5 Scheme Adjustments the Dallas Cowboys Should Consider in 2012

The Dallas Cowboys have had their share of success on both sides of the ball. Their offense can be erratic and offbeat at times, but it can also be efficient and high-flying. Quarterback Tony Romo is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and you can often find his name at the top of many NFL stat logs.

Dallas still struggles in the red zone at times and will often have head-scratching, drive-killing, bone-headed play calls on second or third down.

And that is just the offense.

The defense represents an entirely different set of problems where the secondary has communication issues and the defensive line fails to pressure the opposing quarterback enough to give the team's defensive backs breathing room.

Now, understandably, some of that has nothing to do with scheme, but more with talent. Still, one would think that to make up for the lack of talent on both sides of the ball, a scheme change would shroud some of their shortcomings.

Last season the Cowboys ranked 23rd against the pass on defense and brought down the quarterback 42 times on the season. The Cowboys have to get more pressure on the quarterback in order to protect their players in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has to make a few changes to accommodate the needs of the entire defense, which is something I fully expect him to do.

So, with so much negative information on hand, what solution avenues should the Cowboys explore to fix their most pressing needs?

Well, in my own special way, I will present a few schematic changes that I believe the Cowboys should explore.

Altering the “Air Coryell” System

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett's playbook and offensive philosophy is based upon the teachings of former San Diego Chargers coach Don Coryell. So much of Garrett's offense is based on speed and timing, which is probably why Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray work so well, that he can get a little to giddy with his weapons at times.

Outside of the schematic problems, I believe that Garrett needs to bring some stability to the Cowboys offense. An example of this would be the Cowboys blowout loss to the Eagles back in October of 2011. Garrett signaled nine running plays for the Cowboys, and the Cowboys offense never got off the bus.

The team lost 34-7. Now the issues with the running game were because Dallas fell behind so early, but Garrett failed to make the proper adjustments to satisfy the need created when the score started to go against the Cowboys.

I would like to see more of running backs Felix Jones and DeMarco Murray as they can bring the needed stability and consistency to the team's offense.

With the Coryell system, the running game is secondary as passing the ball will always be the first option. The NFL is a passing league now, so Garrett understands the need for a robust vertical game.

Dallas also has to incorporate more of their running game into the offense. That could get their tight ends and offensive linemen out in space to create room for players like Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to get underneath for short, intermediate gains.

The New England Patriots have mastered the art of turning the passing game into a secondary rushing attack with Wes Welker. Dallas should explore these options instead of normal wide receiver and bubble screens to utilize the speed of their receivers.

Red Zone Changes

The Cowboys' problems in the red zone are well documented. Kicker Dan Bailey became a star last season because his leg was used to kick the Cowboys out of jams in the red zone. Garrett enjoys the use of the shotgun in the red zone. Actually, he enjoys the shotgun no matter where the team is on the field.

But when the Cowboys are within the 5 or 10 yard line, running the ball and relying on the legs of the running back and the strength of the offensive line should carry them through.

For Dallas, I believe it’s a matter of utilizing the team’s weapons properly. Maybe the speed and quickness of Bryant aren’t as effective so close to the goal line, but his jumping and blocking ability may be of use.

For this one, I do not have every solution to their red zone issues. But I do know the Cowboys have to try something different or the players have to step up if they want to score more points.

Blitzing

Rob Ryan likes to blitz the offense as it can be a key linchpin to the success of his defensive philosophy. Ryan isn't exclusive to this club as most NBA times like to blitz, just ask the Redskins.

What happens when the Cowboys blitz is that it will often lead to their cornerbacks being left on an island. Not all the time, but it happens often. Dallas has a couple of new corners in Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr. Depending upon how well each player does in training camp and the preseason, Ryan may decide to tweak how often he blitzes.

Then again, he may have more confidence in his defensive backfield because of the skill and talent.

I would like to see Dallas simplify their defensive packages as their ability to communicate can be a hindrance.

The Cowboys should also think about how and where they blitz. Everything is based upon matchups and the Cowboys should dial the blitzing back a tad during certain situations.

I'm still inclined to believe that Ryan will either stay where he is on blitzing or ramp it up a little because of the presences of Claiborne and Carr.

Simplifying the Defense

I know that Rob Ryan has talked about simplifying the Cowboys defensive approach taking things slower this offseason. But Dallas ran 29 different formations last season to confuse opposing offenses and ended up confusing themselves.

It seemed to be to much at times, and while I applaud Ryan for being such a great mad scientist, sometimes you just have to let things breathe.

The team, rather the defense, seemed to be so wrapped up in doing something unconventional and creating new things on the field, that Ryan got to wrapped up in the weeds of play-calling.

If he truly plans to make the offense easier to understand and run, then he should do just that. Being a jack of all trades and master of none is all well and good, but if the Cowboys defense isn’t great at one thing, then can fans really depend on them to be any good?

Using James Hanna

I loved the selection of James Hanna at tight end because he is a down-field threat and runs a sub 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He is also the "new" type of tight end that most teams in the league now utilize. He has some growing up to do on the field as he can drop a few passes that make you scratch your head.

But if Garrett truly wants to see his offense pop, he'll make sure that Hanna is an important part of the offense.

He'll have to be worked in slowly, and learning behind Jason Witten will do wonders for him. I can't wait to see him mature in the Cowboys offense as he'll have ample opportunity to grow.

Using a two tight end system is technically an alteration of the "Air Coryell" system, but just think of how grand the Cowboys offense can be if it resembles the Patriots' two tight end sets? Heavenly, isn't it?