Archer: Jason Witten catch a sign of Scott Linehan's creativity

Cotton

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Jason Witten catch a sign of Scott Linehan's creativity
September, 30, 2014

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas -- Last week Jason Witten's blocking on Dez Bryant's 68-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Rams brought extra attention. In the win against the New Orleans Saints, it is a critical third-down catch in the fourth quarter by Witten that brings extra attention.

Witten has said thousands of times one of the best feelings is making a play when everybody in the stands and on the sideline knows the ball is coming to you, like Troy Aikman to Jay Novacek in the 1990s.

On third-and-9 with 5:26 to play at the New Orleans 38, everybody knew Tony Romo would look to Witten. The Cowboys stopped the Saints' momentum by sniffing out a fake punt, but needed at least a first down to end their chances of a comeback.

The Cowboys were in 11 personnel (three wide receivers) with Witten flexed wide of right tackle Doug Free. New Orleans safety Kenny Vaccaro was lined up on top of Witten, a sign of how much respect defensive coordinator Rob Ryan had for Witten.

The Saints had nine defenders close to the line of scrimmage. One safety played over the top of Bryant to Romo’s left. The other was splitting the difference between Witten, Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams.

Here’s where playcaller Scott Linehan delivered some genius.

Beasley runs mostly short in- or out-breaking routes, but this time streaked down the field. Williams had an inside release and went vertical as well, to occupy safety Rafael Bush, leaving Vaccaro on Witten.

Witten breaks inside at the snap, takes five steps and reverse pivots back to his right, creating separation from Vaccaro and an easy throw for Romo. With Beasley and Williams running down the field, there is a ton of space for Witten to run for a first down and pick up 16 yards.

“That’s Linehan’s touch,” Romo said. “Pretty good one, too, huh?”

Three plays later, Romo hit Bryant for an 18-yard touchdown on a back-shoulder throw, ending the game.

“After we stopped the fake punt,” Witten said, “our mindset was, ‘We need to score.’”

Before the Cowboys could score, they needed a big third-down conversion.
 

ravidubey

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Witten's edge block on Murray's first touchdown was awesome. This scheme and Murray's ability to make plays has inspired players to make and hold their blocks. Maybe it's Callahan or improved competition and quality in practice, but it's different this year
 

p1_

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Boy we're all jumping on board the Linehan train, aren't we?
 

Cotton

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Boy we're all jumping on board the Linehan train, aren't we?
How could we not? He has proven to be excellent so far.

Plus, look what we have had leading up to him.
 
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