pass if you want but running will control the game

[STSINAZ]

we need to take advantage of the pass against seattle but if we can control the running game they are sure to lose. It will control the clock, keep their offense off the field which in turn keeps our defense rested, and it will literally drain the life out of the team, both offense and defense. They are going to blitz they say so we need to run in the gaps that are left open....screens...things like that....pass if you want but running controls the game...it controls our season....we can do it...they have given up 17 runs over 20 yards...

 

[AbeBeta]

yep. several of us have been saying this.

cold, rainy. This is EXACTLY what Bill designed teams are made for.

Don't press on the pass, if the corners can't hang then the big plays will come naturally.

 

[EPL0c0]

And really, their banged up 2ndary could help the 2ndary a lot.

With a rookie and a just back to the game Pete Hunter out there, I think it's likely their safties will be playing back to help more than they'd like.

That could pull their LBs out a little to help cover the middle (Witten sould have an impact), but it could mean that the DLine gets a little less help from the LBs...that's a good thing for the run game. We'll see though...

 

[Big Country]

The past two games of stellar running performances will make this a very hard thing to do...

 

[aikemirv]

We need to start this game with 4 receiver sets, spread them out and then run the ball. If we are sucessfull at that they will be off balance the whole game trying to stop both run and pass.

The worst thing we can do is exclusively pass the ball and be one dimensional, no matter how weak their corners are.

That is how good teams get beat, trying to be one dimensional and playing to the other teams weakness.

One example I would give you would be the Bengals vs Indy a few weeks ago. They tried to exclusively run the ball against a poor Indy run defense, while sucessful at first, Indy made adjustments and by the time Cinn decided to pass they had no offensive rythm at all.

 

[eduncan22]

30 rushes a game = win

less than 30 = loss

We must run the ball.

 

[AbeBeta]

30 rushes a game = win

less than 30 = loss

We must run the ball.

True. But oversimplified. Running 30 times means that we are able to get numerous first downs running the ball. It means running effectively. It means having the ball. It means not turning the ball over. It means an efficient passing game. It means the D gets a handful of 3 and outs.

 

[BulletBob]

We need to start this game with 4 receiver sets, spread them out and then run the ball. If we are sucessfull at that they will be off balance the whole game trying to stop both run and pass.

The worst thing we can do is exclusively pass the ball and be one dimensional, no matter how weak their corners are.

That is how good teams get beat, trying to be one dimensional and playing to the other teams weakness.

One example I would give you would be the Bengals vs Indy a few weeks ago. They tried to exclusively run the ball against a poor Indy run defense, while sucessful at first, Indy made adjustments and by the time Cinn decided to pass they had no offensive rythm at all.

Good thoughts.

However, I'm thinking that the best strategy might be to open up the game through the air, attacking their Achilles heel right out of the gate.

I know that this directly contradicts your one-dimensional hypothesis, but if we attack their weakness right out of the chute, all it would take is a couple of 10-20 yard deep outs, a nice crossing route, and maybe a seam route to Witten. Heck, I might even throw a fly pattern to TO on the first play from scrimmage.

Coming out aggressive through the air (assuming we can connect at least once or twice on that first possession) will completely back the safties off early, and open up our running / short passing game (with the corners playing more cushion as well).

We should attack this team with guns a'blaze, like we did to the Eagles last year. This is the playoffs, boys - go out and make some noise!

 

[DasTex]

Good thoughts.

However, I'm thinking that the best strategy might be to open up the game through the air, attacking their Achilles heal right out of the gate.

I know that this directly contradicts your one-dimensional hypothesis, but if we attack their weakness right out of the chute, all it would take is a couple of 10-20 yard deep outs, a nice crossing route, and maybe a seam route to Witten. Heck, I might even throw a fly pattern to TO on the first play from scrimmage.

Coming out aggressive through the air (assuming we can connect at least once or twice on that first possession) will completely back the safties off early, and open up our running / short passing game (with the corners playing more cushion as well).

We should attack this team with guns a'blaze, like we did to the Eagles last year. This is the playoffs, boys - go out and make some noise!

This is exactly what we need to do. We have to get this offense rolling early!! Our defense doesn't seem to be up to task at any type of old fashion grind it out game. We can't seem to hold a lead for nothing.

My worst nightmare is that we are up by 6, with under 2 minutes to go.

 

[aikemirv]

Good thoughts.

However, I'm thinking that the best strategy might be to open up the game through the air, attacking their Achilles heal right out of the gate.

I know that this directly contradicts your one-dimensional hypothesis, but if we attack their weakness right out of the chute, all it would take is a couple of 10-20 yard deep outs, a nice crossing route, and maybe a seam route to Witten. Heck, I might even throw a fly pattern to TO on the first play from scrimmage.

Coming out aggressive through the air (assuming we can connect at least once or twice on that first possession) will completely back the safties off early, and open up our running / short passing game (with the corners playing more cushion as well).

We should attack this team with guns a'blaze, like we did to the Eagles last year. This is the playoffs, boys - go out and make some noise!

I just like the mental toll that running right out of the blocks from a passing formation would take. They know they are weak in the secondary and if you prove you can run it on them too, they are really going to be doubting right from the start.

I also would like the mentality that it would put Romo in, and that is, that he does not have to make all the plays for them to win.

In any case whether it is take control through the air or the ground first, you don't want to give them any confidence!

 

[Doomsday101]

This is exactly what we need to do. We have to get this offense rolling early!! Our defense doesn't seem to be up to task at any type of old fashion grind it out game. We can't seem to hold a lead for nothing.

My worst nightmare is that we are up by 6, with under 2 minutes to go.

Since Romo took over Dallas has come out throwing quite a bit early in games so I don't see that as an issue. Dallas does have to show big improvement within our running game that has been almost non-existent during this recent slump. The ability to control the ball allows the defense to sit on the sidelines and try to keep them fresh.

 

[DasTex]

Since Romo took over Dallas has come out throwing quite a bit early in games so I don't see that as an issue. Dallas does have to show big improvement within our running game that has been almost non-existent during this recent slump. The ability to control the ball allows the defense to sit on the sidelines and try to keep them fresh.

I agree with getting the running game going...and keeping the defense fresh...but fresh or not, they can't seem to stop anything these days.

If it's a low scoring close game...I don't really like our chances that much. They have a heck of a kicker and an offense that can spread the ball alittle, and make our secondary look....well, like our secondary So have to drive down and get a late TD or FG in the game shouldn't be that big of a problem for them.

 

[STSINAZ]

just line up with 6 o linemen like we are going to do, one TE, a FB and run it up right up the gut....do that about 8 to 10 times at different times tmro and we will make them pay

 

[DipChit]

Well not that our passing game is on par with Aikman/Irvin/Novacek from a polished POV but when compared to our running game it comes close.

I'd have a lot more faith in the ground game "controlling" things early in the game if there was any reason to believe it would actually work. Not to mention what we're gonna need is points.. the sooner the better... cause odds are we're going to be giving up more than a few.

I guess what I'm askin is, are we talking about running just for the sake of running regardless of the results.. or is it based on effectiveness? And if it's the latter, whats the definition of effective?

 

[JPM]

It's funny you usually run the ball to keep the opposing offense off the field (like the Colts) for us it will be to keep our defense from being on the field.

 

[Jarv]

I like the idea of running JJ from a spread formation, the safties/corners will be playing deep...Giving JJ and Barber lots of open room.

If the safties and corners play tight, Romo can audible and heave a couple deep. I like those matchups !