One thing that almost everybody here seems to agree on

[CyberB0b]

Also, we don't have any quick receiving options, other than Beas. Maybe they feel they're not capable of running slants and drags.

 

[reddyuta]

The game has evolved beyond Garrett,he is a dinosaur clinging to his job.

 

[perrykemp]

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.

Rodgers is 6-2. Brees is 6-0. I don't think Romo's height is the issue.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Slants have a high percentage of pick 6's

 

[Plankton]

I think that due to Romo's 3/4 height throwing motion, they don't throw as many slants and short crosses - too many instances of passes being batted down.

Romo also has a tendency to fall off to his left when throwing, which hurts accuracy on those types of throws.

Should they do more of it? It would seem to be a good idea. But, being that they have much more data at their disposal in terms of down/distance/personnel tendencies, I think that they are in a much better position to call a game that anyone sitting in a sports bar or on a couch. Fans lack the context behind play calls, and lack the basis for criticizing them intelligently.

 

[tyke1doe]

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

It's all good. I wasn't saying people can't be critical. Some guys here actually do know what they're talking about. I just like the fact that Scipio recognizes that despite all of our analysis, we really don't know what's going on. I know I don't.

 

[big dog cowboy]

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

I'm on board. Poor designed plays hurt also.

 

[ilykdrama]

It's a problem all around really. Either they're throwing to Dez deep and he's getting held and then they don't give him another deep shot for another 2.5 quarters. Or they put him in motion and get a good play and then forget about it for the rest of the game. It's like Linehan thinks if you call a play and it works, you can't call a similar play again or it's a penalty.

 

[TrailBlazer]

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?

I don't think so. Pitch and catch 9 times out of 10. If you can't catch the ball on a slant route idk what you're doing in the league.

 

[Roadtrip635]

Maybe JG doesn't believe this personnel can execute quick slants and short timing routes. It could be his way of protecting the offense from turnovers? Hopefully this isn't the case, as it would give some unfavorable insight to the offense as a whole.

It would be nice to know why there seems to be so much reluctance to incorporate some shorter routes and the middle of the field more often.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Slants have a high percentage of pick 6's

That's why teams run the slant n go. To keep corners from jumping the route. If the slant is ran the right way and the ball is thrown where it needs to be, it won't be picked. Very hard to defend.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I agree, this team does not run or take advantage of the middle of the field. It has to be by design I can't fathom the thought that it's stubbornness. Another thing I don't like is it appears we have players running identical routes into the same areas at the same time. If it's a philopshy issue it won't change until a certain guy is gone IMO

 

[TrailBlazer]

Maybe JG doesn't believe this personnel can execute quick slants and short timing routes. It could be his way of protecting the offense from turnovers? Hopefully this isn't the case, as it would give some unfavorable insight to the offense as a whole.

It would be nice to know why there seems to be so much reluctance to incorporate some shorter routes and the middle of the field more often.

These guys are pros. There's not a route or an offense in the world you couldn't teach these guys to execute properly.

 

[Crown Royal]

I don't see it as a problem, yet. Overall through 12 games, our offense has been very successful in all but 2-3 outings. It certainly needs to find a way to generate yardage when the run game is bottled and the defense decides to pressure in the middle - blitz beaters are not used enough. But I wouldn't get too concerned quite yet, especially since execution is what is more highly valued than scheme.

If we go the next 2 games with poor offensive performance, then I would be more concerned.

 

[justbob]

One of the best threads I have read in a long time...Great football discussion with only one agenda related cheap shot. Likes to everyone.

 

[perrykemp]

Also wonder if the Cowboy's lack of a true slot WR who is able to quickly get themselves open is hurting the short game. Watching Edelman and Cobb, they both have that ability and it showed up big time in yesterday's Patriot's Packers game.

On the other hand, there are a finite number of difference making slot WRs in the league so it's easier said than done.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

They used to dink and dunk and every one complained. Now it's all stretch plays and every ones complaining.
They need a good middle ground lol.

 

[blumayne38]

Rodgers is 6-2. Brees is 6-0. I don't think Romo's height is the issue.

Yah i saw Rodgers jump yeasterday to complete a slant to Nelson

 

[Doomsay]

I think that due to Romo's 3/4 height throwing motion, they don't throw as many slants and short crosses - too many instances of passes being batted down.

Romo also has a tendency to fall off to his left when throwing, which hurts accuracy on those types of throws.

I think that it is turnover avoidance and what you point out here - it doesn't seem to be a throw that works well for Tony, or one that he is inclined to choose (vs. a QB like Aikman, who seemed to excel at it).

 

[Roadtrip635]

These guys are pros. There's not a route or an offense in the world you couldn't teach these guys to execute properly.

That's the question. Why wouldn't an OC incorporate some of these plays, especially in blitz situations? It seems that JG's philosophy is to hope to pick up the blitz, let Tony use his ability to buy time to make the big play. It's great when it works and painful for Tony when it doesn't. Age and injury are catching up to Romo and needs help from the OC and playcaller to help beat those blitzes by scheme sometimes instead of physical ability.