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2020-2021 Regular Season: Dallas Fails To Cover
All The Angles In The City Of Angels With Birds Of Prey On The Way
September 19,
2020 At 10:32 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf-
- Every NFL team – heading into the
2020 season – had to deal with the changes inflicted upon the league
by COVID-19 (setting up strict rules on how every member of each
organization can successfully keep their human interactions clean).
Every NFL team – heading into the 2020 season – had to deal with a
lack of OTA’s and a tragically-truncated training camp (with
tremendous pressure on coaches to help their players avoid a brain
cramp).
Every NFL team – heading into the 2020 season – had to deal with the
fallout of having no preseason games through which to tune up the
readiness their rosters (to magically rid themselves of performance
imposters).
Every NFL team – heading into the 2020 season – had to deal with the
sinister specter of untimely illness and injury (some solved with a
slow recovery and others with season-ending surgery).
Every NFL team – heading into the 2020 season – had the same
opportunity to improve their roster-building craft through the
draft, as well as the “after party,” err, undrafted free agent
cattle (call through which teams feverishly fight to acquire
mistakenly-ignored, draft-worthy talent desperate and determined to
prove that they, too, can professionally ball).
A handful of NFL teams – heading into the 2020 season – were faced
with new coaches familiarizing themselves with key players and
painstakingly installing one or more a critical scheme. One NFL team
– heading into the 2020 season – had the benefit of their new head
coach deciding to keep a few members of the outgoing regime.
That new head coach and new defensive coordinator chose to place
their trench warfare bet with former Cowboys star player and
existing assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett. That new head
coach determined Doug Nussmeier (in shifting from tight ends to
quarterbacks) was the right position coach to raise Dak Prescott’s
game even higher. That new head coach – in perhaps his biggest,
most-scrutinized move – convinced existing offensive coordinator
(and alleged play-calling wunderkind) Kellen Moore to step not one
foot out the organization’s door. The offensive playbook – aside
from expected screen-centric tweaks – has (comfortably or
criminally?) remained the same, down to the language, focus, and
theme.
And yet, that new head coach was ultimately brought in for his
ability (like a crafty contestant on Food Network’s “Chopped”) to
take more-than-a-few existing ingredients and apply a
dynamically-digestible recipe with a clever twist. The alternative
had been to allow the previous chef to view such a formulaic flex as
frightening and resist, resist, resist.
And still, STILL – with all that potential for truly functional and
productive change – the host Los Angeles Rams (much like in the 2018
postseason) exposed much of the same old Cowboys mange through a
20-17 victory that was anything but play-call or play-execution
clean.
Short Shots And Hot Spots
Dallas began the game with DeMarcus Lawrence’s patented neutral zone
infraction (with no more than a hard count and an incredibly quiet
(and gorgeous) SoFi stadium to pass for a distraction) and – from
there on in – Mike Nolan’s defense only infrequently gained any
traction.
The Rams’ Sean McVay (in 2019) seemingly lost his play-calling way
but – for at least one 2020 game – he has freed himself from that
label of shame. He used simple misdirection screen plays (again and
Again and AGAIN) that allowed Dallas’ (doe-eyed) defensive ends to
often-blindly bulldoze straight up field. By the split-second moment
it became necessary for Cowboys’ linebackers (healthy or not) to
post-snap read and react, Rams running back Malcolm Brown and wide
receiver Robert Woods (prominently among others) were routinely
gouging the Cowboys (with a few rare exceptions) for a collectively
big yield.
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- Good (and not necessarily just GREAT) defensive linemen are taught
to (and organically choose to) use leverage to redirect an offensive
lineman into the runway of a potential receiver to disrupt the
timing of many a diabolical screen play. Dallas' defensive line made
so very little of lots of leverage opportunities to even reasonably
slow the Rams' screens on the day.
Even on plays where Aldon “Just Dusty, Not Rusty” Smith clearly
diagnosed the incoming man-in-motion whom he was ready to nab, the
nearest tight end or o-lineman created just enough escapist daylight
that Smith could not successfully grab. While that ability to
diagnose an in-progress play is not every defensive player’s forte,
the absence of that mental skill allowed the Rams’ Robert Woods to
routinely zip through and really press the pace (with both defensive
linemen and linebackers giving confused and unprepared chase).
Even when Woods was not being gimmicked out of the backfield or over
the short middle, he was finding a nice tight-end-sized seam in
Nolan's scheme and playing his (suddenly) out-of-position defenders
like a fiddle.
The Dallas defense – as was the case all last year – has not a
single solitary interior lineman for opponents to fear. The Cowboys’
inferior, err, interior holes make the overall defense into
easily-manipulated mush . . . enough to make even Swiss cheese
completely blush. Those 2019-sized gaps (without capable and
attacking linebacking) only prove to self-neutralize any quarterback
pressure and help brutalize the Cowboys’ secondary by any measure.
Speaking of linebacking, even with Leighton Vander Esch IN the
lineup to make the defensive calls and handle the overage, the
equally-talented Jaylon Smith remains remarkably rotten in pass
coverage. If his in-play
diagnosis could be more regularly raised above hope-and-pray hocus pocus,
he could display quite the triangulation focus. Until that day
comes, Smith may more often resemble Roy “Biscuit” Williams (who
effortlessly outlined the box with crime scene chalk but similarly
struggled to beat the pass defense knock).
Both of two GREAT defensive plays (that reminded of the Ed "Too
Tall" Jones and Jim Jeffcoat days) involved batted passes. The Rams
were at the Dallas 17 on a 3rd-and-15 (with 8:50 remaining in the
second quarter) and – as if reading Goff's
"fragile eggshell mind" – defensive end Everson Griffin smoothly
raised his paw and easily smacked the pass attempt to the field
(like watching LeBron James force a layup-minded player to yield).
The other deflection – that almost turned into a prized interception
– occurred on a Los Angeles 3rd-and-3 (with under a minute left in
the third quarter), where a blitzing Jaylon Smith batted a Goff pass
which nearly landed with rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs (so
determined to be dazzlingly even-handed).
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Diggs – the Cowboys’ 2020 second-round draft pick (selected for his
natural ability to perform the turnover trick) – is going to be
(even more) exciting to watch with each snap and each game. He has
no fear of risk and welcomes the heat from the “you win some, you
lose some” flame. He played the ball, and – though he narrowly blew
a critical third quarter tackle – his relentless effort will pay
dividends over the long haul.
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- Speaking of
interceptions, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (a talented-yet-mixed bag
of hope and dope, injury and availability) "caught a break" with
3:58 left in the third quarter, giving Dallas a chance to reset the
competitive order. He picked off a wobbly 3rd-and-7 Jared Goff
throw, engaged in bob-and-weave with what he did thieve, and in the
other direction he gave it a go. Though inconsistent in his short
career in Dallas, Awuzie deserves star-spangled credit for nabbing a
most-holy interception (which inexplicably continues to be a rare
treat for a Dallas defense that – for years now – has undergone many
a failed, turnover-focused reinvention).
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Rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb – to absolutely no one’s surprise –
looked as good against the Rams as he looked against his own
defensive teammates in training camp. The ONLY way Lamb does not
enjoy a fantastic first year is if Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup
productively explode, or the Cowboys’ offensive line “decides” to
implode, or Dak Prescott suffers an unexpected brain cramp.
Dak used his legs more liberally this game, though his mobile effort
remained marked with nervous ticks of a still-hesitant mental frame.
YES, Yes, yes, a quarterback must be able to “trust the system,” but
never, ever blindly or to a fault. Once that ball is snapped and
WHILE those reads are being specifically and peripherally made,
Prescott must be allowed, encouraged, and WILLING to adjust to the
unexpected and vault (into mobile action that extends plays and
gives his entire offense much-needed, possession-saving traction).
Yes, the Ram’s All-Pro defensive end Aaron Donald is often a
monstrous handful – against practically any player – but you must be
in rhythm with that “clock in your head” (as Bill Parcells used to
tell that announcer guy on every play, especially when offensive
line performance occasionally makes you pray) or find your promising
opportunities all but dead. “Situational Football” is as much or
more about a quarterback’s pocket awareness (and a receiver’s
readiness) as it is a flexible play call.
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Speaking of flexible play calls, every defense in the NFL (even
those defenses incapable of giving opponents hell) knows Kellen
Moore puts Dak in position to rely too heavily on 15-20-yard crossing
and curl routes (with the hope but not promise of YAC) versus much more of the field-stretching, in-stride,
vertical game that produces potent fan shouts (and – when
critically-successful – slows an aggressive defensive attack).
Though – with Dallas (temporarily or – GASP – perpetually?)
suffering such defensive struggles – the need for time of possession
dominance may (understandably) continue to squash such vertical
prominence.
The kicking game – even with veteran and former, long-time Ram Greg
Zeurlein in the fold – still looked crusty and old. His 53-yard miss
was worthy of a familiar special teams diss. Like former Cowboys
head coach Jason Garrett and former Cowboys defensive coordinator
Rod Marinelli, former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher – for at least one
game – can point, laugh, and shout "So, sooo lame!"
Yes, in saving the best for last, Ezekiel Elliott was expected to be
extremely motivated and ready to put ANY team on blast for thinking
his best years were in the past. His near 100-yard rushing
performance was easily-anticipated, but his passing game
participation was prematurely, even arrogantly liquidated. It was
with disgusting irony that Sean McVay made sure the Cowboys were
screen-pass-abused, yet Mike “Mr. Screen Pass” McCarthy and Kellen
Moore thought such an option (with capable players like Zeke and
Tony Pollard unable to be backfield-collared) was nothing about
which to be particularly-enthused. Five catches for 53 between them
ain't gonna' cut it when your downfield threats are prevented (by
either defenders or official pretenders) from fulfilling
seemingly-reliable sportsbook bets.
Speaking of lousy officiating, while a poorly-called and
poorly-executed game plan is bad enough for the Cowboys, a
salt-in-the-wound offensive pass interference penalty – on Michael
Gallup on what should have been a 45 (?) yard catch – was
particularly degrading. “Everyone knows” Rams star cornerback Jaylen
Ramsey was beat and had to resort to play-acting false hooking while
an expectedly-dopey referee was looking. What was-and-is normally
viewed as acceptable “hand-fighting” – especially with the game on
the line – was treated as anything but fine. Instead of being in
position to at least kick a game-tying field goal – and in the
process, make up for both an earlier missed field goal and a blown
fourth down (call or execution of that call?) – the unbelievable
penalty took its game-losing toll.
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"I was surprised there was a call there . . . particularly at that
point in the game. You just usually don't see that (call) in a
critical point in the game." – Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy
(marveling at what, from his days coaching against Dallas, should
have been quite familiar malarkey).
At the end of the day, however, the Cowboys need to get as far away
from this kind of situation as possible, no matter how improbable.
If you call more of the right, forward-thinking plays to put your
available players in position (with more breathing room) to complete the productive
acquisition, nothing is (absolutely) impossible. Live and learn or
willfully repeat and feel the burn.
Misery Loves Injury
Those among Cowboys Nation who were willing to wave goodbye to “Old
Reliable,” that savvy, slow-but-steady veteran guy (in favor of
another tight end who could comparatively fly) were left asking
“Why? Oh, WHY?!” Blake Jarwin – the Cowboys’ little used
down-the-seam-darlin’ – was lost for the year due to an
impeccably-timed ACL tear. While – following surgery – he is
expected to make a complete recovery, team focus returns to trusted
tight end discovery. The depth behind Jarwin – comprised of Dalton
Schultz, Blake Bell, and Sean McKeon (with 3, 6, and 0 years of
experience, respectively, between them and the with meaning of
"years" being easily-misinterpreted) – has those same fans asking
“Where? Oh, WHERE?!” Though Schultz does, indeed, have promise, he
is more of an Eric Bjornson-sized receiver with line-blocking
limitations, il-equipped to reduce Dallas’ potentially-developing
o-line fever.
Some fans were unabashedly excited about linebacker Leighton Vander
Esch’s return to the practice field. Other fans – including yours
truly – were guardedly-optimistic about “The Wolf Hunter’s” neck
condition being absolutely, positively healed and steeled. LVE was
supposed to be rip-roaring and ready to resume his combative
collaboration with Jaylon “Predator” Smith, and Sean
“Injured-Riddled Man Who Still Can” Lee, and fans were hoping fate
would simply let it be.
No such luck as – before game one even arrived – fate hollered at
Cowboys Nation: “Good luck!” Lee had already joined right tackle
La’el Collins on the IRDFR (Injured Reserve Designated For Return)
for the first three weeks of the season. Oh, but the functional
misery due to debilitating injury would just be increasin’.
LVE – the tremendous talent be he – was eagerly warming to his
opportunity to atone for injuries he could only bemoan, but he could
not even survive the first hour of the game before suffering a
(cleanly) broken collarbone. While the team’s medical staff insists
this latest injury is in-no-way related to his previous neck
ailment, Dallas must find a way (for at least the next 6-8 weeks) to
withstand a significant starting linebacker derailment.
“Significant?! They only lost Lee for a total count of three weeks!”
you shriek (questioning the facts from which The Tortured Cowboys
Fan speaks). Sadly, Lee just had surgery on a torn labrum (making
fans – who hoping to see Dallas’ linebacking hydra sooner than later
– downright glum).
But wait! There’s MORE! Though offensive lineman Cameron Erving was
supposed to help provide “The Great, Err, Above Average Wall Of
Dallas” from uncontrollably swerving, he, too, could not make it
through game one before a sprained MCL ensured he was done. Off to
the IRDFR was went, and fans of improved depth can only hope his
recovery time makes no more than a three-week dent.
But wait! If you use the special promo code “INJURY,” you can
receive even more roster misery!
The Cowboys’ secondary – members of which face a road so tough
against team after team calling their bluff – lost veteran
cornerback Anthony Brown to a severely bruised (?) rib. While this
appears to open the door for Jourdain Lewis’s return (with Brown
taking his IRDFR turn), the Cowboys’ next couple opponents are
already reaching for the BBQ sauce and an extra-large bib.
“How are teams able to place so many players on short-term injured
reserve at the same time?” you appropriately inquire (over what
would seem to be a crime as the Cowboys’ roster begins to resemble a
dumpster fire). Another side effect of COVID-19 – for just THIS year
– is that teams can place an unlimited number of players on
short-term injured reserve (for as little as three weeks rather than
the normally-required eight), making GM Jerry’s rapidly-growing MASH
unit free and clear, which (for Dallas) is just great.
Apprehension Driving Invention?
Will (injury and performance) apprehension prove the mother of
accelerated invention? Sure, Mike McCarthy has a (one-time?)
reputation for SUPER success in a more-from-less situation
(magically navigating mass-injury devastation). Sure, Mike Nolan has
been touted as a defensive guru who can alter his schemes to
more-immediately generate winning themes. And yet, the speed at
which injuries are piling up combined with the very real potential
for 0-2 (and 0-3 before September is through) may immediately change
what the Cowboys decide to do.
Sure, the 34-year-old linebacker Clay Matthews is still twiddling
his thumbs at home and – perhaps for the right price and a chance to
rejoin Mike McCarthy – to Dallas he might eventually roam.
Sure, the 36-year-old tight end Delanie Walker may also be
considering how best to blend with an inevitable (?) career end, but
he may still be able to help an offense out before he officially
makes it around the bend.
Sure, The Tortured Cowboys Fan has been relentlessly-weary about the
degenerate knee condition of former Cowboys’ offensive guard Ronald
Leary. Yes, his time in Denver was cut short(er) by a torn Achilles,
“but, BUT,” additional depth at guard (next to an iffy Tyron Smith
at tackle) will prevent a hesitant runner in Prescott from
having the willies.
Though the Cowboys thought they finally had a worthy man in the
middle in the form of offseason acquisition Dontari “No Show?” Poe,
his biggest impact (and GM Jerry’s personal favorite) was kneeling
during the national anthem. Poe otherwise disappeared against a team
in L.A. that was having their way. Perhaps Poe really is but half of
a dynamic duo who just goes coy without his fellow defensive tackle
Gerald McCoy. His season-ending quad injury (during training camp)
has clearly had a painful cost, as his preferred pairing with Poe
was lost.
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Sure, Dallas could call free agent heavy bag, err, DFW resident
Damon “Snacks” Harrison to potentially add to their nose tackle
garrison, but at what point do the Cowboys extract themselves from
the concept of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” Dallas
will not have the pleasure if whomever they sign folds like a lawn
chair under pressure. At the end of the day, not every free agent
magically works that way. Yes, Poe has had ONE bad game, but Dallas
simply cannot afford any further nose tackle lame. Snacks is a free
agent for a good reason. As the saying goes, “If Belichick ain’t
interested, stop teasin’.”
One thing is painfully clear as the leagues limps ahead into week
two. So many injuries so early on means already-limited free agent
resources will soon be all-but-gone.
Will They Or Won’t They?
“America’s Team” hosts the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener this
weekend, and it is hard to fathom a Dallas victory with so many key
players on the mend. “Never use injuries as an excuse” unless your
available players and game plan cannot come to a productivity truce.
Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan may be slow as a snail but – with
Nolan’s Knuckleheads (for just one game or a perpetual new name?)
delivering pressure at the speed of USPS mail – his receivers so
deadly (Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley) are just drooling for some
Cowboys to impale.
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Atlanta’s offense dropped 500 yards on a Seattle defense that –
unlike Dallas – was not performing week one dense. “And, AND” that
effort was with Todd “One-Legged Man” Gurley ONLY producing 56 yards
and one touchdown. The potential running lanes he may be gifted at
AT&T Stadium should make even the most myopic members of Cowboys
Nation anxiously frown.
“B-BUT Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amani Cooper, Michael Gallup,
and CeeDee Lamb can also bring the pain! Y-You’re just a hater!
You’re quite insane!” you furiously belch (knowing darn well that if
Tyron Smith is a game day no-show and Prescott is not proactively
pushed to roll out of an otherwise motionless offense, all that
talent will amount to zilch and another opportunity the Cowboys will
squelch).
Will Dak and Co. be able to “go through the (pre-snap) motions” and
make the (GASP) adjustments necessary to take advantage of a Falcons
secondary currently playing more like a collective canary?
Will Zeke’s quality week one performance and promising presence in
the passing game be given a greater chance to set that Falcon’s
secondary aflame . . . or will McCarthy and Kellen Moore be
(inconceivably?) faced with another week of “no creativity” shame?
Will the Dallas defense be able to pick up enough of their porous
pieces to prevent Matt Ryan from making them look like, um, feces?
If not – and if the Cowboys’ roster health continues to quickly rot,
will always-precious draft capital – in exchange for a more capable
talent stable – prove inevitable? Will 77-year-old GM Jerry – who
“doesn’t have time for a bad time” – impatiently cough up some of
the team’s future in order to better stave off the current torture?
We shall see. We Always do.
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