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February 2008
Categories
Movers and Shakers Pre-season Texas Stadium dallasnews.com
Sports Blogs |
Time to close the book on the Patriots game. Here's some things caught on tape: In my opinion, the way for the Cowboys defense to control the Patriots was to hit Tom Brady, and do it by mixing pressure packages. It worked near the beginning of the game, when Roy Williams came off the edge on the Pats' second play from scrimmage and forced a short-armed throw to create a third-and-10. But later in the drive, the Cowboys paid. On a third-and-7, the Cowboys sent five guys – rushing an inside linebacker and dropping Greg Ellis, a converted end. That left Ellis on Wes Welker. Welker ran a slant and Brady hit him quickly, as he raced into the window created by the rushing ILB. And Ellis couldn’t catch him, as Welker headed upfield for a 20-yard gain to put the Patriots at the Dallas 6. From there, the Cowboys continued to send extra rushers, but were less creative about it, usually incorporating the outside linebackers and making it easier for the Patriot linemen to identify. Here was another problem with stopping the Patriots passing game: The check-with-me’s that Brady is allowed to call. When the Cowboys rush was coming, in plenty of cases, the corners were playing about 8 yards off the ball. So Brady could easily check to have his receivers run underneath routes, and easily collect the ball. If the Cowboys had rerouted his receivers closer to the line, it would’ve been risky, but also would’ve given the rush a better chance to get there and could’ve messed with the timing-based offense. The strategy on Randy Moss seemed a little different; the Cowboys played further up on him and usually had S Ken Hamlin stationed over-the-top to help. But in some nickel situations, that left Patrick Watkins to play, in essence, what looked like a single-high safety and those looked like the cases where the Patriots took advantage with Donte’ Stallworth and Welker. One adjustment the Cowboys made, seeing how Brady was eating up the five- and six-man pressure packages, was to zone blitz. On the Patriots’ last two offensive plays of the third quarter, Dallas brought both outside linebackers and dropped nose tackle Jay Ratliff into underneath coverage. That resulted in an incompletion, a 2-yard hook-up to Faulk (where Ratliff pursued and forced Faulk into DeMarcus Ware) and a field goal, instead of a shot at another touchdown. The Cowboys did it again on third-and-2 on the first drive of the fourth quarter, and that’s where Brady took advantage, tucking the ball and scrambling into the area Ratliff vacated for 3 yards and the first down. Stallworth’s 69-yard touchdown came on the next play. The three-and-out to start the game certainly didn’t help, but I think the next two were more damaging. And one play is as responsible as any for both. On a third-and-11 from the Dallas 19, on the Cowboys’ second drive, seven guys were kept into block. The Patriots put Jarvis Green at a shade nose as the only down lineman on the field, and floated five potential rushers around him. Four came, and even with seven blocking, S Rodney Harrison came free for a sack where Tony Romo had no chance. The fallout? On the next series, Romo dropped back with three rushers coming on second and third down, and unloaded the ball almost immediately. It got there too quickly, and seemed to indicate that for a series, Romo lost faith in his protection. Those three-and-outs meant that the defense was on the field for all but 3:28 of the stretch of 11:03 in which the Patriots took a 14-0 lead. The other problem in there was a lack of commitment to the running game. The Cowboys ran the ball a season-low seven times in the first half, and lost the time of possession battle 18:32-11:28. There’s something to be said for not banging your head against the wall if something’s not working. But it’s not like the running game was being completely shut down, it had 28 yards on those seven totes for a respectable 4.0 yards per. And the chances were certainly there to establish something on the ground: The Cowboys went for 80 yards on their 10 first-down plays in the first half, while the Patriots compiled just 42 on their 14. This, quite simply, needed to be a case of a singular game-plan that helped all units. The defense was clearly struggling against the Patriots offense. So draining some clock and limiting possessions, while wearing on the Patriots defense with a big offensive line, would’ve been the best way the Cowboy offense could help its defense. Now, the argument against the above, clearly, would be that the Cowboys came back and led 24-21 in the third quarter. True. But by then, the defense was in the process of being worn out. And that was clear with two of its best players: Terence Newman and Ware. After a very, very solid three quarters, Newman – still not used to the kind of snaps he took Sunday after being worked back into the lineup – looked gassed in overrunning Faulk on an outside zone play. Ware, perhaps the best player on the field for Dallas all day, cramped up. And there were a couple of plays on the Patriots’ second-to-last drive, in which multiple defenders, who played good ball early on, wound up on the ground as the pounding had taken its toll. And more where the offensive line got enough push on the Dallas front to recreate the line of scrimmage 3 or 4 yards downfield. Simply put, going into the fourth quarter, the defense was running on empty because it was put in a position to be. That was because offensively, the team ran the ball well, but not nearly enough to control the clock the way it had to in this game. The Cowboys did figure out that the Patriots were vulnerable underneath with Adalius Thomas clearly limited and Harrison, Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi manning the middle. They used Jason Witten to take advantage on consecutive plays during the two-minute drive at the end of the second quarter. First, it was Witten getting between Seau and Bruschi for 11 yards, then beating Harrison down the seam for 25 yards. When the Patriots adjusted, there was space for their receivers to get open on the edges. And that’s when the Cowboy offense started humming. Another adjustment the Patriots made was to go with a 4-3 look that had Mike Vrabel playing an outside end and Rodney Harrison over him at a Sam linebackers. Credit the Cowboy coaches for taking advantage. Julius Jones’ consecutive runs of 25 and 18 yards in the third quarter was right at that side of a “light box” and forced the Patriots out of the look and back into their base 3-4. But there was another area that could’ve been taken advantage of better: the Patriots’ defensive right. The Browns ran at it with success the week prior, and the Cowboys had similar results in going there. Trouble was, they didn’t go there enough. Running away from Vince Wilfork, Adalius Thomas, Ty Warren and Mike Vrabel, and at Bruschi, Rosevelt Colvin and the end rotation of Jarvis Green and Mike Wright, the Cowboys churned out 37 yards on four carries. It seems like big numbers were there to be had. Now, the positive: This is just one game – a non-conference one – and a big bounce back against the Vikings will set this team back on the right track. The best thing I can say about the Patriot game is that, aside from some matchups with the Patriots receivers, the Cowboys didn’t seem physically outmanned the way some other teams have against them. And that gives them every chance to be among the NFL’s elite when all is said and done. |
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Comments
Posted by Jeremy @ 7:39 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
You make a lot of great points. I wonder if you meant to stress that the reason the Dallas Defense wore down, was because of the Dallas Defense. The Patriots went up and down the field, and Dallas could not stop them on 3rd down. Yes, The offense went three and out and that was a factor too. Though, the defense was out there all day, mainly, because they didn't get the job done. Period.
Now, I wonder, if you also noticed, that not only with the Patriots game, but the others, that the Dallas Offense starts slow. Is it a coincedence that Julius Jones gets the first two offense series, before Marion Barber comes in? I'm for the RB rotation, really, I am. But, maybe Barber could start, get the offense going, then bring in Jones later on? Jones seemed to run better in the 3rd Quarter, as you mentioned above, after he came back in after Barber's two series. Why not switch them?
Your thoughts?
Jeremy
jpg1994@yahoo.com
Posted by Big Blue @ 7:57 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Albert Breer Rules. My fellow cowboy fans are too worried about their sorry egos to admit that they are WRONG AGAIN and Breer is Right.
Keep up the excellent work Albert.
Posted by Dan @ 7:57 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Did you pass your observations along to the coaching staff?
Is the coaching staff aware of the same things you are?
Will Romo have studied the tape with Jason Garrett and Wade Wilson, slowly going over every pass, every decision? I hope that whatever mistakes he may have made, were pointed out to him yesterday or today.
Likewise the secondary.
If we play as we can, as we know we can, we've a rendezvous with the Patriots early next year.
And I hope that the things you observed and related in this incredibly well-written and analytical post, are passed along to the guys on the field and along the sidelines.
Posted by Tom @ 7:59 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Thanks for analysis Albert, Enjoyable read.
Posted by Chris/Denton @ 8:07 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Nice read Albert! Tell T-Mac to get lost, you'll be handleing ths blog duties from here on out.
Posted by roberto vazquez @ 8:08 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
I like evrything Mr Brees says on his analysis but for one thing that the BOYS did not do and was to really and I mean really HIT! Tom Brady when thay got to him, Da Marcus had the best chence early in the game to do so and he barely pushed Brady like if it was flag football. A good hit at that point even if you risk a flag does not matter, a QB like Brady needs to feel the pain as early as possible, that gets in your head believe me, it throws you off especially from a guy that big and strong, I only hoped that it would have been Roy Williams instead of Ware, that my friends would have set the tone of the game and the Cowboys D did not do that when they had the chance.
Posted by Jeremy @ 8:16 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
I think its pretty obvious most of us don't like T-Mac. He should go do the Rangers or the Stars blog. He's not original and steals quotes and data from those of us who post online. He's really a dud. Sorry, but he is. I agree, get lost.
Posted by David @ 8:17 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
As everyone keeps saying, these posts by Albert Breer are outstanding. They serve for us fans as a chance to almost be in the film room with the coaches and the players the day after the game. Keep it up Albert. We are thriving on your enlightening analysis. I loved your earlier one about which pass rush options were most effective. I've also noticed some other posts by other writers that have followed your style. That can only be good news for any true fans who really want to break down the game. Thanks.
Posted by Albert @ 8:20 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Thank you to David and my new fan base. Tim is a wuss and I will have his job shortly.
Posted by andy b @ 8:25 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
i noticed from the beginning that albert was a breath of fresh air after reading timmy mac's tired, nickname laden posts. *cough* on this here blog...
Posted by SRVBob @ 8:38 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
I guess Wade Phillips and his 31 seasons in the NFL must be feeling pretty stupid right about now...or not.
Here's my expert analysis: the Patriots won the game because they are better than the Cowboys.
Now let's all sing SRVBob's praises.
Posted by Tim Schultz @ 8:52 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
This is just excellent stuff, Albert. Brady-to-Welker-with-Nate-Jones-covering good quality... (and I mean that in a good way...)
Posted by Mike P. from DC @ 8:54 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
I'm glad that Mr. Breer is here. I've enjoyed everything you've written so far and I appreciate it even more because you are familiar with the Pats. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Conor @ 9:04 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Thanks for this - I really enjoy this level of detail.
Posted by Tobal @ 9:24 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Excellent article and by far the best column I've seen written on the game. That was actually one of the best newspaper observations I've ever seen. Thank you for writing what many of us saw.
Posted by Albert @ 9:41 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Cowgirls fans are dopes! Patriots rules!
I can't believe I got a job working for this dopey newspaper.
Posted by Robert @ 10:24 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
Albert,
1) Play zone 3-3-5 and pick and choose which LB to blitz.
2) Pack the middle of the field with defenders and force Brady to hits pattersn between the hash and sideline.
3) If they can go 15 plays and 80 yards for 6 TDs then rather lose that way then giving up big plays.
4) Hit them every play and hard.
This comes from the Belichick Parcells playbook on stopping explosive offenses.
1) Run the ball when 7 in the box
2) Get TO crossing routes in front of the OLD, SLOW Pat Lbers
3) Attack the safeties with Witten and the fastest Slot WR (Glenn or Austin)
4) Move the ball and grind down the Defense. They are not more physical than the Cowboys. That is a finesse D.
This comes from the Bill Walsh playbook on getting Zone based Defenses to get closer to the Line of Scrimmage and then go over the top for big plays later in the game.
The analysis is great but it is not a Strategy for Success. We need our coaches to be thinkers and to say WP still believes in press coverage versus that NE team is an indication of low intellect.
Need to play physical and smart. I know we are tougher than New England but we also seem lots dumber.
Posted by Robert @ 10:31 PM Tue, Oct 16, 2007
The Cowboys OLine is bigger and stronger than the Pats. The Cowboys Front Seven is younger, stronger and faster than the Patriots. The Cowboys TE and RBs are better than the Pats.
Find something in there to win the game.
This WP notion of playing man D or playing zone D with names like Bradie James, Akin Ayodele and Roy Williams is insane. They can't cover. They are dinosaurs from 1990s football.
Offense football today is track meet. Plodders need not apply unless they are really good playing Zone D.
Posted by Bud @ 12:33 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Interesting. Hope the Cowboys spend as much time thinking about the Vikings as we do dwelling on the Pats.
Posted by Robert @ 12:42 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Err Bud,
If the quality of thinking going into the Vikings game by Wade Phillips is as good as it was versus Buffalo and New England, I would expect a surprise outcome.
We can out unprepared Offensively to attack Zone Defenses and with BE the Pass Defense Strategy was straight out of pop warner.
Posted by Victor @ 2:34 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
I know NE game planned to take away Witten but cmon, he's an all-world TE & Romo & staff couldn't free him up?
Also why did we not put more guys in motion, that always gets the pass catcher a running start.
After starting the year sending TO across the middle, we've completely stopped doing it - why?
Why are we playing back so far on the corners? Esp. when the safeties are back there far enough to help out?
I agree with Robert, time to start thinking critically as a coaching staff.
Posted by Mark @ 5:59 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
The defense had it's hands full all day.
The offense could have lessened the wear & tear on the defense with a couple long drives.
Even with the slow start the Cowboys took the lead in the 3rd qrt.
Yes, the defense allowed the Patriots to score & re-take the lead.
The offense failed to strike back with another TD! Now it was a mistake prone offense.
Where the game should have been turned into a "whoever has the ball last" kind of a game. The offense dissappered.
What's done is done! Let yesterday be!
Let's get ready for the Vikings!
Posted by Mike S @ 6:22 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Albert, great stuff, again!!! I still want to see a piece on 'inside the trenches' which compares our O-line vs defensive front 7 and vice-versa. Let's beat up on the Vikes and then get ready for the heart of the schedule after the bye week.
Posted by nortboy @ 6:49 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
"Brady takes the snap looks left, right steps up
into the pocket, SHUTS HIS EYES, throws
TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!! DONTE STALLWORTH!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
COULIES STILL HURT FROM THE SPANKING???
Posted by The Beaver @ 7:14 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Hey guys is it just me or does anyone else think
that Tony Romo looks like Elmer Fudd?
Posted by G-Money @ 8:53 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Solid Gold. This is good stuff that you can't find in opinionated columns. Excellent read.
Posted by patKiller @ 9:37 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
anyone who subscribes to the stupid conventional wisdom that running the ball would have added to the time of possession is purely dumb. the pats passed on nearly every play and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes. the game plan for the boys was to score at least 35 points through the air, something the boys didn't start doing until the second half. one reason for the boy's bad early start is coaching. garrett is a good adjuster but he's not a good opener.
Posted by drhorton @ 10:15 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Excellent work Albert. I for one appreciate these posts so much more than the ones that tell us T.O. didn't do say today, even though the media tried.
I think we matched up very well with the Patriots. Our fatal flaw was all of the penalties. The slow start didn't help either. The Boys need to rectify this against the Vikings. They need to get back on track before the bye.
One last note - I am one who is unhappy about the time change on Sunday. Living in St. Louis, I now get to watch the Rams at 3:00 instead of Dallas. Yippee! The 0-6 Rams! How lucky am I? I guess I'll have to go to a bar and watch the game.
Posted by Richard @ 10:39 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Another EXCELLENT post, Albert, keep up the good work.
DMN, this needs to be in a regular column, and in the print edition. This is the kind of insight that I love to see.
Posted by Patz @ 11:11 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Good to see the die hard fans since 2000 for the Patriots are still posting comments. Don't you kids have homework to do?
Posted by DougO @ 11:57 AM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Excellent analysis by Breer. The Cowboys are not that far off from being in the upper tier, but they do have some work to do. Romo and the Cowboys receivers are nowhere near as in sync as Brady with his, and that was a big factor. But that will come with time. It was good for the Cowboys to get a shot at the Patriots at this point, and see what they need to do to get to that level.
Posted by patsfaninpittsburgh @ 12:28 PM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
Patz
Just trying to help out. Also, Albert Breer provides better post game analysis. If the DMN hired Ron "the Con" Borges, nobody would be here.
Posted by gary m @ 4:03 PM Wed, Oct 17, 2007
can roy williams' contract be re-worked for hits only?...not only is he a liability in coverage, but he can't even bring anyone down now...he is truly the most overrated safety in football.