SB Nation User Blog: DallasPalace

What should Garrett do different against the Giants D ?

DallasPalace — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:13:26 -0000

Let's face reality- Jason Garrett's playcalling against the Giants defense since he's been offensive coordinator hasn't been very effective in the meaningful games against them. Maybe it's because he used to be a coach for the Giants, and they know him so well, or maybe it's the fact that they hate the Cowboys so much that drives them to go insane and get to the passer with reckless abandon that the Cowboys have no answer for. Add to that an injury to Marc Columbo, and the fact that the Giants have they're back against the wall, and this game has the makings of another Green Bay game, especially if Garrett continues to put Romo back their in the shotgun.

But through it all, there is a ray of hope. Felix had a better game than the previous weeks, and Tashard may see more playing time. Maybe Garrett starts using Barber more down near the goal line, if only to draw the defense into thinking run, setting up the pass nicely, or play action. Miles has hit his stride again, and if ever was a game where Roy Williams needs to perform well, this is it.

The Victory over Oakland provided 2 things. One is offensive momentum, and a chance to avenge the early season loss at the inaugural opening of Cowboys stadium. The second is giving us more tie-braking against the Eagles if we end up in a tie with them. But Nothing, and I mean nothing, will top beating the Giants and grasping a firm hold on the division, as well as good situations in the tiebraking. Let's face it- this is playoff football, and it's time to put up or shut up.

Myself, I would put my faith in the running game. Limiting the Giants opportunities on offense is the biggest key. Making them go the distance of the field, and not giving them a short field, and you are already telepathically sending a message to the Giants offense that they will have to work hard for every yard they earn. Make nothing come easy for them. I don't have faith that a pass-heavy game will end in a good result, regardless of how bad the Giants defense played in Denver or the last 6 games. The Giants seem to know exactly how to punish and torture the Cowboys, and that has to change. This is the biggest game of the year to date.

I would like to see screens to Tashard and Felix, especially if the Giants start getting pressure. Quick developing plays on offense will be critical. Pick and choose your shots down the field smartly. One thing is for certain- The Cowboys have to call plays differently on offense than they have up to now, because dropping back too much is risky play against the Giants, and will result in sacks,turnovers and alot of 3 and outs, and then the game is over before it begins. The Giants are expecting alot of shotgun and passing. 3 and outs on offense happen alot by us against the Giants. Even if we just go down the field, take time off the clock, and score field goals will have a profound effect on the outcome for sure. Limit the Giants opportunities with the ball on offense, and make them go the distance from the 20 every time (It's not David "Ferris" Beuhler's day off), and you are more than 60 percent of winning the game. Right now, they're offense is shaky, and there is no reason to allow them back into the playoff picture. A loss to them would not be acceptable in my book. This coaching staff's defining moment has arrived. What will be the outcome? Only the football gods know. What we do know is what we've done on offense hasn't worked so far against the Giants defense, regardless of how bad the Giants defense has played up to this point.

And please, I don't want to hear anyone write that losing to the Giants is ok because we have a 2 game lead on them, because it's not ok. You put the foot on the throat, and you step on them that much harder. It's what they would do to us, since they love us so much. No easing up, or going into a corner and hiding because you are timid and don't have a zeal or the zest for playing your guts out.

Most of all NO TURNOVERS. GO COWBOYS!

What weaknesses do you see in this Pass Offense of ours?

DallasPalace — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:09:05 -0000

In my previous Fanpost "when are we gonna see Tashard again Garrett", I touched on the subject of helping the pass offense with a stronger running game and better use of all the running backs, not just Tashard. It's obvious that the point of the fanpost was the running game should be used more, but another point of whether the rotation of the RB's was being used correctly was also brought up.

Putting the running game aside as a reason, what weaknesses do you see in this pass offense of ours?

Or better stated, what things need to happen to give Garrett the passing success he so sorely craves?

Obviously better blocking by the O-line. But that is a subject that is a little confusing, because pass blocking is not one of the O-lines strong suites, even if Columbo wasn't injured. But saying better blocking by the O-line is an obvious thought. But putting that aside,I'm looking for a nuance of the passing game that is not so obvious, and seeing which one brings out the most reaction out of people.

Something like designing more plays for Romo out of the pocket?

More screens to Felix and Tashard and MB3?

How about more motion from the recievers?

What about 4 WR sets?

How about play action?

Too much shotgun for your taste?

How about the option to Felix, like Vince Young does to Chris Johnson?

How about more passes to Felix?

How about more passes to Tashard?

Whatever happened to Marty B TV, because I wanted to tune in?

How about Kevin Ogletree for more than just a bubble screen?

Success in only one aspect of an offense can translate into success in another aspect of it. No defense should be able to look at, and figure out, and guess that an offense like the Dallas Cowboys offense should be one dimensional. This will make it too easy for any defense. It;s inexcusable to ever hear any defensive coordinator of another team talk about our offense as though it was vanilla, and fans should be insulted by such reality.

What would be the type of pass plays that are best suited to jumpstart an obvious stagnated and stunted pass offense that Garrett keeps going to even when it's being stopped or just plain not working? Personally, I feel Romo gets into a rythym once he jumps the pocket and makes one of his trademark plays. I would think the best way is to get a play that is designed to get him out of the pocket to do just that. Maybe Garrett is waiting to unleash that in the playoffs. The problem is, we still haven't locked up the division, and the Giants game and 2nd Eagles game both loom as the real tests. And with they're rabid need to get to Romo, i fear he won't have the time.

So putting the running game and offensive line issues aside....

What would you have happen? Inquiring minds want to know......!

When are we going to see Tashard again Garrett?

DallasPalace — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:31:11 -0000

I Don't really have much faith that Garrett is going to call a correct rotation (especially since it seems like he already done a lousy job of that) of the running backs even if he calls more runs in a game, further allowing him to prove "we should stick to the shotgun". I've yet to see him rest Barber in favor of pounding him down near the goal line- His strength. Felix is not being used as a reciever more. Tashard and his pass recieving out of the backfield as well as his between the tackle success seems to have become forgotten plays within this drop back/shotgun heavy scheme. Part of the belief and faith you must have in the running game has to do with being able to recognize a running backs ability to do more than one thing effectively against any defense, and put the RB in a position to suceed. I fear that the way Garrett is using Felix, I look at the situation as more and more a wasted draft pick by us. If he's gonna be hurt alot by not being able to take the pounding, and not be able to go full speed, then That is disheartening, since I love what Felix brings to the game. MB3 has lost something, and I don't know if he will regain it.

Meanwhile, Tashard has been a benchwarmer, and without a good reason.

When are we going to see Tashard again Garrett?

It seems like Jason Garrett doesn't know how to call an offense using the strength of what the offensive players he has at his diposal. Maybe it's not just using the running game that is a weakness in his gameplan, but also the understanding necessary to place a running back in a favorable situation to succeed, thus giving him a reason to abandon the run or keeping it a minor afterthought in an offensive gameplan. Whatever the reason, I fear if the running Dilemma of the 3 headed monster isn't adresssed, our passing game in and of itself will fail miserably, and once again end in a quick exit in the playoffs, if even that.

I also dislike the shotgun so much that words cannot do justice. Is this Cowboy football? Keeping Romo in the pocket is a huge mistake. If Romo would have not jumped the pocket, we probably would have lost to the Redskins today. There is no good reason why we don't see more roll outs and play action. Garrett is truly an uninspiring offensive coordinator, and it shows on the field with his playcalls and the players execution. People who want to point to beating the Eagles as a reference to improved playcalling by him forget that it was a close game, and we could have easily lost. I hope he starts making better playcalls, gets his thinking cap on and starts figuring things out about the team, because this stretch of games coming up will define him and the team for this year, as well as the future.

The Reality of the Three Headed Monster

DallasPalace — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:53:04 -0000

Last year, watching the Pittsburgh game was a delight. The Pittsburgh defense could not stop Tashard Choice from making positive yards, even when they would meet him head on and stop him with a hard hit. When he would bounce back up, and show them that no matter what, he would go back, and take another crack at them, and make more positive yards. Whether it be 2, 3, 5 7, yards mattered not, because there was just that feeling that he was going to continue no matter what. Believe it or not, that demoralizes a defense and makes them worry about stopping that kind of play. In my opinion, Pittsburgh did not prove that they could stop that kind of playcalling adequetely, did not react to his success catching the ball out of the backfield, and until they reacted to stop that, just keep milking the cashcow.

It was our turning away from that kind of playcall and going to the pass that costed us that game. It was a tragedy, because Tashard worked hard for that victory, but it wasn't to be.

Last night, even after Felix Jones ripped off a couple of nice big, long runs at the beginning of the game, something was missing. The excitement was there, but for some reason, it didn't feel real. Yeah, everybody was cheering, but it seemed...fake. Like the success was , not built on solid success, and that to really beat the Panthers, it was going to take alot more than just a few nice long runs by Felix, as well as there seemed to be a feeling that sooner or later, Felix wasn't going to be able to continue ripping those long runs to the outside. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, since Felix got injured. It's sad to see that such a talented RB like Tashard Choice should have to get a chance based on injury, but no matter. In the end, he became the spark plug that not only ignited the offense, but the defense also.

It all started when Tashard turned the corner and took a dive at making a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and confidence that the team was going to do something good was restored. After an entire first half of being quiet, bored, confused, and diissatisfied, as well as let down by Felix's injury, the crowd had finally connected with the fact that we were in the game. Even though Tashard did not score the touchdown, something in the gut told you that if he had the chance to punch it in again, he would. He did. Once the crowd was into the game, that feeling did not stop until the Cowboys attained victory. The feeling of confidence was contagious, and even the defense, playing very average, started to play inspiring football. All this because of a dive to the end zone, with determination, grit, resolve, and heart.

Even the pass offense came around after that. It's a funny thing what confidence can do. It's contagious.That is why the run is so important though- To allow the pass offense to be effective. There is no reason to force the pass into double and triple coverage. Not with our backs waiting to be used. Why not try throwing to a wide reciever after causing single coverage? That's the real reason why most of the interceptions happened anyway.

I hope Felix isn't hurt to bad. We need him back to team up with Tashard and MB3 to confuse defenses. Did you see the entire defense fade to the side Felix went to when Tashard fake handed it off to him, then ran the Razorback? Fabulous! I guarantee that if the offense continues to revolve around these three and the run/short passing game with success, we will be able to throw the downfield pass with success- even against the Giants, Pitt, Balt, Philly, and whoever else you want to name. Using these three backs the right way is the key to running our offense.

And most of all, taking the pressure off of Romo and restoring his confidence. Get well soon Felix!

Felix , Tashard and the run Dilemma

DallasPalace — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:18:15 -0000

In an embarassment of riches, the Cowboys do have a "run" dilemma. How do they keep all 3 of the heads of the monster satiated? I'm worried about that very much, because we have what other teams don't. Another issue at hand about the "run" dilemma is just how much to use the run versus the pass. Against the Giants, alot of people such as myself feel we did not run enough. The Giants seemed to know our pass plays before we knew we were going to run them. Mysterious, isn't it? Hmmmm?

Was the offense in formations that obviously flagrantly gave away our playcall, and gave the Giants a red flashing alert signal saying "Pass over to there"? The first Romo interception was a little freaky, because the Giants defense against the pass on that play looked too good.

After my mind has settled down here from the frustration of watching my beloved team fall to the Giants again, I started pondering that play a little bit. I wanted to start asking myself questions about what to do offensively to throw the Giants defensive reads off, and this is what I came up with.

I wonder if Jason Garrett has ever considered putting Tashard Choice out there with Felix Jones at the same time.

But if he put both of them out there, couldn't he show the Giants that same formation that made them think "pass to that side", then dump it off to either Tashard or Felix to the other side for a screen?

The Giants defense is fast though. A short pass like that is almost like a run, and it's safer than the forced passes Tony took down the field.

I'm not saying it would work, but it's worth a try. Just in general though, showing pass then going screen or run, has that even been tried?

In any event, Tashard is lethal in his own right, and something else about him- he is a Giant killer. He is always making big plays against them. He had 2 first downs in our second posession that were nice plays. But he didn't get into the game too much after that. We need to use this guy more. What a dilemma. and We haven't even brought up Barber yet......

Poll

Who would you use for screen passes more?

Marion Barber

5 votes

Felix Jones

116 votes

Tashard Choice

18 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

Let's revisit that old fanpost of mine now Raphael....

DallasPalace — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:51:44 -0000

I wish I did not have to write this, since as a cowboy fan, I want nothing more than victory. But your remarks Raphael have brought me to revisit that old post of mine, and the things you wrote there. I hate saying "I told you so", but you did not even acknowledge a basic understanding of the argument that post brings up with your abrupt response. It's not like I'm some newcomer in writing here at BTB. Let me remind you now of the post if you've forgotten it....

Name of post? "Who would you blame if Tashard Choice isn't used Correctly?", and here is what I wrote in my intro to that post....

"Myself, I would put blame on Jason Garrett if the running game isn't used correctly. I know he is a passing type OC, but even he must get excited over a fierce run. So if he can't figure it out, then so be it. If he can, than the Cowboys offense will be lethal."

And for writing that post, what kind of response did I get from you?

"So you're ready to throw stones...

if the THIRD RUNNING BACK — and as much as I like him, Tashard is the 3rd back — isn’t used properly.

Step back and take a look at your threat. You’re ready to go thermonuclear if the team isn’t building game plans around the 3rd back.

So what’s “misusing him?” Why don’t you define what “using him properly” means before you go painting targets on people’s heads.

What’s proper use? How many carries per game? How many catches? How many touches?"

This response to my post was written by you on april 18, 2009. I'm still at a loss for words over your response, but I am even at more a loss for words over Garretts playcalling tonight. Maybe your not even remotely understanding of NFC east rules of victory that used to exist during Aikman's era, as well as Staubach's, but I'll remind you since I watched our team all throughout the Cowboys Super Bowl history:

Run the ball, and stop the run.

If that rule can be followed, then the passing game will be there., as well as the victory. Nowadays, It seems like all the new Cowboy fans have fallen into a cycle of believeing that the pass will bail us out. That it will bring victory.

I am on record as being against that kind of thinking. The run is the real cure.The Cowboys pass offense is overrated grossly in my opinion. Add to the insult that Garrett doesn't seem like he makes any attempts to set up the pass against big-time defenses like the Giants by even showing run, and I counted a few times that no RB was even in that backfield. I'm sorry to say, but that is just stupid against the Giants Raphael. It will be stupid if it continues against Philly, Balt, Steelers, and any other of the top defenses.

No, just this blind adoration and fixation on "everything" will be allright if we pass. Too many times tonight, with wide open running lanes after a fake handoff, it seemed like the RB would have gotten at least 20 yards if he would have gotten the handoff.

In my book, if a defense gives you running lanes, and stacks the pass D, then you run on them ALL DAY until they prove they can stop it. It's the same story as the Pittsburgh game last year.

One thing even YOU can't argue is that if we would have had alot of screens and runs, it would have set up play action beautifully and gotten us our highly desired "passing" yards, but most of all negated most of our turnovers, as well as negated at least 27 of the Giants 33 points.

The saddest thing is our defense- Wade will be blamed for the loss because he is the HC, but here is the real question- Does Wade have the power to override Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett to get a different Offensive Coordinator if he wants, or is he still just a lame-duck HC that has no say so in fixing our team? Even the biggest idiot on the planet can see that our offensive playcalling was a joke. The defense had to contiinually keep us in the game.

And just what is it that this offensive coordinator needs to see to learn what to do? This Giants game was a repeat of last years loss, as well as the playoff loss the year before. He calls the game like he has had no experience playing the Giants before EVER.

If this offensive coordinator continues to not revolve the offense around the run, How many years of this do we need to see before we make a change? Yes, I'll say it- just because we had success last week against Tampa Bay through the air does indeed mean that we should have gone into this game looking to kill the Giants on the ground, because the good coaches morph the game plan to suit the opponent.

And now finally Raphael, my response to your response to my post. How much should we use Tashard Choice? Alot more than we did obviously. Take away 50 percent of our passes and run the ball, with Tashard Choice, with Felix, Deon Anderson, MB3, and Wah-Lah, A Cowboy Victory!

Tashard Choice may be our best RB option to run AND recieve the ball out of the backfield.

But by the time the Cowboy coaches realize it, our season may be to late to salvage.

Now, being forced to use Tashard if MB3 is hurt, we may get to see an explosive offense.

Maybe Emmitt was right about us winning 7 games. If Garrett continues this playcalling, that is possible

You may be the editor here Raphael, but quit acting like your god and strike out when someone's opinion doesn't jive with your own. In this instance, my assesment was right on the money and I called it like I saw it. A victory like this one will elude us again and again unless Garrett starts using his head rather than be staunch and hardheaded about the pass. I personnally don't believe he is capable. The second Redskins game last year was what I expected this game: Kill the Giants with the run, But don't give them the ball. What did I get instead? I don't care what Troy Aikman say's about Garrett. The Cowboys have a winning history that dwarfs Aikman.

Garrett's infactuation with the pass falls right into Tony Romo's gunslinger attitude, and that makes for a bad cocktail. Some teams you have to pass alot and run less. The way the Giants played, it was almost like they begged us to run the ball all over them, and we didn't. They abandoned playing stiff run D to pass cover.

How could Romo throw the ball right to Kenny Phillips? easy, Jason Garrett called that pass play and Romo did not react to seeing the safety so deep, and he just believed the play was there. irregardless of what he saw. Too many times it seemed like the Giants shifted the D right to where Romo was gonna throw at the last second.

We must accept reality that teams now are gonna know our achilles heal- our OC infactuation with forcing the pass.

How does the run game sound to you now Raphael, after the "Victory that wasn't"?

How would you tame this 3-headed Monster?

DallasPalace — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:12:11 -0000

Or better put, what would be the best way to use Bash, Dash, and Tash? To me, it's all about Felix Jones and taking him out of the equation. He must be out there with Barber at the same time, And thus, be used as a reciever also. Go ahead, Jason Garrett, whatever passes you were gonna throw to T.O., just shift that over to Felix and Martellus. Felix should become our go-to guy, after all, he was drafted for that reason? Let Tashard come in and spell Barber in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, and throw Tashard out there for a series in the 4th quarter too. Now if you really want to confuse me, ask me the question "where does Deon Anderson fit in all this?"

How to upgrade the WR position- Jones, Boldin, or....?

DallasPalace — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:25:27 -0000

If the Dallas Cowboys take the plunge and do something about the WR position, What should it be? I have been mulling over and pondering an answer to this question all offseason so far. Would Matt Jones be a good move for the Cowboys? Would Boldin be better? if not these two recievers, then who? Let's not kid ourselves, because if a poll was taken from fans, most would probably say that the Cowboys should have gone after WR talent early in the draft. Not even Jarrett Dillard was a consideration in later rounds. I know the team and the media are taking the stance of "the Cowboys are going to make do with what they have", and that's all fine and dandy, but I just have a gut feeling that more should and probably will be done to adress the position.

Personally, I believe we need a deep threat reciever more than a posession type obviously, because our deep threat game should not be reliant on Miles Austin alone. We have good recievers to play a posession reciever role, but Austin being the only Burner of the bunch worries me.

Can Anquan Boldin be had reasonably? Would he be a good fit for the Cowboys considering what they already have? Would there be anymosity from current players if the Cowboys went after him? Would Matt Jones make more sense if he has kept his "nose" clean?

Or would it be prudent to wait and see what the cuts bring to the table. We may be surprised at what we can get after cuts are made after TC if we are conservative, so that is why I believe we should wait and see. Please give your opinion on this ongoing team Dilemma, inquiring fans want to know......

If everyone's got a mock draft, then....

DallasPalace — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:39:37 -0000

Here's my shot at one. I am by no means saying this mock of mine is the only way to go, but I spent some time going over my picks and did take a straightforward pick-to-need perspective. I like these players I picked, and I believe they will help us tremendously. I did not go past pick 172, because for the life of me, I have no idea who we would want after that point in the draft, and any pick by me would really be some serious speculation. But this is what I would like to get out of the draft. Chime in if you think I'm "wrong" or "Out of Whack" with the value of a certain pick of mine, as well as if you think a player would be "Way gone' by the time the pick is made.

51. Sean Smith CB

69. Jasper Brinkley ILB

101. Darcel McBath FS

117. Brandon Tate WR

156. Jarrett Dillard WR

166. Louis Vasquez G

172. Terrance Taylor DT/NT

NFL Draft Countdown has us picking Pat White with pick#51, and that made me want to come out with a mock.

Who would you Blame if Tashard isn't used correctly?

DallasPalace — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:58:34 -0000

That's right, blame. If we don't use what he brings to the game, then we are fools (we being the Dallas Cowboys and fans). Just thinking of that gritty performance against the Steelers has me wanting round 2 with them, and this next time things won't go for the Steelers the way it did this last time. Oh no, things will be much different. That is, of course, we realize what a stable of running backs we have and use it to the max. I think we are gonna be more than fine, defenses are gonna be confused.

If Tashard is not used correctly (playing time, as well as an occasional start) then pity the fool. Pity the one who makes such a decision. And if the right mixture is to be used, then pity the defense.

Myself, I would put blame on Jason Garrett if the running game isn't used correctly. I know he is a passing type OC, but even he must get excited over a fierce run. So if he can't figure it out, then so be it. If he can, than the Cowboys offense will be lethal.

The real question must be answered- Who is driving this offense? Some (like myself) say T.O. drove this offense crazy with his need for the ball that the offense doesn't have that person to apply pressure on the offense to perform. My take is that it must come from Tony Romo and Jason Witten. Those are our leaders.