News: Scott Linehan’s Play Calling Shows Intent to Break with Past Trends (vs PHI)

[CCBoy]

Scott Linehan’s Play Calling Shows Intent to Break with Past Trends (vs PHI)

http://cowboyszone.com/2016/11/scot...-intent-to-break-with-past-trends-vs-phi.html


...Scott Linehan really made an effort this week to break from his tendencies of the last couple weeks. The Cowboys used the shotgun on first down much more often than usual, and they ran out of the shotgun much more than in past weeks.

After 8 weeks, close to half of a season, the Dallas Cowboys are:

• 6th in the NFL in 3rd down conversions (44%)
• 4th in total offense after Atlanta, New Orleans, and the team in DC
• a respectable +4 in turnover differential
• lead the NFL in rushing yards per game (164.9)
• lead the NFL in time of possession (33:16)
• second in rushing TD’s (12) after Buffalo’s 14 (played one more came)
• only Byffalo has more runs of 20+ yards (14) than the Cowboys 9
• the 6th least penalized team in terms of yards
• averaging 26.9 points a game (10th)

Dak Prescott is averaging 244 yards a game passing. In 2014, Tony Romo was averaging 255 yards a game over the first 7 games.

Dak Prescott’s offense has racked up over 400 yards in 4 consecutive games; Tony Romo has never done that.

Against the Eagles, Dak was just 19 out of 39, for 287 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. For the season, Dak has completed 65.2 of his passes. His QB rating at NFL.com is 99.6, which is 7th in the NFL for a starting QB. PFF grades him at 77.6 (17th in NFL)...

 

[DrunkWithPower]

And the break in tendencies almost killed us when the blitzing started. We needed play-action, screens, swing passes, and quick slants. What we got was empty shotgun formations and draw plays. I think he learned his lesson.

 

[CCBoy]

Simply stated, it takes time to develop the consistency and team awareness to be able to adjust and adapt to specific situations...

now, does ANYONE still regret drafting Zeke Elliott with the Cowboys' first pick?

 

[percyhoward]

The Cowboys used the shotgun on first down much more often than usual, and they ran out of the shotgun much more than in past weeks.

Two reasons we saw more shotgun -- the Eagles were stopping the run out of our 2TE sets, and you pass more when you're behind.

 

[CCBoy]

Two reasons we saw more shotgun -- the Eagles were stopping the run out of our 2TE sets, and you pass more when you're behind.

The offensive line held up and Philadelphia was missing a very important defensive tackle for that game...

 

[percyhoward]

The offensive line held up and Philadelphia was missing a very important defensive tackle for that game...

Dallas vs. Philly
from shotgun: 9 rushes 55 yards
with 2 TE: 10 rushes 23 yards

 

[CCBoy]

Dallas vs. Philly
from shotgun: 9 rushes 55 yards
with 2 TE: 10 rushes 23 yards

Always good stats, Percy...and as always, thanks.

Do you by chance have statistics on hand for their linebackers, where their game failed for their defense?