Late season fading- Who´s fault?

[halcyon]

First, let me begin by saying that I was very glad, when Parcells was named coach of the Cowboys. I believe that in general terms, the talent level on the Cowboys roster is light years away from the talent level Parcells inherited.

However,based on what´s happened with the Cowboys during the the Parcells tenure, It seems that the Cowboys have faded horribly on the last month of the season. As in all pro sports (where talent level is not really that different, and even more so in the cap-limited NFL) what really makes a difference is the mental aspects of the game and the winning mentallity and attitude.

Anyone would be hard pressed to say that for example, the Titans have a better talent level than the Cowboys; and nonetheless they are in the middle 6 game winning streak.

Mental readiness and winning attitude (or lack thereof) rest squarely in the coaching shoulders. Is it that the hard-nosed approach of Parcells is not having the past effect on today´s players? I will appreciate your thoughts on the matter.

 

[tyke1doe]

Here's what I think are the problems.

1.) Shakey offensive line play.
Both last year and this year, our offensive line play was very suspect. Last year, we couldn't do much about it because we had the Statue at QB. This year, we have a mobile QB who has basically masked the deficiencies of the OL, but now those deficiencies are being exposed.

2.) Bad play calling.
We suffer bad play calling at the most inopportune times. 3 and 2 inside our own 40 yard line at Atlanta. Marion Barber in the backfield. Why not just run the ball? Safe, conservative play? We pass the ball. Interception. Atlanta back in the game. You're up 14-0. Why not take time off the clock and force the Falcons to play catch up. Saints game. Still 7-7, but we panic and start passing when the run was effective up until that point.
Eagles game. 7-0 and we have first and goal at the 2. Hey, Parcells, Stevie Wonder called and he said even HE sees that the play is going to MBIII. Why not a play-action pass? Why not utilize Romo's mobility? Nooooo. Four straight running plays to MBIII. Snuffed out. Eagles gain the upper hand.

3.) Too conservative a mindset.
Parcells would rather lose conservatively than get beat badly. That's his mindset. And that's how we play - not to lose. Of course, when you do that you play not to win.
Now take a look at the Saints. 4th and goal at the Giants 1. A reverse to Reggie Bush? TD!
Why can't we do some trick plays like that?
We have Terry Glenn's speed?
We have Romo's mobility?
Heck, line T.O. in the backfield?
Do something different than hand the ball up the middle.
What happened to the reverses? What happen to the flea-flickers?
And what's so sad is that when the Saints employ that strategy, that's another piece of film study that the other team has to do in preparing for the Saints.
The purpose of speed on a team is to make the other team respect it. We don't make other teams respect the speed of Glenn or some of our other faster players unless it's simply a down field sprint, which can easily be covered by the deep safety.

4.) Lack of team leadership and team experience.
We really don't have anyone who has a great deal of playoff experience and one who is a vocal leader or a yeller like Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin or Lawrence Taylor. We need someone who can light a fire under this team because Parcells can't do it anymore.

 

[ManicDepressiveMan]

Well, when you spend millions on over the hill has-beens like Rivera and a weak arsed never-was like Kosier you are going to have problems on the O line and cap problems getting rid of them.

I still remember throwing up in my mouth when we signed both of these bums.

 

[halcyon]

Thanks. I agree with all of your points, and I am specially concerned that with regards to point No. 4, Parcells is not able to light a fire on these players.

Just imagine, it seems that one of the nicest players you can find (Greg Ellis) is one of the emotional leaders this team is missing!

 

[MissionCoach]

Well, when you spend millions on over the hill has-beens like Rivera and a weak arsed never-was like Kosier you are going to have problems on the O line and cap problems getting rid of them.

I still remember throwing up in my mouth when we signed both of these bums.

Man that can't taste good uke:

 

[SmashFactorGolf]

I dont think S.Payton, A.Reid or jim Johnson stick stubbornly to the old adage.
of "its not what you run....its how you run it.............

Just seems like our coaches are totally stuck on that line of thinking.......and not anticipating the need to evolve, adapt as it is apparent the above 3 coaches do

When a quiet soldier as Terry Glenn starts mumbling........he is the Canary in the cage.........leading indicator propane is leaking....

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Here's what I think are the problems.

1.) Shakey offensive line play.
Both last year and this year, our offensive line play was very suspect. Last year, we couldn't do much about it because we had the Statue at QB. This year, we have a mobile QB who has basically masked the deficiencies of the OL, but now those deficiencies are being exposed.

2.) Bad play calling.
We suffer bad play calling at the most inopportune times. 3 and 2 inside our own 40 yard line at Atlanta. Marion Barber in the backfield. Why not just run the ball? Safe, conservative play? We pass the ball. Interception. Atlanta back in the game. You're up 14-0. Why not take time off the clock and force the Falcons to play catch up. Saints game. Still 7-7, but we panic and start passing when the run was effective up until that point.
Eagles game. 7-0 and we have first and goal at the 2. Hey, Parcells, Stevie Wonder called and he said even HE sees that the play is going to MBIII. Why not a play-action pass? Why not utilize Romo's mobility? Nooooo. Four straight running plays to MBIII. Snuffed out. Eagles gain the upper hand.

3.) Too conservative a mindset.
Parcells would rather lose conservatively than get beat badly. That's his mindset. And that's how we play - not to lose. Of course, when you do that you play not to win.
Now take a look at the Saints. 4th and goal at the Giants 1. A reverse to Reggie Bush? TD!
Why can't we do some trick plays like that?
We have Terry Glenn's speed?
We have Romo's mobility?
Heck, line T.O. in the backfield?
Do something different than hand the ball up the middle.
What happened to the reverses? What happen to the flea-flickers?
And what's so sad is that when the Saints employ that strategy, that's another piece of film study that the other team has to do in preparing for the Saints.
The purpose of speed on a team is to make the other team respect it. We don't make other teams respect the speed of Glenn or some of our other faster players unless it's simply a down field sprint, which can easily be covered by the deep safety.

4.) Lack of team leadership and team experience.
We really don't have anyone who has a great deal of playoff experience and one who is a vocal leader or a yeller like Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin or Lawrence Taylor. We need someone who can light a fire under this team because Parcells can't do it anymore.

Well said.

Let's see if some signs that #2 and #3 can be remedied show themselves this week vs Detroit.

 

[Aikbach]

Late season fade? Except for a four game win streak this team has been a complete and utter bust from the start.

 

[DIAF]

Last year the late season fade was all DREW BLEDSOES fault. Guess we can't blame this one on him, can we!

 

[CF74]

Last year the late season fade was all DREW BLEDSOES fault. Guess we can't blame this one on him, can we!

I still blame him!!!

 

[LaTunaNostra]

So? We've been exposed as a team with a callow if promising quarterback, a line that runs hot and cold and can't run block in December, a 'ruined' feature back, an aborted staple two te set, TWO over-rated receivers, a defensive line that applies no pressure, slow backers unsure of their assignments, mollasses at one corner, and a shrinking violet at the other, and safeties who think coverage is strictly a cosmetic term.

Oh and the coaching is uncreative, uninspiring, and apathetic.


But we're still in better shape than the jints.

 

[Wrangler87]

We just seem to be too predictable.

 

[theogt]

So? We've been exposed as a team with a callow if promising quarterback, a line that runs hot and cold and can't run block in December, a 'ruined' feature back, an aborted staple two te set, TWO over-rated receivers, a defensive line that applies no pressure, slow backers unsure of their assignments, mollasses at one corner, and a shrinking violet at the other, and safeties who think coverage is strictly a cosmetic term.

Oh and the coaching is uncreative, uninspiring, and apathetic.


But we're still in better shape than the jints.

This post just makes me want to :cry2:

 

[LaTunaNostra]

This post just makes me want to :cry2:

Long live parity!!

 

[2much2soon]

Long live parity!!

No doubt.
And, I can't believe I am writing this, but what if Dallas turns it around in the playoffs and starts playing well?
Sound crazy? So did the idea of Philly winning the East a few weeks ago, let alone at mid season.
Strange things happen in the age of parity.

 

[nicodywill]

Here's what I think are the problems.

1.) Shakey offensive line play.
Both last year and this year, our offensive line play was very suspect. Last year, we couldn't do much about it because we had the Statue at QB. This year, we have a mobile QB who has basically masked the deficiencies of the OL, but now those deficiencies are being exposed.

2.) Bad play calling.
We suffer bad play calling at the most inopportune times. 3 and 2 inside our own 40 yard line at Atlanta. Marion Barber in the backfield. Why not just run the ball? Safe, conservative play? We pass the ball. Interception. Atlanta back in the game. You're up 14-0. Why not take time off the clock and force the Falcons to play catch up. Saints game. Still 7-7, but we panic and start passing when the run was effective up until that point.
Eagles game. 7-0 and we have first and goal at the 2. Hey, Parcells, Stevie Wonder called and he said even HE sees that the play is going to MBIII. Why not a play-action pass? Why not utilize Romo's mobility? Nooooo. Four straight running plays to MBIII. Snuffed out. Eagles gain the upper hand.

3.) Too conservative a mindset.
Parcells would rather lose conservatively than get beat badly. That's his mindset. And that's how we play - not to lose. Of course, when you do that you play not to win.
Now take a look at the Saints. 4th and goal at the Giants 1. A reverse to Reggie Bush? TD!
Why can't we do some trick plays like that?
We have Terry Glenn's speed?
We have Romo's mobility?
Heck, line T.O. in the backfield?
Do something different than hand the ball up the middle.
What happened to the reverses? What happen to the flea-flickers?
And what's so sad is that when the Saints employ that strategy, that's another piece of film study that the other team has to do in preparing for the Saints.
The purpose of speed on a team is to make the other team respect it. We don't make other teams respect the speed of Glenn or some of our other faster players unless it's simply a down field sprint, which can easily be covered by the deep safety.

4.) Lack of team leadership and team experience.
We really don't have anyone who has a great deal of playoff experience and one who is a vocal leader or a yeller like Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin or Lawrence Taylor. We need someone who can light a fire under this team because Parcells can't do it anymore.

no secondary except 4 Tnew

 

[Bleu Star]

First, let me begin by saying that I was very glad, when Parcells was named coach of the Cowboys. I believe that in general terms, the talent level on the Cowboys roster is light years away from the talent level Parcells inherited.

However,based on what´s happened with the Cowboys during the the Parcells tenure, It seems that the Cowboys have faded horribly on the last month of the season. As in all pro sports (where talent level is not really that different, and even more so in the cap-limited NFL) what really makes a difference is the mental aspects of the game and the winning mentallity and attitude.

Anyone would be hard pressed to say that for example, the Titans have a better talent level than the Cowboys; and nonetheless they are in the middle 6 game winning streak.

Mental readiness and winning attitude (or lack thereof) rest squarely in the coaching shoulders. Is it that the hard-nosed approach of Parcells is not having the past effect on today´s players? I will appreciate your thoughts on the matter.

It's all TO's fault.

 

[nicodywill]

a-rod's fault