Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Decoding Kellen Moore: Putting Cowboys’ sloppy MNF game in proper context

Link: https://theathletic.com/1355516/2019/11/06/decoding-kellen-moore-putting-cowboys-sloppy-monday-night-in-proper-context/


Week 9 vs. NYG

Date published: Nov. 6, 2019


This game is an odd one to “decode,” because the Cowboys were sloppy for three quarters on offense, yet carried the lead into the fourth quarter and then executed a solid attack plan to win the game. 


Leading 23-18 in the fourth quarter and time on their side, Kellen Moore chose a myriad of passing plays to “attack” and put the Giants away - instead of relying solely on Zeke to pound the ball and kill the clock. 


Witten goes for 22 on a pass play, but a Cobb penalty negates it and gives the Cowboys 3rd-and-12 with plenty of time for NYG to get the ball back and take the lead. 


Moore answers with a perfect play call: Cobb runs a vertical to clear out the field, and Cooper sneaks underneath into the open area for an easy catch-and-run to convert the third down and ice the game.


So far in 2019, Cowboys have gained more than 400 yards in six of eight games (a “successful” day, per Sturm). 


This is the Gallup tiptoe-touchdown game, which was actually all improvised: Cowboys thought they had a free play due to an offsides, but the flag never came. Dak flat-foots a throw to 13-Gallup, who grabs it, tiptoes down the sideline, scores. 


Offense: 

4-11 on third down

1-3 red zone

429 yards


BIGGEST SURPRISE: Cowboys have multiple giveaways in this game, but they still win on the road!


Following this game:

Dallas explosive passes (20+ yards), 2017-19:

2017: 34

2018: 39

2019: 31 (in 8 games)


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