Yards per rush
2014 4.6
2015 4.3
Just looking at ypr, you'd think 2014 was clearly better, but a lot of those yards came in situations when the game was already decided. Last year, we averaged 6.3 ypr when we were ahead by 17 points or more in the 2nd half. We haven't had any plays in that situation this year. Subtract those garbage-time runs, and our 2014 average goes down to 4.4 yards yards per rush. Add those kinds of runs to our 2015 average, and it would almost certainly go up.
Percentage of rushes resulting in a first down
2014 22.3%
2015 25.0%
Conversion rate is more telling than yards per carry, because it gives a slightly better idea of how much value you're actually getting out of each individual run.
Rushes of 4+ yards
as a percentage of total rushes
2014 236 of 507 46.5%
2015 121 of 288 42.0%
Rushes of 7+ yards
as a percentage of total rushes
2014 115 of 507 22.7%
2015 63 of 288 21.9%
Rushes of 10+ yards
as a percentage of total rushes
2014 61 of 507 12.0%
2015 35 of 288 12.2%
Rushes for no gain or loss
as a percentage of total rushes
2014 110 of 507 21.7%
2015 54 of 288 18.8%
At the extremes, we've been better this year. In between, we were better last year. Since the "in-between" categories make up the bulk of our rushes, I have to give the edge to 2014. But this edge is strongly affected by the presence of a downfield passing threat in 2014 that has mostly been absent in 2015. During the 0-7 stretch, there were a few games in which we almost didn't even try to pass beyond 10 yards past the line of scrimmage.
Targets of 10+ yards as a percentage of total attempts
2014 Romo 37.5%
2015 Romo 38.6%
2015 Cassel 29.4%
2015 Weeden 29.2%
Pass rating on those targets
2014 Romo 121.3
2015 Romo 118.4
2015 Cassel 68.4
2015 Weeden 76.0
For most of the season, the 2015 running game has been handicapped by the lack of a downfield passing threat. Even so, the results have been comparable to last year's. The 2015 Cowboys are leading the NFL in time of possession per drive, after being 2nd last year. That hasn't translated into victories this year, just as it wasn't the main reason for the 12 wins last year. But it's proof that the offense, especially the running game, has done what the coaches have intended it to do with regard to ball control, even without a real passing attack. Of course, without a real passing attack, this ball control has been basically worthless, but Romo's return gives it worth.
Going into the season, I wasn't worried about yards per carry or controling the clock, but I was concerned about short yardage. There had been a clear advantage for Murray over the other backs we'd used in short-yardage situations over the last four years. This year, McFadden has converted 14 of 17 times in short yardage/goal line situations, so now there are no worries except whether he can stay healthy. He's been even better than Murray was in this area.
Red Zone and Goal line
TD percentage
from or inside 10-yard line
2014 29 rushes, 10 TD 34.5%
2015 11 rushes, 5 TD 45.5%
from or inside 5-yard line
2014 17 rushes, 9 TD 52.9%
2015 7 rushes, 5 TD 71.4%
goal line (from 1- or 2-yard lines)
2014 8 rushes, 8 TD 100%
2015 7 rushes, 5 TD 71.4%
Short Yardage
3rd or 4th down, 1-2 yards to go
2014 31 rushes, 22 fd 71.0%
2015 18 rushes, 14 fd 77.8%
Combined short yardage/goal line
2014 37 rushes, 28 fd 75.7%
2015 25 rushes, 19 fd 76.0%
Thanks to the Zone for giving me 10,000 opportunities to celebrate, complain, share a laugh, spread some truth, have an argument, and show my ignorance. And Happy Thanksgiving.
