One thing that almost everybody here seems to agree on

[xwalker]

It seems that almost everybody is in agreement that the Cowboys are not utilizing quick, short throws and the middle of the field properly.

It's rare to see so many people here in agreement on a subject.

I'm just wondering if everybody really does agree or if it's just my perception.

Second, without just complaining about it, is there a reasonable explanation that we're missing?

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I think I agree, but I try not to critique specifics, such as playcalling, because I lack the knowledge.

 

[links18]

It's been an issue with Garrett's scheme for a long time.

 

[Alexander]

I do not think it is playcalling but design. The routes outside of the numbers, the back shoulder fades, etc. those are integral parts of the design and probably what we spend the majority of the time practicing. The structure of the playbook is what is in question to me, not the playcalling. The reason why we tend to struggle late in seasons is that there is not a lot of diversion from the installed offense. It works early, teams adjust, we are unable to compensate.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

It seems that almost everybody is in agreement that the Cowboys are not utilizing quick, short throws and the middle of the field properly.

It's rare to see so many people here in agreement on a subject.

I'm just wondering if everybody really does agree or if it's just my perception.

Second, without just complaining about it, is there a reasonable explanation that we're missing?

I think so.

I believe that in Garrett's mind his team is going to win the one-on-one battles enough of the time to give his team victories. I think he believes that if you stick to the system and continue to add talent, your team will eventually win without the need for creativity, resourcefulness and deception.

 

[Alexander]

I think so.

I believe that in Garrett's mind his team is going to win the one-on-one battles enough of the time to give his team victories. I think he believes that if you stick to the system and continue to add talent, your team will eventually win without the need for creativity, resourcefulness and deception.

And that is stubborn arrogance.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Been saying it for a long time. This offense is not qb friendly.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I think so to.
Like Zimmy said. I think since JG played during the days we could tell teams what we were going to do and do it any way, he thinks this team can do the same. He has to understand they can't. It's not nearly the team he played for.

 

[xwalker]

I think so.

I believe that in Garrett's mind his team is going to win the one-on-one battles enough of the time to give his team victories. I think he believes that if you stick to the system and continue to add talent, your team will eventually win without the need for creativity, resourcefulness and deception.

It really appears that Linehan is in complete control of the offense now. Well I should say Linehan and Romo. It appears that Garrett is out of the mix but maybe Romo has too much input.

I realize that they say it's Garrett playbook with Linehan calling the plays, but they said in the off-season that Linehan had added things to the playbook.

 

[jazzcat22]

Been saying it for a long time. This offense is not qb friendly.

Which reminds me, of JJ's statement, making this offense Romo friendly. Seems they need to find a "middle" ground. Meaning those shorter routes, like the slants, more crossing patterns.
How about some bunch formations.

 

[Red Dragon]

Call 10-15 slants a game and watch Dez BEAST the defense.

Cole Beasley, too.

 

[xwalker]

Which reminds me, of JJ's statement, making this offense Romo friendly. Seems they need to find a "middle" ground. Meaning those shorter routes, like the slants, more crossing patterns.
How about some bunch formations.

Yes, I think we all want to see the bunch formation. Just try it and see what happens.

 

[Red Dragon]

But if I'm not mistaken, the slant is the most difficult pass for a receiver to catch, right, due to the angle of the WR's body? Especially a slant thrown with a lot of zip?

 

[tyke1doe]

I think I agree, but I try not to critique specifics, such as playcalling, because I lack the knowledge.

Wow. What honesty. Truth be told, most of us don't know what we're talking about when it comes to the intimate and intricate details of football. But that's why we're fans, Monday Morning Quarterbacks and couch potatoes.

 

[Givincer]

I would like to see the actual statistics on how often we throw quick passes.

My perception is that we don't do it often. I feel as though when I watch New England, Green Bay or Denver, they have many plays where they drop back three steps and quickly get rid of the ball, not giving even a chance for a sack.

Now, I readily admit, my perception can quite easily be wrong. Also, the word "often" is relative.

 

[xwalker]

But if I'm not mistaken, the slant is the most difficult pass for a receiver to catch, right, due to the angle of the WR's body? Especially a slant thrown with a lot of zip?

People here claim that Dez is the best WR or top 2. He should be able to catch a slant.

If that is really the problem, then I would go all in to sign Randle Cobb as a free agent. He is the master of the quick slant.

 

[craig71]

I think the coaching staff as well as the players deserve some blame for the lack of a shorter passing game. I also think that it is going to be a hard problem to solve as their is no one entity to lay the lions share of the problem upon. If you breakdown a one play you will find Romo never looking at an underneath route that is open, for whatever reason he's just not seeing the field all that well. If you breakdown another play there isn't a single route ran underneath. Why not? Either the play design does not call for any quick hitting routes or the receivers are not making any sight adjustments based on what they are seeing from the defense. Also need to consider that the QB will often alter the receivers route while at the line based on what he sees pre snap. I suspect the coaches need to do a better job preparing the players and the players just need to execute the coaches game plan. Another thought is that the offensive skill players cannot consistently execute some of the quick hitting routes so they aren't a staple of the offense. Lot's of questions and theories as to the why, but very answers at the end of the day for those of us in the stands unfortunately.


Craig

 

[xwalker]

I think I agree, but I try not to critique specifics, such as playcalling, because I lack the knowledge.

Wow. What honesty. Truth be told, most of us don't know what we're talking about when it comes to the intimate and intricate details of football. But that's why we're fans, Monday Morning Quarterbacks and couch potatoes.

Yes, I don't like to just completely rip them because as I said in the OP, are we missing something?

 

[CyberB0b]

I think it's the lack of hot routes that is contributing to the problem. Maybe Romo's lack of prototypical height is restricting the play calling. It's definitely a problem.

 

[perrykemp]

IMHO, Romo has always been a QB that has been expected to run around, improvise, and make things happen. I've never seen Romo as a '3-step and let it go' type of QB.

It's worked for Romo for his 1st decade in the league. In order to elongate his career, he'll need get more comfortable with the 3-step quick passes and the coaching staff is going to need to adjust the types of patterns (as well as personnel) to enable more 3-step passing.