Official 2011 Dallas Cowboys Season Thread

[chumdawg]

Originally Posted by Male30Dan

By the way, I would like SOMEONE to try to explain that call just before the kick that sent the game into overtime (the fake handoff/pitch to Miles). Why would you run that play? Not just because Miles hasn't been put in that situation all game. Not just because a pitch is significantly more risky than a hand off in general (in a situation where a fumble is completely inexcusable). Not just because he ran to the left to make the kick even more difficult for Bailey.

No, in general, I just want to know why it is that hard to line up and run the damn ball like any normal team would in that situation. Why is it that hard? Garrett himself said it was a stupid decision that he regrets so it isn't like he is defending the call. The stupid stick doesn't just hit the players from time to time. No, coaches are far from impervious here - especially those that try to be far too cute.

Bottom line - JUST RUN THE DAMN BALL. Line up, much like SF, and punch each other in the damn mouth en route to (hopefully) a positive gain. Either way, drop the cutesy bull shit and stop trying to out think the opposing defense.

Sadly, calls like that make our already mistake-prone players make even more mistakes. Just see the fumble on the pass call from the 2 yard line week 1. I hold Romo far more accountable for that mistake as he has to be intelligent enough to know to throw the damn thing away if there isn't an opening, but still. JUST RUN THE DAMN BALL THREE STRAIGHT TIMES and kick the field goal if you don't punch it through (you know, a FG that would have likely sealed the win).

We should be 2-0 right now. Stupidity all around prevented it. Luckily the skill on this team that I talk about regularly prevented us from being down 0-2. Will the stupidity ever stop or will we just have to hope that week in/week out the skill on this team overcomes the stupidity?

What a sad question to have to ask about your favorite team.

The simple answer to your question is that the straight-up run play was not likely to gain more than a handful of yards in that situation, while the naked misdirection might have gained significantly more (in terms of field position vis a vis the FG attempt). It was a risk-reward thing. It looks dumb in retrospect, but it would look pretty smart if it went for 15.

And Miles should know the play. It's been in the offense for years.

And on a minor point, I'm pretty sure that a right-footed kicker would prefer the ball on the left hash on a long attempt. They tend to hook the ball when they power through it. From the left hash you can start it at the right post and bring it back in.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

The simple answer to your question is that the straight-up run play was not likely to gain more than a handful of yards in that situation, while the naked misdirection might have gained significantly more (in terms of field position vis a vis the FG attempt). It was a risk-reward thing. It looks dumb in retrospect, but it would look pretty smart if it went for 15.

Man, tough to support that line of thinking given the situation. It really is. Nothing against you, but if that is the primary reason - just very stupid. In that situation it is much like the lost FG opportunity due to a risky run by Romo. In that situation, you MUST at least have 3. The more risk you take on the play chosen the more likely you are to fumble or lose significant yardage. Just not smart.

And Miles should know the play. It's been in the offense for years.

Knowing the play because it is technically in the offense does not mean he is comfortable doing it due to very rarely doing it in the past. Just not a smart choice. Garrett said it himself. No real way to defend this (again, nothing against you here).

And on a minor point, I'm pretty sure that a right-footed kicker would prefer the ball on the left hash on a long attempt. They tend to hook the ball when they power through it. From the left hash you can start it at the right post and bring it back in.

I certainly have not noticed that being the norm - long or short. Maybe I have just overlooked that in the past (and I will start looking for it now). I need to go back and look at the replay of Sebastian's 63 yarder for reference. Either way, fair enough.

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