Is our O-line up to the task of emphasizing the run?

[Boyzmamacita]

If you look at what we did to the Skins in the second game when Romo came back from the injury, I think the answer was yes. We were determined to run, made up our mind that we were going to and we ran over them all day long.

It is all attitude!

This year you can add Felix to the mix. We didn't have him against Washington in the second game and we didn't use him in the first game (duh!). Our running game should really be interesting to watch this season. I'm more optimistic than a lot of posters.

 

[Bluefin]

This year you can add Felix to the mix. We didn't have him against Washington in the second game and we didn't use him in the first game (duh!). Our running game should really be interesting to watch this season. I'm more optimistic than a lot of posters.

Our lot has its share of pessimistic fans.

I know some who only seem to enjoy being voices of doom and gloom on every subject they peruse.

I can understand trying to be objective, but some are almost depressing to read.

I'm naturally optimistic during the off-season.

For varying reasons, we didn't run the ball enough and asked too much of our quarterback last season.

The plan is to change that.

Emphasize the ground attack while trying to limit Tony Romo's turnovers.

The good I see is the Cowboys gained 723 yards rushing with 7 touchdowns in the 5 games both Marion Barber and Felix Jones received carries last season.

That's averages out to 144.6 rushing yards per game, we ended up 21st overall at 107.7 yards per game with 12 scores.

Over half our rushing touchdowns came in the five contests we had our envisioned one-two punch.

That, plus Tashard Choice emerging when injuries mounted gives me hope for our running game this year.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

If you guys think the Cowboys are going to be running the ball 50% of the time, then I think you're wrong.

Will it be more balanced? You bet. Last year the passing game got almost 58% of the attempts.

Vela had a terrific blog on this topic a couple weeks ago. His guess was that the passing game would shink to about 52% of the attempts, which of course would mean the running game would get 48% of the attempts.

And what would that mean for additional carries?

Try only about 3.3 extra carries per game.

I wouldn't expect anything more than that quite frankly.

And no matter how you slice it or wish it were better, but this offensive line is not good at blocking for the run-- It's average at best.

You can suggest drafting a "stud" lineman in the 2nd round like Robinson, but it won't matter, because he will not start. It'll be Adams, Kosier, Gurode, Bigg and Columbo as the starters-- book it.

These guys are much better blocking for the pass-- and keep in mind the backs may become more involved in the offense via the passing game, i.e. short passes, instead of picking up oodles of extra carries like some here are suggesting.

 

[khiladi]

How did you get out of this that I was defending Garrett? I'm the one who had the sig poking fun at him for months.

And what does TO have to do with this?

I thought you said that the offense had to focus on the player? I thought that was a jab at TO? Re-reading it, I apologize because Sapp was the focus of it.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Is our O-line up to the task of emphasizing the run?

That is a great question. This team will only go as far as the O-line will take IMO. Frankly I'm pretty concerned about their ability to stay healthy. Mainly due to the fact I have zero confidence in our backups other than Holland.

If they can go out and dominate like we have seen before, we can do many good things on offense and everyone will forget TO. But if they struggle, so will our offense and so will our team.

 

[CF74]

These guys are much better blocking for the pass-- and keep in mind the backs may become more involved in the offense via the passing game, i.e. short passes, instead of picking up oodles of extra carries like some here are suggesting.

No that's just Romo scrambling making them look better.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

No that's just Romo scrambling making them look better.

If Kosier is starting and Adams doesn't have the damaged shoulder, then yes, they are still better at blocking for the pass.