Dallas' goal line offense is scary (Scouts INC)

Per ESPN

Dallas' goal line offense is scaryby: Matt Williamson
posted: Monday, September 24, 2007 | Print Entry
filed under: Dallas Cowboys, Marion Barber III, Leonard Davis, Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Terrell Owens

It didn't show so much last night, but defending the Cowboys in the red zone has to be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. This is a very dangerous offense anywhere on the field, but near the goal line they have so many options.

Marion Barber III
Running Back
Dallas Cowboys

Profile
2007 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
40 256 4 4 45 1

First of all, the Cowboys have Marion Barber III, who is one of the very best goal line runners in the league today. He is very powerful, gets low and knows how to pick a hole. Barber also runs with a violence that few ball carriers can match. And when he is stopped, he has the ability to push the pile for the extra yardage needed for the score. Barber understands that in order to be effective near the goal line it takes more than power and size and should continue to score touch downs at an impressive pace.

Barber does a good job of running behind RG Leonard Davis, who has improved immensely since coming to Dallas from Arizona. He is absolutely massive and has rare movement skills and explosion for such a huge person. Davis can blow defensive tackles off the ball and wears down defensive lines, like he did against the Bears. Running behind him near the goal line makes an awful lot of sense.

However, the passing game could be even more frightening than Dallas' ability to pound the ball into the end zone behind its massive offensive line. Tony Romo has developed into a very good passer. And he has many pass-catchers at his disposal. When the Cowboys are near the goal line Romo's three main targets are Barber out of the backfield, TE Jason Witten and WR Terrell Owens.

He can zip the ball into tight windows and put excellent touch on routes to the back of the end zone, especially fades. His decision-making has improved dramatically and his confidence is immense. Not only is he throwing the ball well, but he is a good athlete who can scramble for the touchdown or convert on quarterback draws.

Witten and Owens make up an exceptional pair of pass-catchers near the goal line. Witten is ultra reliable, has great size and sticky hands. Plus, he knows how to sit down in the soft spots of zones and is able to box out smaller defenders. He can go up and snatch the ball over his head or catch a pass in the flat and run to the goal line. There are a lot of excellent tight ends in the league and Witten's name doesn't always get mentioned with the top guys, but it should.

Everyone knows about Owens, but he is playing outstanding football right now and is nearly uncoverable. He is dominating on crossing routes, quick hitches, deep routes and near the goal line. Owens is very difficult to jam at the line of scrimmage and is so strong that he can outmuscle defensive backs for touchdowns. He is excellent on quick slants, but even better catching fade routes. His ball skills are special and he does a great job of going up, high pointing the football and snatching it with his strong hands.

This offense is going to continue to score an awful lot of points.