Smash Mouth Football is Back?

[links18]

I am listening to a segment on NFL network about how the league (led by Dallas) is reverting back to "smash mouth football" in a switch away from the aerial attack.

This seems right in the sense that teams seem to be emphasizing a running attack more and more, but it still does not look like 1985 out there. As far as Dallas goes, we are certainly utilizing the running game, but we still see a tendency to go empty set at the weirdest times and we seem to want to try to use Dunbar as some kind of pass catching weapon even if it means taking Zeke off the field (we haven't been very successful with that so far).

So what say you? Are we witnessing the return of "smash mouth football" or is the NFL entering some kind of hybrid mode that leads to an offensive identity crisis at times?

 

[SDCowboy]

There definitely seems to be a strong return to the run game in the NFL. A few seasons ago, it looked like the league was going to become 100% passing. Now it seems most offenses have returned more to a traditional balance. Maybe it dawned on teams that being completely one dimensional doesn't work.

 

[waldoputty]

I am listening to a segment on NFL network about how the league (led by Dallas) is reverting back to "smash mouth football" in a switch away from the aerial attack.

This seems right in the sense that teams seem to be emphasizing a running attack more and more, but it still does not look like 1985 out there. As far as Dallas goes, we are certainly utilizing the running game, but we still see a tendency to go empty set at the weirdest times and we seem to want to try to use Dunbar as some kind of pass catching weapon even if it means taking Zeke off the field (we haven't been very successful with that so far).

So what say you? Are we witnessing the return of "smash mouth football" or is the NFL entering some kind of hybrid mode that leads to an offensive identity crisis at times?

I would not say a switch away from aerial attack, but smash mouth offers so many advantages.
Titans seem on the rise, and they have 3 1st round OL (LT, RT, 1 G on IR), young QB and 2 RBs - Murray and the big strong 2016 2nd round heisman winner...

 

[big dog cowboy]

Are we witnessing the return of "smash mouth football"

It started about 9 weeks ago.

 

[Sportsbabe]

It started about 9 weeks ago.

It's always been our MO.

 

[erod]

It's a cycle.

Defenses get big and physical to handle smash mouth, then offenses go fast and spread out to take advantage.

Then defenses evolve into smaller, faster defenders to handle the spread, then teams like Dallas get big and smash those little guys to bits.

I prefer the smash-mouth game.

 

[T-RO]

Cowboys threw for 319 yards and Steelers for 408 yards

Cowboys were at 10 yards per pass; Pittsburg at 9 yards per pass.

It was an aerial assault and a beautiful thing to behold. The most beautiful and devastating blocking play was on a pass....that saw Zeke go 85.

 

[DallasDomination]

We go deep in online including getting guards high and drafting zeke at #4 when we already have a stable of backs.

Now everyone else is following suite..but jerry is a moron right? Biased agendas.

 

[T-RO]

Now everyone else is following suite..but jerry is a moron right? Biased agendas.

Jerry was owner for 25 years before he started putting a premium on offensive lineman. I wonder who convinced him.

A good line benefits all aspects of offensive play and helps keep a quarterback effective, confident and healthy.

 

[waldoputty]

Jerry was owner for 25 years before he started putting a premium on offensive lineman. I wonder who convinced him.

A good line benefits all aspects of offensive play and helps keep a quarterback effective, confident and healthy.

Have to give that credit to Garrett.
Though Jones ok'ed it or it would not happen.
Just like the Martin pick over that qb...

 

[LandryFan]

Yes, sir

It's a cycle.

Defenses get big and physical to handle smash mouth, then offenses go fast and spread out to take advantage.

Then defenses evolve into smaller, faster defenders to handle the spread, then teams like Dallas get big and smash those little guys to bits.

I prefer the smash-mouth game.

Yes, sir. Runs in cycles. This is also a copy cat league. If Dallas maintains on offense in its current mode and has some major success for a sustained period, you'll see others try to go the same way. That's easier said than done, though. How many teams will spend three first rounders on the O Line AND have the same success we have had with those selections? Odds are long.

 

[Hardline]

I knew after the 2014 season the Cowboys would be the most copied non Super Bowl team in many years.
I always been a strong advocate of smash mouth even with the rest of the league going pass happy.

 

[Maxmadden]

I am listening to a segment on NFL network about how the league (led by Dallas) is reverting back to "smash mouth football" in a switch away from the aerial attack.

This seems right in the sense that teams seem to be emphasizing a running attack more and more, but it still does not look like 1985 out there. As far as Dallas goes, we are certainly utilizing the running game, but we still see a tendency to go empty set at the weirdest times and we seem to want to try to use Dunbar as some kind of pass catching weapon even if it means taking Zeke off the field (we haven't been very successful with that so far).

So what say you? Are we witnessing the return of "smash mouth football" or is the NFL entering some kind of hybrid mode that leads to an offensive identity crisis at times?

We have to vary the offense just to keep them off balance and to rest Zeke.

The 4th quarter is all about smash mouth.

 

[bayeslife]

Now we just need smash mouth defensive players

 

[Longboysfan]

Maybe it dawned on teams that being completely one dimensional doesn't work.

I'll second this.

 

[slick325]

The League follows the College coaches and the successful programs have been slowly going back to smash mouth football. That's why the RB position and OL is being valued highly again. Trend started with Seattle, then Dallas followed suit in 2014. The Titans have done the same. Other teams will follow. Trends go in cycles...

 

[Titleist]

Smash mouth football breeds a primal toughness that teams with an aerial-based offense cannot replicate. It also allows your team to control the clock and give your D lots of rest.

These qualities are paramount for a playoff team

 

[DallasDomination]

Seattle- kc- denver- dallas- titans- raiders are all smash mouth in their own right. Funny how they are all amongst the best in the nfl.

 

[mrmojo]

You win games in the trenches, thats always been the case. Glad NFL is getting away from being a pass happy league.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I am listening to a segment on NFL network about how the league (led by Dallas) is reverting back to "smash mouth football" in a switch away from the aerial attack.

This seems right in the sense that teams seem to be emphasizing a running attack more and more, but it still does not look like 1985 out there. As far as Dallas goes, we are certainly utilizing the running game, but we still see a tendency to go empty set at the weirdest times and we seem to want to try to use Dunbar as some kind of pass catching weapon even if it means taking Zeke off the field (we haven't been very successful with that so far).

So what say you? Are we witnessing the return of "smash mouth football" or is the NFL entering some kind of hybrid mode that leads to an offensive identity crisis at times?

It's really about a balance of being able to score enough points while shortening the game in the Cowboys favor and taking actual time off (not just game time) off the clock.

The problem with 'smash mouth' is that it tends to limit the possessions a team can have and a superior team, particularly offensively, may keep an inferior team in the game because of the low amount of possessions.

Each team traditionally gets about 8-10 possessions. Let's say you have a team that scores 3.8 points per drive on average versus another team that scores 2.8 points per drive...the lower the amount of possessions the lower the projected difference in score and the inferior team can get a lucky break and win a game they have no business winning.

Another issue is that smash mouth often leads to drives with a lot of plays. While one can romanticize about 15-play drives...they usually don't work out because it's too easy for somebody to get a penalty or miss an assignment on one of those plays than if you have a 7-play scoring drive.

On the flip side, pass happy offenses run into the issue of fading down the stretch because defensive players have historically been more than twice as likely to get injured than offensive players. The more you pass, the more likely the defense is going to be on the field and now you have players that are more likely to get injured on the field for longer than normal.

Dallas has a nice blend of being able to run the ball, but score quickly when needed and not rely on 12+ play TD drives and have 7 or 8 possession games. It's really the best of both worlds because we can score quickly and early while running the ball and taking time off the clock and then force the opponent to become one dimensional while giving us enough possession to put the game out of reach.

This is part of the positives of the hurry up no huddle. It allows for a powerful running attack without slowing the game down too much. And it works great for college and high school teams because there is often a discernible difference in level of talent at those levels. The problem in the NFL is that the talent level is more equal and it leaves the QB too prone to getting hit.




YR