JJT: Fullback Clutts earning roster spot

[boozeman]

Fullback Clutts earning roster spot

October, 17, 2014



By Jean-Jacques Taylor | ESPNDallas.com



IRVING, Texas -- It's fair to wonder, at times, if 29-year-old fullback Tyler Clutts is worth his roster spot.

Maybe the spot would be better spent on another linebacker, a running back or a safety. Then you watch the Dallas Cowboys pulverize Seattle on their go-ahead touchdown drive and you realize he’s worth it.

After all, he’s averaging only nine snaps per game. Clutts tied his season-high with 14 snaps against Seattle.

“As a team that values running the football and being physical, having that fullback -- that lead guy -- is a good way to run the football and it challenges defenses," coach Jason Garrett said. "I also think he’s gotten better.”

Clutts had a key block on DeMarco Murray's 25-yard run in the fourth quarter and his 15-yard touchdown run two plays later. Two weeks ago against Houston, Clutts had another good block on a critical third-and-1 in overtime.

The Cowboys have converted seven of nine runs on 3rd-and-1.

“The fullback position is always a big question,” Garrett said. "How many snaps is he getting? But we believe in the value of the fullback in some of those two-back formations and personnel groups we’re going to be in. We saw at the end of the game the other day it’s not so much the quantity but the quality and the importance of the situation. Short yardage and goal line are some really important downs.”

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I remember when he was on everyone's "cut right now" list.

And if anyone tells you that Parnell "pancaked" his guy on DeMarco's winning TD run, it is bullshit.

Clutts was there to provide an assist.

 

[Cotton]

He was on mine. I didn't feel like we needed a FB since we threw all the time. With the shift in philosophy, he definitely is playing a big role now.

 

[Clay_Allison]

We weren't using him for a while, but now that we are, he made some hits in the Seattle game.

 

[L.T. Fan]

I think the decision to run the ball was etched in concrete several months ago and that is why Clutts was kept on the roster to the dismay of many. It all seems to be obvious now for anyone who thinks Dallas isn't really committed to the run.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

We weren't using him for a while, but now that we are, he made some hits in the Seattle game.

I think it was a specific game plan for the Seahawks game. Dallas went into that game with the mindset that we were going to out physical that team. That's why you saw the extra blocker in there with Clutts. I don't know if you will see him used nearly that much the rest of the season.

 

[p1_]

I think it was a specific game plan for the Seahawks game. Dallas went into that game with the mindset that we were going to out physical that team. That's why you saw the extra blocker in there with Clutts. I don't know if you will see him used nearly that much the rest of the season.

I don't know about Klutts, but I don't think our offensive mindset will vary unless something forces it to.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I don't know about Klutts, but I don't think our offensive mindset will vary unless something forces it to.

No but prior to the Seahawks game we were dominating teams with 3 WR sets and running out of that. Murray tends to run really well without the need for a FB in front of him. I've always said the FB seems to just get in his way. Although I'd have to say Clutts had some nice blocks against the Seahawks. Against most teams we spread teams out a little, zone block and let Murray pick his whole or cut it back.

 

[Clay_Allison]

No but prior to the Seahawks game we were dominating teams with 3 WR sets and running out of that. Murray tends to run really well without the need for a FB in front of him. I've always said the FB seems to just get in his way. Although I'd have to say Clutts had some nice blocks against the Seahawks. Against most teams we spread teams out a little, zone block and let Murray pick his whole or cut it back.

I think Murray should be the main back in our 3 wide and base sets, but Randle should come in when we deploy the 22. Getting more blockers in front of Randle can only help him, and help beat up the defense a maximum amount on those carries.

 

[ravidubey]

And if anyone tells you that Parnell "pancaked" his guy on DeMarco's winning TD run, it is bullshit.

Clutts was there to provide an assist.

Meh, Parnell had the guy stood up and out of the play and Clutts came in to help pancake an already blocked guy while Martin/Frederick and Leary/Smith opened a giant lane for Murray to cut back into. Frederick got a nudge on him then Clutts helped finish him, but Parnell had him the whole way.

No, Clutts' real contribution was his awesome block on Chancellor on Murray's huge run after the Williams catch.

Great play, but worth a roster spot all by itself?

 

[boozeman]

Meh, Parnell had the guy stood up and out of the play and Clutts came in to help pancake an already blocked guy while Martin/Frederick and Leary/Smith opened a giant lane for Murray to cut back into. Frederick got a nudge on him then Clutts helped finish him, but Parnell had him the whole way.

No, Clutts' real contribution was his awesome block on Chancellor on Murray's huge run after the Williams catch.

Great play, but worth a roster spot all by itself?

Well, yeah, like I said, an assist.

Due to the roster restrictions, there are a lot of specialized roles. In the event we want to go I-formation, you putting Hanna or worse Escobar in there? You moving Witten?

If the offensive design calls for the H-Back or fullback and we don't have in our TE group, that's how that works.

There are tons of players who keep jobs based on roles, not just some grand idea that they are more talented than so and so.