News: Is Pass Protection The Key To The Cowboys Running Game?

[CCBoy]

Is Pass Protection The Key To The Cowboys Running Game?
By DannyPhantom
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2015...unning-game-zack-martin-tyron-smith-frederick


...So What Is It Then?
Offensive Line - Pass Blocking

Last season the Cowboys showed remarkable improvement in third-down percentage. Dez Bryant (121.2), Terrance Williams (119.7), and Cole Beasley (130.6) all finished in the top 10 in the league in WR rating (QB rating when thrown to WR), which is incredible. And Tony Romo led the league in QB rating. These were all improvements over the previous season. Dallas threw the ball much less in 2014, but a lot more efficiently. Why is that?

Answer - better pass protection.

Here are the pass blocking PFF grades of the offensive line over the last three seasons:

Year Pass Snaps /PFF Pass Blocking Grade /Prorated PFF Grade
2012 /2,957 / -29.9 /-30.5
2013 /3,337 / 8.3 / 7.5
2014 /2,749 / 20.8 / 22.8


Just like the first two categories, the pass blocking has shown improvement from year to year. Unlike the other two categories, the prorated figures indicate a large growth in the pass blocking grades.

In 2012, everyone was horrible at pass blocking. In 2013, the offensive tackles - Smith and Free were the only ones who did well. Last year, the Cowboys added another quality pass blocker in Zack Martin and he jumped out of the gate with the highest grade of all the linemen. Travis Frederick struggled his rookie year against the pass, but showed a lot of improvement this season which helped earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Maybe the decision to draft a blasé run-blocking offensive lineman like Chaz Green is a result of what he can do against the pass? Green has good footwork and has a large frame to square up on defenders. And he is really good at picking up blitzes. Plus they now also have La'el Collins, who is another college tackle who could emerge as a strong pass-blocking guard.

The Cowboys did a great job running the ball last season, but a forgotten reason for success isn't DeMarco Murray or the run blocking of the offensive line. That reason is the great pass protection of the big uglies. The extra time allowed Romo to find open receivers and keep the chains moving. And more offensive plays meant more rushing yards.

With a pass blocking offensive line that continues to get stronger, the Cowboys stand a great chance to continue finding success in the ground game in 2015.

 

[xwalker]

Is Pass Protection The Key To The Cowboys Running Game?
By DannyPhantom
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2015...unning-game-zack-martin-tyron-smith-frederick

...So What Is It Then?
Offensive Line - Pass Blocking

Last season the Cowboys showed remarkable improvement in third-down percentage. Dez Bryant (121.2), Terrance Williams (119.7), and Cole Beasley (130.6) all finished in the top 10 in the league in WR rating (QB rating when thrown to WR), which is incredible. And Tony Romo led the league in QB rating. These were all improvements over the previous season. Dallas threw the ball much less in 2014, but a lot more efficiently. Why is that?

Answer - better pass protection.

Here are the pass blocking PFF grades of the offensive line over the last three seasons:

Year Pass Snaps /PFF Pass Blocking Grade /Prorated PFF Grade
2012 /2,957 / -29.9 /-30.5
2013 /3,337 / 8.3 / 7.5
2014 /2,749 / 20.8 / 22.8


Just like the first two categories, the pass blocking has shown improvement from year to year. Unlike the other two categories, the prorated figures indicate a large growth in the pass blocking grades.

In 2012, everyone was horrible at pass blocking. In 2013, the offensive tackles - Smith and Free were the only ones who did well. Last year, the Cowboys added another quality pass blocker in Zack Martin and he jumped out of the gate with the highest grade of all the linemen. Travis Frederick struggled his rookie year against the pass, but showed a lot of improvement this season which helped earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Maybe the decision to draft a blasé run-blocking offensive lineman like Chaz Green is a result of what he can do against the pass? Green has good footwork and has a large frame to square up on defenders. And he is really good at picking up blitzes. Plus they now also have La'el Collins, who is another college tackle who could emerge as a strong pass-blocking guard.

The Cowboys did a great job running the ball last season, but a forgotten reason for success isn't DeMarco Murray or the run blocking of the offensive line. That reason is the great pass protection of the big uglies. The extra time allowed Romo to find open receivers and keep the chains moving. And more offensive plays meant more rushing yards.

With a pass blocking offensive line that continues to get stronger, the Cowboys stand a great chance to continue finding success in the ground game in 2015.

Many bloggers have now try to produce new content based on a schedule like real media people. The results is that many of them struggle to find new topics. This guy has probably already covered pass blocking; therefore, he needed to invent a new angle "Pass Blocking improves the Run Game".

 

[burmafrd]

Many bloggers have now try to produce new content based on a schedule like real media people. The results is that many of them struggle to find new topics. This guy has probably already covered pass blocking; therefore, he needed to invent a new angle "Pass Blocking improves the Run Game".

just like running the ball well helps the passing game. In other words, nothing to see here, time to move on

 

[conner01]

3rd down conversion is key to running the ball. Pass protection helps that but recievers getting open, QB seeing the field well is also big factors
One of the biggest improvements last year was 3rd downs. That next set of downs gives you the confidence to keep running the ball and the opportunities to keep running the ball
Kinda obvious though

 

[CCBoy]

Now, with Dez given his new contract....the big winners are the running backs. So, to include pass blocking in this view is far from just jingling change in one's pocket.

Without Dez last season, teams would have shut down Demarco Murray at all costs. Good offensive line or not...

 

[Bullet22]

Now, with Dez given his new contract....the big winners are the running backs. So, to include pass blocking in this view is far from just jingling change in one's pocket.

Without Dez last season, teams would have shut down Demarco Murray at all costs. Good offensive line or not...

Yep, one hand shakes the other...

 

[waving monkey]

just like running the ball well helps the passing game. In other words, nothing to see here, time to move on

its the off season something to talk about

 

[Bullflop]

Success in one area will always promote success in another. Causing a defense to fear the pass would certainly augment the running game and vice-versa. It all has to do with keeping the defense off balance. Simple stuff.

 

[casmith07]

This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read.

Run blocking and talent improves the run game. Period. Next topic.

These bloggers are ridiculous.

 

[CCBoy]

This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read.

Run blocking and talent improves the run game. Period. Next topic.

These bloggers are ridiculous.

To their credit, don't ask the linebackers why they are playing flat footed...and corners pulling out early.

Oh yea, and why Martin is salivating...on a run play.

 

[casmith07]

To their credit, don't ask the linebackers why they are playing flat footed...and corners pulling out early.

Oh yea, and why Martin is salivating...on a run play.

No, man! He salivates for a chance to pass block in order to improve the running game!

I could write this stuff and get paid for it! I can't believe these guys have jobs doing this stuff.

 

[CCBoy]

No, man! He salivates for a chance to pass block in order to improve the running game!

I could write this stuff and get paid for it! I can't believe these guys have jobs doing this stuff.

lol, I just don't get into fine details when a man starts to salivate...

 

[DFWJC]

We knew the 2012 pass blocking was horrifyingly bad and that the defense was maybe the worst we've ever had.
That in and of itself makes going 8-8 that year pretty miraculous.

My how times have changed!

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Is Pass Protection The Key To The Cowboys Running Game?
By DannyPhantom
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2015...unning-game-zack-martin-tyron-smith-frederick

...So What Is It Then?
Offensive Line - Pass Blocking

Last season the Cowboys showed remarkable improvement in third-down percentage. Dez Bryant (121.2), Terrance Williams (119.7), and Cole Beasley (130.6) all finished in the top 10 in the league in WR rating (QB rating when thrown to WR), which is incredible. And Tony Romo led the league in QB rating. These were all improvements over the previous season. Dallas threw the ball much less in 2014, but a lot more efficiently. Why is that?

Answer - better pass protection.

Here are the pass blocking PFF grades of the offensive line over the last three seasons:

Year Pass Snaps /PFF Pass Blocking Grade /Prorated PFF Grade
2012 /2,957 / -29.9 /-30.5
2013 /3,337 / 8.3 / 7.5
2014 /2,749 / 20.8 / 22.8


Just like the first two categories, the pass blocking has shown improvement from year to year. Unlike the other two categories, the prorated figures indicate a large growth in the pass blocking grades.

In 2012, everyone was horrible at pass blocking. In 2013, the offensive tackles - Smith and Free were the only ones who did well. Last year, the Cowboys added another quality pass blocker in Zack Martin and he jumped out of the gate with the highest grade of all the linemen. Travis Frederick struggled his rookie year against the pass, but showed a lot of improvement this season which helped earn him a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Maybe the decision to draft a blasé run-blocking offensive lineman like Chaz Green is a result of what he can do against the pass? Green has good footwork and has a large frame to square up on defenders. And he is really good at picking up blitzes. Plus they now also have La'el Collins, who is another college tackle who could emerge as a strong pass-blocking guard.

The Cowboys did a great job running the ball last season, but a forgotten reason for success isn't DeMarco Murray or the run blocking of the offensive line. That reason is the great pass protection of the big uglies. The extra time allowed Romo to find open receivers and keep the chains moving. And more offensive plays meant more rushing yards.

With a pass blocking offensive line that continues to get stronger, the Cowboys stand a great chance to continue finding success in the ground game in 2015.

Without an 1,800-yard RB, belief me, the passing game will become more important and in the long run less effective.
We criticize Jerra for a lot of things but he has put all the pieces together esept one -- RB.
He cant really belief we can go deep into the playoffs with nubs like Randle and McFadden, can he?
Belief me when opposing linebackers start back pedaling on most downs because our running game is poor, then Jerra will realize what a stunning mistake it was to let Murray go. Yeth, I realize the cap and all that, but seriously, letting an 1,800-yard rusher go is a mistake for the ages.

You don't half to acknowledge this truth from mein big brain but you will find out.
Dez, Bease and Witten, get ready because you will get plenty of passes your way this season, by necessity, because the front 3 or four opposing defensive linemen will shut down our running game.