I agree that #1 three and outs lead to lower offensive scoring, #2 our offense had a relatively high run/pass ratio, and #3 that our third and long percentage was a key reason why we had three and outs and lower offensive scoring. However, I have yet to be convinced that points #2 and #3 are casual in either direction. You have merely argued that both exist and I agree with you on that front, but all number of things exist at the same time without causing each other.mrt144":c6ztme9j said:The thing that sunk our chances on offense were three and out predicated on a rushing game that was ailing and there being an insufficient adjustment or plan to lean on.
My first hypothesis is that poor interior OL play, in both run blocking and pass protection, was a primary cause of point #3 in the Cowboys playoff game. My second hypothesis is that OL penalties in pass protection was a primary cause of point #3 at many points in the regular season. I'm definitely open to being persuaded on either of those fronts, but that's the first reason why I don't think throwing the ball more often was an obvious solution.