Losing identity

[gimmesix]

We're supposed to be a team that controls the clock with a strong running game coupled with a capable passing game to keep other teams' offenses off the field. Even when teams played eight in the box, we didn't abandon this plan.

This year, it seems like we test the waters with the run game with a couple of patterns. Either we run on first down and pass on the next two if the run nets only a couple of yards or we pass on first down, run on second then pass again if we end up facing more than third-and-2. We rarely run draws (and by rarely, I mean I can't remember one this year) on longer third downs. We rarely run the ball twice in a row unless we get a big gain on the first carry.

We're establishing a pattern that is the wrong identity for this team. We don't have a good enough defense to not be a ball control team. We can't just run once every three plays if a run fails, we've got to mix it up more to keep the defenses honest. Right now, we are pretty easy to predict on offense, and that works fine when you can control TOP anyway; when you're not having the same kind of success, you've got to make sure you don't fall into patterns that take you away from your ID.

 

[ShiningStar]

Losing and not winning play off games is now an identity and what is so big about this whole identity deal? Our identity, is the same as our culture, we accept mediocrity and we defend it. Want to change things, change that.

 

[Big D]

We did the same with romo. He had his best season when demarco lead the league in rushing. We released him the following year. I dont think our staff wants to win as a ball control, hard nosed rush first offense. That's the only reason i can think of as to why we constantly play away from our strengths.

 

[shabazz]

Lost me on capable passing game. We once had a supreme passing game. Now just capable......on some weeks

 

[links18]

We miss Lance Dunbar.

 

[bsbellomy]

We're supposed to be a team that controls the clock with a strong running game coupled with a capable passing game to keep other teams' offenses off the field. Even when teams played eight in the box, we didn't abandon this plan.

This year, it seems like we test the waters with the run game with a couple of patterns. Either we run on first down and pass on the next two if the run nets only a couple of yards or we pass on first down, run on second then pass again if we end up facing more than third-and-2. We rarely run draws (and by rarely, I mean I can't remember one this year) on longer third downs. We rarely run the ball twice in a row unless we get a big gain on the first carry.

We're establishing a pattern that is the wrong identity for this team. We don't have a good enough defense to not be a ball control team. We can't just run once every three plays if a run fails, we've got to mix it up more to keep the defenses honest. Right now, we are pretty easy to predict on offense, and that works fine when you can control TOP anyway; when you're not having the same kind of success, you've got to make sure you don't fall into patterns that take you away from your ID.

You can't just line up and run the ball at will in the NFL anymore when they decide to devote a majority of their resources to stop it. The talent gap is too small and the last team to actually be able to do that was pre salary cap era.

 

[gimmesix]

You can't just line up and run the ball at will in the NFL anymore when they decide to devote a majority of their resources to stop it. The talent gap is too small and the last team to actually be able to do that was pre salary cap era.

Yes, but if you run on first down and only get 2 yards, then pass on second down every time that happens, you are playing into the defense's hands. If you never run on third and longer than 2 yards, you're playing into the defense's hands. We can't forsake our identity just because a run play didn't work.

 

[Aven8]

We miss Lance Dunbar.

 

[Nova]

Agree wholeheartedly.

We're also not doing ourselves any favors bt coming out in run heavy sets.

For the love of god, can we please spread the defense out and then run?

 

[Sasquatch]

For the past 20 years, America's Team has built an identity of being overhyped, overpaid, and mediocre. Winning is what is contrary to the character of this organization.

 

[TheDude]

We miss Lance Dunbar.

You made a @Risen Star so happy there

 

[cowboyblue22]

For the past 20 years, America's Team has built an identity of being overhyped, overpaid, and mediocre. Winning is what is contrary to the character of this organization.

you deserve lots of likes for this post because it is spot on

 

[Cmac]

Maybe we're returning to the identity....8-8 or worse.

 

[AmericanCowboy]

We miss Lance Dunbar.

In reality, our team is incredibly slow and it has been like that for years.

Our WRs must be the slowest in the league.


Our TE is incredibly slow. Our RBs look slow.

Our LBs are slow. We are just slow everywhere.

Tavon Austin looked like a superhuman compared to our players.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Lost me on capable passing game. We once had a supreme passing game. Now just capable......on some weeks

Go find a new team

 

[Typhus]

We did the same with romo. He had his best season when demarco lead the league in rushing. We released him the following year. I dont think our staff wants to win as a ball control, hard nosed rush first offense. That's the only reason i can think of as to why we constantly play away from our strengths.

Salary Cap has more to do with everything, its simple.
Without a salary cap, even Barry Switzer could win another SB...lol with hot dog in hand