Things I don't "get"

[Verdict]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

 

[CashMan]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

Why is Collins not playing?

 

[popp1234]

Why is Collins not playing?

He will be. He has been announced the starter against the Giants.

 

[Nation]

I don't think the theory was anyone could run behind the line, it was more along the lines of anyone could run behind the line with the threat of Dez Bryant and Tony Romo demanding 7-men in the box. Murray couldn't run behind the line either last year verse Arizona when Weeden played.

 

[bsbellomy]

You are assuming there is something better behind Randle to play.

 

[Danger]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

Leary is obviously not 100% from the his groin injury he suffered a couple weeks ago.

 

[RunDMC]

Why has the offensive line been inept? Well because we had Brandon Weeden starting at quarterback. You'll be hard pressed to find any line that could succeed with him under center. You can't block 8 or 9 guys and you have to when the guy is too scared to test teams deep and be aggressive. Not having Dez hurts too because no other reciever requires safety over the top help.

They used McFadden more like they did Dunbar and he failed miserably. Couldn't make anyone miss. Literally got taken down by his shoe string. Also whiffed on two blitz pickups. Injuries have taken a toll it looks like and his explosion is gone.

Beasley has had a good year, but in recent weeks teams have doubled him more as they did towards the end of last season. He's a limited reciever. He's too small to be a vertical threat. He's very good in the slot, but if teams take that away he's gonna have a hard time getting seperation the further he gets away from the line of scrimmage. All that changes when you get Dez back.

 

[fortdick]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

Actually, the indecision seem to start in the second half. He always looked good at the start of the game. After half time though, it is like he checks out. I agree, give someone else the ball.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

I really don't see where Randle has shown anymore than McFadden. I would liked to see him get the bulk of the carries at least one game to determine if he was the man.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

I am afraid maybe the playbook was a little too difficult for him. Didn't he have a rep as a bit of a flake? All legs and no head?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

Safeties up cause our WR's pose no threat. He can catch it buts gets hit immediately. At least that is what I see. Williams and Street have done nothing to force safeties to stay high. Witten suffering for same reason.

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

I think the degenerative knee has made itself known. We kinda thought he had a short time.

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

You have to run to pass and pass to run. Our line is doing fine. They just need to face a reasonable amount of defenders and not 8 or 9 every down.

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

Well, almost any body. I don't see Murray out performing our line, so I am laying it on the injuries to Tony and Dez. There is no real reason to play pass.

 

[fortdick]

Why has the offensive line been inept? Well because we had Brandon Weeden starting at quarterback. You'll be hard pressed to find any line that could succeed with him under center. You can't block 8 or 9 guys and you have to when the guy is too scared to test teams deep and be aggressive. Not having Dez hurts too because no other reciever requires safety over the top help.

They used McFadden more like they did Dunbar and he failed miserably. Couldn't make anyone miss. Literally got taken down by his shoe string. Also whiffed on two blitz pickups. Injuries have taken a toll it looks like and his explosion is gone.

Beasley has had a good year, but in recent weeks teams have doubled him more as they did towards the end of last season. He's a limited reciever. He's too small to be a vertical threat. He's very good in the slot, but if teams take that away he's gonna have a hard time getting seperation the further he gets away from the line of scrimmage. All that changes when you get Dez back.

This

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

1- randle has been boom or bust. he has had some long runs, but also missed some holes. he has made some bad runs losing yards and then again, on other runs he made something out of nothing. he is inconsistent. what I have seen out of McFadden hasn't been impressive and not sure we are better off with him.

2- dunbar had a knack to get to the open spaces and had good route running ability. McFadden doesn't seem to have that. you can put him and try him for that, but if he sucks at it, there isn't much you can do. at this point, McFadden doesn't look good doing anything. even when he has gotten to open space, he has been very easily tackled and hasn't shown that elusiveness.

3- Michael's reputation in seattle was inconsistent. not a student of the game. makes boneheaded plays. with current state of offense and how teams are stacking the line, not sure if he is any better than Randle or McFadden. I am not opposed to get him more carries. we will probably see that this up coming game.

4- he is a slot receiver and teams are accounting for that and they are stacked in the line. they are taking his routes away because there is no vertical threat in the offense with weeden.

5- I think leary is hurt and trying not to reveal it. and he just didn't want to lose his job so he hurried himself back. he just shows no power in his legs or much movement laterally.

6- I think our offense is rather simple to defend over the past three weeks. weeden doesn't like to make the tough throws, he doesn't go through his reads, he doesn't go deep and likes to dump off the ball. teams stack the line and look for the run. there is always a man that can get to a hole to cover it and limit the line. I also think Free and Leary's play has been less than average and it makes the whole OL look bad. plus it seems each OL man has had one really bad game this year, including smith.

 

[Verdict]

I don't think the theory was anyone could run behind the line, it was more along the lines of anyone could run behind the line with the threat of Dez Bryant and Tony Romo demanding 7-men in the box. Murray couldn't run behind the line either last year verse Arizona when Weeden played.

I understand that is probably your interpretation of some people's stance, and it probably accurately reflects the opinion of some people. I am not talking about those people. I am talking about the group of people on this board who really think that truly anyone can run behind this line. You know .... the silent ones ....the ones of whom they wish we would not speak. LOL.

 

[kiheikiwi]

Think it is more Leary's groin injury than his knee. He is just not healthy. Think that is also the problem with the rest of the O-line. Smith - injured early still not 100%, Leary - groin. Fredbeard - good to go (but the only one who is). Martin - the neck stinger is obviously still bothering him. Free - not back 100% from the 2 foot surgeries.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

We have gone from a Leader in Demarco Murray, to ....."got 6 coach". And the RBBC with Randle/DMC has failed. With or without Romo/Dez, it has failed......those who supported that direction by the FO, were wrong. Just like the FO.

go ahead, and let the "spin begin"....throw me the excuses.

I would also add to the list;

1. I dont get why Rowdy hasnt been retired yet? Can we come up with a more creepy mascot? Just kill hiim already. Remove all evidence that he ever existed!

2. Same thing with those goofy foam cowboys hats that my girl and I bought last year. Retire them too.. a footnote: watch yourself at those games....there are a lot fo thieves hanging around that stadium. Dude stole a foam hat from my girl who had put it down to get her drink settled. -- Who steals a Foam hat?

 

[RS12]

Not only has is the box loaded but the size of it has shrunk to about 15-20 yards because the QB and his weapons dont scare the opposition.

 

[cowboyuptx]

2. McFadden sucks, he's the Brandon Weeden of RB's...

6. Both... Plus other defenses have been hearing all about the "all-world" Dallas OL, so they're preparing for us each week as though it's true...

7. RB is not that big of a deal when you have Romo, Dez, Witten, and Beasley... Again, Tom Brady and the Patriots are winning with Blount and Lewis as their RB's, just like we would still be winning if Romo were playing.

 

[LocimusPrime]

1. Why are we still starting and gibing Randle "starters reps? So far he really hasn't shown ANYTHING at all other than the ability to run through a gaping hole. He is far too tentative in running the ball. He is incredibly indecisive. Stop doing the same thing and hoping for a different result.

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

3. Why didn't Michael get more carries? I realize that Michael probably has limited mastery of the playbook, but why not give him 10 carries over the course of the game. They thought enough of him to trade for him and give up draft pick ammo to do so. I am quite sure that the Pats might have guesses that it was going to be a running play to Michael when he comes in, but really is that really more predictable than we have already been since Romo's injury?

4. Where has Cole Beasley gone, and why do we not see more attempts in his direction out of the slot?

5. What is up with Leary? Has he really regressed that far in a year and if so, why?

6. Why is our offensive line play overall so inept this year? Have they fallen prey to reading their press clippings from last year, or did Romo and Murray make them look better than they really are?

7. Where are all of the Cowboys Zoners now who have championed the theory that "ANYONE" can run behind this line, and do they still currently feel the same way?

5. Leary is still nursing that groin injury
6. Leary, Martin, and Free arent at 100%. Leary- groin injury. Martin- neck, stinger, nerve injury. Free- foot

 

[TonyRomo17]

Lol you cant compare DMC in the passing game to Randle, has DMC ever broklen a tackle in his career?=

 

[fifaguy]

Sticking with Randle is a testament to the lack of depth we currently have at rb. Although Christine "1 carry" Michael's role has been limited, I would be very surprised if his role isn't increased as the season goes on.

 

[alicetooljam]

2. Why haven't they used McFadden more in the passing game? McFadden isn't really a beat you down kind of back. They should use McFadden more like they were using Dunbar before we lost him for the year. Dunbar was starting to become quite a weapon in our arsenal before the season ending injury.

DMC had 9 receptions in the last game...I think hes included. Thats part of the problem....

 

[Joe_Fan]

I'm completely for CM getting more reps but with that being said I really wish that Rawls hadn't spurned us for Seattle. He would have been perfect here with his style of running.