Overlooked Offensive Performance That Bodes Well for Season

[Chuck 54]

First, I’m disappointed but not surprised to look in this morning and see 6 negative posts on the front page. I guess if we win the SB, I should always expect a few sad sacks trying to impress themselves by talking about what’s wrong in a 40-0 win. On a day when many teams played in the rain, our offense played better than most of them, including those with elite QBs.

Here are a few offensive statistics that I think bear great hope for the season in our division.

• Vs Arizona, Sam Howell dropped back 31 times and was sacked 6 times while the leading runner, Robinson, ran 19 times for 59 yards.
• Vs NE, Jalen Hurts dropped back 33 times and was sacked 3 times while the leading rusher, Gainwell, ran 14 times for 54 yards.
• Vs Dallas, Daniel Jones dropped back 28 times and was sacked 7 times while the leading rusher, Barkley, ran 12 times for 54 yards.
• Vs NY, Dak Prescott dropped back 24 times and was never sacked—0–, while the leading rusher, Pollard, ran 14 times for 70 yards.

NY had a tough playoff defense with a very good pass rush last year and dismantled Minnesota in the playoffs. A’shawn Robinson - Dexter Lawrence - Leonard Williams - Kavon Thibodeaux form a fearful front four, yet our OL with Steele coming off a missed season and reconstructed knee, Martin missing most of training camp, Tyron playing with a minor injury, and missing our second best lineman in Tyler Smith, all knocking off rust from no play time in preseason, dominated in the worst weather of the day.

I‘m sure part of it is McCarthy’s playcalling and play design; part of it may be Solari and changes to pass protection blocking and run designs; part of it may be Dak being trained not to hold the ball so long trying to make a big play. But our OL play and lack of penalties is the most subtle yet exciting aspect of the game last night. It bodes well for the future.

 

[Creeper]

It is only one game but I was pleasantly surprised by the way Tyron Smith played. He did a nice job keeping Thibodeaux off Dak. Edoga played better than expected at LG. Martin was Martin and Steele looked good coming back from injury. When we get Tyler Smith back the line will be dominant. I can't say the run blocking was great but I do think it will improve as they get more playing time together.

It must have been a tough night to throw the ball. I won't dwell on the passing game too much. Ferguson dropping some passes was hugely disappointing. Turpin dropped one two. Last year those deflections turned into INTs so maybe we have some good fortune this year.

It is one game in sloppy conditions but did anyone else think Pollard may have slowed a bit? There was one play he ran outside and broke free but got caught after about 20 yards. It seemed to me last year he would have turned on the jets and taken that one to the house. Maybe he is a bit rusty.

The Dallas pass rush was unbelievable. It seemed like someone was in the backfield on every play. I'd like to see them corral Jones a little better. But honestly, if the Giants are going to let him run that much he will not last the season.

As long as this Cowboys team gets ahead in the score, their defense will carry them.

 

[conner01]

I was impressed with the blocking at TE
The drops need to be fixed but as a group they blocked really well