Sabin: Who was in the offensive lineup the Cowboys featured most frequently in 2014?

Cotton

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Who was in the offensive lineup the Cowboys featured most frequently in 2014?

Rainer Sabin
Published: January 28, 2015 5:06 pm

On offense, the Cowboys used 158 unique lineups during the 2014 regular season. Which one was the most common?

This one:

WR; Dez Bryant

TE; Jason Witten

LT; Tyron Smith

LG; Ronald Leary

C; Travis Frederick

RG; Zack Martin

RT; Doug Free

WR; Cole Beasley

WR; Terrance Williams

RB; DeMarco Murray

QB; Tony Romo

This group was on the field for 159 downs – 110 of which featured Tony Romo throwing the ball. With this combination of players, the Cowboys averaged 6.33 yards per play, produced 58 first downs, scored 10 touchdowns and committed three turnovers.

It’s not surprising that Dallas’ most common lineup was one with an “11” personnel base. The Cowboys have routinely featured a variation of this grouping (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) since head coach Jason Garrett began presiding over the offense in 2007 as a powerful assistant.

What is particularly notable about this set, though, is the fact that Cole Beasley’s name is included. Beasley began to be used more regularly in 2014. He was on the field for 443 snaps – 196 more than he played in 2013. Beasley’s contributions became noticeable following the team’s November bye. In the Cowboys’ last eight games, including the postseason contests, he made 28 catches for 378 yards and four touchdowns. Eighteen of those receptions resulted in first downs.
 

junk

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Two TE base, right? Wasn't that the mantra after the Escobar pick?
 

Cotton

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Chocolate Lab

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Two TE base, right? Wasn't that the mantra after the Escobar pick?
:lol

Yeah, I especially love this quote from Sabin:

It’s not surprising that Dallas’ most common lineup was one with an “11” personnel base. The Cowboys have routinely featured a variation of this grouping (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) since head coach Jason Garrett began presiding over the offense in 2007 as a powerful assistant.
Like the 11 has been his master plan all along. We'll just forget that little war room conversation about Escobar and the propaganda from the team afterwards.
 

Clay_Allison

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I wouldn't mind going with more "22" personnel in 2015. If they try to play a 4-4 or 5-3 to stop the run, Dez and the 2 TEs should be able to capitalize.
 

BipolarFuk

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It has been obvious for a while that the 3 WR set was the way to go.

Not only for Dallas, but for the entire NFL.
 

Clay_Allison

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It has been obvious for a while that the 3 WR set was the way to go.

Not only for Dallas, but for the entire NFL.
When you have a slot guy like Beasley and a back that can run out of that set effectively, like Murray, it's a good call.
 
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