How many teams can say that? Originally Posted by Rambro CreedIt appears, to date, not very many, Rambo.
So far the "eye-test" tells us the Cowboys look to be playing better than these past three consecutive 8-8 seasons. However, when you examine as to why it looks "better", it becomes quite obvious as to why they're sitting atop the division at 5-1 instead of their normal mediocre record of 3-3.
Now....not to bore those of you not into stats & figures, the following comparisons of data from last year to the present might explain more as to what we've witnessed so far:
Last year the defense gave up an average of 415 yards per game (32nd).
In 2014, they're allowing an average of 342 ypg (21st)....that's a nice start, right?
The defense is getting on and off the field quicker; ie: an ***increase of 3+ "three-and-outs" per game than last year's last ranked defense. That's significant; remember, last season the team tied an NFL record (ie: set in 1939) allowing two teams go an entire game without punting the ball once.
The offense is doing their part in helping the Cowboy's defense....check it out:
To date, the Cowboys are 4th in total offense (399 ypg) vs (341 ypg) last yr. Inside those numbers, Dallas has established themselves as the #1 ranked rushing offense this year (160 ypg) vs the 24th ranked last season (94 ypg).
The team is running the ball an average of 34 times per game in 2014 vs 21 times last year.....that is a huge increase (more on that later). The commitment to rebuilding the O-line has had a ripple-effect on everything: Dallas is averaging 68 offensive snaps per game this yr (59 per game last yr)....and with more of those offensive snaps being running plays, the Cowboys are controlling the ball and the game clock longer:
Dallas is 2nd in the league in Time of Possession: 34:43 per game.....last year the Cowboys ranked 26th in the league (29:02).
That is a massive increase of 5 mins 43 seconds that the ball is in Dallas' possession ....thus keeping our defense on the sideline, resting....while that big Cowboy O-line continues to mash on the opposition's weary defense. Come 4th quarter, good things can happen (such as a monster 80-yard game-winning drive like Dallas had in Seattle.)
While the Cowboys have not significantly increased their scoring this year (27.5 to 27.4 in 2013), the team is giving up much fewer points: 21.0 per game this yr / 27.0 last year. Less time for the other team's offense on the field is netting fewer possessions & ***opportunities / less points. Simple.
You can make numbers do whatever you want them to do when trying to prove a point; I get that. But the bottom line is, the Cowboys by virtue of making a philosophic shift in becoming a physical, ground-pounding offense (and not deviating from the game plan when things go awry), they've been able to overcome the miscues they've had so far in some of these first few games (ie: falling behind to the Rams by 21.....and the Seahawks by 10).
Wrapping up, the commitment to running more (if it stays on pace) will undoubtedly put Dallas solidly at the top of the league. Last year the Cowboys ran a total of 336 times. This season (thru 6 games) they've already rushed the ball 200 times (4.8 ypc).....on track to run the ball 533 times.....resulting in 1000+ more rushing yards than last year's total.
And that's an offense that can win anywhere: on the road...in the playoffs....and
....we ll, let your own imagination fill in the blanks.
