One thing we forget about Wade Phillips' defense.

[Ben_n_austin]

At this point in time, even with the presence of the ever-so-great T.O. on offense, we're focused and counting on another unit to carry us to the big game.

As Cowboy fans, most of us are guilty at gawking and wooing at this new defense (even before it has been put on the field) and the new personnel we've acquired. And most certainly, we're praising this new coach and his vamped up scheme.

The game of football does not depend on one player or even one group of players to make weight at their position to have success. It's about 53 players. However, when one player allows an entire group of players (the offense) to control the clock and score you points, well then, that tends to make the 11 guys opposite the other side of the football (the defense) more... appreciative.

You get what I'm saying.

And one might point out that we had a very productive offense--once Tony Romo got in the mix of things. And we did have somewhat of a productive offense. But we didn't have LT to lean on. He makes plays, he scores, he throws touchdowns. Some say he's the most valuable player in the league.

And please don't take this as a dis on our offensive players or Wade Phillips, or Julius Jones, or Tony Romo.

My opinion is that we've beefed up our offensive line enough, and as both of our starting WR don't go down, I think that we have enough players on offense to be productive. I won't deny that Parcells did seem to put the reigns on this team at times. But you can't say that he didn't try to win games.

Bear in mind, I'm optimistic about our team and what Wade and Jason may bring to this offense. I'd just like to know if you posters think that this offense can support this defense--like LT did in San Diego with Rivers at the helm.

We have a young quarterback in Tony Romo, but certainly not anyone that's stepped up in this league as a player that can compare to LT.

So how will we fair?

The bottom line is, regardless of rotation, we have to score points and keep this defense off of the field.

I think it's important to remind us that Wade coached a talented group of players and his 'more aggressive' 3-4 was supported by one of the best running backs to ever play the game.

 

[BouncingCheese]

I think we need to be careful about how fast we score. I am glad Romo doesn't have a rocket arm... Look at the Eagles under Mcnabb last year, they lost because they scored so fast because Mcnabb could throw it for sixty-seventy yards, so that the Defense never had time to rest. We need JJ and Barber to really control the ball; I don't care about Glenn or other players getting his yards or his TD's, I just want to win. We need to control the ball and TOP, and I hope Garret doesn't get all flashy trying to prove to us and Jerrah that he was the right guy for the job by changing the offense around and making it this trapeeze act that could end up with Romo throwing alot of picks.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

LT got to the Chargers in 2001. Wade got there in 2004.

Google the Chargers' record from 2001 to 2003.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

LT got to the Chargers in 2001. Wade got there in 2004.

Google the Chargers' record from 2001 to 2003.

I'm talking about last year (13-3). Most know that in today's NFL a team will not be the same 2 or 3 years ago...much less 5 or 6.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I think we need to be careful about how fast we score. I am glad Romo doesn't have a rocket arm... Look at the Eagles under Mcnabb last year, they lost because they scored so fast because Mcnabb could throw it for sixty-seventy yards, so that the Defense never had time to rest. We need JJ and Barber to really control the ball; I don't care about Glenn or other players getting his yards or his TD's, I just want to win. We need to control the ball and TOP, and I hope Garret doesn't get all flashy trying to prove to us and Jerrah that he was the right guy for the job by changing the offense around and making it this trapeeze act that could end up with Romo throwing alot of picks.

I guess it depends on some things.

As you said you don't want the defense to be too tired if the offense scores points to quickly. Just like if the offense can not sustain drives and the defense has to play more.

However the difference between scoring points to quickly and the offense not sustaining drives and basically have 3 and outs is the pressure it puts on another team.

For instance if we are scoring points quickly than chances are the opposing team will have to start changing it's game plan and move into catch up mode. (unless it is a team that is a pass first type of team like philly). Normally when teams get in catch up mode, start passing, abandon the run than that is when they are prone to making mistakes and making turn overs.

So there can be a difference there where one could help our defense and the other hurt.

However with that being said I would think Garrett is smart enough to know, and if not I am sure wade will let him know, that we also need to run the ball on a consistent basis. I would imagine Jason would know that from what Emmitt meant for those superbowl teams and I am sure wade would know it from LT.

I don't see this turning into the Rams under Martz type of offense or Philly offense where the running game is practically ignored a great deal of time.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

But the point is, even with the best back in the league, they were horrible. So it's not like LT was carrying the entire team to wins, with the defense along for the ride.

Besides, Wade has had top defense at places other than San Diego.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

I think we need to be careful about how fast we score. I am glad Romo doesn't have a rocket arm... Look at the Eagles under Mcnabb last year, they lost because they scored so fast because Mcnabb could throw it for sixty-seventy yards, so that the Defense never had time to rest. We need JJ and Barber to really control the ball; I don't care about Glenn or other players getting his yards or his TD's, I just want to win. We need to control the ball and TOP, and I hope Garret doesn't get all flashy trying to prove to us and Jerrah that he was the right guy for the job by changing the offense around and making it this trapeeze act that could end up with Romo throwing alot of picks.

I worry alongside of you, BouncingCheese. My opinion is that we're going to need some of those quick scores and we'll get that done. And I really didn't make this post to start a bashing party on Wade Phillips or anything. I do foresee that we'll be a good team this year, if things go right.

But like you say, with all of these new pieces in charge, and with Jerry at the top, it has to worry you a little bit that things could go wrong.


My answer to my own post - here I go talking to myself again - would be that our offensive line play should be much better and we have better weapons at reciever than does San Diego, in my opinion.

But I agree with you, we can't score too quickly... and we have to score a lot. It almost doesn't make sense. But then again, it makes perfect sense.

My, this team has potential - to go north or south.

 

[Ben_n_austin]

But the point is, even with the best back in the league, they were horrible. So it's not like LT was carrying the entire team to wins, with the defense along for the ride.

Besides, Wade has had top defense at places other than San Diego.

OK, blondie.

 

[sago1]

No matter how good our offense was last year we did have difficulty scoring against the better teams. Too often our OL failed open holes for the running game and failed give Romo time to get the ball to our WRs. Cowboys signed L.Davis cause they felt he bostered our OL at RG & that's why we also drafted 2 young OTs. We just need to worry about how well Flozel will perform.

I understand Garrett has learned a lot of different offensive schemes while moving around but he's also a big believer/supporter of Norv Turner's offense which prominently features the running game. While Garrett will better use TO & Witten and continue make big use of Glenn, he's going to institute other changes (use of Stanbach?) in certain situations as the season progresses so we become less predictable. Jones/MBIII was one of the top duos in the NFL and I expect them to be much better cause I think Jones will be more in Garretts' scheme. We really need him and our OL to step it up this year & make those 3rd & 1 or 3rd & 2 plays which we unfortunately consistently seemed to be unable to do. LT is a great player but even with him the Chargers didn't make the SB while 2 others teams without a RB of his stature did get to the SB. So, I'm certainly not worried that we don't have the equivalent of LT.

So just relax. Our offense should be even better this year with an experienced young QB, an improved OL & some more creativity by the coaching staff. Now, all we got to hope is that Wade turns our defense into the killing machine we expected it to be before it collapsed last year.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

At this point in time, even with the presence of the ever-so-great T.O. on offense, we're focused and counting on another unit to carry us to the big game.

As Cowboy fans, most of us are guilty at gawking and wooing at this new defense (even before it has been put on the field) and the new personnel we've acquired. And most certainly, we're praising this new coach and his vamped up scheme.

The game of football does not depend on one player or even one group of players to make weight at their position to have success. It's about 53 players. However, when one player allows an entire group of players (the offense) to control the clock and score you points, well then, that tends to make the 11 guys opposite the other side of the football (the defense) more... appreciative.

You get what I'm saying.

And one might point out that we had a very productive offense--once Tony Romo got in the mix of things. And we did have somewhat of a productive offense. But we didn't have LT to lean on. He makes plays, he scores, he throws touchdowns. Some say he's the most valuable player in the league.

And please don't take this as a dis on our offensive players or Wade Phillips, or Julius Jones, or Tony Romo.

My opinion is that we've beefed up our offensive line enough, and as both of our starting WR don't go down, I think that we have enough players on offense to be productive. I won't deny that Parcells did seem to put the reigns on this team at times. But you can't say that he didn't try to win games.

Bear in mind, I'm optimistic about our team and what Wade and Jason may bring to this offense. I'd just like to know if you posters think that this offense can support this defense--like LT did in San Diego with Rivers at the helm.

We have a young quarterback in Tony Romo, but certainly not anyone that's stepped up in this league as a player that can compare to LT.

So how will we fair?

The bottom line is, regardless of rotation, we have to score points and keep this defense off of the field.

I think it's important to remind us that Wade coached a talented group of players and his 'more aggressive' 3-4 was supported by one of the best running backs to ever play the game.

Scoring too quickly is a problem I would love for the Cowboys to have.
As far as the defense getting no rest, that is why god invented the rotation. And yeah, the defense might get tired but so will the opposing offense.

 

[zeromaster]

If we can average 24-30 points a game with this defense's potential we should do well this season. Let's not pretend to be the Niners of past years and hope to demoralize opponents by getting up 5 TDs. A nice dream, but probably not much based in reality.

 

[BouncingCheese]

I guess it depends on some things.

As you said you don't want the defense to be too tired if the offense scores points to quickly. Just like if the offense can not sustain drives and the defense has to play more.

However the difference between scoring points to quickly and the offense not sustaining drives and basically have 3 and outs is the pressure it puts on another team.

For instance if we are scoring points quickly than chances are the opposing team will have to start changing it's game plan and move into catch up mode. (unless it is a team that is a pass first type of team like philly). Normally when teams get in catch up mode, start passing, abandon the run than that is when they are prone to making mistakes and making turn overs.

So there can be a difference there where one could help our defense and the other hurt.

However with that being said I would think Garrett is smart enough to know, and if not I am sure wade will let him know, that we also need to run the ball on a consistent basis. I would imagine Jason would know that from what Emmitt meant for those superbowl teams and I am sure wade would know it from LT.

I don't see this turning into the Rams under Martz type of offense or Philly offense where the running game is practically ignored a great deal of time.

I think Garret is smart enough to not Make it a Mike-Martzy type of offense Like you said; however I hope he understands that the offense doesn't need to be overhauled or be made flashier or that we need to score points.

I don't know which I want more/don't want more: our potent offense taking chances or our defense taking chances.... All I know is that it could spell trouble if both the Offense and the Defense take chances on consecutive possesions like in the beginning of games...

 

[THUMPER]

Garrett will run a balanced offense, similar to what we had in the early 90s. We have the tools, if maybe not of the same caliber, then at least pretty good. The combination of Jones and Barber at RB, Glenn and Owens at WR, and Witten at TE should give Garrett plenty of options in both the run and pass.

I hope to see the lead-draw play back in our arsenal again. Sending Glenn and Owens deep will draw the safeties out, Witten runs and out pulling the LB, then suddenly Jones gets the ball behind the FB and blasts through a big hole for 16 yards.

Our O-Line should be better than last year so we really don't have any weaknesses on offense that I can see. Maintaining drives and not going 3-and-out half the time will keep the defense fresh. Scoring TDs instead of FGs or punting after 3 plays will force the other team into catchup mode and make them one-dimensional.

Our defense will play an attacking, pressuring style that dictates to the offense what it can do instead of reacting to and trying to limit what the offense does. That should result in more big plays and turnovers as well as more defensive scores.

We will probably give up some big plays as well but we did that under Parcells anyway so why not take the chance and try to get a few of our own.

It's true we don't have Tomlinson, no one does except the Chargers, but we can be just as good a team if not better because we have balance across the board and good depth at most positions. Besides, we are the Dallas Cowboys and they aren't.

 

[coach316]

We have a player near the quality of LT that can control the clock and grind the game down if need be. His name is Julius Barber. As Mickey pointed out in one of his columns the two backs combined for the 3rd highest rushing total in the league. I'll take it. You don't need to have a superstar running back doing it all and last year proved that.

 

[AbeBeta]

I think we need to be careful about how fast we score.

That should be the least of our problems.

 

[BouncingCheese]

I worry alongside of you, BouncingCheese. My opinion is that we're going to need some of those quick scores and we'll get that done. And I really didn't make this post to start a bashing party on Wade Phillips or anything. I do foresee that we'll be a good team this year, if things go right.

But like you say, with all of these new pieces in charge, and with Jerry at the top, it has to worry you a little bit that things could go wrong.


My answer to my own post - here I go talking to myself again - would be that our offensive line play should be much better and we have better weapons at reciever than does San Diego, in my opinion.

But I agree with you, we can't score too quickly... and we have to score a lot. It almost doesn't make sense. But then again, it makes perfect sense.

My, this team has potential - to go north or south.

There are so many places that this team could go wrong with all the new coordinators and philisophies and coaching styles and team mentalities. However, the same thing happens whenever a new coach steps in. Whatever happens I am not going to bash Phillips because he was brought it to take chances, and that is the way his defense works. I will blame garret and Jerrah if this offense screws up; you don't fix something if it is working, you tune it; I think that is all that Sporano needed to do was tweak.

I regards to your recievers statement, You are right, but unless you are using the passing game to control the clock ala West-Coast I don't really care about passing; you pass to score, run to win IMO. LT was the reason SD did so damn well last year, Phillip Rivers was damn lucky to have him.

 

[superpunk]

That should be the least of our problems.

It's not a terrible problem to have, but it is a problem. The Eagles and Commanders had difficulty with that last year. On one of those New York Times articles with Parcells last year, he was quoted when talking about Al Saunders as saying something to the effect of "That guy wants to score, and he doesn't care much about his defense."

That's probably the reason Washington's "capless" head coaching system isn't working, there is no teamwork. Sometimes, you just gotta keep your defense off the field, and kill the other team's spirit by not letting them have the ball. Certainly it's not a terrible problem, but a quick strike offense can be a drawback.

I don't think Garrett's THAT guy, tho, along with Sparano.

 

[ZeroClub]

For whatever it is worth:

In 16 of his 25 years as a defensive coordinator or head coach, the offenses of Wade Phillips' teams were in the top 10 for # of rushing attempts and # of rushing yards.

Phillips has coached on teams with fine RBs, including George Rogers, Earl Campbell, Keith Byars, Bobby Humphrey, Thurman Thomas, the Duckett & Warrick Dunn combo in Atlanta, and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Antowain Smith and Gaston Green each had 1,000 yard seasons when Phillips was coaching on their team.

Clearly, then, many of Phillips' defenses have had the support of a fine running game.

But that doesn't mean that his defenses were successful only because they were supported by solid running games. It goes two ways. If Phillips' defenses gave up too many points, his offenses would have had to abandon the run.

 

[BouncingCheese]

It's not a terrible problem to have, but it is a problem. The Eagles and Commanders had difficulty with that last year. On one of those New York Times articles with Parcells last year, he was quoted when talking about Al Saunders as saying something to the effect of "That guy wants to score, and he doesn't care much about his defense."

That's probably the reason Washington's "capless" head coaching system isn't working, there is no teamwork. Sometimes, you just gotta keep your defense off the field, and kill the other team's spirit by not letting them have the ball. Certainly it's not a terrible problem, but a quick strike offense can be a drawback.

I don't think Garrett's THAT guy, tho, along with Sparano.

Agreed; by the way superpunk do you or anybody else know if Romo was given the volition(right) to audible?

 

[Ben_n_austin]

Scoring too quickly is a problem I would love for the Cowboys to have.
As far as the defense getting no rest, that is why god invented the rotation. And yeah, the defense might get tired but so will the opposing offense.

But if they score and then the other team comes right back and scores, it kind of kills your momentum. That's where the whole ball control, clock control theory comes in....

Keep in mind. Wade will be dealing with, at least, 53 new factors. And they're all pretty much different in some shape, form or fashion.

I agree about the rotation. I think that helps keep you in the game when you're forced into difficult situation. It's one of the reasons I really want Ellis wearing the star.

I'd also venture out to say that we have a better quarterback than San Diego. I think they're very similar, but i think that Romo will show you why he raised some eyebrows last year. And I think that our line will help all aspects of the offense.

I'll be honest, at this point I think any change is good for the offense. I think that Parcells showed us very few things that this offense is actually capable of.

There are some things that I hope to see us do; whether those are done or not is an entirely different matter.

-I'd like to see us protect Romo, first and foremost.

-I'd like to see us pass to set up the run. **Most people think this sounds backwards. But in today's NFL it's becoming more standard due to how teams stack the line.**

-Mix it up more, use different sets, trickery et cetera. We've got a dynamic cast of players. There is a lot we can do At least don't make our offense so predictable. Get the players involved more. If there is less discipline, then you've got to have excitement.

-KEEP THE RB ROTATION. No matter how much Julius runs his mouth, he's not a 4 quarters kind of back. He's just saying that so when he gets out on the market (and we don't resign him), he can blame us for his lack of carries. It MUST be Barber and Jones. Let's hope the staff realizes this.

-In the midst of the blitzes, let's keep an eye on the field behind us. I hope that we've made progress with player development in the secondary.

-Use the tight ends in motion to confuse, block and for production by getting them the ball down field. And to offset opposing teams who run the 3-4. Witten needs to step up and take a leadership role, alongside with Romo and Glenn.

-Protect Romo. *

-Keep the running back by committee approach. *