStar]

I saw Cole Beasley run at least 2 "drag" routes yesterday and no one, no one, covered him. Weeden forced the ball to Dez both times. And look, nobody in the NFL makes the contested catch like Dez Bryant, but the one negative with him (imo), is that he almost always has to make a contested catch because he cant get separation.

I've noticed Dez does seem to do a better job of route running when he is running mid to deep routes on the tree but you're correct regarding the shorter routes especially. He will never be confused with Terry Glenn but he does seem to get good to great separation on deeper crosses and outs/comebacks post 15. He seems to need to build up some steam before making his "separation cut" at the top of his routes.

Some of the stagnant play-calling on the outside routes really puts him at a disadvantage esp regarding the shorter outs, bubble screens, shallow slants, and shallow crossing routes that are generally bracketed with a second defender (LB/S) to assist in breaking up the pass. Still love Dez of course, but that is a legitimate criticism mainly related to his body build and specific athleticism lacking the quick twitch attribute seen with the Harvins, DJ types. But he is obv a dif receiver in the mold of CJ, AJ, albeit a bit less fluid but with greater spectacular catch ability. But I would take Dez in a jump ball situation against anyone outside of CJ due to height solely and his freakish athleticism/hands have been on highlight reels for a reason. He is a special player that would be foolish of the team to dance around with.

 

[BigStar]

The funny thing about this Arians praise is that Steelers fans were sick of him his last couple of seasons and felt that he was too predictable.

Now with Arizona he's looked at as some offensive guru.

In the end, it's all about executing.

Doesn't matter what plays you call when your QB is Brandon Weeden.

AZ dropped something like 6 passes and Palmer missed many open receivers on top of that. They just had more talent on O (absent Romo) than we had with Weeden throwing into the dirt. Our D held its own (esp with no help from Weeden whatsoever) to compete. I agree Arians is no guru by any stretch, but this really just magnifies how little creativity was displayed by our game-plan and the lack of adjustments in comparison to his simple adjustments (throwing to Church, relying run game)

 

[jjktkk]

Yeh you figure a guy with an Ivy league degree can come up with a system by now. He's been here since 2007 with the same QB.
This Romo friendly crap offense has gotten Romo multiple major injuries.

There is a system in place. Its called having a balanced offense, which was finally coming to fruition until Romo got injured and Weeden being horribly ineffective yesterday.. Were you complaining about the "guy with an Ivy league degree" when the offense was humming along 3 weeks ago? Obviously Garret and company need to make some adjustments, especially after the Washington debacle, but is there really already a need to Garrett under the bus after a 2 game losing streak?

 

[TheDude]

Derek Dooley is a Nick Saban protege and that's the connection with Garrett. He's a pretty smart guy who shouldn't have taken that TN job. That was a failure looking for a coach.

So being an alumni of UT, I am very familiar with the man and the program. What does "being a protege of Saban" have to do with anything? He failed at Lousiana Tech. Tennessee was desperate because of the loser (and worse human being) Lane Kiffen leaving. Tennessee went back to back with coach's sons and subsequently entered the darkest time in their history.
In 2011, the team finished a disappointing 5–7, dropping the last game of the season to Kentucky, which ended a 26 game winning streak against the Wildcats. Combined with the 6–7 record of 2010, it was the first time since 1910–1911, that the Vols had finished with losing records in back to back seasons.

In the 2012 season the Vols were in high hopes for a major turnaround. With returning star quarterback Tyler Bray back at the helm and star wide receiver Justin Hunter returning from injury the Vols were expected to tout an offense that could compete with the top brass of the SEC's defenses. Boosting the offense from the start of the season was the emergence of community college transfer WR Cordarrelle Patterson who became a big threat in both receiving and returning plays. However, another loss to the hated rivalFlorida Gators, a game in which the Vols were in control for a majority of time, would send the season sinking. The Vols would then lose six of the nine remaining games including a four-game losing streak. A heartbreaking loss to Missouri left many fans fed up with Dooley after a questionable call to play overtime rather than play for a game-winning field goal would deprive the Vols of a victory. A lop-sided loss to in-state rival Vanderbilt would be the final straw. Derek Dooley and the Volunteer football team went 5-7, with all 7 losses being to SEC teams. As a result, Tennessee recorded three consecutive losing seasons (2010, 2011 and 2012). Derek Dooley amassed the worst record of head coaches with more than two seasons in Tennessee history, and the worst overall since 1906. He also has the worst record of all Tennessee coaches in SEC play.[8] On November 18, 2012, Dooley was fired from his head coaching position effective immediately, being replaced by Butch Jones, the former head coach of the University of Cincinnati.[9][10]

I can wax poetic for days on his ruining and failure to develop Tyler Bray, wasting and not polishing Justin Hunter and Cordarelle Patterson, etc. He has shown no propensity to develop WRs. He was a TE coach with Saban and I dont recall any LSU or Miami breakout TEs.

And lets not think it is above Saban to do favors for some good ol' coaches sons. Kiffen is on his staff now. Living here in LA and being a UT booster. Let me know if you would like some dirt on that douchebag

 

[Zman5]

There is a system in place. Its called having a balanced offense, which was finally coming to fruition until Romo got injured and Weeden being horribly ineffective yesterday.. Were you complaining about the "guy with an Ivy league degree" when the offense was humming along 3 weeks ago? Obviously Garret and company need to make some adjustments, especially after the Washington debacle, but is there really already a need to Garrett under the bus after a 2 game losing streak?

Yes I was. What's your point?

 

[jjktkk]

I don't disagree with him. I've never really understood our desire to just line up man vs. man instead of employing more subterfuge ... other than the fact that Witten runs the worst "rubs' in the league.

I haven't questioned Linehan much since I've liked his balance this season, but he has not done a good job of taking advantage of aggressive defenses these past two weeks with plays that expose that aggression. Of course, it would have been different Sunday if he'd had a decent QB. There were open receivers, but Dallas didn't have a QB who could hit them.

Ding, ding, ding!!! You win the free toaster sir!!! How can you really evaluate Linehan's adjustments to these jailbreak blitzes, when Romo is out and Weeden being so horrible yesterday.

 

[jjktkk]

Yes I was. What's your point?

Step off the ledge and lets see Romo back and lets see what adjustments Linehan and the offensive staff come up with in regards to these blitzes teams are throwing at them.

 

[BigStar]

Ding, ding, ding!!! You win the free toaster sir!!! How can you really evaluate Linehan's adjustments to these jailbreak blitzes, when Romo is out and Weeden being so horrible yesterday.

Cus Romo didn't handle them against WAS either and for the same reasons (no adjustment to 3 step and shorter routes)? I like Romo but didn't like the late Aikman vibes either (giving up as soon as their is a breakdown up the middle = drop like dead weight bf any contact). I like Linney so far so really hope he turns it on this point forward. Callahan is responsible as well as he is in charge of the pass blocking woes recently as well as the lack of adjustments regarding some stunt pickup gaffes that keep recurring.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Irvin was on the the Fan just now and said it's mind boggling to him why we don't use certain WR sets and formations to beat the blitz and help the receivers to get open quicker.

I still don't understand why The Playmaker isn't on our staff.

 

[jobberone]

So being an alumni of UT, I am very familiar with the man and the program. What does "being a protege of Saban" have to do with anything? He failed at Lousiana Tech. Tennessee was desperate because of the loser (and worse human being) Lane Kiffen leaving. Tennessee went back to back with coach's sons and subsequently entered the darkest time in their history.
In 2011, the team finished a disappointing 5–7, dropping the last game of the season to Kentucky, which ended a 26 game winning streak against the Wildcats. Combined with the 6–7 record of 2010, it was the first time since 1910–1911, that the Vols had finished with losing records in back to back seasons.

In the 2012 season the Vols were in high hopes for a major turnaround. With returning star quarterback Tyler Bray back at the helm and star wide receiver Justin Hunter returning from injury the Vols were expected to tout an offense that could compete with the top brass of the SEC's defenses. Boosting the offense from the start of the season was the emergence of community college transfer WR Cordarrelle Patterson who became a big threat in both receiving and returning plays. However, another loss to the hated rivalFlorida Gators, a game in which the Vols were in control for a majority of time, would send the season sinking. The Vols would then lose six of the nine remaining games including a four-game losing streak. A heartbreaking loss to Missouri left many fans fed up with Dooley after a questionable call to play overtime rather than play for a game-winning field goal would deprive the Vols of a victory. A lop-sided loss to in-state rival Vanderbilt would be the final straw. Derek Dooley and the Volunteer football team went 5-7, with all 7 losses being to SEC teams. As a result, Tennessee recorded three consecutive losing seasons (2010, 2011 and 2012). Derek Dooley amassed the worst record of head coaches with more than two seasons in Tennessee history, and the worst overall since 1906. He also has the worst record of all Tennessee coaches in SEC play.[8] On November 18, 2012, Dooley was fired from his head coaching position effective immediately, being replaced by Butch Jones, the former head coach of the University of Cincinnati.[9][10]

I can wax poetic for days on his ruining and failure to develop Tyler Bray, wasting and not polishing Justin Hunter and Cordarelle Patterson, etc. He has shown no propensity to develop WRs. He was a TE coach with Saban and I dont recall any LSU or Miami breakout TEs.

And lets not think it is above Saban to do favors for some good ol' coaches sons. Kiffen is on his staff now. Living here in LA and being a UT booster. Let me know if you would like some dirt on that douchebag

I just put some information out there not an apology for the guy. So I don't think a damn thing about the guy other than Garrett seems to like him. That means more to me than a diatribe against the guy from someone/anyone who doesn't know squat about the WR position (nor do I) or what it takes to be a football coach on the NFL level. Or is that at any level?

I don't know Saban and I seriously doubt you do either. I do know the guy is a serious football coach and Garrett likes him, too. And since Garrett has fans around the NFL including some with impeccable credentials then that means something to me as well. So if Garrett wants the guy on his staff then I'll give him some slack. And don't anyone come at me with homer this or that as I'm not a huge Garrett guy but he's earned enough slack I'm not joining the let's dump on everyone because we're a tad disappointed right now.

Go direct your hate and your dirt at someone and/or something else as you have obviously picked the wrong day to do it to me.

A huge wad of you people need to find some common sense and courtesy to go along with your fanhood. JMO.

 

[Zman5]

Step off the ledge and lets see Romo back and lets see what adjustments Linehan and the offensive staff come up with in regards to these blitzes teams are throwing at them.

What's this ledge stuff? BTW, Romo was in the game when they failed to adjust. That's what got him injured which is inexcusable.

 

[Zman5]

I still don't understand why The Playmaker isn't on our staff.

He should be but I doubt they can pay him enough to leave his cushy NFL network job.

 

[Gameover]

I still don't understand why The Playmaker isn't on our staff.

You know how much he earns not being on our staff?

 

[TheDude]

I just put some information out there not an apology for the guy. So I don't think a damn thing about the guy other than Garrett seems to like him. That means more to me than a diatribe against the guy from someone/anyone who doesn't know squat about the WR position (nor do I) or what it takes to be a football coach on the NFL level. Or is that at any level?

Oh boi! Another "Your opinion or perhaps even first hand knowledge is invalid because you aren't a NFL employee" take. How original. Was going to vote tomorrow, but now that I am aware that I have no moral right to make a judgement call, I can sleep in another 10 minutes.

You have no idea who what or how involved with I am with UT football. So your diatribe to cast aspersion on my opinion is telling. Any Saban "coaching tree" list has Dooley ranked at the bottom. Google supports this. So does Al Wilson and many others who played there and still live there

I don't know Saban and I seriously doubt you do either. I do know the guy is a serious football coach and Garrett likes him, too. And since Garrett has fans around the NFL including some with impeccable credentials then that means something to me as well. So if Garrett wants the guy on his staff then I'll give him some slack. And don't anyone come at me with homer this or that as I'm not a huge Garrett guy but he's earned enough slack I'm not joining the let's dump on everyone because we're a tad disappointed right now.

This has nothing to do with perceived disappointment. This is a compartmentalized opinion on Dooley and Wilson.

But I am glad to know you are an ardent supporter of Lane Kiffen's football prowess

Go direct your hate and your dirt at someone and/or something else as you have obviously picked the wrong day to do it to me.

A huge wad of you people need to find some common sense and courtesy to go along with your fanhood. JMO.

A "wad of you people" should quit making throw away assumptions about a "failure of a program" that you know nothing about and come to the defense of anyone's record who is in the organization. Or maybe you can scrounge up some perspective other than "Nick Saban likes him"

 

[cowboys1981]

The screen play would really make teams think twice about blitzing

 

[big dog cowboy]

You know how much he earns not being on our staff?

Not a clue but money talks and Jerry has plenty.

 

[Lazyking]

I just don't understand why we don't use pick plays even if it was just one package of bunch formation. You don't have to change your whole offense to utilize plays that work.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Yes, it appeared that the receivers were covered because Weeden was throwing to the wrong receivers. Beasley was wide open at times. T. Williams was open at times but the times that Weeden threw it to him were the times that he was NOT open.

The Arizona loss was about 90% on Weeden, but there were some oddities in the play calling. The 4th down play call was terrible. The Cowboys are much better on short yardage when they spread out the defense. On one play Dez ran a 5 yard slant right at the DB that was 5 yards off the line. If Dez had slanted immediately off the line, he would have been wide open in the middle of the field.

They did seem to do something at the very end of the game which resulted in the Dez TD. I'm not sure exactly what they changed, but they did go with more of Dunbar at both RB and as a WR. The Cowboys don't intentionally run plays to the outside often, especially with Murray. Murray will bounce outside occasionally, but he almost always starts it as an inside run or a run that is tight just off tackle. A few more intentional outside runs might loosen up a defense in the middle. I think they tend to run more outside when Dunbar is in the game, but I think they should have Murray do that on occasion also. Arizona is really strong in the middle of their defense and the Cowboys Guards and Center couldn't get much push.

Yeah that 4th down play was a horrible call. We all knew that Dallas was gonna do something stupid like that and they did. I wish for once that they would do a play action or even pitch it Murray and let him run outside. Things went well when Murray started to bounce the plays outside and if Dallas continued giving him the ball he would have run it for possibly 100 yards or more in that game. Not that I cared about him having that record. But the Cardinals were starting to miss tackles and were slowly getting tired. At the end I thought we should have relied on Murray a lot more than Weeden. We should not have taken Murray out of those crucial 3rd down and short situations and show our hand that we were going to pass. Leave Murray in there with Dunbar. That would give us several ways of beating a blitz or making teams think on who to cover or watch out for.

 

[ConstantReboot]

What is even more shocking was the continued use of bad route combinations especially on third down. Did they not learn from last week against Washington? Irvin is 100% correct. Where were the drag routes? Crossing routes? Bunch formations? WR screens? Use of screen passes were inexplicably ignored after gashing them big with Dunbar.

Linehan isn't impressing me at all. Garrett as Head Coach should have demanded all this be used more prominently.

Maybe Garrett is insisting to Linehan that he use more vanilla plays because the OC is starting to look smarter than he is. I doubt that Garrett will demand anything be changed. He is one of the most stubborn coaches I've seen and don't know why he has the title of "Genius" attached to his name. I know folks here will criticize me for this. But the truth is, the less we have Garrett running the show, the better.