Review: Offense & Garrett vs Linehan

[xwalker]

I'm not absolving coaches of blame and I'm not saying Linehan is great; however, I do think he was trying to win a poker hand in 2017 with a pair of 8s.

The offense was predictible; however, the receiving options were very limited. Play design and play calling are limited by the available players.

All of the receiving options in 2017 had limitations on how they could be used. When you add up all of the limitations, it makes it hard to function.

Receiving Limitations

• Beasley: Limited to the short area. Limited YAC.
• Witten: Speed limited. No YAC.
• Dez: Limited route tree. Limited speed.
• TWill: Not good short or long, only intermediate.
• Butler: Only good on go routes.

When Zeke was out there was no speed threat on most snaps. Butler was the one speed option but he often had nagging injuries and did not have the focus to be dependable.

Most good teams have at least one WR or TE that is not limited (specific to receiving for TEs). A player that can run the full route tree with success, can run option routes, can function from more than one alignment (outside WR in the slot, etc.).

The Cowboys overcame these limitations in 2016 with a top 5 OL/RB to compensate. Dez stiil saw some double coverage and defenses still used a single Nickel CB to cover Beasley.

Example of Problems
In 2017 defenses kept an extra defender in the short inside area to limit Beasley, especially on 3rd downs. Beasley's success had been based on the fact he has a two way go (right/left) and the Nickel CB has no sideline to help. Once defenses kept a help defender on Beasley's inside path, the Nickel CB could play his outside option. This had the side benefit of that extra defender being in good postion against the run. It should have opened things up for other receiving options but those players all had limitations.

They tried a few wrinkles but with limited success. A few gimmick plays involving Switzer but he just didn't threaten with spead. An occasional pass play where Hanna would sneak out and not be covered. For some reason Hanna just never became comfortable as a receiver. He often looked scared of the ball. They even tried some type of reverse with Dez but that was a big fail.

The best wrinkes involved a run or fake run by the QB.

More in the next post...

 

[xwalker]

Linehan vs Garrett (past/future)

I think Linehan is definitely better than Garrett designing/calling plays. Linehan appears to have been the person pushing for the changes they made this offseason on offense. Stephen Jones is running the show and Linehan has his ear. Those changes indicate a significant divergence from the Garrett offensive philosophy, IMO.

Garrett

Depend on individual players to win their matchups. Keep the offense simple.
Players need to win on physical traits.
Dez - Size, jump ball ability.
Witten - HOF type ability in his prime.
Beasley - Quickness.
Miles Austin and TO - Bigger/Faster than defenders.

The Garrett method minimized the football IQ required for the WRs. To compensate the QB had to be a scheme and presnap master. The QB also had to improvise and buy time for receivers to win their matchup.

Linehan 2018 - Projection
(based on changes and Linehan's comments)

• Get open with route running/scheme.
• Hurns/Gallup known for their route running.
• Hurns has significant experience lining up in the slot.
• Move some of the football IQ requirements from the QB back to the receivers.
• Variety. Linehan said he envisions an offense that might look completely different from week to week to minimize predictibility.
• Spread the ball around. Not over-focused on #1 WR and #1 TE.
• Some variety in 2 TE sets. Either one a legit pass receiving option.
• More options at #2 WR than just TWill. Gallup/Thompson/Austin.
• Formation/Personnel variety. Sets with no TE. Austin likely replaces the TE for 4 WR sets.
• Use the threat of Austin to open things up for other receivers in a variety of formations/plays.
• Example: I watched a few KC games against teams the Cowboys also played. The threat of Tyreek Hill changed the way defenses played KC as compared to the Cowboys.
• Keep the run blocking variety that they had with Callahan. Pollack seemed to get away from as much variety of man/zone with more predictibility. The new OL coach is known for mixing up man/zone.

Unknown / Other

• Predictibility based on shotgun/under-center. This was always extremely predictible under Garrett.
• I'll admit that for other teams, I have not studied the shotgun/uc stats for reference.
• I would love to see a little more Pistol formation to offset the shotgun/uc issue.

 

[CCBoy]

I'm not absolving coaches of blame and I'm not saying Linehan is great; however, I do think he was trying to win a poker hand in 2017 with a pair of 8s.

The offense was predictible; however, the receiving options were very limited. Play design and play calling are limited by the available players.

All of the receiving options in 2017 had limitations on how they could be used. When you add up all of the limitations, it makes it hard to function.

Receiving Limitations

• Beasley: Limited to the short area. Limited YAC.
• Witten: Speed limited. No YAC.
• Dez: Limited route tree. Limited speed.
• TWill: Not good short or long, only intermediate.
• Butler: Only good on go routes.

When Zeke was out there was no speed threat on most snaps. Butler was the one speed option but he often had nagging injuries and did not have the focus to be dependable.

Most good teams have at least one WR or TE that is not limited (specific to receiving for TEs). A player that can run the full route tree with success, can run option routes, can function from more than one alignment (outside WR in the slot, etc.).

The Cowboys overcame these limitations in 2016 with a top 5 OL/RB to compensate. Dez stiil saw some double coverage and defenses still used a single Nickel CB to cover Beasley.

Example of Problems
In 2017 defenses kept an extra defender in the short inside area to limit Beasley, especially on 3rd downs. Beasley's success had been based on the fact he has a two way go (right/left) and the Nickel CB has no sideline to help. Once defenses kept a help defender on Beasley's inside path, the Nickel CB could play his outside option. This had the side benefit of that extra defender being in good postion against the run. It should have opened things up for other receiving options but those players all had limitations.

They tried a few wrinkles but with limited success. A few gimmick plays involving Switzer but he just didn't threaten with spead. An occasional pass play where Hanna would sneak out and not be covered. For some reason Hanna just never became comfortable as a receiver. He often looked scared of the ball. They even tried some type of reverse with Dez but that was a big fail.

The best wrinkes involved a run or fake run by the QB.

More in the next post...

Good point raised, X. There was a lot that has been changed and for these very reasons.

First off, I am thankful that play calling can call a whole set of plays around a very broad and strong running game. Ball movement and scoring will rebound this year.

I like that cross actions for blocking; screens; and play-action become regulars now...

 

[CCBoy]

Move some of the football IQ requirements from the QB back to the receivers.

This alone expands both IQ's...quarterback and receiver!

 

[DandyDon52]

I would like to see the receivers react to a blitz and run a short route so the quarterback has someone to throw to

 

[JBS]

All of this sounds good on paper

What you were are probably going to find out, is that our weapons this year also arent very good

 

[Roadtrip635]

I have my concerns with Hurns, while I like him, he's been inconsistent. He's not known as a route runner, from Broaddus

"He runs routes like Dez – kind of all over the place. There’s not much sharpness to them. He runs less slants but think of Dez and that’s what you have. A big guy trying to look smooth."

He's not really quick or have vertical speed, he wins matchups more with physical play. He's best suited to the slot, but where does that leave us for outside WRs? He's struggled with dropped passes on and off during his career as well. I'm worried he'll be a poor man's Dez. It's going to be an interesting off season and see how everyone fits and meshes together.

 

[CCBoy]

I would like to see the receivers react to a blitz and run a short route so the quarterback has someone to throw to

Give Dak four to five seconds each play and I don't care what the defense is trying to do.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

Seems like there is a missing section that should have gone under Receiving Limitations titled “Passer Limitations”...

 

[Ranching]

I'm not absolving coaches of blame and I'm not saying Linehan is great; however, I do think he was trying to win a poker hand in 2017 with a pair of 8s.

The offense was predictible; however, the receiving options were very limited. Play design and play calling are limited by the available players.

All of the receiving options in 2017 had limitations on how they could be used. When you add up all of the limitations, it makes it hard to function.

Receiving Limitations

• Beasley: Limited to the short area. Limited YAC.
• Witten: Speed limited. No YAC.
• Dez: Limited route tree. Limited speed.
• TWill: Not good short or long, only intermediate.
• Butler: Only good on go routes.

When Zeke was out there was no speed threat on most snaps. Butler was the one speed option but he often had nagging injuries and did not have the focus to be dependable.

Most good teams have at least one WR or TE that is not limited (specific to receiving for TEs). A player that can run the full route tree with success, can run option routes, can function from more than one alignment (outside WR in the slot, etc.).

The Cowboys overcame these limitations in 2016 with a top 5 OL/RB to compensate. Dez stiil saw some double coverage and defenses still used a single Nickel CB to cover Beasley.

Example of Problems
In 2017 defenses kept an extra defender in the short inside area to limit Beasley, especially on 3rd downs. Beasley's success had been based on the fact he has a two way go (right/left) and the Nickel CB has no sideline to help. Once defenses kept a help defender on Beasley's inside path, the Nickel CB could play his outside option. This had the side benefit of that extra defender being in good postion against the run. It should have opened things up for other receiving options but those players all had limitations.

They tried a few wrinkles but with limited success. A few gimmick plays involving Switzer but he just didn't threaten with spead. An occasional pass play where Hanna would sneak out and not be covered. For some reason Hanna just never became comfortable as a receiver. He often looked scared of the ball. They even tried some type of reverse with Dez but that was a big fail.

The best wrinkes involved a run or fake run by the QB.

More in the next post...

You're trying to get me benched, aren't you!!!!!!l .Lol!!

 

[The Fonz]

Thanks X for good post.
Now which cowboys will show up once the season start is the one million dollar question.

 

[CCBoy]

Thanks X for good post.
Now which cowboys will show up once the season start is the one million dollar question.

I'm just hoping that the Cowboys take their share of victories until Black 'n Blue December, and come fully together then.

 

[CCBoy]

You're trying to get me benched, aren't you!!!!!!l .Lol!!

easy fella'...it's Saturday night and a lot of Don Padron to go...keep the salt shaker full.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I'm not absolving coaches of blame and I'm not saying Linehan is great; however, I do think he was trying to win a poker hand in 2017 with a pair of 8s.

The offense was predictible; however, the receiving options were very limited. Play design and play calling are limited by the available players.

All of the receiving options in 2017 had limitations on how they could be used. When you add up all of the limitations, it makes it hard to function.

Receiving Limitations

• Beasley: Limited to the short area. Limited YAC.
• Witten: Speed limited. No YAC.
• Dez: Limited route tree. Limited speed.
• TWill: Not good short or long, only intermediate.
• Butler: Only good on go routes.

When Zeke was out there was no speed threat on most snaps. Butler was the one speed option but he often had nagging injuries and did not have the focus to be dependable.

Most good teams have at least one WR or TE that is not limited (specific to receiving for TEs). A player that can run the full route tree with success, can run option routes, can function from more than one alignment (outside WR in the slot, etc.).

The Cowboys overcame these limitations in 2016 with a top 5 OL/RB to compensate. Dez stiil saw some double coverage and defenses still used a single Nickel CB to cover Beasley.

Example of Problems
In 2017 defenses kept an extra defender in the short inside area to limit Beasley, especially on 3rd downs. Beasley's success had been based on the fact he has a two way go (right/left) and the Nickel CB has no sideline to help. Once defenses kept a help defender on Beasley's inside path, the Nickel CB could play his outside option. This had the side benefit of that extra defender being in good postion against the run. It should have opened things up for other receiving options but those players all had limitations.

They tried a few wrinkles but with limited success. A few gimmick plays involving Switzer but he just didn't threaten with spead. An occasional pass play where Hanna would sneak out and not be covered. For some reason Hanna just never became comfortable as a receiver. He often looked scared of the ball. They even tried some type of reverse with Dez but that was a big fail.

The best wrinkes involved a run or fake run by the QB.

More in the next post...

The bottom line is your hero Chaz Green ruined our season.

 

[CCBoy]

The bottom line is your hero Chaz Green ruined our season.

A Korean 'country singer' would sing...glean, glean, the glass is glean....

 

[Ranching]

easy fella'...it's Saturday night and a lot of Don Padron to go...keep the salt shaker full.

Cuba Libres this weekend! Salud, my friend!!

 

[TheCount]

All of this sounds good on paper

What you were are probably going to find out, is that our weapons this year also arent very good

It's the QB's job to recognize the blitz and alter, assuming he has the power to do so.

 

[Roadtrip635]

It's the QB's job to recognize the blitz and alter, assuming he has the power to do so.

Romo did and he looked like a spastic traffic cop trying to direct the WRs where to line up. The WRs have to be on the same page too. Linehan is going to have his hands full, getting all the pieces to mesh.

 

[VACowboy]

I have my concerns with Hurns, while I like him, he's been inconsistent. He's not known as a route runner, from Broaddus

"He runs routes like Dez – kind of all over the place. There’s not much sharpness to them. He runs less slants but think of Dez and that’s what you have. A big guy trying to look smooth."

He's not really quick or have vertical speed, he wins matchups more with physical play. He's best suited to the slot, but where does that leave us for outside WRs? He's struggled with dropped passes on and off during his career as well. I'm worried he'll be a poor man's Dez. It's going to be an interesting off season and see how everyone fits and meshes together.

Never seen the guy play, but any receiver who can go for 1000-plus yards catching passes from Bortles gets a tip of my cap.

Seems like there is a missing section that should have gone under Receiving Limitations titled “Passer Limitations”...

IMO, we knew what we had in Bryant, Williams, Witten, Beasley and Butler. Dak is in his third year playing the most difficult position in sports. I don't think we know yet what we have in Dak. If you want to judge him after two seasons, compare him to Tom Brady. Dak has more yards and TDs, fewer INTs and a higher YPA than Brady did after two years starting.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

Never seen the guy play, but any receiver who can go for 1000-plus yards catching passes from Bortles gets a tip of my cap.



IMO, we knew what we had in Bryant, Williams, Witten, Beasley and Butler. Dak is in his third year playing the most difficult position in sports. I don't think we know yet what we have in Dak. If you want to judge him after two seasons, compare him to Tom Brady. Dak has more yards and TDs, fewer INTs and a higher YPA than Brady did after two years starting.

Uh, that was 15 years ago... I hear the game has changed a bit.
And it’s not a knock on anybody, unless you look out on the field and actually see Brady or a couple of others then you are playing a QB with limitations. Totally omitting that a 2nd year, 4th round pick is your starting QB from the equation makes it pretty hard to take the initial post seriously.