Running Game - Did we figure something out?

[Denim Chicken]

Collinsworth pointed out that Dallas went away from the typical zone running scheme and played more of a old school gap scheme - just putting bodies on bodies and moving the DL. Did we figure something out here or does the coach go back to what we were doing previously? Was it just the opponent or do you think we have an opportunity to actually have a decent running game? Dowdle looked the best I've ever seen him.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I heard what Collinsworth said but it looked the same to me. Just executing better with the double team blocks they've been trying all along. Dowdle was patient and finding the correct lanes.

 

[Whirlwin]

Yeah, we figured it out, run the ball just run it

 

[rambo2]

Collinsworth pointed out that Dallas went away from the typical zone running scheme and played more of a old school gap scheme - just putting bodies on bodies and moving the DL. Did we figure something out here or does the coach go back to what we were doing previously? Was it just the opponent or do you think we have an opportunity to actually have a decent running game? Dowdle looked the best I've ever seen him.

You could see the signs starting to develop last week.

 

[cowboys5xsbs]

We figured out Zeke is old and fat

 

[ChrisL97]

That's not what Collinsworth said. Early on we were running zone blocking. Steelers brought more guys in the box and we switched to a more traditional blocking scheme. So we adjusted to their adjustments

 

[jsb357]

Pittsburgh defense was tired in the 4th

that always helps

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

They stopped running on first down and were able to wear them out with the quick passing game. Plus, the Steelers offense couldn't generate anything.

I mean we're talking about how great the run game was but the RBs only averaged 3.9 ypc. This offense is pitiful.

 

[blueblood70]

Pittsburgh defense was tired in the 4th

that always helps

that's because our offence never punted.. they had over 500 yards of offense and even though the turnovers didn't help they were at the end of very long drives . so this offense tired that defense out, credit MM playcalling..he wore them out and kept coming. Want to see more of that..

 

[CWR]

Collinsworth pointed out that Dallas went away from the typical zone running scheme and played more of a old school gap scheme - just putting bodies on bodies and moving the DL. Did we figure something out here or does the coach go back to what we were doing previously? Was it just the opponent or do you think we have an opportunity to actually have a decent running game? Dowdle looked the best I've ever seen him.

I'd say we definitely figured something out. That said I think they'll probably revert back to the zone scheme next game. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I wouldn't say they've figured anything out, I think they simply executed better this week for whatever reason. I think there is a misconception that this gap running style was just brought back by the Cowboys last night. They've been running it as about a third of their run plays all year, most teams have. Baltimore did it extensively against us.

 

[Whyjerry]

Guyton going away and the focus on Dowdle helped big time.

 

[rambo2]

They stopped running on first down and were able to wear them out with the quick passing game. Plus, the Steelers offense couldn't generate anything.

I mean we're talking about how great the run game was but the RBs only averaged 3.9 ypc. This offense is pitiful.

The offense is not pitiful.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

The offense is not pitiful.

The run game*

The offense as a whole is pretty bad but the run game is atrocious.

 

[rambo2]

The run game*

The offense as a whole is pretty bad but the run game is atrocious.

Lol, the run game was a big reason that they won.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

Lol, the run game was a big reason that they won.

Sure. But that doesn't mean it was some dynamic attack.

When your RBs average less than 4 ypc and we're sitting here talking about how improved and good it looked, that's just saying how terrible it really is.

 

[MonsterD]

Dowdle has been running well before too, but they tried to go to a committee as much as they could and this game was 80% Dowdle.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Lol, the run game was a big reason that they won.

That doesn't mean its not an issue though. Hes right, despite it being our best rushing game of the year they still averaged just 3.5 per carry as a team. 3.5 per carry is better than only the Bears this year. We remain behind the rest of the league in terms of running the football.

 

[Doomsday]

Dowdle ran the ball pretty well vs the Giants, but only had 11 carries. Amazing what sticking with the run can do as the game progresses.

 

[Doomsday]

That doesn't mean its not an issue though. Hes right, despite it being our best rushing game of the year they still averaged just 3.5 per carry as a team. 3.5 per carry is better than only the Bears this year. We remain behind the rest of the league in terms of running the football.

Dowdle averaged 4.4 vs Pittsburgh and 4.9 against the Giants. Zeke and the WRs are really hurting the overall numbers.