How do we beat Dallas?

[lj4three]

Playoffs are back baby!!! Wooo! Now that i got that out of my system, this Dallas team is the toughest draw for us in my opinion. Seattle and Green Bay have defenses that we can run on, at ease. Dallas proved to us last month that they can shut our run game down, pressure our quarterback, and punish our wideouts with that defense of theirs. They are vulnerable to the deep ball- which can bode well for us (the panthers rank high with completions 20 yards plus- about 50).

However, this game is all about mental preparation in my opinion. We need to come out with a mindset that this is our time- no one elses- don't let anyone take what the team has worked for all year away. We faired up fairly well with the cowboys considering the adversity we faced when down there- if it werent for undisciplined penalties, we could be singing a different tune right now. The first thing we need to do is be fundamentally sound, in all phases of the game. That is half the battle for us. IF we play solid, clean football- we'll give ourselves a shot at the game. The next thing we need to do is capitalize on field position with touchdowns. WE NEED touchdowns- we CANT continue to settle for field goals when we are handed the ball 25 yards from our opponents red zone. And I think its execution and a mental state moreso than playcalling.

Now, to be a little more specific- what is the best way to attack the dallas defense with our offense? do we loosen up the dallas box by throwing early? or do we try and establish a run game coming out against the expected 8 man front? dallas has solid speed in the front 7, and stephen davis had mucho trouble in the first outing. Deshaun foster needs to be worked into the mix.

How do we attack dallas defensively? do we blitz and put our corners in man coverage? do we let carter try and beat us with his arm? last time, he certainly did. We should be 100% healthy next week.

and watch out for the trick plays.

thoughts?

 

[Clay]

abuse mario edwards.

 

[magnus]

I'd switch up coverage on almost every play. Literally, I'd bring 15 coverages to the game, and disguise half of them. I'd blitz Carter about half the time.

Offensively, I'd spread. Three receiver one back, three receiver two back, three receiver with FB or TE motion. I'd pump fake over top and come back underneath, and work that inside out as well. By spreading them, you get one of two things - man coverage without anything over top, or
I'd run the ball from it. With their relatively small size in the front seven, taking one of those 7 off the field makes them smaller.

I'd play my base O with the TE being the motion man - I'd influence with him. I'd push my receivers up the field and force things underneath to the TE, or the RB; you can still keep 8 in to block, but you have something to release under.

I'd put two TE in there and bust the ball, too. If they're using 8-9 men in the box, put all our guys there too.

But sitting there with the same old shit, the base O against 9 men, will net us a loss.

No trick plays. They're all over it. Unless it's a new wrinkle - fake the 0 route to Smith (the hitch play) and curl upfield to Moose...who laterals to Smith, some silly shit like that.

And yeah, I'd abuse Mario with Moose. Then, I'd put Proehl or Dyson on him, and run him up the field over top.

I'd try to see if I can get better matchups on Smith with motion, or if they'll switch if Smith comes underneath. I have to concede the fact that Newman will shut Smith down.

 

[Clay]

did we see dyson at all today?

 

[Captain Morgan]

I think we need to score more points than we give up.

 

[The Brain]

Good strategy by Mags... I'd like to also include what killed us last time... don't make stupid fuck ups on Special Teams

 

[magnus]

I feel like a clod because all of the important games, I've been saying "spread". But it's worked, mostly because it makes us think differently.

Meanwhile, I'd say that this week's either a great time to be concerned about ST mistakes or a bad time. They did exploit us there, and we have had troubles the last couple weeks. Hopefully they straighten it out.

 

[Savio]

I say we use the Lawrence Taylor tactic of buying them some booze and strippers before the night of the game

 

[vpkozel]

No trick plays. They're all over it. Unless it's a new wrinkle -

Halfback pass. I'm telling you, this would get us BIG yards.

 

[magnus]

but which halfback?

Could give it to Young. Lefty QB. The neat thing is, you could cross Delhomme and have him as option #2. I'd use Walter for just that purpose this week, I wouldn't even gameplan him. I mean you never see a receiver option on the left side.

Might have to try the option on them. Seriously. I can't believe we fucking lost to Dallas with Aveion Cason running the damn option.