So what happened to the Dallas Cowboys' '12 personnel' package?

[Doc50]

I agree with the OP, that we should have expected more production from the TE group and schemes by now.

I thought Hanna could be a difference-maker this year with his size and speed, and I also thought that the OC would work Escobar into the mix by now.
As Xwalker said, they have not been targetted much, and the offense and play-calling still looks fairly predictable from week to week.

Many of us have been disappointed in the lack of creativity in the offense we've seen. We expected to see new wrinkles, sets, plays, even changing significantly from one half to the next. We expected that our collection of assets and genius would present all kinds of challenges for opposing defenses, and always keep them off balance.

Instead, it looks like we need another training camp to get the HC, OC, QB, backs, and receivers on the same page. If I can look at the formation, down, and distance and fairly accurately predict what's about to happen, then the opposition should have no problem. Of course, execution of the called play is a major factor, but being unpredictable and even innovative is an edge that can make success more likely.

And that's an edge from the coaching position that we've been missing.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

As do I, but I am fascinated by how good the no-name TE on the Broncos became once Manning took over as QB.

He's a great athlete and Peyton is a tall, overhand throwing QB which really makes it easier on those seam routes for everybody involved. And with Welker, Thomas and Decker at WR, it opens things up for a TE to make a lot of catches.

I'm not a fan of us going so heavily into the 12 personnel. I would have preferred us to have 3 TE's and then a fullback. This way we can possibly go 00, 01, 10, 11, 12 and 21 personnel packages. That allows us to figure out what works best for us instead of trying to force ourselves into 12 personnel and use that in games where the opposing defense struggles to stop 1 of those personnel packages.

I also think we can find a fullback. Perhaps a college linebacker who could convert to fullback.

It's not the highest priority, but I prefer the flexibility it gives the team over forcing ourselves into 12 personnel.



YR