Sturm: Decoding Linehan- Beat That Blitz

[Sturm1310]

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...epare-to-deal-with-heavy-blitzing-ahead.html/

The coordination of the Cowboys offense this year has been one of the points I have visited about week after week in this space. There have been years where it looks like the Cowboys brain trust (Garrett, Romo) have not been able to noodle through their issues with great amounts of success, but this year, with Scott Linehan included in the conversations, it sure seems like they are generally one step ahead of their competition.

Once again, against the Giants, the Cowboys did several things that the Giants were not expecting: They threw from 23 personnel for a big gainer, they tossed a shovel pass to a guy who has almost 1,000 catches but maybe none like that one, and they destroyed a blitz for a 45-yard touchdown. Week after week, it seems that the Cowboys offense has out schemed their opponent.

 

[Sydla]

It is slightly uncomfortable that some of our slowest starts or worst offensive performances came when teams blitzed us heavily. The Arizona game is a throw away because it was Weeden.

If Linehan, Romo and the OL can handle the Eagles blitz, this game is a no brainer. But if the Eagles frustrate the OL and confuse them like Washington did, we will be in big trouble.

 

[fifaguy]

It is slightly uncomfortable that some of our slowest starts or worst offensive performances came when teams blitzed us heavily. The Arizona game is a throw away because it was Weeden.

If Linehan, Romo and the OL can handle the Eagles blitz, this game is a no brainer. But if the Eagles frustrate the OL and confuse them like Washington did, we will be in big trouble.

I was thinking the same thing. I suppose on the flip side we will need to get to Sanchez...

 

[TwoDeep3]

Linehan will be tested this Thursday. If Dallas is to succeed, then they have to make adjustments to any blitz on the fly.

I still think this game comes down to Dallas running the ball successfully. Keep their offense on the sidelines.

But Kiffin could change everything if he can get Sanchez looking over his shoulder.

 

[kid1150]

Thanks for the info, Bob. The blitz has always worried me, even this year. Tony's 125 QB rating against the blitz has eased my apprehension a bit, but as others have already pointed out, 2 of the 3 losses were against blitzing teams. It's almost a given that the Eagles send 6+ at Romo at least 30% of the time, maybe more. The OLine and RBs need to be on the same page throughout the game on passing plays. Linehan and staff need not over-complex things, but perhaps have a contingency plan on almost all passing downs (slants, screens, no huddle, etc), where routes are changed via audibles or hand signs. The Boys have enough in receivers to win the one-on-one battles. If the Boys beat the blitz early in the game, I like our chances. That doesn't mean the Eagles will give up on the blitz, but may attempt to disguise it differently. So, the offense will always need to be on alert throughout the game.