One of the Biggest Problems with Our Running Game

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

You run guys over the middle, you play action, you pump fake out and up, and burn them deep, reverses, fakes etc..

I think Moore will eventually become more acclimated to the NFL.

I said in another thread... Moore sucks a little bit less each year, but he still sucks.

 

[Pass2Run]

I said in another thread... he sucks a little bit less each year, but he still sucks.

Haha.

I'm going to disagree and say he's a little green. I'm sure there's a lot to deal with from the Joneses. That job can't be easy for any OC with them looming over the team and meddling with personnel, etc.

100% agree, especially on 1st down.

Yes! Especially on 1st down!

And more simple play actions...no need to be fancy, but play action. Get them off their feet and Zeke can punish.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

Haha.

I'm going to disagree and say he's a little green. I'm sure there's a lot to deal with from the Joneses. That job can't be easy for any QB with them looming over the team and meddling with personnel, etc.
.

I just edited my post. But I was talking about Moore sucking a little less every year.

 

[Pass2Run]

The Cowboys are a pass first offense. Everything revolves around Dak and our receivers, which is a big change from when he first came into the league with Zeke. The OL and Zeke have regressed over the past 3 seasons. Plus the defense has never been good enough for us to be a run first team. We give up too many chunk plays and have difficulty making critical stops. We’re put in too many situations where we have to throw the ball. Penalties is another reason for this. We get put behind the chains a lot with stupid penalties.

Are they really though? Even later in the season? It seemed to me they were forcing the run when it wasn't there. Teams were committing to stopping the run, which they did pretty well.

 

[john van brocklin]

Is it just me? Or does it seem like we're a run-to-set-up-the-pass team?

The Cowboys have done this forever as the league has passed them by.

It's a passing league, for a reason. And I get the reasons for running; it gives you lots of advantages like eating up the clock, TOP, wearing down the defense.

When teams play us, they seem to be keying in on the run more...

With the decline in production from our run game, wouldn't it be more prudent of us to pass in order to set up the run game?

I've been arguing this for a while now. They started doing for a few games, but I haven't seen much of that since..

Using that strategy could possibly help breathe some life into the running game.

Moore seemed to really struggle running the offense
The second half of the season.
Don't know all the issues but we were not an effective offense those last 11 games.

 

[KJJ]

Are they really though? Even later in the season? It seemed to me they were forcing the run when it wasn't there. Teams were committing to stopping the run, which they did pretty well.

Pollard and Zeke’s combined carries were just over what Zeke used to get by himself and we spelled Zeke some early in his career. Dak hasn’t been running as much. A lot of fans here seem to think the Cowboys gave up on the run too early in the games but it was like running into a brick wall. At times we did try and force the run but had to abandon it. We clearly throw the ball more than we run the ball and Dak’s numbers reflect it. He’s had games where he’s attempted 50+ passes. He’s had more 400 yard games than any QB in the league the past five seasons.

We can’t have everyone pinning their ears back coming after Dak so we have to try and run the ball some. Once you become one dimensional you’re in trouble. We’re putting too much on Dak’s shoulders. The only way we were getting most teams off the field last season was with takeaways. If we can’t take the ball away we’re in trouble. Our defense dictates some of what we have to do on offense. We struggle to hold teams to FG’s and give up too many TDs. This forces us to have to throw more.

 

[DanA]

For the run game to be effective you need to be consistent on all three (or four) downs. That philosophy is blown up if you give up cheap penalties.

 

[Pass2Run]

Pollard and Zeke’s combined carries were just over what Zeke used to get by himself and we spelled Zeke some early in his career. Dak hasn’t been running as much. A lot of fans here seem to think the Cowboys gave up on the run too early in the games but it was like running into a brick wall. At times we did try and force the run but had to abandon it. We clearly throw the ball more than we run the ball and Dak’s numbers reflect it. He’s had games where he’s attempted 50+ passes. He’s had more 400 yard games than any QB in the league the past five seasons.

We can’t have everyone pinning their ears back coming after Dak so we have to try and run the ball some. Once you become one dimensional you’re in trouble. We’re putting too much on Dak’s shoulders. The only way we were getting most teams off the field last season was with takeaways. If we can’t take the ball away we’re in trouble. Our defense dictates some of what we have to do on offense. We struggle to hold teams to FG’s and give up too many TDs. This forces us to have to throw more.

Yeah, but on those downs where he's running and getting stuffed, basically, he should be blocking or play action blocking/pass, etc.

Agree on takeaways, but relax grasshopper.

If people chill out on Bossman, and Diggs does his thing, we're going to improve at cornerback this year.

Joseph really is an exciting player, off-the-field stuff aside. Plus, Marquese Bell is a gem of an UDFA prospect at safety. He could be really good one day.

Back to the point we were discussing, though. . . Today's run game in today's NFL is about setting up the timing to run. Passing successfully in certain ways, not only to make gains and score, but to set up the run so you can take the lead and hold on to it, by eating up the clock. Or just keep scoring more points, like Tom Brady.

The middle of the oline was really bad.. So, I think that's why they went with Smith.. and not Linderbaum, because he's a great pass protector, Smith is the better run blocker, so they want to open up the middle of the run game, which is smart. But the other part of this is timing. I watched this years games, and it just felt like they were running a lot on 1st, and found themselves running too many run plays consecutively to where teams caught on. On top of being soft in the middle of the oline, particularly left-center. We were too predictable, and too soft in the middle, so it added up.

If that happens, then McCarthy should have the autonomy to line out Kellen Moore, and get him on the right track.. I'm not knocking Moore, per se. But he should have the autonomy, and they should work together. Like, I appreciate when people critique my work because it makes me better.

Cowboys should have the same philosophy on the coaching staff, and it appears they don't. They could fix that dynamic and have more success with the same guys.. It's just about implementing an environment like that.

 

[KJJ]

Yeah, but on those downs where he's running and getting stuffed, basically, he should be blocking or play action blocking/pass, etc.

Agree on takeaways, but relax grasshopper.

If people chill out on Bossman, and Diggs does his thing, we're going to improve at cornerback this year.

Joseph really is an exciting player, off-the-field stuff aside. Plus, Marquese Bell is a gem of an UDFA prospect at safety. He could be really good one day.

Back to the point we were discussing, though. . . Today's run game in today's NFL is about setting up the timing to run. Passing successfully in certain ways, not only to make gains and score, but to set up the run so you can take the lead and hold on to it, by eating up the clock. Or just keep scoring more points, like Tom Brady.

The middle of the oline was really bad.. So, I think that's why they went with Smith.. and not Linderbaum, because he's a great pass protector, Smith is the better run blocker, so they want to open up the middle of the run game, which is smart. But the other part of this is timing. I watched this years games, and it just felt like they were running a lot on 1st, and found themselves running too many run plays consecutively to where teams caught on. On top of being soft in the middle of the oline, particularly left-center. We were too predictable, and too soft in the middle, so it added up.

If that happens, then McCarthy should have the autonomy to line out Kellen Moore, and get him on the right track.. I'm not knocking Moore, per se. But he should have the autonomy, and they should work together. Like, I appreciate when people critique my work because it makes me better.

Cowboys should have the same philosophy on the coaching staff, and it appears they don't. They could fix that dynamic and have more success with the same guys.. It's just about implementing an environment like that.

I’m not going to put all my chips down on Bossman until we see how his situation plays out. He could end up being arrested or suspended by the league. The Cowboys could decide to move on from him, He’s done nothing at cornerback so I wouldn’t be getting my hopes too high on him. I don’t expect our offensive philosophy to change much this season. We’re going to attempt to run the ball better but that’s all going to come down to the OL. The offense will continue to revolve around Dak and the passing game.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Is it just me? Or does it seem like we're a run-to-set-up-the-pass team?

The Cowboys have done this forever as the league has passed them by.

It's a passing league, for a reason. And I get the reasons for running; it gives you lots of advantages like eating up the clock, TOP, wearing down the defense.

When teams play us, they seem to be keying in on the run more...

With the decline in production from our run game, wouldn't it be more prudent of us to pass in order to set up the run game?

I've been arguing this for a while now. They started doing for a few games, but I haven't seen much of that since..

Using that strategy could possibly help breathe some life into the running game.

The early big games in 2019 that made Dak his money were all tons of play-action passing on 1st down. Hitting guys on the move. Pulling the trigger.

Not the "4 Stick Route" plays. .

 

[Pass2Run]

The early big games in 2019 that made Dak his money were all tons of play-action passing on 1st down. Hitting guys on the move. Pulling the trigger.

Not the "4 Stick Route" plays. .

True.

We should get back to that. I think we have better WRs this year, so we can do it.

 

[Pass2Run]

I’m not going to put all my chips down on Bossman until we see how his situation plays out. He could end up being arrested or suspended by the league. The Cowboys could decide to move on from him, He’s done nothing at cornerback so I wouldn’t be getting my hopes too high on him. I don’t expect our offensive philosophy to change much this season. We’re going to attempt to run the ball better but that’s all going to come down to the OL. The offense will continue to revolve around Dak and the passing game.

I think people just want him suspended for being there. I'm sure the police have done their due diligence in working their investigation. There are some dirty cops out there, but, usually, murder investigators are held up to a high-level of scrutiny from the legal community, which can be vicious, so they have to be on the up and up, dot Is and Cross Ts. They also have to be on the up and up, and follow certain protocols, so they can maintain their credibility in future cases, lest they be placed on a Brady List of sorts...which juries have to be informed about. Murder cases are high stakes cases. Very important for departments to solve, from a budget standpoint.

I'm just saying that I think they've done the investigation. And there's likely no real hard evidence on him. Or he'd be arrested already.. based on how most cases like his usually play out.

The biggest risk is the NFL suspending him. But what would they suspend him for if he wasn't the one shooting guns at people?

The fight could have been self-defense. As I said, take the media with a grain of salt in this case. For several reasons that aren't really obvious.

Anyway, only reason I brought it up is because you brought up takeaways.

I will say I think he's a very exciting, capable and smart football player who seems to take well to coaching.. So, I'm pulling for him to redeem himself.

No, he shouldn't have been there. But let's hope he learned from it. I think having to deal with all the factors involved is punishment enough, especially for him.

OK, let's talk running game. People obviously don't want to hear about a player who was naughty off the field. That is, until they do something lately for me.. like Irvin in the 90s.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

Is it just me? Or does it seem like we're a run-to-set-up-the-pass team?

The Cowboys have done this forever as the league has passed them by.

It's a passing league, for a reason. And I get the reasons for running; it gives you lots of advantages like eating up the clock, TOP, wearing down the defense.

When teams play us, they seem to be keying in on the run more...

With the decline in production from our run game, wouldn't it be more prudent of us to pass in order to set up the run game?

I've been arguing this for a while now. They started doing for a few games, but I haven't seen much of that since..

Using that strategy could possibly help breathe some life into the running game.

If we're not running we are LOSING...........as the passing game is average on a good day!

 

[KJJ]

I think people just want him suspended for being there. I'm sure the police have done their due diligence in working their investigation. There are some dirty cops out there, but, usually, murder investigators are held up to a high-level of scrutiny from the legal community, which can be vicious, so they have to be on the up and up, dot Is and Cross Ts. They also have to be on the up and up, and follow certain protocols, so they can maintain their credibility in future cases, lest they be placed on a Brady List of sorts...which juries have to be informed about. Murder cases are high stakes cases. Very important for departments to solve, from a budget standpoint.

I'm just saying that I think they've done the investigation. And there's likely no real hard evidence on him. Or he'd be arrested already.. based on how most cases like his usually play out.

The biggest risk is the NFL suspending him. But what would they suspend him for if he wasn't the one shooting guns at people?

The fight could have been self-defense. As I said, take the media with a grain of salt in this case. For several reasons that aren't really obvious.

I wouldn’t be going down the dirty cops road. A few posters were suggesting it was the female who was at fault for Sam Williams sexual battery accusation. Like fans were there and know exactly what happened. Lol Fans seem to want to protect the players no matter what they’re accused of. I remember years ago when Dez had a scrape with his mom, practically everyone on the board was blaming his mom. Like I said we’ll see how it plays out with Joseph.

 

[plasticman]

And so the Cowboys return full circle.

They draft three O-linemen in the first round three out of four years and add as fourth 1st round talent through opportunistic circumstances. This line develops so well that two different RB's lead the league in rushing two out of three seasons. They appear to have stunned NFL defenses that were not prepared to focus on run defense.

They signal to the rest of the league that this is the kind of offense they are going to be. They are going to show a rare display of offensive balance. They will feature the run and take their shots when the time is right.

But that was all an illusion.

If they wanted to be that type of team then they would have continued to focus on keeping that line strong and deep. For sure, they would have added a starting TE with the ability to block as well as catch. They would have continued interest in adding to their stable of RB's. This would create less issues with injury as well as serve leverage during contract negotiations.

Instead, they overpay one RB because they didn't have the foresight to add more depth. They don't make a serious attempt to add real talent to the O-line just as Fredericks is dealing with his terrible disease and Collins begins to have serious reliability issues.

They spend their next two 1st round picks on receivers knowing they will never be able to afford both.

Now they are rebuilding their O-line and WR squads while Zeke is a shell of his former self.

Pass to set up the run?

The whole point of running is to decrease the defense's ability to defend the pass. This offense relies on the running game to create enough doubt that the defense can be misdirected and slowed down enough to create those extra tenths of seconds that Dak can use to get the ball to the receiver. Without the threat of a featured running game they can charge the QB and deny him adequate time to pass effectively

 

[Hadenough]

There are a couple problems with the running game. One of them is Zeke! Dude is worn out he has no pop in his step anymore.
The other is the oline coach stinks. I watch this team try and run and it looks like they are pass blocking.

 

[Cowboyny]

The Cowboys are not going to change their philosophy. That is why they brought Tyler and Ferguson in. The Cowboys want balance. The Cowboys have a strong defense and need to run the football. The Cowboys want to be more like the 49ers then Kansas City.

When they have had success under the Dak years, it's when they had a strong ground attack.

 

[baltcowboy]

When they have had success under the Dak years, it's when they had a strong ground attack.

You know we never talk about the elephant in the room. Do you think Zeke can give us one more good season. I will say this about Elliott, he was running the ball well until he hurt his knee vs Carolina.

 

[Cowboyny]

You know we never talk about the elephant in the room. Do you think Zeke can give us one more good season. I will say this about Elliott, he was running the ball well until he hurt his knee vs Carolina.

I think we can throw out Zeke's last season as he was playing with a torn knee. He came in excellent shape, but unfortunately he got hurt. Still think he can give us a 1k plus season if healthy, just wouldn't expect many chunk runs, more of grinder moving the sticks.

 

[baltcowboy]

I think we can throw out Zeke's last season as he was playing with a torn knee. He came in excellent shape, but unfortunately he got hurt. Still think he can give us a 1k plus season if healthy, just wouldn't expect many chunk runs, more of grinder moving the sticks.

The Cowboys are Toxic now. I just don’t see how one of youngest teams in the league is going to fall off a cliff. Yes they lost to the 49ers a team that went to Lambeau a week later and beat Rodgers. The 49ers were also a dropped interception away from going to the Super Bowl. Please someone explain to me how losing La’el, Cooper, and Gregory is s bad thing. Their attitudes were a problem for this team.