What approach will McCarthy use with Dak?

[jazzcat22]

With Mike wanting to focus on running the ball. They best get 2 RB's, that will last longer than Pollard.

They need that running game to help Dak.

 

[Hawkeye19]

MM has already stated he wants to be more effective and efficient in the ground game. Less points, but control the clock, cut down on sloppy turnovers, rely on the D, play complimentary football etc…

Based on that direction, here is how I expect Dak to be affected:

1. Less pass attempts per game. I think the target for his attempts will ideally fall between 20-30 attempts per game.

2. More play action pass attempts. This is both MM’s and Schottenheimer’s philosophy and Dak is most effective when the PA passing game is clicking.

3. Increase in short yardage passing game… 25-30% offensive change points to some WCO wrinkles so I expect more screens, RB routes, and quick hitting plays that serve to set up RAC and act as extensions to the running game

4. I expect a significant decrease in turnovers. Between the changes to the offense, addition of more weapons, and Dak’s focus on reducing mistakes, I think we see 7 or fewer INTs in 2023

5. Efficiency comes at a cost of production in the passing game. I’d be shocked if Dak threw for more than 4000 yards and 25 TDs next year. The focus will be on the running game and a dynamic defense

 

[CowboyoWales]

With Mike wanting to focus on running the ball. They best get 2 RB's, that will last longer than Pollard.

They need that running game to help Dak.

For me the concern wasnt the dedication (or not) of the run game, it was the inability to vary the attack.....just throw out the same 'ole (Zeke after Tony), we are so predictive, we never appear throw in a change-up.

 

[75boyz]

How ironic.

You've kind used a Strawman Argument as the pertinent point about Rush.....it isnt about Rush, it's about Moore and dumbing down the Offense to suit the QB's arsenal (to mostly successful outcomes). It's chicken or egg, do you create the Scheme to suite the fanciful imagination of the play-caller or the QB abilities/talents/limitations?


I'll agree with that..... the whole multi-read/progression and struggles reading post snap defensive changes appears to be Dak's weakness when we're playing against the best defenses. It keeps coming back to the Jimmie Ward comments about sitting back and waiting for Dak to beat them. We shouldnt be forcing Dak, into multiple reads on every play (that highlights the complexity of the design) keep it easy win/yards (even if that means a lot of curl routes).

I suppose the determinant with the timing route is that Dak HAS TO trust the receivers......get Cooks in Dak's yard immediately.

All good points but ego comes into play here as well. Both of past and present. This is why I fully support your aforementioned chicken or egg theory of tailoring the offense to the OC or the QB.

Specifically now McCarthy, as with Moore, McCarthy will be basing an offense on some of HIS concepts of a WCO. One read/half field, quick release designed plays would be best served to be the order of the day in order for Dak to have any success but to also be supported by a very productive run game.
Here's the problem. McCarthy has talked all the talk of a return to a run first/dependent offensive style while never running that type of offense in his career. Let there be no doubt, any version of offense containing high volume passing with Dak is an exercise in futility. West Coast or Down field scheme.
He needs the ball out of his hands and quickly requiring the least amount of thinking as possible. All of this while being supported by a dynamic and effective run game strategy.

Asking both Dak and McCarthy to swallow their egos and their entire history as what they are as both QB and signal caller is an extremely big ask.

It didn't work with Kellen and Dak.
I don't think it will work for McCarthy and Dak either.

But ultimately imo, it doesn't even include playcalling.
Plain and simple, Dak Prescott is a very poor decicision maker with the ball in his hand in real time. Especially against better opponents or playoff competition.

This will continue to be the downfall of the offense imo.

 

[CowboyoWales]

MM has already stated he wants to be more effective and efficient in the ground game. Less points, but control the clock, cut down on sloppy turnovers, rely on the D, play complimentary football etc…

Based on that direction, here is how I expect Dak to be affected:

1. Less pass attempts per game. I think the target for his attempts will ideally fall between 20-30 attempts per game.

2. More play action pass attempts. This is both MM’s and Schottenheimer’s philosophy and Dak is most effective when the PA passing game is clicking.

3. Increase in short yardage passing game… 25-30% offensive change points to some WCO wrinkles so I expect more screens, RB routes, and quick hitting plays that serve to set up RAC and act as extensions to the running game

4. I expect a significant decrease in turnovers. Between the changes to the offense, addition of more weapons, and Dak’s focus on reducing mistakes, I think we see 7 or fewer INTs in 2023

5. Efficiency comes at a cost of production in the passing game. I’d be shocked if Dak threw for more than 4000 yards and 25 TDs next year. The focus will be on the running game and a dynamic defense

It makes sense as to why we retained Tony to play a DeeBo style. I wonder, depending on the draft and assuming the market wont improve we could bring back Schultz, on a 'please take me' contract.

With Cooks and gambling on Gallup reestablishing his confidence and Tolbert/Simi earning the 4th spot we could focus on elite RB in the first.

 

[jazzcat22]

MM has already stated he wants to be more effective and efficient in the ground game. Less points, but control the clock, cut down on sloppy turnovers, rely on the D, play complimentary football etc…

Based on that direction, here is how I expect Dak to be affected:

1. Less pass attempts per game. I think the target for his attempts will ideally fall between 20-30 attempts per game.

2. More play action pass attempts. This is both MM’s and Schottenheimer’s philosophy and Dak is most effective when the PA passing game is clicking.

3. Increase in short yardage passing game… 25-30% offensive change points to some WCO wrinkles so I expect more screens, RB routes, and quick hitting plays that serve to set up RAC and act as extensions to the running game

4. I expect a significant decrease in turnovers. Between the changes to the offense, addition of more weapons, and Dak’s focus on reducing mistakes, I think we see 7 or fewer INTs in 2023

5. Efficiency comes at a cost of production in the passing game. I’d be shocked if Dak threw for more than 4000 yards and 25 TDs next year. The focus will be on the running game and a dynamic defense

Did most or all the turnovers (on offense, as Turpin had 1 or 2 on ST's) come from Dak last season? I don't recall Zeke or Tony fumbling the ball, or a lost fumble from them. I think a few WR's and TE's had a few though.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Did most or all the turnovers (on offense, as Turpin had 1 or 2 on ST's) come from Dak last season? I don't recall Zeke or Tony fumbling the ball, or a lost fumble from them. I think a few WR's and TE's had a few though.

I don’t know— but 15 INTs in 12 games is unacceptable— even if a few of those were on the WRs.

The offense under Moore in general suffered from slow starts, predictable playcalling and sloppy execution at times.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Here's the problem. McCarthy has talked all the talk of a return to a run first/dependent offensive style while never running that type of offense in his career. Let there be no doubt, any version of offense containing high volume passing with Dak is an exercise in futility. West Coast or Down field scheme.
He needs the ball out of his hands and quickly requiring the least amount of thinking as possible. All of this while being supported by a dynamic and effective run game strategy.

Yep, this maybe the idea of Tony, as the DeeBo RB/Receiver......lets just get him in space rather than a strict RB. Giving Dak the security blanket previously held by Schultz is a must and id prefer him to utilize this to bring the defense down, other wise the 49ers will continue to sit back swamp the secondary.

I wonder if Cooks is as much to counter deep lying Defenses as it is a premium no. 1 progression from Dak (especially early on in games). Its that old approach we had in the 90's, run the ball to benefit the passing game later on.

 

[offlimits]

Will it be a calm approach with Dak, or will Mike have a sense of urgency with Dak, knowing what's on the line. His head coaching job, and Dak possibly losing out on money next season?

Being that Mike will call plays, he will have a closer relationship with him, and will have more access to him. I think Dak can/will benefit from having someone such as Mike get with him during games. What approach do you feel will best work? Do you think Dak is capable of handling this and being successful. Often times during the season, we saw Dak make a mistake, come to the sideline and nothing was said it appeared. Please give your thoughts......

Simple. A strong running game and eliminate throws that he cannot make. Especially, the deep outs. Simplify the offense. Design passing plays that he is comfortable throwing. Always give Dak a short option when his primary receiver is covered. It is not rocket science. MM is a smart OC. He should be able to get the best out of Dak.

 

[75boyz]

Yep CowboyoWales,
I would also like to think this use of Pollard in an "old" Roger Craig type role w/the 9ers is possibly the security blanket method McCarthy is leaning towards since losing Daks protective check down of first Witten and now Schultz.
Now as for how the balance and scheme of the run game strategy will play out, I do not know how much the Schottenheimer hire was as a counter to McCarthy's past pass happy offenses. Maybe McCarthy was smart enough to hire him to keep a guy in his ear when he got too pass happy himself. Not sure in that regard.
But my real skepticism lies in the fact if this current oline and RB(s)all can remain durable enough to compete for an entire year.
If anything, Elliott was durable. This oline and now the RB as well have big availability issues.

As to the return of an offense resembling the 90s or even 2016, I'm all for it.
I doubt the personnel or coaching is up to the task of replicating it though.

 

[75boyz]

MM has already stated he wants to be more effective and efficient in the ground game. Less points, but control the clock, cut down on sloppy turnovers, rely on the D, play complimentary football etc…

Based on that direction, here is how I expect Dak to be affected:

1. Less pass attempts per game. I think the target for his attempts will ideally fall between 20-30 attempts per game.

2. More play action pass attempts. This is both MM’s and Schottenheimer’s philosophy and Dak is most effective when the PA passing game is clicking.

3. Increase in short yardage passing game… 25-30% offensive change points to some WCO wrinkles so I expect more screens, RB routes, and quick hitting plays that serve to set up RAC and act as extensions to the running game

4. I expect a significant decrease in turnovers. Between the changes to the offense, addition of more weapons, and Dak’s focus on reducing mistakes, I think we see 7 or fewer INTs in 2023

5. Efficiency comes at a cost of production in the passing game. I’d be shocked if Dak threw for more than 4000 yards and 25 TDs next year. The focus will be on the running game and a dynamic defense

This should be marked urgent and a direct email to McCarthy.

If most of this or even half are followed through on here there might be an actual successful offensive transition.

I would definitely hafta see it to believe it though.
Wanting and receiving change like this are 2 different things entirely but my personal shout out to you on how McCarthys offseason coachspeak should look if genuinely implemented.

Now go and do this McCarthy.

 

[Hawkeye19]

This should be marked urgent and a direct email to McCarthy.

If most of this or even half are followed through on here there might be an actual successful offensive transition.

I would definitely hafta see it to believe it though.
Wanting and receiving change like this are 2 different things entirely but my personal shout out to you on how McCarthys offseason coachspeak should look if genuinely implemented.

Now go and do this McCarthy.

Yah… theory and execution are two totally different things lol

I think MM’s intentions are to make this the offensive philosophy, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions lol

 

[75boyz]

Yah… theory and execution are two totally different things lol

I think MM’s intentions are to make this the offensive philosophy, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions lol

Perfect response, lol.

 

[CowboyFrog]

How ironic.

You've kind used a Strawman Argument as the pertinent point about Rush.....it isnt about Rush, it's about Moore and dumbing down the Offense to suit the QB's arsenal (to mostly successful outcomes). It's chicken or egg, do you create the Scheme to suite the fanciful imagination of the play-caller or the QB abilities/talents/limitations?


I'll agree with that..... the whole multi-read/progression and struggles reading post snap defensive changes appears to be Dak's weakness when we're playing against the best defenses. It keeps coming back to the Jimmie Ward comments about sitting back and waiting for Dak to beat them. We shouldnt be forcing Dak, into multiple reads on every play (that highlights the complexity of the design) keep it easy win/yards (even if that means a lot of curl routes).

I suppose the determinant with the timing route is that Dak HAS TO trust the receivers......get Cooks in Dak's yard immediately.

For sure it makes it easier on Dak but also the WR's, but what i want to see is less "Who's fault was it" and more "This move got Lamb on a LB in coverage" so to speak.

 

[CowboyFrog]

None of THAT matters bro. It's not about Rush.
Dak Prescott can not beat 3 to 4 consecutive playoff teams regardless of playcaller or team support.

I do not even care of past equal or lesser talent QBs than Dak going on a playoff run.

It ain't happening here.
All the rest of it is just another season's exercise in futility and again proving this as fact.

It will be McCarthy's downfall.

Zone poster Catch17 said We need to stop trying to figure out ways to win with Dak. We paid him to be the answer not the problem.
That truly sums up Cowboy reality imo.

But again,
you have your opinion too. I have no problem with that.

Dak could surley be MM's downfall hell this team is on a 27 year blank in round 2, I'm not arguing that at all. KM certainly called a much diferent game when Rush was in and should have stuck real close to it with Dak and that defense...I am simply saying Cooper Rush is not an answer at QB, he just cant move the ball well enough through the air to do what needs to be done.I like wins you like wins we all like wins but lets face facts, the Rush offense was bad in every metric because the limitations his arm brings are big problems.

 

[MyFairLady]

Princess required a soft and gentle touch to get the desired response. Unfortunately San Fran refuses to comply.

 

[75boyz]

Dak could surley be MM's downfall hell this team is on a 27 year blank in round 2, I'm not arguing that at all. KM certainly called a much diferent game when Rush was in and should have stuck real close to it with Dak and that defense...I am simply saying Cooper Rush is not an answer at QB, he just cant move the ball well enough through the air to do what needs to be done.I like wins you like wins we all like wins but lets face facts, the Rush offense was bad in every metric because the limitations his arm brings are big problems.

Yeah,
I did not even consider Cooper Rush's contributions as particularly discussion worthy with the fact that Dak is the starter and his decision making will continue to be the reason for this team's demise.

 

[MyFairLady]

I like what you guys are selling and I wish it were all true but Boy Wonder is going for 5,000 yards next year. Jerry has decreed it to be so.

 

[CowboyoWales]

I like wins you like wins we all like wins but lets face facts, the Rush offense was bad in every metric because the limitations his arm brings are big problems.

That's missing the point. What I think he meant was that we won by playing to the QB's (Rush's) limited abilities.
The scheme doesn't matter unless your roster are comfortable playing it. Personally I think Dak will prefer the WCO, short sharp and instant, rather than progressing (waiting/hoping) on one of the individual receiving options getting open and then pressing the throw if it's not there.
As you said, scheme up one WR to get open and a check out of TE and or RB.

 

[75boyz]

That's missing the point. What I think he meant was that we won by playing to the QB's (Rush's) limited abilities.
The scheme doesn't matter unless your roster are comfortable playing it. Personally I think Dak will prefer the WCO, short sharp and instant, rather than progressing (waiting/hoping) on one of the individual receiving options getting open and then pressing the throw if it's not there.
As you said, scheme up one WR to get open and a check out of TE and or RB.

Bingo.