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Cowboys, Patriots show different red-zone approaches
Posted at 10:57 AM on Tue., Aug. 17, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Gerry Fraley / Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo dropped a strong hint on Monday that the offense is cooking up a plan that will end last season's inconsistencies within the red zone. Romo said the world will not see these plays until the regular season.
And then there is New England.
Like the Cowboys, the Patriots left much to be desired with their red-zone offense last season. Unlike the Cowboys, the Patriots saw no reason to wait until the regular season to address the problem. In their exhibition opener, against Super Bowl champion New Orleans, the Patriots showed that brute force is as effective as trickery within the red zone.
The Patriots had five red-zone possessions against New Orleans and scored each time, with three touchdowns and two field goals. New England's play selection within the red zone was interesting. The Patriots used 13 runs and four passes.
The Cowboys have had six red-zone possessions in two exhibitions and scored five times, all on field goals. Unlike the Patriots, the Cowboys have relied more on the pass in the red zone. Their play selection has been 11 passes and five runs.
No judgements should be made until the regular season. That said, New England's return to the basics is at least interesting and something any team with red-zone problems should consider.
Posted at 10:57 AM on Tue., Aug. 17, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Gerry Fraley / Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo dropped a strong hint on Monday that the offense is cooking up a plan that will end last season's inconsistencies within the red zone. Romo said the world will not see these plays until the regular season.
And then there is New England.
Like the Cowboys, the Patriots left much to be desired with their red-zone offense last season. Unlike the Cowboys, the Patriots saw no reason to wait until the regular season to address the problem. In their exhibition opener, against Super Bowl champion New Orleans, the Patriots showed that brute force is as effective as trickery within the red zone.
The Patriots had five red-zone possessions against New Orleans and scored each time, with three touchdowns and two field goals. New England's play selection within the red zone was interesting. The Patriots used 13 runs and four passes.
The Cowboys have had six red-zone possessions in two exhibitions and scored five times, all on field goals. Unlike the Patriots, the Cowboys have relied more on the pass in the red zone. Their play selection has been 11 passes and five runs.
No judgements should be made until the regular season. That said, New England's return to the basics is at least interesting and something any team with red-zone problems should consider.