ST: New fullback says Cowboys can do everything with DeMarco Murray that Bears do with Matt Forte

[links18]

I remember reading we run plays that require a fullback, but we have been using Hanna and a linebacker - can't remember his name - in that role. Maybe they have decided those plays would work better with a real fullback. It could be that simple, I suppose.

Hanna hasn't done much so far.

 

[cowboys2233]

It might have been good so far but let me ask this....if its third and goal at the 1, in Washington, down by 4 in the 4th quarter, do you trust this team to score?

I sure don't.

Is Murray healthy in this scenario? If so, I sure do. It has been good so far, like second best in the league good. And why would you think it will change? Just because?

 

[cowboys2233]

Right?

They must have something in mind, but I'm not sure what it could be at this point. Puzzling.

Oh, they have something in mind alright. Run it right down their throat and expose Ratliff and the rest of that defense for the pitiful run stoppers they are. Murray is going to absolutely punish this defense on Monday night. Punish.

 

[OhSnap]

I agree with you, but it seems like maybe they should have thought about that at the beginning of the season rather than rely on a scrap heap player signed in December. Were there no quality fullbacks available in the off season?

I like some of the adjustments they've made since the bye. I think this is another good one. They went and got the best FB available a couple years ago, I'm glad they didn't try to find another FB this year. This guy might have just been a the best option available to fill Dunbars spot and may not get on the field. Could have nothing to do with poor planning for the FB position.

 

[Idgit]

Oh, they have something in mind alright. Run it right down their throat and expose Ratliff and the rest of that defense for the pitiful run stoppers they are. Murray is going to absolutely punish this defense on Monday night. Punish.

Something tells me this little guy isn't going to help us run it better between the tackles.

We're better taking it to the edge and bending it upfield, as it is, this season. I think Clutts is a second-level blocker or a guy to pick off that outside run stopper when we need one. If he plays at all. We'll see.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Sorry Clutts, wrong. They might have somewhat of a similar style but they are no where near the same player. Forte is much smoother, faster, and can actually make someone miss. The hands are about the only thing similar IMO.

 

[jobberone]

First time I've ever heard that about DeMarco.

That's not inaccurate. I wouldn't say he glides but he's pretty smooth.

 

[jobberone]

Something tells me this little guy isn't going to help us run it better between the tackles.

We're better taking it to the edge and bending it upfield, as it is, this season. I think Clutts is a second-level blocker or a guy to pick off that outside run stopper when we need one. If he plays at all. We'll see.

Supposedly it's become more difficult to run the ball up the middle. Teams have made it a priority to stop the run up the middle which is a great way to beat someone. Running up the middle is an important component of the vertical offense. Most teams are finding ways to hit the edge. We are seeing more sweeps these days. Kinda like the late 50s and 60s.

 

[Idgit]

Supposedly it's become more difficult to run the ball up the middle. Teams have made it a priority to stop the run up the middle which is a great way to beat someone. Running up the middle is an important component of the vertical offense. Most teams are finding ways to hit the edge. We are seeing more sweeps these days. Kinda like the late 50s and 60s.

Well, the Bears are playing a guy at DT who's a better fit at SOLB in a 3-4....I do expect we'll test the middle more than we have in recent weeks. If they lineup Rat over Leary, as expected, I can see us trying them out McClellin and seeing if he's really up to stopping Demarco. Normally, though, I'd expect to see more of the off-tackle stuff and the stretch plays we've been using recently. At least, I think that's what they're planning to do with Clutts, more than battering him up inside.

 

[cowboys2233]

Something tells me this little guy isn't going to help us run it better between the tackles.

We're better taking it to the edge and bending it upfield, as it is, this season. I think Clutts is a second-level blocker or a guy to pick off that outside run stopper when we need one. If he plays at all. We'll see.

Second level blocking is all he is going to have to do after Frederick completely removes Ratliff from the equation. The Bears have a bad run defense, worst in the league in fact, and I think we're going to build off of the success we had against the Raiders. We took it to the Raiders, who have a MUCH better run defense than the Bears, and much of our running was straight up the middle.

 

[kramskoi]

Realized their TE group wasn't as strong as they thought, or that the 12 personel doesn't fit this team as well as expected.

Doesn't seem like something that shocking to me, Idgit. You can see there are a number of reasons why the coaching staff may have just changed their minds about what they want to do.

This just throws more fire on the Escobar pick IMO. But at least it looks as though they can admit failure and redirect. Wouldn't it be something if the offense achieves a new buoyancy after acquiescing to the facts?

 

[jobberone]

Well, the Bears are playing a guy at DT who's a better fit at SOLB in a 3-4....I do expect we'll test the middle more than we have in recent weeks. If they lineup Rat over Leary, as expected, I can see us trying them out McClellin and seeing if he's really up to stopping Demarco. Normally, though, I'd expect to see more of the off-tackle stuff and the stretch plays we've been using recently. At least, I think that's what they're planning to do with Clutts, more than battering him up inside.

I agree. I don't know how Leary will do with Ratliff. He has had problems with the quick tackles but he's also been overpowered. We'll see.

Their zone blocking is opening holes where the play wasn't necessarily designed to go so Murray.

 

[XxTDxX]

Murray is not as good as Forte. Period. But they are similar in ways

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Murray is not as good as Forte. Period. But they are similar in ways

He's better than him this year so far.

 

[XxTDxX]

He's better than him this year so far.

How do you figure that?

Murray has 697 yards, 7TD's and 39 Catches for 268 yards and 0 TD's

Forte has 971 yards, 7TD's and 58 catches for 448 yards and 1 TD

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

How do you figure that?

Murray has 697 yards, 7TD's and 39 Catches for 268 yards and 0 TD's

Forte has 971 yards, 7TD's and 58 catches for 448 yards and 1 TD

You forgot to mention that Demarco has 142 rushing attempts and Matt Forte has 212 lol. Might be a big reason why Forte has more yards.

Despite not rushing the ball NEARLY as much he has just as many touchdowns.

Its clear we don't use Demarco nearly as much as Forte but Demarco is not as bad as you guys make him out to be. I'd take Matt Forte because he'll be more healthy but if both guys are healthy? Demarco is nothing to sneeze at. He's a great player who has injury problems.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

It might have been good so far but let me ask this....if its third and goal at the 1, in Washington, down by 4 in the 4th quarter, do you trust this team to score?

I sure don't.

Yes I think they would score. Why wouldn't they, it's one thing they have done all year

 

[RoyTheHammer]

How do you figure that?

Murray has 697 yards, 7TD's and 39 Catches for 268 yards and 0 TD's

Forte has 971 yards, 7TD's and 58 catches for 448 yards and 1 TD

YPT.. and having just as many TD's with a considerable lesser amount of touches.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Yes I think they would score. Why wouldn't they, it's one thing they have done all year

It might have been good so far but let me ask this....if its third and goal at the 1, in Washington, down by 4 in the 4th quarter, do you trust this team to score?
I sure don't.

Besides Washington is terrible doing run or pass.

 

[XxTDxX]

You forgot to mention that Demarco has 142 rushing attempts and Matt Forte has 212 lol. Might be a big reason why Forte has more yards.

Despite not rushing the ball NEARLY as much he has just as many touchdowns.

Its clear we don't use Demarco nearly as much as Forte but Demarco is not as bad as you guys make him out to be. I'd take Matt Forte because he'll be more healthy but if both guys are healthy? Demarco is nothing to sneeze at. He's a great player who has injury problems.

Demarco has missed games resulting in a lack of carries and the run game has been entirely ineffective at times as well.. We are a passing team.

BTW I never said that Demarco was a bad player but he isn't on Forte's level. Forte is a great player who has missed 5 games in a 6 year career. Demarco has missed 12 games in a 3 year career.. There isn't a comparison between the 2 at this point.. Demarco is a good back when healthy and I am not one of the people who thinks he sucks and has terrible vision etc. Just happen to believe that Forte is a better player and that doesn't = Demarco sucking