Is being able to score on the ground in the red zone the secret sauce or is it the red zone defense? There just isn't gonna be a major shift in philosophy when it comes to the running game. The last year the Raiders went to the SB(2002 AFC champions) Bill Callahan was the head coach and Marc Trestman was the OC the Raiders threw the ball over 600 times and ran it 414 times.(Garrett has ran the ball in the 400 att. range every year except last year) Not very balanced right? Calahan MIGHT run the ball more but if it's like he did in Oakland in 2000 it will be Tony Romo pickin up the slack just like Rich Gannon did running for 89 times and over 500 yards. Thats the 3rd option, Is Romo running more going to be the "Secret Sauce" ?
There is only one problem with your theory: Establishing a balance offense and running the ball even when it is not yielding positive results for the end-of-game dividends is not a secret. In fact, for the last three years in a row Jason Garrett has said he wants to run the ball more and more effectively in the months leading into the regular season; and yet, we still did not see a significant move from his usual pass-happy offense on game day. Rather that was because of what was called or because Romo checked into a pass, we will never know. The point is, considering running the ball more is not a secret and this is nothing new, i'd say that is not the secret sauce he was referring to.
In my opinion, I don't think Stephen was referring to anything in particular. I honestly believe he is seeing what I think most all of us are seeing. 1. This defense, in terms of personnel, is a better fit for the 4-3. 2. Dez Braynt is starting to peak. 3. The running corps look the best they've looked in, at least, 3 years...probably more. 4. The offensive line looks the best it has since 2007. 5. All of our skill positions, for the exception of Lance Dunbar, are healthy for week 1 (even Miles Austin). 6. Call it a hunch, but I think our Safety position, in terms of overall talent and depth looks the best it has since Darren Woodson manned it (I realize that not saying a whole lot...but still). 7. The combination of Sean Lee, Bruce Carter, and Earnie Sims/Justin Durant/DeVonte Holloman is probably the best linebacker tandem we have had since the dynasty; and this is especially the case because Demarcus Ware is on the DL. 8. The addition of Terrance Williams affords the Cowboys the ability to confidently play Miles Austin in the slot, whereas, in times past, the 3rd receiver's for the Cowboys have predominantly been slot receivers forcing Miles to the oustide. 9. This looks to be a very strong staff the Jones' have stacker around Garrett, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 10. If this team can stay relatively healthy (this is truly the biggest key to the Cowboys success in 2013), this team could go deep into the playoffs, possibly further.
I am still cautiously optimistic, but you serioiusly have to be blind not to see that this team has excellent potential for greatness.
