The Fiammetta Factor...

[MFWitt63]

I formation....how you doinnn ??

 

[VACowboy]

Great post. Hope we see Tony under center a lot Sunday night.

 

[CCBoy]

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.

BRAVO, our man...and great write up you had for us.

It really is insightful. Funny how star power sometimes falls short unless the pounders are at work. Here, a running back's 'best friend' has been found. It's not too soon to note the presence that this fullback adds to that offense.

Good eyes at work in presenting that fact to us on site. And appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ufcrules1]

I'll start with the obvious, Tony 2;

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

Nah nah.. I got it.

T2!

 

[Pottsville Maroons]

Nice work! As a proud new owner of DeMarco (FF), I'm really hoping Fiammetta's active for the rest of the season.

 

[JoeCorrado]

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.

Sometimes it happens. We have lost a few that we would have liked to have back. You have to credit the fact that we knew his value and did not allow him to slip past.

Having a real FB on the team again is such a great thing in my view. Moose was always a fan favorite because of his blue collar approach to playing the game, hard working, reliable and on the rare occasions he was rewarded with a chance to carry the ball, he always ran like he blocked- full speed ahead and inviting opponents to step up to take the big hit in exchange for bringing him down. He was a pleasure to watch.

I hope that Fiammetta can be our next great FB for years to come. He also has some skill as a ball carrier and was a RB in HS and he can catch well so he should get an opportunity from time to time to have a little fun.

Lucky he didn't slip away because of somebody's bone headed move in releasing him earlier. Held my breath over that one.

Did you all know that he benched 225# 31 times? Yep, here's proof.

 

[gbrittain]

This is a stupid thread. Stats mean nothing.


I hope everyone's sarcasm meter is in good working order.

 

[rkell87]

great thread

 

[speedkilz88]

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....

They had a coaching change this year and their was rumors that he wasn't a good fit for their new offense and then he got hurt early on in preseason.

 

[LeonDixson]

I echo the other sentiments Hot_Toddy. Thank you for the excellent work. The stats regarding the red zone and 3rd down conversions are amazing. I had no idea that was the case.

 

[followthestar]

Yes, thanks for a great thread! It makes me wonder how much was Murray and how much the blocking when he had a FB blocking for him? Either way, I have not been this optimistic about our team since... well, just last year actually. Anyway, with a balanced attack and 3 solid WRs, on top of an OL that seems to be iiimproving with each game, its a good situation. If we have a solid balanced victory over the Eagles, we could be on to something. But as we proved already this season, we won't be championship-caliber until we can pick up those 2 and 3 yard first downs and TDs without resorting to the shotgun. Thanks again for the thread!

 

[jblaze2004]

so we basically need to become a power I team. I would love that. Play-action is more effective that way. You can also use mis-directions and counters.

I also love the way tony ran the fake pass drawl. Just like garrett drew it up.

We need less shotgun and more 2 back sets?