Sturm: Marinelli Report - Week 8 - Washington

[Sturm1310]

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...-defense-stuck-on-the-field-in-2nd-half.html/

For the first time in quite a while, the Cowboys were unable to follow their blueprint for success in 2014. They have been very strong with their recipe of a dominating ground game that then used strong situational football to protect the defense by keeping them off the field.

Opponents know this is the recipe, but have a hard time figuring out ways around it. Of course, we have detailed that Washington won 3rd Down often enough to throw a wrench in this plan, but they also needed some generous ball security by the Cowboys to put “time of possession” squarely in favor of the Commanders at about a 58%/42% margin. If, on a play-by-play basis, the Cowboys defense is actually a fraction worse than they were in 2013 (6.07 yards allowed per play in ’13, 6.11 per play in ’14), then the number of snaps conceded and time of possession is a real component to this all.

With that in mind, with the exception of the Rams game, no team kept the Cowboys defense on the field for so many snaps (although this game was affected by 8 overtime plays), and even with the overtime, the time of possession % for Dallas was lower than any game this year.

 

[CCBoy]

I await these as a 'rug rat' anticipates the ice cream truck...

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I await these as a 'rug rat' anticipates the ice cream truck...

It is my experience that rug rats don't anticipate the ice cream truck. They form gangs of roving rug rats and chase it down the streets until they finally capture it.

Perhaps it's a perception formed by own experiences during my youth?

 

[Doomsday101]

What I saw was the worst tackling performance by the defense that I have seen thus far. It allowed Washington and more importantly Colt McCoy to say in many 2nd/3rd and short situation which in my view plays to Colts advantage. He is not a strong arm QB but just as it was at UT Colt is good with pin point throws and good touch and will dink and dunk you to death if you can keep him if good down and distance situations.

 

[CCBoy]

It is my experience that rug rats don't anticipate the ice cream truck. They form gangs of roving rug rats and chase it down the streets until they finally capture it.

Perhaps it's a perception formed by own experiences during my youth?

Sorry, when I was in the service, rug rats was an affectionate term for one's small children.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Sorry, when I was in the service, rug rats was an affectionate term for one's small children.

Yes, when I was a kid, it was an accurate description of the roving packs of children who followed the Ice Cream Truck as well.

 

[MrMom]

Really cool section on the difference between McClain and Lee and how they played the QB draw, GIFs included. Nice work, Bob.

 

[Rick_Deckard]

Really cool section on the difference between McClain and Lee and how they played the QB draw, GIFs included. Nice work, Bob.

Not to take anything away from the job Lee did, but he was being blocked by the Center while McClain was engaged by an eligible receiver that he had to cover in case it was a pass. I think it makes a difference in reaction time.

 

[MrMom]

Not to take anything away from the job Lee did, but he was being blocked by the Center while McClain was engaged by an eligible receiver that he had to cover in case it was a pass. I think it makes a difference in reaction time.

True, but Lee's reaction time jumped off the screen, it's what allowed him the chance to come forward and aggressively jump around the block. McClain's slow reaction time is what allows Reed to get on him in the end zone before Ro knows what's going on. Slightly different scenarios, plus Lee had to bring down the more explosive athlete. Regardless, cool of Bob to go into his archives to pull this one out.

 

[Crown Royal]

What I saw was the worst tackling performance by the defense that I have seen thus far. It allowed Washington and more importantly Colt McCoy to say in many 2nd/3rd and short situation which in my view plays to Colts advantage. He is not a strong arm QB but just as it was at UT Colt is good with pin point throws and good touch and will dink and dunk you to death if you can keep him if good down and distance situations.

Sometimes it's better to allow an extra yard for a sure tackle than it is to allow 7 yards on a missed tackle. I feel like they need to be coached this way. This defense is designed to allow yards.

 

[Doomsday101]

Sometimes it's better to allow an extra yard for a sure tackle than it is to allow 7 yards on a missed tackle. I feel like they need to be coached this way. This defense is designed to allow yards.

I agree, I think Rod will get this corrected in a hurry. Guys were taking poor angles to the ball and reaching instead of running through the ball carrier.

 

[Crown Royal]

I agree, I think Rod will get this corrected in a hurry. Guys were taking poor angles to the ball and reaching instead of running through the ball carrier.

Too much going for the kill shot. There was one run where McClain seemed to think he could get him in the backfield for a loss. I'd just as soon take no gain.

 

[Doomsday101]

Too much going for the kill shot. There was one run where McClain seemed to think he could get him in the backfield for a loss. I'd just as soon take no gain.

I agree. I want guys being aggressive but they need to keep their heads in the game and stay under control.

 

[percyhoward]

I firmly believe that Gruden served up the cheese (calling them the UFO defense), the D gobbled it down, and Gruden's brother benefited.