Over the past couple weeks, the Cowboys have been criticized for not putting the ball in the end-zone when deep in their opponent's territory. However, are they really struggling? And if they are, is this something to worry about?
Well, through 7 games this year, the Pokes have had a total of 35 red-zone appearances. Out of those 35 drives, 31 have resulted in points (21 rush TD's, 3 pass TDs, 7 FGs). However, in the last 2 weeks the Cowboys have only scored 4 touchdowns in 8 in red-zone opportunities (one field goal, one missed field goal and 2 failed fourth-down conversions allot for the other 4 attempts).
Now, how big of a problem is this?
Hopefully it won't be a problem at all. With the return of Brandon Pettigrew, Robinson will have another huge play-making target in the end-zone. Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston continue to run the ball well and Bryant is always reliable with the jump-balls.
I think one of the reasons why this has been a problem is because of the offensive approach. The offense has been running the ball 68% of the time on average in the past two weeks. Last week, when the Pokes had the big lead against Baylor, the Bears defense most likely expected the run when the Pokes were driving deep in there territory. Therefore, some of these red-zone stats may be deceiving due to the fact that the run game became less efficient over the courses of these games.
Either way, I still believe Trooper Taylor and Gunter Brewer need to incorporate the pass more often while in the red-zone. Whether its just a simple throw to Pettigrew or a jump-ball to Dez, passing the ball could be more efficient than what has been a much anticipated run.
I guess we'll have to wait and see how efficient our offense is in the red-zone when we play Texas on Saturday...
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