CFZ The Fundamentals of Football still matter

[Bobhaze]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

 

[FanofJerry]

its fake dude

 

[Bobhaze]

its fake dude

?

 

[Majic]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

Assuming Mike is back next year he needs to do what he did this year with the Offense once Moore left. Take control of the defensive philosophy of the team.

 

[75boyz]

Physical and mental toughness. You've mentioned these 2 things as required ingredients to post season success over the years.
After yesterday's outcome it still seems nothing has changed with this team.

 

[nate dizzle]

?

He's trying to cope. Best to leave him be.

 

[Bobhaze]

Assuming Mike is back next year he needs to do what he did this year with the Offense once Moore left. Take control of the defensive philosophy of the team.

I also think some draft capital needs to be sunk in some run stuffing talent. At DT and LB.

 

[CTcowboy203]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

Great post and spot on. At one point during the game I just said they are dominating us on both lines right now. Also cook carrying the entire defense on its back for an additional 8 yards was pretty symbolic of what type of day we were going to get.

 

[nate dizzle]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

Spot on BH

 

[acr731]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

What we saw yesterday just reinforced the belief that this team has problems competing with better teams.

 

[VaqueroTD]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

hard to disagree

worse of all, can't fix until roster overhauls... i.e. next year

may get us all the way to Conference Championship, who knows, but someone will stop us in our tracks because of it

 

[ChronicCowboy]

its fake dude

COPE

 

[Bobhaze]

I would also add

What we saw yesterday just reinforced the belief that this team has problems competing with better teams.

Maybe. I think the Arizona loss though was much like yesterday’s loss in that we could not stop their run when we had to. Ariz is a terrible team. But they were more physical.

IMO, it’s more about the Cowboys still struggling with physical teams. The eagles are a good team and we have not had big problems handling them.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

The only way to improve the run defense is to invest in playmakers on offense.

Spending on DTs and 2-down LBs is suicide.

 

[Bobhaze]

The only way to improve the run defense is to invest in playmakers on offense.

Spending on DTs and 2-down LBs is suicide.

IMO Mac it’s hard for WRs and RBs to be the flagship of any football team’s fundamental toughness. Sure it’s great to have playmakers on O- yes you have to have them. But if you can’t control the LOS, you won’t have playmakers.

 

[starfan1]

I also think some draft capital needs to be sunk in some run stuffing talent. At DT and LB.

I have no faith in the cowboys to get it right after stinkers like taco and jaylon etc, and while the jury is still out on last years reaches in first 2 rounds they don’t inspire a ton of confidence

I think they have tried at DT just fail every time

Injury bug haven’t helped us much with Diggs being out and I would have loved to see what overshown would have brought to the table

San Francisco LBs make ours look like peewee football players

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

IMO Mac it’s hard for WRs and RBs to be the flagship of any football team’s fundamental toughness. Sure it’s great to have playmakers on O- yes you have to have them. But if you can’t control the LOS, you won’t have playmakers.

Toughness is a product of playing with a lead.

The 49ers are "tough" because of the things that Deebo and Kittle do after the catch that make things easier for everyone else.

Play with a lead and all of a sudden you look a lot tougher. Tes, they need to invest more in the OL too.

 

[Aven8]

I would also add

Maybe. I think the Arizona loss though was much like yesterday’s loss in that we could not stop their run when we had to. Ariz is a terrible team. But they were more physical.

IMO, it’s more about the Cowboys still struggling with physical teams. The eagles are a good team and we have not had big problems handling them.

The Eagles went away from being a physical team once they paid Hurts and realized all the toys he had to throw to.

That’s my only hope for this playoff run. We will only see one team that plays like this and that’s our old pal SF. Last year we played them as tough on D as we ever had, but our Offense sucked.

On another note, if Buffalo gets in, they are going to the SB IMO. They are getting hot at the right time. The AFC is weak.

 

[Bobhaze]

The Eagles went away from being a physical team once they paid Hurts and realized all the toys he had to throw to.

That’s my only hope for this playoff run. We will only see one team that plays like this and that’s our old pal SF. Last year we played them as tough on D as we ever had, but our Offense sucked.

On another note, if Buffalo gets in, they are going to the SB IMO. They are getting hot at the right time. The AFC is weak.

Buffalo is probably a better team than their 8-6 record. They have lost some head scratchers like losing to the jets and the patriots, barely beating the giants. Like most NFL teams, they have had their ups and downs. But they are playing their best football now. They will be a tough out in the playoffs.

 

[eromeopolk]

At its core, football is still a game where the fundamentals matter. The ability to block well, tackle well, and to be more physical (within the rules) than your opponent is still the foundation for long term football success. The teams that control the line of scrimmage usually win. Especially in the playoffs.

Yesterday in Buffalo, we received a major reminder of this fundamental truth. The bills completely dominated the LOS on both sides of the ball, ran the ball 39 times with almost no problem and their defense dominated our OL all day. The bills played sound fundamental football and we did not. It is truly that simple.

We did not lose that game because of “bad play-calling” on offense or not making enough “adjustments“ on defense. We got physically dominated. And that is worse than losing because of just a few plays here and there. That game was over in the second quarter. No great QB or dominant defender could rescue a team from that.

So, IMO, the Cowboys have still not fixed the same flaw that has knocked them out of the playoffs too many times in the last decade: Not being able to counterpunch a physical bully. SF showed us that in our 3 straight losses to them since 2021. Until this team proves they are capable of being able to counterpunch a physical team, that problem will remain our achilles heel.

So Mike McCarthy’s biggest challenge moving forward is to find a way to get this team tougher physically and mentally. This is a still a good football team. But it needs to get tougher and smarter.

Hate to say it, but the Cowboys are soft until proven otherwise in the playoffs. They can still change that narrative in the playoffs but it won’t change until it actually happens.

Agree. But lets KISS it (Keep It Simple for the Stupid).

I have been saying the following on this forum and for the 28 years of Jerry Dumbo GM Jones and the Arlington Jonesboys...

"You run to win, pass to score, defense wins championships, your defense must stop the run to rush the pass, you have to win at least 2 of the 3 phases of football to win a game (offense, defense, special teams), and you must win at home and win in your division to make the playoffs."

Where in the Heck did you think I got this from? See Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, and Bill Parcells (All HOF Head Coaches that Jerry Dumbo GM Jones fired or ran off). Why Jerry Dumbo GM Jones, and Arlington Jonesboys think another way is going to work is just asinine.

Not stopping the run and not running the ball is death by physical football mutilation by teams that do stop the run and run the ball, especially in December. That is what the 49ers did Dallas and Philly (stop the run and run the ball). As long as there are 4 downs to gain 10 yards on a football field, these fundamentals of football will never change.