leeblair
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I have to bring this up;
I think we all assume that the Cowboys will have a good season, and that our biggest question mark will be whether or not they will improve their performance in the playoffs.
But, what if this season were to start like last season ended? I know it sounds terrible, but what if the apathy, poor coordination, and lack of continuity that the Cowboys suffered from at the end of last season doesn't go away just because last season did?
Something was causing the problem, and it wasn't fixed in time to save us in the playoffs. What if it's still there?
I think it was the lack of a disciplined approach to the offense and the running game.
With the emergence of the most prolific passing game in the history of the Cowboys, we suffered a terrible setback in our running game. The controversy between Barber and Jones had become center stage, and Barber began to get more carries- and Jones began to get less.
The result- we ran the ball less, and gained 400 yards less on the ground than we did the previous year behind a much weaker offensive line. Why is this important?
Because time of possession began to shift to the other team's favor. The running game is so important to controlling the clock; and when three of our drives end with incomplete passes and the clock stops, this makes our defense have to stay on the field longer. Common sense tells you that the longer the other team's offense stays on the field, the more likely they are to score.
And, what's more, we lost the continuity and rhythm to our offense that running the ball brings to a team. When an offensive line begins to take control of the line of scrimmage, it is beautiful to watch, and everything becomes easier for the offense.
Think about how many times we have seen Marion Barber come in for the second half with his fresh legs, and break away for the run that puts the nail in the other team's coffin;
In the playoff game, I think what hurt the most was the fact that Barber was worn out by the second half, and the coaches wouldn't use Julius Jones. The result was that we didn't take control of the line of scrimmage in the second half, and we lost the game.
Sure, we have a great passing game. But, if we ignore the run game, we ignore the rhythm of the offensive line, the clock, and the wearing out of the opposing defense as the game wears on.
Just my two cents.
I think we all assume that the Cowboys will have a good season, and that our biggest question mark will be whether or not they will improve their performance in the playoffs.
But, what if this season were to start like last season ended? I know it sounds terrible, but what if the apathy, poor coordination, and lack of continuity that the Cowboys suffered from at the end of last season doesn't go away just because last season did?
Something was causing the problem, and it wasn't fixed in time to save us in the playoffs. What if it's still there?
I think it was the lack of a disciplined approach to the offense and the running game.
With the emergence of the most prolific passing game in the history of the Cowboys, we suffered a terrible setback in our running game. The controversy between Barber and Jones had become center stage, and Barber began to get more carries- and Jones began to get less.
The result- we ran the ball less, and gained 400 yards less on the ground than we did the previous year behind a much weaker offensive line. Why is this important?
Because time of possession began to shift to the other team's favor. The running game is so important to controlling the clock; and when three of our drives end with incomplete passes and the clock stops, this makes our defense have to stay on the field longer. Common sense tells you that the longer the other team's offense stays on the field, the more likely they are to score.
And, what's more, we lost the continuity and rhythm to our offense that running the ball brings to a team. When an offensive line begins to take control of the line of scrimmage, it is beautiful to watch, and everything becomes easier for the offense.
Think about how many times we have seen Marion Barber come in for the second half with his fresh legs, and break away for the run that puts the nail in the other team's coffin;
In the playoff game, I think what hurt the most was the fact that Barber was worn out by the second half, and the coaches wouldn't use Julius Jones. The result was that we didn't take control of the line of scrimmage in the second half, and we lost the game.
Sure, we have a great passing game. But, if we ignore the run game, we ignore the rhythm of the offensive line, the clock, and the wearing out of the opposing defense as the game wears on.
Just my two cents.
