The Fiammetta Factor...

[Hot_Toddy]

The Fiammetta factor:

I rewatched the game and combined it with the stats to see how effective the Cowboys were with Fiammetta in:

The results: VERY EFFICIENT:

Fiammetta played roughly 2/3 of the offensive snaps, mostly our running snaps but passing as well. He played the entire 4th quarter as well, where we got 2 of our TD's.

In Garrett's Monday press conference the reporter asks JG (paraphrasing) "Is it coincidence that your two best rushing days came when Fiammetta was active?"

Garrett states, (paraphrasing w partial quotes) "I wouldn't say it's a coincidence...It's been an objective of ours to get a full-time, true FB in here for a few years now. And I think Tony is a good answer to that."

Starts at 7:24 thru 8:02: http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/multimedia_center.cfm?id=380298C5-C54A-F31E-6F53D6EB1B3A1576


A "Very good answer" indeed:

Most importantly:

Red Zone TD percent with Fiammetta on the field = 100%
3rd down percent with Fiammetta on the field = 100%
TD's with Fiammetta on the field = all 4 of our TDs (2 rushing and 2 passing)
Our passing game with Fiammetta in = 70% completions 61 Yards 2 Pass TDs

(some things just can't be made up)

In the following: *WF in front of the stats means 'With Fiammetta' - the *NF means 'No Fiammetta':

Team Rushing:

WF - 29 Att 281 Yards 2 Tds - 9.89 Yards per attempt
NF - 4 Att 14 0 TDs - 3.5 Yards per attempt (yes, 4 attempts is a very small sample size here I realize).

Murray

WF - 21 239 TD - 11.4 Yards per attempt
NF - 4 14 no TDs - 3.5 Yards per attempt Those 4 attempts are as follows: (0, 9, 2 and 3 yrds)

(The other backs all had Fiammetta Lead Blocking on all their carries):

Tanner 6 34 TD - 5.67 Yards per attempt
Choice 2 8 - 4.0 Yards per attempt

(Remember the two longest runs of the season prior to this game: Fiammetta's limited action vs the Commanders - Felix broke a 29 and a 40 yarder with him blocking).

Here's Felix's numbers for the Skins game (since I mentioned it above):

Felix 14 115 - 8.21 Yards per attempt

Here's the link to watch those two runs (upper right corner under "big play highlights"):http://www.nfl.com/scores/2011/REG3

(Note that Fiammetta sealed the block on the 2 runs mentioned above, but I never broke down the tape to see how many of the other attempts he had Fiammetta as lead blocker).

Forgive me for loving this position so much. I've been waiting for the return of a true FB for 12 years now. I've been studying Fiammetta from College, to the Panthers and finally to my Cowboys. He's the real deal for sure. And I feel this position has been exactly what we needed to go from a great Offense to a Great and Efficient offense.


Quick Notes: It really seemed St. Louis had an excellent game plan ready for our offense (too bad for them our ground troops were armed and ready). Our offense without Fiammetta on the field had a nice aerial assault, yet seemed to stall eventually leading to 3 punts and 2 FG's. I kinda wish we would have had Fiammetta in for the short yardage - i.e. 2nd and 2 (Murray no gain), 3rd and 2 (pass incomplete). Perhaps Fiammetta just needed a breather. Also, the failed Red Zone attempt (Though that was in the final 2:00 of the half and I'm unsure how many practice reps he's had with our 2 minute offense).

Our ground troops have landed, our aerial assault is in full force, our Defense is impenetrable and our special forces are trained to assist.

 

[EMMITTnROY]

Great work... nicely done. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of Fiammetta. I think he's one of the keys to making this offense go.

 

[JBell]

Well done sir.

It's funny because dude looks like a running back... but hits like a truck.

Gotta give the front office credit for finding this hidden gem, along with Laurent Robinson and Frank Walker. That's called doing your homework.

 

[Hot_Toddy]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate it greatly! I agree with your assessments as well. I worked on breaking this down for... (longer than I care to mention lol).

Glad it was read and appreciated before it flew off the 1st few pages.

 

[w8lifter]

Very good breakdown, HT. :bravo:

Its pretty obvious Fiammetta is a vital part of our offensive success.

Now we need to figure out a good nickname for him that will stick.... :cunning:

 

[casmith07]

Sounds like the answer is MORE FIAMMETTA!

Great post. Provides a very interesting look at the situation.

 

[lcharles]

My only question is, why would the coaching staff ever decide to not activate him for the game then?


Injury is the only reason as far as i am concerned.

 

[Hostile]

What a great freaking thread. Great research and solid analysis.

 

[Doomsday101]

Really nice to have a true FB on the team instead of using a TE lined up as a FB.

 

[Galian Beast]

I was devastated when he wasn't a go for the patriots game.

 

[ufcrules1]

.

Now we need to figure out a good nickname for him that will stick.... :cunning:

How about FRATE TRANE (Yes, spelled incorrectly) It could be our little inside joke here on the forum.

 

[THUMPER]

There's a reason why Emmitt credits so much of his success as a RB to Moose. :starspin

A real blocking FB has/will do wonders for our running game.

 

[SC Cowboyfan]

Nice work. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Does he have a long history of struggling with nagging injuries? Otherwise i cant see why a running team like Carolina would release him. Very good FB....

 

[Stash]

This is a fantastic thread, thank you for all the work you put into it.

I couldn't be happier that the team finally has a solid fullback, some of us have been clamoring for it for the past few years.

I hope that Fiammetta's injuries are fully behind him as we're a different offensive team when we have him on the field.

 

[trickblue]

FB has been a forgotten position for too long in the NFL...

Every great runner I can think of had a good FB leading the way...

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I think it's pretty clear that the guy makes a huge difference in our running game. I've liked what i've seen from him and I hope he can stay healthy and continue to help us run the ball more effectively.

 

[dmq]

I didn't realize that analysts had him rated as the #1 FB prospect in the 2009 draft. I can see why. Hard to believe Carolina let him go though he was injured in camp. Great pickup for the boys.

 

[Jarv]

Way to go Hot_Toddy!!!!

Anybody who has read my history here, I'm a huge fan of using the FB and pounding the ball, which sets up just about everything. Thanks for posting these stats, makes me feel like I'm not crazy or an old horse who should be put out to pasture because now this is a "pure passing league".

I have nothing against passing, but a real thing of beauty is a play action pass, double move on the CB after 4 straight runs. Yep, lets see that again in slow mo...Look, there is the safety biting on the run and the CB has no deep help...Look at them jawing at each other....okay, now I need a cig.

 

[FLcowboy]

Very good breakdown, HT. :bravo:

Its pretty obvious Fiammetta is a vital part of our offensive success.

Now we need to figure out a good nickname for him that will stick.... :cunning:

I'll start with the obvious, Tony 2;

or, Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.