The Cowboys Are Running

by KaptainKirk on Sep 30, 2009 3:35 PM MDT Comment 24 comments

I was all set to write about Felix Jones this week and then he went and got injured. I had a video clip and everything. Serves me right for starting him on my Fantasy Team. Everyone knows that Jason Witten will be a big factor in this game. The Panthers couldn't stop the agile tight end, who had nine catches for 77 yards Monday night. With Marion Barber gimpy, it leaves the Cowboys with little "Choice" in their Running Game.Tashard being the lone tailback who's 100 percent healthy for the Cowboys. Just because both Marion Barber and Felix Jones are nicked up, don’t expect the Cowboys to abandon the run this weekend against the Broncos.

It's possible Chauncey Washington will be called up from the practice squad, although Marion Barber is likely to return to his starting spot. Choice and Barber are similar backs in their effectiveness and they are both good pass blockers. Felix Jones is their breakaway threat, but since he is unlikely to play on Sunday, he will not affect the outcome.

The Cowboys are the NFL's top rushing team, averaging 193.7 yards per game. The Broncos are 7th in the league against the Rush and 1st in total yards against. The Cowboys Rushing Defense is middle of the road, while the Broncos are 4th in Rushing the ball. This will be something to watch as it will essentially affect the field position battle.

Cowboys Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams kept Carolina standout DE Julius Peppers in check last week. Peppers had only two tackles and didn't record a sack. But Flozell is about to meet his "Doom." Elvis Dumervil's speed will overcome Flo's bulk, creating holding and False Start penalty problems. Elvis is the most efficient pass rusher that Adams will see this year. Peppers and Albert Haynesworth are grossly overpaid even though Julius is at least paying some dividends for the Panthers. Daniel Snyder has been acting like Bernie Madoff, but in reality he is a victim of Albert's Ponzi scheme.

While it's true the Cowboys haven't run the ball on any stout run defenses this year, the Giants defense is right next to the Broncos as the top Defenses in Total and Pass defense, and they are responsible for giving Dallas their sole loss so far.

For the Cowboys to be successful, they will have to run the ball, control the clock and put Tony Romo in position where he’s facing 8 in the box and one-on-one coverage on the outside. They need Romo to start making plays this season, but they don't need to get fancy to win games. Romo doesn't miss Jessica Simpson as much as he misses his receivers but let's face it, he needs to play better.

Their best approach is a run heavy offense with a two TE set. Jason Witten is a well known entity at one TE spot, and Martellus Bennett is a 2nd year player that is a good aggressive blocker. When defenses box up for Barber or Choice, Jason Witten attacks the seam of the Defense.

The other method of attack in the Cowboys passing game is certain to be Roy Williams matched up against the reliable Andre' Goodman. However, Tony Romo was so bad in the Giants game, that the Cowboys will go run first on the Broncos. Starting RB Marion Barber was injured late in the Giants game and could be limited for the contest against the Broncos. If that is the case, look for Tashard Choice to handle the load in the Dallas running game.

The Cowboys tried running from the Razorback(Wildcat)formation twice last week with mixed results. This was originally designed for Peyton Hillis in college (Remember he played with Jones and McFadden). The first try, the snap went to lone back Tashard Choice, who quickly handed off to a sweeping Felix Jones. Jones got nowhere and tight end Martellus Bennett got flagged for holding. The next time, the Panthers were caught off guard. Choice faked a handoff and ran up the middle for 10 yards to Carolina's 25. The package gained 3 yards in the opener against Tampa Bay.

I believe the key to this game for the Broncos is to run the ball. They should be able to pass all day on the Cowboys, but ball control in this game will win it handily. The Cowboys may be the strongest team they've faced this year, but this game is winnable. After all, the Broncos just need to score one more point than the Cowboys. Simple as that.

Go Broncos!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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nice post

okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule

by j-man on Sep 30, 2009 4:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Dallas Run Game FWIW

Dallas had 8 runni8ng plays against the Giants that were over 10 yards. These 8 plays totaled 198 yards a 24.75 average. Whatever the Giants did against the Dallas run is what not to do. No doubt Nolan watched these 8 plays carefully and has a better gameplan.

"Sanity is the realization that everyone is insane to some degree." Me

by 3nS on Sep 30, 2009 4:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Their most effective play has been the draw

They run a play that looks like a pass, very well disguised, and then run the delayed draw up the middle. Stop that play and they aren’t too dangerous in the run with Felix Jones out this week.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein

by Ponderosa on Sep 30, 2009 4:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great post, Kaptain!

Our D will need to play the run well on Sunday. Good job breaking down the Cowboys!

Thanks and rec’d.

" Life is what happens while you're making other plans "

by hairybear on Sep 30, 2009 5:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree....Ball control

though the use of the running game seems our best option. Also, I like the idea that was presented in a comment that suggested all of the drag patterns we have run in the middle of the field are going to open up a few outside and deep shots. Its weird… after this last game against oakland, my worries about the ‘boys are almost immeasurably small. Considering how poor of an an overall team the faiders really are, this seems odd. I think its because I respected their run game and defensive line before we stomped all over both of those elements. Thanks for the analysis, KK, rec’d.

by idahobronc on Sep 30, 2009 6:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

A nice read as always Kap'n,

Your conclusion says it all, we only need one more
point than the cowboys.
Like I said last night, I’m starting to see the boys,
in our rear view mirror. McDaniels/Nolan, I am sure
will have a surprise tailor made, and ready to go.
Rec’d ofcourse
Go Broncos

Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM

by UB3 on Sep 30, 2009 7:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good one KK...Rec'd

Love your style sir…Thanks

by BroncoSense72 on Sep 30, 2009 7:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you guys

I sure can’t wait til Sunday.

"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa

by KaptainKirk on Sep 30, 2009 7:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good post Kirk...rec'd

This will be a fine test for us this weekend, but I think its fortunate to be Dallas. Providing our defense continues to attack I have no doubt that we can slow enough of their runs to leave Romo with more than a few third and long situations. Doom is going to rattle Romo, but that will not win this game.

I really think Dallas’ defense is suspect, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Royal and Marshall have a ‘coming-out’ party this weekend. i think we match up real well against Dallas, I’m glad they are the first stop on these next grueling weeks.

Should be fun!

13-3 Baby!!!

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Sep 30, 2009 9:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

EAGLE FAN IN DA HOUSE............

ok ok, now i just wanted 2 say wat up 2 all the denver peoples and say i know u guys are gonna do us a favor this week by stomping the boys. Tony homo is just way to reckless and without felix jones and a hurt marion barber he is gonna try to do 2 much and win the game himself resulting in turnovers. Also im expecting 2 of your guys Royal and Scheffler to break out of their early season slumps with productive games.
OH and as for Dawkins and Buck, now u guys can see why these 2 were loved so much in philly, there just 2 hard working smart vets that can flat out play football.
Your Welcome, stomp the girls

by goldenbird09 on Sep 30, 2009 9:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

We'll take out Dallas for you.....nuff said

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on Sep 30, 2009 9:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I think we all knew what we were getting with Dawkins, but I am just as excited with what Buckhalter has brought to the table. He is a tough runner that is quick to the hole. Just what we like here in Denver.

by adamriggs on Sep 30, 2009 9:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to be honest

I wasn’t too fond of the Buck pickup at first, partially because of his age, but mostly because of his injuries. He’s turned out to be solid for us, and I’m willing to bet that his leadership is a huge reason why he’s here to stay.

"FLAG! Fail on the field. Re-do." -Disco_Stu

by Joe Medina on Sep 30, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks goldenbird

Don’t think of it as losing Dawkins and Buck, think of it as giving other teams the weapons to take down your division foes.

Bringing Bronco love from 1,112 miles away

by kentuckybronco on Oct 1, 2009 2:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing Like Getting

Some proven winners from a proven organization.

When you can do the common things in life in a uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.
- George Washington Carver

How do you keep the Broncos Humble?
"Just show them the film. Show them the film." - Josh McDaniels

by Kfustud on Oct 1, 2009 3:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the kind wordz..............

to bad we havent been able to finish the deal like u guys did back 2 back years. Also my cousin is a DIE HARD BRONCOS fan so denver is my second team. Lets not get 2 friendly however we do play eachother this year lol. That will be some game seeing Dawkins coming back 2 philly in a different uniform, very sad 4 me but i will be rooting 4 dawk. And i do think he will be 1 of few to come back 2 philly in a different uniform and get a standing ovation!!!!!! Just want u guys 2 know that a lot of Eagles fans get bad raps, and dont get me wrong , some of them are mindless morons but the majority of us are just crazy about football and extremely passionate about our team as is you guys!!!!!!
Good luck in blowin out the cowgirls, Flozell the cheater has NO chance against ELVIS!!!!!
GO BRONCOS U GUYS ARE MY AFC TEAM

by goldenbird09 on Oct 1, 2009 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Werd...great post Goldenbird and come back any time.Good luck this week man!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.

by boydy2669 on Oct 1, 2009 6:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

wat up ty

by goldenbird09 on Sep 30, 2009 9:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks goldenbird

I knew we had two keepers when B Dawk and C Buck signed. I was privileged enough to watch them both in Training Camp, and I was impressed that Correll had as much speed as he showed me. B Dawk, Nuff said.

by KaptainKirk on Sep 30, 2009 9:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

B Dawk

will do a good job on Witten. Guaranteed. We have one of the best Safety’s in the league, that’s something the Giants and Panthers don’t have.

by higgyhoops12 on Sep 30, 2009 10:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope Dawkins lays him out hard.

It's Orange Crush Time!

by USMCWall on Oct 1, 2009 2:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Witten is a Monster!

A couple of his best games have been against Dawkins! Dawkins CAN’T COVER. The Cowboys 2TE attack is deadly. They are averaging 10 yards PER PLAY from this formation.

by RomoHomo on Oct 1, 2009 7:26 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Long runs

McD mentioned almost from the get-go that he was going to limit those long runs and passes, and get personnel and scheme accordingly. I don’t think we’ll see 8 runs totalling 198 yards. Maybe they’ll break off some for 10-15 yards, but hopefully there will be more run plays that result in no gain or a loss.

by NDbronco on Oct 1, 2009 8:03 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs