My outlook on the Cowboys pt2

[LatinMind]

The offense starts and ends with Romo. He;s had total control of the offense in the NFL in 2013 and it led the NFL in 3 and outs. And it wasnt even close. People point to his stats and claim victory. If you look at every game with exception of the Broncos game. Most of Romo's success came in the no huddle. When Dallas ran any kind of symbol of a gameplan the offense struggled. His numbers were good if you ignore the fact of the 3 and out stat. Romo is a talent, but he needs a leash. He needs to be put in check and controlled. I will point out that i never thought the offense Callahan tried to run was taking Romo's strength into account. But nobody knew the extent of romo's back problems because apparently he didnt tell anybody just how much pain he was in.

Drives without a first down by game
Giants 6 of 12
Cheifs 6 of 12
Rams 2 of 10
Chrgers 4 of 10
Broncos 1 of 12
Commanders 3 of 11
Eagles 9 of 15
Lions 7 of 15
Vikings 4 of 10
Saints 7 of 10
Giants 4 of 12
Raiders 6 of 11
Bears 4 of 9
Packers 3 of 12
Commanders 5 of 11

71 of 172 offensive drives ended without making a first down. Thats 41% of the drives for an offense with the weapons Dallas has.No matter how much people want to tout Romo's stats this a big red flag to his ability to lead a offensive gameplan. Well maybe not his ability to run a gameplan, but his ability to have authority of what and when to audible. IMO that needs to be taken away to a certain extent. Romo last yr killed alot of running plays to switch to a pass and ended up with a 3 and out. Out of them 71 drives 23 of them came back to back. Thats what i mean when i say this offense did its defense no favors. The defense was going to give up yards. General wisdom wouldve said that Romo should've stuck to them running plays he killed o give his defense rest. But on alot of occassions he ran a audible and the defense was right back out there.

Now its not all doom and gloom with Romo by any means. The guy can make plays that alot of the QBs in the NFL cant. His Wrs and TEs trust him. And he is deadly accurate when he is healthy. If his back is right, then theres no doubt he is a top 7 QB in the NFL. He would do himself alot of good if he just learned to trust Demarco Murray a little more. Lean on him to get them tough yards instead of risking a quick 3 and out.

Now Demarco Murray i think is going to have a career yr. I could see him getting 250 Carries and 60-80 receptions in Marinelli's offense. This is his yr to prove his worth, so i would expect him to want to stay in more, and Dallas willing to give him more looks to see if he can handle it. Because he's due for some money and what better way to see if he's got what you want then to let him play. The more Murray runs the ball the greater the chance of Dallas winning the game. The numbers dont lie and thats what the numbers have shown.

Then you have a group of young shift RBs behind him. While alot of people would want to tout them as being a big part of the offense. I just dont see it. Not enough balls to go around. When you have Dez, Witten, Williams, Escobar, Beasley and Murray how many more balls is there to go around? 30-50 max? And thats to go around to the RBs and WRs behind these 6 players.

Dez, Williams, Beasley are going to be the bulk of the catches IMO. Street will get his share but IMO unless there is a injury i dont see him getting more that 25-30 which would be good production from a 4th WR. Murray's ability hampers alot of balls going to Wr's and other RBs.

Dez Bryant has elevated his game every yr he has been in the NFL. He becoming a complete WR. Before he was trying to get by clearly by talent alone. But talent alone is going to beat double and triple coverage regularly. And we saw that lock him up early in his career. Now it just seems he understand what he's seeing and recognizes where the holes are going to be. He knows the spots to beat that safety over the top.

Williams and Beasley are going to be integral parts of this offense because it opens up the slants and the middle on cross routes. Beasley could have a big yr and end up being too expensive for Dallas to hold on to next offseason. I think alot of teams are going to come knocking for him. Williams showed alot his rookie yr, but that isnt to say he couldnt improve. He needs to hold on to that ball.

Witten is getting older but he doesnt look like he's declining. Guy is a rock and was a scoring threat last yr and not just a 3rd down safety net for romo.

Escobar is the player Dallas needs to take that next step. He creates big matchup problems if he can get on the field. The speed and size makes up a big problem for LBers and S'. Moreso this coaching staff needs to find ways to get him on the field. In the slot out wide. Whatever they need to do. He catches everything thrown at him and makes plays. In Linehans system i think we will see his talent come and suprise alot of teams.

The OL as a whole is complete. The depth is better then at any time since the glory days. Dallas has capable depth in Parnell who has shown he can step in, Has Bernadeau who can play any of the 3 interior spots and Nwaneri. Add in a young T they like in Weems. Athletic guy who can play T and G. I have no questions about this OL. I remember when this forum was always say Jerry would never pick a OL in RD1 because he doesnt value them. But he has taken 3 OL in the last 4 drafts. And 2 of them have been everything and more. And the 3rd might be the best of the bunch in Martin. The greatest think about this OL 4 of the projected OL are 25 and younger. Free IMO will be gone next yr, and somebody else will be starting but its more youth and time to get that 5th starter exp before Dallas has to find a new QB. Things are alot simpler to draft and start a QB early when you have a solid OL already in place.

Final Part will be Rookies

 

[CCBoy]

That's a lot of work, but I would try to get more work out of some comparisons...

perhaps a game by game showing of the opponent's effectiveness in drives for the same game, and then a final point/accumulated yardage picture as well.

In Service, we developed a soldier to first, function as the base level of a unit and with common skills. Next, we taught the soldier how to become an effective leader, with both mission and task in mind. Finally, the soldier was taught how to integrated individual mission into a broader scheme of mission, which occupies the entire field.

One common trait, is that each level has to be learned and then practiced, before it reach close to optimum levels. Again, crawl, walk, and then run.

My point being, it takes time to reach top levels of effectiveness, even with Tony Romo.

Perhaps some patience is in order for here and now as well.

 

[CCBoy]

I enjoyed the read. I have some special interest in the newly signed Uche Nwaneri and how the backup tackles stack up.

What will be going to camp, other wise, I feel can handle a heavy load through the season, offensively.

 

[ShiningStar]

i disagree with everything starts and ends with Romo, i love how some poeple op not inculded, "Romo has to be better, ROmo has to do this, Romo has to do that" Its dumb Romo has done a lot, I think it has to start with teh line, if that line can give Romo what he needs, than he can do what he has to get done, but the other parts have to work, can we get more out of Williams? Can we get more out of the TE's? which TE is going to step up? But if our line fails, Romo is just going to get injured. So a lot rests on the line.

Now lets talk Romo, A lot is going to depend on what does Linehan want from Romo and where does Linehan take this offense? Its goign to be hard because the offense is generally good. But it got dragged down a lot. It has made its mistakes, but some mistakes we have to live by. Regardless of whats said of Romo, we live or die by Romo, If the rest of the team can do what it has to do, Romo is a very intrigrul part of the team. Just a stand alone hes been a great QB for us, the thing that ually hurts ROmo is what the orgaization has done in not helping Romo, and at times took more liberty helping itself.

A lot of us are thinking what we would like Linehan to do, but stillwe dont know hat he is going to do. Will he play Harris more than T williams? KNowing what we know of Harris, hes a solid player. Hwo will the TEs be mixed in? Will Demarco be used enough, I know people are thinking great things of Demarco, but will his health impede on those thoughts? Demarco is not known for injury free season, ok not a lot of players are. So the whol RB by commitee rears its head again, can Dallas deliever on the ground?

I am more worried about the lines this year, if the lines can be stable, it can open things up. If its to young and inexperienced, its going to get swallowed easily and it will be a long dreadful season.

 

[LatinMind]

i disagree with everything starts and ends with Romo, i love how some poeple op not inculded, "Romo has to be better, ROmo has to do this, Romo has to do that" Its dumb Romo has done a lot, I think it has to start with teh line, if that line can give Romo what he needs, than he can do what he has to get done, but the other parts have to work, can we get more out of Williams? Can we get more out of the TE's? which TE is going to step up? But if our line fails, Romo is just going to get injured. So a lot rests on the line.

Now lets talk Romo, A lot is going to depend on what does Linehan want from Romo and where does Linehan take this offense? Its goign to be hard because the offense is generally good. But it got dragged down a lot. It has made its mistakes, but some mistakes we have to live by. Regardless of whats said of Romo, we live or die by Romo, If the rest of the team can do what it has to do, Romo is a very intrigrul part of the team. Just a stand alone hes been a great QB for us, the thing that ually hurts ROmo is what the orgaization has done in not helping Romo, and at times took more liberty helping itself.

A lot of us are thinking what we would like Linehan to do, but stillwe dont know hat he is going to do. Will he play Harris more than T williams? KNowing what we know of Harris, hes a solid player. Hwo will the TEs be mixed in? Will Demarco be used enough, I know people are thinking great things of Demarco, but will his health impede on those thoughts? Demarco is not known for injury free season, ok not a lot of players are. So the whol RB by commitee rears its head again, can Dallas deliever on the ground?

I am more worried about the lines this year, if the lines can be stable, it can open things up. If its to young and inexperienced, its going to get swallowed easily and it will be a long dreadful season.

I agree the OL is a big part, but the OL wasnt a issue last yr. There plenty of teams last yr that called the Dallas OL the best zone scheme blocking team in the NFL.

I actually think if Romo can be contained by the coaching staff and he's healthy this team can go into the playoffs. Even with a subpar defense. But i think they will be subpar. I actually like this defense. Would like it alot more if Lee was healthy. But him being hurt might be a blessing. I loved McClain coming out of school. Cowboys did too. But its better getting him now that he recognized his demons and took some time off. I think mcclain could be the answer at MLB allowing Lee to move over in 2015. Lee would be a beast playing the Will.

 

[Hostile]

Whether I agree or disagree is irrelevant. Once again LM, I am very grateful for the time you put into this and that you shared it.

 

[ShiningStar]

I agree the OL is a big part, but the OL wasnt a issue last yr. There plenty of teams last yr that called the Dallas OL the best zone scheme blocking team in the NFL.

I actually think if Romo can be contained by the coaching staff and he's healthy this team can go into the playoffs. Even with a subpar defense. But i think they will be subpar. I actually like this defense. Would like it alot more if Lee was healthy. But him being hurt might be a blessing. I loved McClain coming out of school. Cowboys did too. But its better getting him now that he recognized his demons and took some time off. I think mcclain could be the answer at MLB allowing Lee to move over in 2015. Lee would be a beast playing the Will.

Dallas still needs for the line to bring it together, I know they were decent, i had believed in Callahan, still do. But agian its goign to rest on the Oline, and we still have to see what the defense does. I think for a long time i am confident in our special teams, i love the new coach and what he has made of that unit. So hipefully thats the least of our problems. But even with a sub par defense, and i agree with you about a sup par defense, i dont know right yet even if we will be sup par, we can agree to be excited about the off season, and we can agree or disagree to be excited about the rookies, but the defense will end in teh coaches hands, and we dont know what defense will be trotted out.

 

[LatinMind]

Whether I agree or disagree is irrelevant. Once again LM, I am very grateful for the time you put into tand that you shared it.

I know alot of people dont agree on Romo because they see alot of yards thrown and alot of tds. But on sundays what i remember most was a offense that didnt know if they wanted to run or throw. I saw a QB who got baited into killing a run by the defense and was predictable to the plays he liked in them situations.

The best QBs in the nfl past and present will tell you that you can have the best stats ever but if you dont have the wins it all means nothing. Aikman when calling a Cowboys game always critiques Romo on his decision making. And says things like he's complicating situations, and just run the play, youre putting the defense in a bad situation. And fans on this forum take offense and call Aikman a hater. They call a HOF QB who played in Dallas and kept everything simple a hater.

I dont think Romo is a bad player. But i dont think he is a elite QB. I think with todays rules the NFL has marginalized the importance of having a smart QB. If the defense were allowed to play defense i think this league would have 28 average QBs. There are 4 truely great QBs in todays NFL and thats Brady, Peyton, Brees and Rodgers. People can put Romo's numbers up to all these other guys numbers all they want, but i would choose those 4 over Romo anyday under any circumstances. Thats not to say Romo is bad, I just think those 4 Qbs are alot better.

I dont like Romo as the QB never have. But i know Dallas is in the upper half of the NFL in the QB department, and he gives this team the best chance to win. I've never let my "hater" frame of mind get in the way of that fact and never will. But i cant wait for the day Romo is out of Dallas. Just like i couldnt wait for the day Parcells and the 3-4 were out of Dallas.

So saying all that, Im hoping Romo is healthy and plays up ti the level he has in the past when he's on. Because overall i just want to see the Cowboys win i want to see them back on top, and i want to see them win another superbowl.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Again you blame Romo for following the system he's been given when he checks out of runs.

Have you ever heard any reports of him going outside the system and freelancing to call whatever he wants? I haven't.

 

[LatinMind]

Again you blame Romo for following the system he's been given when he checks out of runs.

Have you ever heard any reports of him going outside the system and freelancing to call whatever he wants? I haven't.

Yes the GB game. Garrett threw Romo under the bus. Said probably wouldve been better just to stay with the run. He later retracted what he said, but he said it and let it out there on how he felt.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Yes the GB game. Garrett threw Romo under the bus. Said probably wouldve been better just to stay with the run. He later retracted what he said, but he said it and let it out there on how he felt.

Uh, no. Garrett didn't say Romo freelanced at all. In fact he and Callahan later said they should have taken the option tag off the call.

 

[DogFace]

The offense starts and ends with Romo. He;s had total control of the offense in the NFL in 2013 and it led the NFL in 3 and outs. And it wasnt even close. People point to his stats and claim victory. If you look at every game with exception of the Broncos game. Most of Romo's success came in the no huddle. When Dallas ran any kind of symbol of a gameplan the offense struggled. His numbers were good if you ignore the fact of the 3 and out stat. Romo is a talent, but he needs a leash. He needs to be put in check and controlled. I will point out that i never thought the offense Callahan tried to run was taking Romo's strength into account. But nobody knew the extent of romo's back problems because apparently he didnt tell anybody just how much pain he was in.

Drives without a first down by game
Giants 6 of 12
Cheifs 6 of 12
Rams 2 of 10
Chrgers 4 of 10
Broncos 1 of 12
Commanders 3 of 11
Eagles 9 of 15
Lions 7 of 15
Vikings 4 of 10
Saints 7 of 10
Giants 4 of 12
Raiders 6 of 11
Bears 4 of 9
Packers 3 of 12
Commanders 5 of 11

71 of 172 offensive drives ended without making a first down. Thats 41% of the drives for an offense with the weapons Dallas has.No matter how much people want to tout Romo's stats this a big red flag to his ability to lead a offensive gameplan. Well maybe not his ability to run a gameplan, but his ability to have authority of what and when to audible. IMO that needs to be taken away to a certain extent. Romo last yr killed alot of running plays to switch to a pass and ended up with a 3 and out. Out of them 71 drives 23 of them came back to back. Thats what i mean when i say this offense did its defense no favors. The defense was going to give up yards. General wisdom wouldve said that Romo should've stuck to them running plays he killed o give his defense rest. But on alot of occassions he ran a audible and the defense was right back out there.

Now its not all doom and gloom with Romo by any means. The guy can make plays that alot of the QBs in the NFL cant. His Wrs and TEs trust him. And he is deadly accurate when he is healthy. If his back is right, then theres no doubt he is a top 7 QB in the NFL. He would do himself alot of good if he just learned to trust Demarco Murray a little more. Lean on him to get them tough yards instead of risking a quick 3 and out.

Now Demarco Murray i think is going to have a career yr. I could see him getting 250 Carries and 60-80 receptions in Marinelli's offense. This is his yr to prove his worth, so i would expect him to want to stay in more, and Dallas willing to give him more looks to see if he can handle it. Because he's due for some money and what better way to see if he's got what you want then to let him play. The more Murray runs the ball the greater the chance of Dallas winning the game. The numbers dont lie and thats what the numbers have shown.

Then you have a group of young shift RBs behind him. While alot of people would want to tout them as being a big part of the offense. I just dont see it. Not enough balls to go around. When you have Dez, Witten, Williams, Escobar, Beasley and Murray how many more balls is there to go around? 30-50 max? And thats to go around to the RBs and WRs behind these 6 players.

Dez, Williams, Beasley are going to be the bulk of the catches IMO. Street will get his share but IMO unless there is a injury i dont see him getting more that 25-30 which would be good production from a 4th WR. Murray's ability hampers alot of balls going to Wr's and other RBs.

Dez Bryant has elevated his game every yr he has been in the NFL. He becoming a complete WR. Before he was trying to get by clearly by talent alone. But talent alone is going to beat double and triple coverage regularly. And we saw that lock him up early in his career. Now it just seems he understand what he's seeing and recognizes where the holes are going to be. He knows the spots to beat that safety over the top.

Williams and Beasley are going to be integral parts of this offense because it opens up the slants and the middle on cross routes. Beasley could have a big yr and end up being too expensive for Dallas to hold on to next offseason. I think alot of teams are going to come knocking for him. Williams showed alot his rookie yr, but that isnt to say he couldnt improve. He needs to hold on to that ball.

Witten is getting older but he doesnt look like he's declining. Guy is a rock and was a scoring threat last yr and not just a 3rd down safety net for romo.

Escobar is the player Dallas needs to take that next step. He creates big matchup problems if he can get on the field. The speed and size makes up a big problem for LBers and S'. Moreso this coaching staff needs to find ways to get him on the field. In the slot out wide. Whatever they need to do. He catches everything thrown at him and makes plays. In Linehans system i think we will see his talent come and suprise alot of teams.

The OL as a whole is complete. The depth is better then at any time since the glory days. Dallas has capable depth in Parnell who has shown he can step in, Has Bernadeau who can play any of the 3 interior spots and Nwaneri. Add in a young T they like in Weems. Athletic guy who can play T and G. I have no questions about this OL. I remember when this forum was always say Jerry would never pick a OL in RD1 because he doesnt value them. But he has taken 3 OL in the last 4 drafts. And 2 of them have been everything and more. And the 3rd might be the best of the bunch in Martin. The greatest think about this OL 4 of the projected OL are 25 and younger. Free IMO will be gone next yr, and somebody else will be starting but its more youth and time to get that 5th starter exp before Dallas has to find a new QB. Things are alot simpler to draft and start a QB early when you have a solid OL already in place.

Final Part will be Rookies

The first paragraph you state how well he played in the no huddle vs the gameplan. Then you say he should be on a shorter leash or controlled more. Maybe the gameplan vs letting him go was part of the problem.
Just a thought. I'm not sure either but very nice write up with many good points.

 

[LatinMind]

The first paragraph you state how well he played in the no huddle vs the gameplan. Then you say he should be on a shorter leash or controlled more. Maybe the gameplan vs letting him go was part of the problem.
Just a thought. I'm not sure either but very nice write up with many good points.

The no huddle in reality covered up how bad the offense was last yr. The team turned to the no huddle to get anything going in certain games. In other they had no choice but to go no huddle.
That does 2 things, keeps the defense on the field more then they shouldve, and takes Murray out of the game.

 

[DogFace]

The no huddle in reality covered up how bad the offense was last yr. The team turned to the no huddle to get anything going in certain games. In other they had no choice but to go no huddle.
That does 2 things, keeps the defense on the field more then they shouldve, and takes Murray out of the game.

I feel the gameplan and the inability to adjust the gameplan was the cause of the stagnant offense. The 3 and outs is a very damning and telling stat.
I hope that Linnehan brings a new more imaginative way of attacking the D, like I'm sure most of us are. Not necessarily restraining Romo though that is needed in some situations like the Green Bay game.
I agree we have to keep Murray in the game plan and let the defense rest.

 

[CCBoy]

LatinMind, I have been listening to you for some time now. I like your posts. Strictly based upon your gut feelings, I don't have an argument or problem. I respect you as a fan...and thanks for the efforts here.

 

[LatinMind]

I feel the gameplan and the inability to adjust the gameplan was the cause of the stagnant offense. The 3 and outs is a very damning and telling stat.
I hope that Linnehan brings a new more imaginative way of attacking the D, like I'm sure most of us are. Not necessarily restraining Romo though that is needed in some situations like the Green Bay game.
I agree we have to keep Murray in the game plan and let the defense rest.

I agree with anybody who makes a case on the play calling being bad. But there has to be restraint by the QB sometimes too. Like the GB game, when something is working like the run game was, just run with it instead of trying to make the play yourself. Trust your teammates. And i think thats Romo's biggest flaw.

 

[Hostile]

I know alot of people dont agree on Romo because they see alot of yards thrown and alot of tds. But on sundays what i remember most was a offense that didnt know if they wanted to run or throw. I saw a QB who got baited into killing a run by the defense and was predictable to the plays he liked in them situations.

The best QBs in the nfl past and present will tell you that you can have the best stats ever but if you dont have the wins it all means nothing. Aikman when calling a Cowboys game always critiques Romo on his decision making. And says things like he's complicating situations, and just run the play, youre putting the defense in a bad situation. And fans on this forum take offense and call Aikman a hater. They call a HOF QB who played in Dallas and kept everything simple a hater.

I dont think Romo is a bad player. But i dont think he is a elite QB. I think with todays rules the NFL has marginalized the importance of having a smart QB. If the defense were allowed to play defense i think this league would have 28 average QBs. There are 4 truely great QBs in todays NFL and thats Brady, Peyton, Brees and Rodgers. People can put Romo's numbers up to all these other guys numbers all they want, but i would choose those 4 over Romo anyday under any circumstances. Thats not to say Romo is bad, I just think those 4 Qbs are alot better.

I dont like Romo as the QB never have. But i know Dallas is in the upper half of the NFL in the QB department, and he gives this team the best chance to win. I've never let my "hater" frame of mind get in the way of that fact and never will. But i cant wait for the day Romo is out of Dallas. Just like i couldnt wait for the day Parcells and the 3-4 were out of Dallas.

So saying all that, Im hoping Romo is healthy and plays up ti the level he has in the past when he's on. Because overall i just want to see the Cowboys win i want to see them back on top, and i want to see them win another superbowl.

I see accuracy. I see a guy who makes reads in progression. I see a guy who inspires his team. The stats are nice, but if he did those things and had Troy type stats and we were running the ball more than passing I would still like him very much. I do not think we can pin the losses of the last 3 years on him in any way.

 

[Kaiser]

I see accuracy. I see a guy who makes reads in progression. I see a guy who inspires his team.

I see a greatly underappreciated collection of press photos with Jessica Simpson in tight clothing. And for that, I am grateful.

 

[Maxmadden]

We don't need to become a running team because that will not be our strength. BUT we need to be able to run the ball when we need to. Hoping the OL will be a major strength and Linehan can bring the balance that would in turn bring the unpredictability.
Thanks for the write up LM.

 

[DFWJC]

I won't get into another Romo doesn't do enough thread.
I do know this, he hacks out of runs FAR less than some think. And yes, to me maybe his worst play of the season was that late game play vs GB. Just an FYI, winning or losing that game had zero impact on Dallas' playoff chances. Fwiw only.

But I'm very optimistic about this Oline , and that should help with the 1st down efficiency.