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February 2008
Categories
Movers and Shakers Pre-season Texas Stadium dallasnews.com
Sports Blogs |
First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for the tremendous support I’ve gotten for this element of our coverage, with the year drawing to an end. Glad you like it, or at least it seems like most of you do. Now, the fact of the matter is that in this game, it really did look like the Cowboys were sluggish, both on the coaching and playing side, after having gone 22 days without playing a game of meaning. Here’s the rundown: One thing I’d have to question, and I did earlier, was what seemed like a make-it-up-as-we-go rotation of offensive skill players. When this offense was really, really humming, this is how they’d open the game, if there was a television timeout before their first possession: With 10 guys in the huddle and three (Sam Hurd, Oliver Hoyte, Anthony Fasano) on the sideline. One would go in, depending on the personnel grouping being ‘11’, ‘21’ or ‘12’. This would change only, for the most part, in goal-line and short-yardage spots. Against the Giants, the coaches seemed to make the mistake of trying re-invent the wheel, and may have had to with two injured receivers in the mix. The truth seemed to be, though, the offense was never in a comfort zone. It’s worth asking whether that had to do with all the moving parts. The Cowboys generally run a ton of different formations, but they do it with limited personnel combinations, by moving their tight ends around, not by switching players in and out of the game. Like I said earlier, this kind of substituting is fine if you’ve been doing it all year. The Cowboys haven’t. Here’s the perfect example of the faults in this: The toss to Terry Glenn that got picked to end the game? That was Glenn’s first snap of the final drive, thrown to an injured player between the hashmarks, where there’d almost certainly be contact if he got his hands on the ball. So what was wrong with Tony Romo? I honestly believe it had as much to do with his receivers as anything else. In a lot of cases, they weren’t getting open quickly enough for Romo to get a clean throw off with the mounting pass rush. The Giants played aggressively in spots, and consistently were able re-route the receivers close to the line, upsetting the timing of the offense. And then there were the drops. Five of them. And the protection, which Romo seemed to lose faith in as the game went on. This is exactly the type of situation where the quarterback gets too much blame or credit. To refresh: There is no position on the field where a player’s success is more reliant on others than that one. Another problem with the receivers: When the Giants blitzed, why weren’t they breaking off their routes? Where were the sight adjustments and hot reads that have been effective in beating the rush all year? Romo’s been great against the blitz all year. Yet, when the Giants brought six or more rushers, the QB was 3-of-8 for 32 yards, a touchdown and a sack. Part of the problem seemed to be the movement of Patrick Crayton, when he should’ve been in the slot, where he becomes Romo’s greatest weapon in beating the blitz and where he’s been pretty much all year in '11' personnel groupings. There were too many cases where a ‘zero’ blitz, or something close to it, came and Romo was under duress with his receivers carelessly going downfield. Here’s my question on Owens: Why wasn’t more done to free him? It became fairly obvious that by end of the game that he was a bit gimpy, and it was affecting his ability to get off the line in the face of a jam. Now, this is an offense that motioned him constantly to get matchups for him, and often, it was done with what’s called a “stack release.” This is where there are multiple receivers to one side, with the inside guy on the line and the outside guy flanked off of it. The outside receiver motions in and the ball is snapped once he’s underneath the inside receiver. This, in effect, creates a roadblock to jamming a receiver. And the Cowboys did that a ton in the regular season. On Sunday, I saw it used just once with Owens, on the drag where he came wide open over the middle, and Romo simply lost control of a ball that was airmailed right over T.O.’s head. The important words there: "Wide" and "Open". Speaking of motion, you have to wonder why Jason Witten wasn’t used as a moving part more. The presumed answer here is going to be Michael Strahan. Normally, the Cowboys will use Anthony Fasano as their in-line tight end in ’12’ personnel groupings, and Witten as the H-back who motions everywhere, from the flank to the backfield. Well, this time around, Witten was used more often as the stationary tight end, and I’d suspect it was because his presence would help control Michael Strahan in the running game. Witten’s a pretty strong blocker, and it makes sense that he’d be the one to help Marc Colombo deal with the versatile Strahan. And just his presence there worked to keep Strahan from pinning his ears back in pass rush. But you have to wonder if the trade-off was worth it to limit what you could do with Witten in the passing game. The offensive line, quite simply, didn’t look like the same group it was before the break. And you have to think that the layoff hurt those guys more than anyone, at a position where working in unison with the guy next to you is vital. That didn’t happen enough Sunday. The most glaring example was the missed deep throw to Terrell Owens on third-and-20 with 3:54 left. At the snap, center Andre Gurode engaged Fred Robbins, and Justin Tuck, lined up as a 3-technique, was taken by guard Kyle Kosier. Tuck separated and looped around Robbins. It looked like Gurode should’ve switched on to Tuck. He couldn’t come off Robbins, and Tuck hit the A-gap, with Kosier trying to double back behind Gurode, which was just about impossible to do. Tuck came free and drilled Romo. His follow-through was affected, and an open Owens had to come back to the ball, thrown short because of the hit, which gave the coverage time to get to him. From tackle-to-tackle, the Cowboys defensive front got handled by the Giants, and nose tackle Jay Ratliff was at the heart of the problem. Giants center Shaun O’Hara, a Pro Bowler, beat him on a regular basis in the first half, allowing Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to roll to 50 yards on 10 carries before the break. Ratliff was consistently turned and driven away from the play, and wound up on the ground a couple times. You can look at the 3.9-yard average the Giants had at game’s end if you want. What I see is that Bradshaw and Jacobs combined for 88 yards on 20 carries, and that’s including down fourth-quarter numbers when New York was running the clock. Yes, Ratliff’s been hurt. But so has O’Hara. While the nose tackle has had an outstanding season, this simply wasn’t his day. The inside linebackers didn’t cover themselves in glory, by the way, either. I like the fact that DeMarcus Ware can cover. But really, is it any coincidence that’s what he was doing on the day’s longest pass play? On a first-and-10 from the Giant 48, the Cowboys dropped both Ware and Greg Ellis and sent Akin Ayodele blitzing up the middle. The Giants picked it up. There was no pressure. And Eli Manning burned one into Amani Toomer’s chest on a 10-yard curl, which wound up going for 52 yards and the game’s first touchdown. The Giants did subtle things to try to stop Ware, like motioning the tight end to his side, to either change his key by flipping the formation’s strength or simply slow his rush. And the Cowboys did wind up moving him around some, but it didn’t seem like it was nearly enough. That brings to the fore the lack of any presence of the “Cowboy” front (with Ware, Ellis & Spencer at once), the look that Wade Phillips said made game tape look like a “highlight reel.” Pretty much throughout, the team went into a standard four-man line in its sub defense, and that made it easier to block for the Giant line. Now, consider that Eli Manning was near-perfect against the blitz on Sunday. And consider that the “Cowboy” 3-3 can create pressure with four, and give the appearance of a blitz when there’s not one coming. The Cowboys simply couldn’t get pressure with four, and though they got some by blitzing, Eli gashed them pretty good in a lot of those spots. It’s baffling to me that in the most important game of the year, your most effective pressure look wouldn’t be in play, especially when it worked at a high, high level against the same team just two months earlier. The secondary certainly didn’t have its best day. But the only place I would say it was flat-out bad was on the hurry-up drive at the end of the first half. There’s no gentle way to put this: They didn’t play smart ball there. Jacques Reeves, in particular, continually broke on the ball late and came inside on the receiver, allowing them to safely go out of bounds and stop the clock. When you’re giving a 9-yard cushion, this is simply inexcusable. Give up the catch, fine. But don’t give up the sideline. The Cowboys should’ve had it drilled to them before that drive: Don’t let them out of bounds. Apparently, the message either wasn’t delivered or didn’t get through. The Giants started the drive with two timeouts. They didn’t even have to use both of them. And that’s all. My final thought on this game is that the team that was sharper, brought momentum in and stuck to its script won. That’s really the crux of the matter. |
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Comments
Posted by A-Cast @ 6:15 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I'll give credit for having some knowledge of x's and o's but I'll always remember you for the stupid lack of judgement you had when posting the passion of the Christ video to the benny hill music. your paper was smart enough to realize this and remove it but never a peep from you. I bet you still thought it was funny as you originally claimed. I'll leave it at that
Posted by Clayton Holmes' Red Bicycle @ 6:17 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Breer...you are not getting it...we are still in mourning...I have this game on TiVo and may never watch it...too painful...what else do you like doing?...pouring rubbing alcohol into papercuts?...poisoning bird baths?...running people's hands over a very rough 2x4?...making me listen to Jessica Simpson records backwards?...forcing me to listen to Wade Phillip's pressers for over 15 minutes?...make me review Jerry's drafts with Lacewell?...please dude stop!!!...
Posted by Dallas Mourner @ 6:23 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Good, solid coverage from you this season. Strong Xs and Os insight and a keen eye for detail. Your politics suck a** and lean way too left for most of the Texans that read this (we aren't idiots and were aware of your past when it was revealed you'd been hired). Just keep your political ideals and odd sense of humor wrapped up under that sweet hair do, and you'll be fine.
Posted by davej @ 6:26 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
The thing that I see as the common thread to all of your observations Albert is that it came from the team playing scared AND from the coaches calling the game scared. That's where the Giants really beat us.
The Giants played and coached without fear and it showed - even with a decimated secondary. The Cowboys played scared and the coaches called the game scared. In the first half, I was surprised to see Anthony Spencer and Greg Ellis rotating because I haven't seen it all year.
The team played all out early in the year, but that is easier to do when there's not a lot on the line. I hope the coaches and team learn this lesson - you have to play like there is no tomorrow in the playoffs because there isn't.
Posted by Kat Daddy @ 6:41 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I would like to know how a kid like you is that much smarter than someone that has 30 plus years in the NFL. I bet ya ain't even that old. Wade is getting blasted just like Mr Bum did in Houston. They are both Great Men and I knew Bum in Houston and he drove an old beat up scout. Seeing him at the cafe outside of Arcola ya'd never thought he was the coach of the Houston Oilers. Dang Give Him a Break. It wasn't him dropping the passes or not being able to get the ball from center to QB.
Posted by jtt @ 6:44 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
AB
Great job, hope they bring you back.......excellent insights on the entire season.....but you need to write on the draft and the team's defficiencies (I now we are stuckwith the GM); it's all about the future now!
Posted by Avery210 @ 6:45 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Then Clayton, skip over this. It's not like you have to read everything on this blog.
Breer, thanks for your continued analysis. It's been a welcome addition each week. Don't listen to all the fans that like to gripe about every little thing...the vast majority of us fans appreciate this stuff.
Go Mavs...
Posted by 05mustang @ 6:59 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Breer,
Great breakdown as always. Pay no mind to the critics. It is quite disheartening to realize that this was a letdown not only at the player level but at the coaching, schematic level. And to think we had two weeks to prepare makes it hurt even more.
I look forward to your x's and o's breakdown next year.
Posted by Rob Miles @ 7:03 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I don't get what's so bad about the "Passion" clip set to that Benny Hill music. I bet it is funny, and I'll have to go look it up. Breer is a Yankee who doesn't give us hicks enough respect to proof-read his articles or get the facts straight all the time, but why fault him for linking to something that sounds like it's pretty danged funny.
I just wish Breer hadn't talked DMN into this stupid captcha code. That's New England nonsense, and doesn't belong on a fan site.
Posted by David @ 7:10 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Appreciate the literate and detailed synopsis. I for one look very much forward to seeing Albert's work here in the future. I especially like the honest, clear eyed assessment that is written by a columnist without any local axes to grind.
Posted by James @ 7:25 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Hey Clayton..look on the bright side. You don't have his brat kids, or even worse...have to go to bed with his wife!!!
Posted by sayitaintso @ 7:33 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I reccomend that any Cowboy fan who thought they were a cinch against the Giants, read Frank Luksa's columns of December 17, 23 and 31. He was absolutely on target and told you why the Cowboys had real problems both offensively and defensively. The Philadelphia game was the real tipoff.
Posted by Cesar @ 7:38 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I love your stuff. You tell it like it is and that's just fine with me. Don't listen to these yahoos who seem to think that just because you work in Texas you have to be a backwards hick just like them.
Keep up the great work!
Posted by Phill @ 7:49 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Thanks for all your analyses all season Albert - very interesting. You go some way to explaining what happened on Sunday but I'd like to know why it happened. Any chance you'll put your thoughts on what the Cowboys did to the Head Coach, OC and DC and ask them to explain why they did what they did?
Posted by Scott in Littleton @ 7:59 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I've enjoyed your columns too, Albert. After seeing you put Romo in your shaking down column, I'm glad to see that you are seeing how clearly let down he was by his recievers and front line.
Posted by Charles @ 8:03 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
I enjoyed your work this season and look forward to more in the future. The Passion of the Christ set to Benny Hill music, now that's funny. Praise the Law-ard. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Doug @ 8:42 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Hey Albert, I hope you're here next year. And I'll throw my 2 cents in the hat by saying that I'm happy to have a leftist with a quirky sense of humor on this blog, if that does indeed describe you.
And to boot, your analyses beat the heck out of the Cabo/Simpson/TO dredge that permeates other postings on this blog.
These religious guys are kinda touchy, like so many religious people around the world. Gotta live with that, unfortunately. Hopefully they can rein in their feelings before they start calling for a jihad. :-)
Posted by RLC @ 8:46 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
It is really much more simple than Albert thinks . . . . . We started playing bad football (or at least not as good) when Tony quit smiling.
Posted by philipsimpson @ 9:06 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
It is obvious now the vacations were a big distraction to the offensive line. Tony was immature in to thinking he could hang out in mexico instead of stay close to home and his players. He is expected to lead and set the example, not be just one of the guys. The seattle game was not enough to force him to grow up. These seasons are not the norm. They must be taken advantage of....not for granted!
Posted by Darren @ 9:38 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Any chance they replace Roy Willy or decrease his role next year?
Posted by Darren @ 9:38 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Any chance they replace Roy Willy or decrease his role next year?
Posted by Jerry's botox kit @ 9:46 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
2 thoughts:
with Roy switching to his old college jersey # does this mean he is also going to be committed to fitting into his old size jersey [back to an XL from what now appears to be a XXXL]?
does Wade get that the 13 wins means a lower draft slot w/out the bang of getting further in the playoffs?...I mean what a waste of 13 wins!
Posted by ap @ 9:48 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
AB,
The tone of your post makes it seem almost as if you're signing off for good - hope that's not the case.
Would you mind doing three more 'tale-of-the-tapes' for us fans that now have absolutely nothing to do, if you don't mind?
Posted by 0-for Romo @ 10:13 PM Tue, Jan 15, 2008
Cabo Romo in the Pro Bowl? That is a joke! I would be embarrassed to show up if I were him. Vote on players based on playoff play not regular season (against struggling teams) performance. Romo spend probowl weekend back in cabo where you belong.
Posted by CowboyJeff @ 7:47 AM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
I was sitting in section 101, last row in the upper deck for the game. I really can't disagree with anything in Albert's blog. Good job.....especially on calling out Reeves.
Posted by BlueZone @ 8:08 AM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
Reeves should have had some help from the safety. Maybe next year we can get one.
GET RID OF THE BISCUIT!!!!!!!!
Posted by Cut Rowdy 2 @ 8:35 AM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
HESITATED??? Crayton you QUIT. OK, I've got this guy beat and I'm wide open, now what should I do? Duh, turn around and look for the ball? No, I'll just stop and let him catch up. I'd probably just drop it again anyway.
Now where's your "Patricia Crayton clip" set to Benny Hill music?
Hope your ALL-TALK-NO-TALENT-BLABBER-MOUTH @$$ gets the WALK elsewhere.
Posted by alex @ 11:10 AM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
"...but I'll always remember you for the stupid lack of judgement you had when posting the passion of the Christ video to the benny hill music."
What? Get a life dude.
Breer, thanks for "real" analysis of the game. I get so, so tired of the type of stereotypical analysis you hear everywhere else that focuses entirely on intangibles (like "who wants it more") and not at all on what actually happened on the field. Thanks for analysis that teaches us something about football in the process, and I hope you'll be doing it again next season.
Posted by Jody @ 11:56 AM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
Dallas is a poorly conditioned team. The O-line was worn out by the end of the game and that explains the late season failures of the past several years. BTW, the captcha code bites, I never post on the first try.
Posted by Ken in Irvine @ 7:05 PM Wed, Jan 16, 2008
Thanks Albert. Your addition to the blog this year has been a good one.
Posted by Bill S @ 3:16 PM Thu, Jan 17, 2008
I'm writing this in NYC waiting for the Giants to beat the Packers in the championship game. To this NY Giant fan, the 'superbowl' is already won... whatever happens with the Packers, NY G's sent the Cowboys packing for home and reduced to tears. How satisfying is that!