Terrell Owens In Motion Is Giving Bob Sanders Nightmares

by Brandon on Dec 4, 2007 5:38 PM CST in Green Bay Packers News

There have been a few different articles about Thursday's loss at Dallas that discussed how Dallas' strategy to send WR Terrell Owens in motion caused a lot of problems for the Packers. SI's Bucky Brooks has a detailed description of what went wrong for the Packers:

Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett cleverly crafted a game plan that featured Terrell Owens motioning into the slot out of bunch formations to attack the Packers' aggressive defense on Thursday night. With Owens positioned in the slot, Garrett was able to take advantage of the Packers' linebackers, particularly A.J. Hawk, in space. T.O.'s 48-yard reception on a deep crossing route from the slot exploited the MIKE linebacker's role as the deep middle player in two-deep coverage. But the move of Owens into the slot also gave the Cowboys an effective counter to the Packers' press-man coverage as well. By using Owens as part of a mini-cluster formation, Garrett freed his superstar from tight coverage by using rubs or picks to get free releases at the line while forcing Green bay to switch assigned defenders. Though Owens wasn't the intended target on Patrick Crayton's second touchdown, the play illustrated the effectiveness of the rub and switch concept.

Football Outsiders also noticed that the Packers missed Woodson, but as much as Dallas was putting Owens into the slot to get a mismatch on a linebacker in coverage, they also did it because Woodson is the cornerback who covers the slot receiver and follows the receiver in motion. Instead CB Frank Walker played Woodson's role, and he's obviously a big step down. I would expect all of the Packers remaining opponents to exploit Woodson's absence as long as he is out.

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woody

I'd almost rather he sit out this week, if not the rest of the regular season, if it means he will be 100 percent in the post-season.

I have no illusions about passing Dallas for the top seed, since even if we both finish 14-2 they have the tiebreaker. But a win against Oakland next week clinches us the NFC North for us.

Unfortunately Tampa Bay and Seattle are both 8-4 and both have cakewalk schedules the rest of the way. They could easily each go 12-4. We have to clinch that No. 2 seed because the bye week is huge.

But hey, we win the next three in a row, we can rest everybody against the Lions in Week 17.

Ah, but what if Dallas lays an egg against Detroit this weekend and then Philly pulls off the upset they almost had against New England?

Somehow I think I will still be watching meaningful football in Week 17.

by butch on Dec 4, 2007 11:41 PM CST reply actions

Before that game

I had no idea just how valuable Woodson is to this defense. I knew he was a great player, but wow. It'll be a relief to have him back whenever he gets healthy.

by Pack Man on Dec 6, 2007 10:43 PM CST reply actions