First Impressions Post Chargers

by Rafael Vela on Sep 12, 2005 1:19 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys Games

The full game narrative will come tomorrow, but in case you've been living in a cave, the Cowboys won a thriller, 28-24 over San Diego.

In no particular order:

On ESPN late this week an NFL linebacker was asked to name the hardest QB to bring down. He mentioned Drew Bledsoe. The announcer was incredulous. "You didn't ask if he was the easiest to get to. You asked me who was the hardest to bring down. He's a big guy," the LB said. Bledsoe used that redwood stature to good effect yesterday. He took lots of shots and kept pitching. He made several key throws with guys hanging on him that kept drives going. He did it on the opening series, hitting Julius Jones with a Charger in his face. He found Jason Witten on the second TD drive with a guy hanging on his back to convert a third and six. He took a Juan Castillo head slap and didn't lose his focus. Most of us would likely spend the rest of the day trying to remember who we were.

Keyshawn Johnson takes a lot of abuse on this group for his lack of speed. He probably wouldn't win too many footraces among NFL receivers, but give the man his due. He makes plays. His first TD catch was an amazing limbo-like move, where Keyshawn reached behind his head to grab one of Bledsoe's few poor throws of the day. On the third drive, he planted his feet inside the sideline and made a controlled fall to snag a Bledsoe stop fade at the Chargers four. Raymond Berry would have been proud. Keyshawn had receptions for 17, 25 and 19 yards. Not bad for a guy who apparently can't run anymore.

Dallas used a no huddle offense when they made big plays to get inside the ten. This kept the Chargers from bringing in the goalline defense and let Julius Jones run more effectively. The first use came immediately after Keyshawn's catch at the four. Dallas was able to catch the Chargers in a base defense and beat them with a pitch to Jones for a TD. On the final TD drive, Dallas rushed to the line after Jones had gained 13 yards to the six and quick-counted another Jones blast to the two yard line.

What's a horsecollar? On Witten's big third down catch in the second quarter, he was grabbed by the back of his shoulder pads and jerked down hard. His legs were pulled under him but no flag was thrown. This seems to be exactly the type of tackle the rule was intended to prevent.

Rent, Jose, don't buy -- at least not yet. Jose Cortez was challenging Billy Cundiff this summer because Cortez was consistently booming kicks deep into the end zone. Yesterday, only one of his kickoffs came near the goal line. The rest were short. What's worse, they were line drives, that contributed to Darren Sproles long set of returns. He's not the only guy to blame for the poor coverage, but he did his share. I'm guessing the scouts are still watching the waiver wires intently. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys keep bringing in kickers the next few weeks. Baltimore's Matt Stover has been an accuracy leader in the AFC recently, but missed three medium range kicks in the Ravens loss to the Colts last night. If the Ravens are impulsive and cut him, I think the Cowboys would snap him up.

It was a tough debut for Keith Davis, whose uncertainty contributed to the Chargers' first two TD passes. In the second quarter the Chargers caught the Cowboys in a mismatch; San Diego had a three wide package and the Cowboys were in base. That put Demarcus Ware in the slot against Keenan McCardell, the Chargers top wideout. Ware tried to jam McCardell short and then released him to Davis, who had coverage over the top. Davis stayed in his backpedal and did not switch on McCardell who caught a touchdown in the giant hole Davis left. In the third quarter, Drew Brees stepped forward in the pocket and avoided a hard backside rush from Demarcus Ware. As he ran towards the line, Davis, who had the deep left half of the Cowboys zone, ran forward and gave up deep contain. This allowed McCardell, who was running a crossing route towards Davis, to get behind him easily and catch his second touchdown.

Davis redeemed himself on the Chargers final sequence of passes, blanketing a Chargers TE on second and goal and forcing an incompletion. On the next play, he flipped McCardell and prevented him from catching a Brees floater in the middle of the end zone. Davis earned a hug from Parcells when the series was over. He's got grit, but he also has a lot of work to do.

There was some concern that the Peerless Price signing would cut into Patrick Crayton's plays. Forget about it. Crayton was as clutch and as essential a receiver as Keyshawn or Terry Glenn. He's not going anywhere. In fact, he may get more reps spelling Glenn. He had quite a few yesterday.

A few months ago, I caused some commotion by stating that Sean Payton's passing offense is a version of the West Coast offense. I saw a lot more yesterday to prove that point. Dallas ran a lot of split back formations, something it did not show in the preseason. The Cowboys ran from this package, showing a stripped-down version of the traditional sweep, but with only one guard leading Julius Jones around end. Dallas also passed from this formation and used both backs to chip San Diego's outside rush. Jones and either Lousaka Polite or a tight end would put a shoulder to the Chargers' outside rushers then run delayed routes.

The signature WCO play was Patrick Crayton's touchdown catch early in the second quarter. The Cowboys were facing a third and thirteen from the San Diego 20 after a delay of game penalty. Dallas lined up in a three receiver formation, with Glenn flanking Witten on the left side of the formation and Crayton in the right slot inside Keyshawn. The outside receivers and Witten ran downfield routes to clear the short middle for Crayton. He ran what looked like a hook at seven yards, hesitated a count to freeze linebacker Donnie Edwards, then proceeded on a crossing route. He left Edwards in his dust and took Bledsoe's throw in for a score.

If you followed the Cowboys in the '90s, you are certainly familiar with this play -- from the wrong side of business. The 49ers ran it at Dallas every time the teams met. When the Niners embarrassed Dallas at Texas Stadium in November of '95, they got Jerry Rice matched up against Bill Bates and tortured him with this play. Mike Holmgren's Packers always used it against the Cowboys to great effect. Robert Brooks caught a TD pass against the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game that same season running this same play.

Payton was mentored early in his career by Jim Fassel, who was an assistant on the '49ers staff in the early '90s. Whatever you think of the WCO, it was good to be the team delivering that play, rather than being on the receiving end again.

Oh yeah. The Eagles will need to beat the Falcons tonight to avoid the NFC basement, at least for one week.

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yup its looks like its gonna be an entertaining season!

thanks for all yer good work

go cowboys!

by Jason on Sep 12, 2005 4:33 AM CDT reply actions

This is the first mediot to change his opinion….all summer, he wrote nothing but crap against the cowboys…….I hate this guy

By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com

(Sept. 11, 2005) — Maybe the Cowboys are going to be a factor in the playoff hunt after all. This was an impressive win, given the fact that the Chargers are a legitimate contender, are highly explosive, and that the game was in San Diego. The game came down to the Cowboys’ new 3-4 defense making a stop when it needed to by intercepting Drew Brees in the end zone in the final seconds. But Drew Bledsoe deserves an ample amount of credit. After an unceremonious departure from Buffalo, where he had struggled for much of his last two-and-a-half seasons, Bledsoe made an eye-opening debut with Dallas by throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns (two to Keyshawn Johnson). Julius Jones also did his part by rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown.

by ManTab on Sep 12, 2005 5:49 AM CDT reply actions

Rafael

I agree with you that the kick offs were way shorter than in the pre season from Cortez, but you did not give the guy any love for sticking his head in there to help stop those long returns (that he may have helped cause by the shorter kicking).

Drew B’s TD pass to KJ you said was not a good throw because KJ had to make an outstanding play to adjust to it. I did not tape the game but I thought Drew had a Charger in his face and had to throw around the guy to even get it close to KJ. I thought it was an outstanding play by both players.

I did not think Ware did anything but touch KM(wr) much less try to knock him off his route, on his way to his TD. You gave the FS a pretty good spanking for that play but I thought Ware could have done much better.

Even with all the mistakes the Boys made the chargers were willing to help out with penalties of their own when the Boys needed them.

It was a fun game to watch and complain about at times, and to still get a win, it doesn’t get much better than that.

by rmac on Sep 12, 2005 6:47 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks for the insightful breakdown. I was wondering what happened in those two big touchdown plays that the reciever could be so wide open. It’s relieving to know that it was a mental breakdown and not a flaw in the system. I’m glad Keith Davis was able to come back after making those errors and basically contribute to saving the game. The mistakes will keep him humble while the success will keep him going.

What a nail biter that was! NFL drama at it’s finest. We’ve been in this situation before, except this time when we needed the D to stiffen up, they really did it for the win. That was a crucial turning point that could have defined our season. If the Chargers would have pulled it off in the end, there would have been an awful pall over the season, but now we have something to look forward to.

by Scott on Sep 12, 2005 7:21 AM CDT reply actions

We must give Anthony Henry his due credit, I couldn’t believe the plays this guy was making. The thought of teams not being able to pick on our #2 DB feels very good. If there was only one game ball, mine would have to go to him.

by Twerent on Sep 12, 2005 8:11 AM CDT reply actions

Great, exciting game. This was a loss in my preseason 9-7 prediction. Perhaps this win will bump the Boys up to 10 wins??? This season will still be a grind but an opening day win against a solid contender should help the team’s attitude.
I do have a question which is off subject. I am going to take a trip to the Dallas-Eagles game on Oct 9th. I am just inquiring if any Dallas area folks have suggestions on what to do in town the day before the game?
Thanks and Let’s Go Boys!

by G Man on Sep 12, 2005 8:25 AM CDT reply actions

Twerent,

Henry had a great day. Let’s hope he never has another with that many tackles, though. At least three that I saw were when our rookie OLB (Ware) missed containment and Henry made great tackles on LT. Generally a bad sign if a CB leads your team in tackles.

The Good: JJ is still a stud. Bledsoe was very good. Our receivers were getting open enough. The O-Line did a good job rushing and pass protecting. Our defense was mostly very solid, including our veterans and Canty, Spears, Fergusen plus our much-improved secondary.

The Bad: Stupid penalties. Rookie mistakes by Ware (containment), Keith Davis (great analysis Rafael), and Polite. Short kickoffs compounded by absolutely horrible coverage (Cortez making two tackles not a good sign). Witten’s quiet day.

What I expect from the Eagles: They’ll run left lots to test Ware, since he’s demonstrated some weak discipline at the point of attack. They’ll throw deep crossing routes to their slot receiver to attack Keith Davis. They’ll stack the line and blitz Bledsoe from many angles. They’ll play physical with Crayton to see how he handles it. They’ll single cover Witten, unlike the Chargers.

We’ll win. Go Cowboys!

by Remnant on Sep 12, 2005 8:34 AM CDT reply actions

the o-line took a lot of penalties, secondary gave up a lot to KM

but….the recievers got it going a bit, JJ was solid. Stopped LT for the most part. Bledsoe avoided throwing them to the other team. Witten took alot of attention off Crayton.

But the game ball goes to Quinten Jammer and Luis Castillo, without their penalties we would have been beaten for sure.

Any win on the road is a big win. Give the D some time to come together and don’t look past the next game. Screw the Eagle, focus on Washington

by scooter on Sep 12, 2005 9:07 AM CDT reply actions

On Keyshawn’s first td catch, I didn’t see that as a bad pass by Bledsoe. I thought he threw the ball the only place he could with a defensive lineman in his face. Looked to me if he threw the ball any more to his left… to lead Keyshawn… that ball may very well have been batted. I may be proven wrong by looking at tape, but my sense at the time was that Bledsoe looked for a fade to his left and when it wasn’t there looked back to KJ who was already too far across the middle to hit him in the numbers without it being batted at the line. That’s certainly not to take anything away from KJ. Great body control, but heady play by Bledsoe also…

by GeoffC on Sep 12, 2005 9:09 AM CDT reply actions

you know I think Mike Williams in Detroit is truly the Next Keyshawn…..aint going to win a footrace but then again what corner is going to beat him in a jump ball contest……..Deion and Daryl Green…….I dont think so! KJ is still old reliable……..and Michael Irvin and Jerry Rice both proved you don’t have to be the fastest guy on the field to lead the team or the league in recieving……..

Crayton……….WOW what a game. While I would still like to have a big tall speedy threat somewhere along the way……..Crayton, Glenn and KJ are legit. If Glenn stays healthy or not……..we got Peerless Price as a 4th. While our guys are a lot older than Arizona or Detroits……..and perhaps aint gonna get as many yards as Indys………..I think they will do just fine in the Bill Parcells scheme of things……….and none of those guys have a kid like Jason Witten………WR is not the question mark that we all thought and maybe that is why Bill Parcells did not go after a WR in this years draft. He liked what he saw out of Crayton last year and this!

Our whole team looked crappy in the first quarter. That needs to stop. However, in the second half our guys looked fresh and they looked wore down. ROTATION ROTATION ROTATION……..other than a few times I thought Pettiti played pretty well especially considering he is a rookie on the road in his first NFL game. I mean Al Johnson made more mistakes than Pettiti………maybe it is a good think Gurode can play center and G.

I thought we played a good defense and played good overall. I think San Diego is a pretty good football team and to hold LT in check is no easy task. I love the BLITZ………live by it and die by it………but love it I do. Whether it was Roy Williams or Keith Davis or Dat and the other LBs……..I just love that Bill and Zimmer have faith in our secondary to BRING THE BLITZ.

These guys are going to get better and better each weak. Imagine if regardless of our record………Patrick Crayton is a legitimate WR by the end of the season………..we can go into the draft and again address the 3-4 upgrade and go get another OLB and maybe a for real FS if Davis does not improve.

The one thing I do see as paramount to our success. The health of Drew Bledsoe. The guy has to play in 14 games for us to have a shot. Romo or Henson ain’t doing what he did yesterday. He made some plays and he made em when it mattered. The onus was on him in the 4th and he was the guy throwing those TDs it was not the legs of JJ that carried us to victory over a good football team on the road. It was old number 11 Drew Bledsoe………Parcells Boy from back in the day. Playing a little Pitch and Catch with a few fellas.

Wittten being horse collared was not the only one in the league that did not get called. It will only be called when Roy Williams does it, which he won’t cuz he knows the rules.

Speaking of Drew Bledsoe being hard to sack……..how about Drew Brees dumping the ball off every time we had him wrapped up……..I thought a couple of those were in the GRASS. Oh well, I am biased………the outcome was still all good.

Here is hoping my hometown hero Mike Vick from NN can beat those beagles. GO FALCONS!!!! You know with Injuries and contract disputes and everything else……….I personally am predicting a slide for our Philly Eagles nemisis………i think the sun is setting on their time in the NFC Championship game. Plus………McNabb is just about due for an injury…….that alone would do their season in……..lets go Falcons.

by Jon on Sep 12, 2005 9:33 AM CDT reply actions

Great game! I want to focus on our pass rush.

It seemed to come almost exclusively from the ends. With the exception of Glover’s crucial 4th quarter sack, Brees was generally able to avoid the rush by taking 2 or 3 steps up into the pocket.

I feel like the credit goes to the SD interior lineman. My theory is that in most games, Spears, Glover, Ferguson will get a better push, which should help collapse the pocket.

Any thoughts? Anyone notice antyhing about Spears?

by Madcowboy on Sep 12, 2005 9:35 AM CDT reply actions

G-man:

If I were going to Philadelphia for the game, I’d spend the day looking for a bodyguard I could trust. As a Philadelphia-native who was doing radio commentary for the Vikings noted last year, “these people are just idiots.”

by Jethro on Sep 12, 2005 9:37 AM CDT reply actions

one other thing……..about Bledsoe……..he ain’t like Romo or Henson when he tosses a TD……..he’s been there and done that…….and he raised another $7500 for the Salvation Army……….but he goes over and thanked the Offensive line and and RBs in the backfield first……….

Classy veteran leadership from savy vet. The line will respond to that. Not quit on him like some of these same guys did on Chad Hutchinson in Dave Campos last game. That comeraderie and leadership pays off big time in every game and in the playoffs. I heard Stepnoski and others say they took it personally whenever Troy was on his back with a sack. They resepected him and Emmit and the leadership they brought. That can elevate your play which we need from our line. These guys can improve a lot and if so we are going to be one tough team come late Decemeber.

Madcowboy……Brees avoided a bunch of sacks by dumping it off to LT or throwing it away even when he was wrapped up……..i think dallas had two legit in the grass calls that did not get called………..on the flip side i was impressed with Brees under pressure. A credit to his own athleticism, not bad for a 6’ kid from Purdue.

by Jon on Sep 12, 2005 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

I think we have ourselves a Quarterback.

The Horsecollar: I fail to see that grasping of the top back of a jersey is less dangerous than gripping the top back of the shoulder pads. Today’s jerseys are fitted so tightly that a pull is nearly just as lethal.

Fumbles: The shortarm on that one quarterback-center exchange was the worst I have seen…bouncing forward four yards.

I enjoy Parcell’s demeanor on the sidelines. Unlike so many coaches, he takes a Landry-like disposition during the game. I think it models the right character. The Chargers players started talking to themselves to some excess when the penalties came their way….losing focus. Then there was that one series where the Cowboys had something like 4 procedure-like penalties consecutively but followed them up with a short pass providing enough room in the endzone to place a splendid kick to midfield. Parcell’s did let it go at the games end, when the dispassionate focus was no longer needed.

Thank you to the Cowboy organization for dispensing all those signing bonuses! Money well spent.

by Robin Bishop on Sep 12, 2005 9:45 AM CDT reply actions

Jon,

You are definitely right, Brees deserves credit. But I look forward to Spears, Glover, and Ferguson removing all escape routes by caving in the middle of the pocket. Quaterbacks have to step forward to be effective. A good push from our nose tackle should convert those near-misses off the edge into sacks.

Ware may have blown some containment assignments, but he is tenacious when it comes to rushing the quarterback. SD respected him with a consistent double team throughout the second half, but he still managed to get pressure. I love his game.

by Madcowboy on Sep 12, 2005 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

I didn’t get to see the game, so those who did-when I looked at the play by play JJ had a lot of 3 yards or less runs-16 out of 26 by my count. Was San Diego stacking the line and taking their chances with our passing game? Is this an area for improvement?
And thanks for the answers to why our leading tackler was a CB, and the problem on kickofs-remember, many of us didn’t get to see this! At least I don’t live in NY or Louisiana for Mon……..

by larry on Sep 12, 2005 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

I’m I the only one pissed off about the horsecollar not being called on witten???

How are they calling this?

just when it happens to the cowboys its ok?

only fined when someone is injured?

what the f**k???

how frustrating is this? anyone else care? it wasn’t questions at all by the announcers Parcells didn’t seem to care, I guess I’m the only witness to that play…

whatever

by Danimal on Sep 12, 2005 10:17 AM CDT reply actions

The Cowboys gave up no points in the 4th quarter against the Chargers. Last year, they gave up over 150 points in fourth quarters, the most by any team in any quarter.

I’m not sure Gates would have made that much difference in the game. Obiviously, having a dynamic player like that on the field helps, but the Cowboys brought so much pressure that I have to believe any Charger TE would have had to stay in to block (just as Witten had to do).

by Matt in Missouri on Sep 12, 2005 10:50 AM CDT reply actions

Hey G-Man,

I’m thinking of going to that game it’s in Philly isn’t it?

by AlanTdot on Sep 12, 2005 10:50 AM CDT reply actions

Man, what an exciting game.. After watching the Texas-Ohio & LSU-ASU game’s over the weekend I thought the NFL might be somewhat boring… Wow.. what a great football weekend..
NOW what do you think?
I give the New Orleans Saints their due also.. congrats to them… BUT… has anyone noticed that the main stream “sports” media is taking advantage of the tragedy in New Orleans and is now calling the Saints “America’s Team”… Now I understand the sentiment, plus the Saints having to travel around like “vagabonds” when many of the players and their families are displaced. (Although Im sure none are living in shelters like the vast majority.)

Not to mention the overwhelmed and displaced people in MISSISSIPPI… who doesn’t have professional franchise of any type… Sorry, I regress…

My point here is this.. the main stream ‘sports" media (or other) has always hated the cowboys.. and they are using “this” opportunity to get rid of the “tag” Americas Team from the Cowboys… NOW.. truly… I could give a s*** . I’ve been a fan since the early 60’s. Ive supported Dallas through the good,bad & ugly so Im no fair weather fan.. Americas Team was coined (I think, if anyone know for sure please correct me) “officially” by the NFL Films around 1979.. and by doing so I felt it just made us a bigger target… I just wanted the “Dallas Cowboys” to be the Dallas Cowboys.. looks like I might get my wish ;-)
Anyway, Im just looking for any insight from you guys…anyone care?

by Sippi on Sep 12, 2005 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

danimal, i agree 100% with you, i don`t get it at all it was a very scary play, maybe its the roy williams rule so they only call it against him, however the announcers at the time said it was ok the tackle on witten because only his jersey was grabbed and not his shoulder pads???so if u break his legs by hauling him down by the back oh his jersey its ok.

by ken on Sep 12, 2005 10:57 AM CDT reply actions

A nice start to the season with a victory over a strong Chargers team.
Go Cowboys!

by Daryl on Sep 12, 2005 11:47 AM CDT reply actions

Madcowboy………oh I agree…….is Spears fullspeed? Glover was awesome………and I liked that he recored a sack in the 4th. Something neither he nor Ellis did all of last year cuz they were too tired. Ellis got a 1/2 sack himself. I also saw ole number 98 with plent of pressure from his DE postion.

Ware is for real. Yeah I saw him beating guys and good guys at that. He did not get the two sacks I thought he would but he sure did bring pressure. Love that blitz too…….but next time Keith Davis needs to WRAP UP Brees. I wonder if Beirault would have been in on that one……if your blitzing anyway why need the new Bill Bates hitting machine………when healthy!

When these Cowboys on Defense get a little more experience and really gel together as a unit they are going to be downright nasty. Again, I commented earlier that we do need upgrades of Bradie James and Al Singleton. I mean Dat made half his tackles on the other side of James and it was on James side of the field…….does he ever shed a blocker? This is his 3rd year he needs to step up or get out……..Rafael and I have both called for Burnett inside and then another OLB to replace Singleton and I think we would be onto something.

Did Fujita play at all? If so I did not notice his play.

On the road and winning against a playoff team. Not a bad way to start. I saw Bill Parcells crack a smile at the end of that one. Just for a minute, but I think it was the first time I saw him smile in 2 years! Looking forward to some Gatorade Showers in January!!!! Of course you love his comments after the game………….we gotta a long way to go and i don’t know how much time I have to get em there! Keep preparing him Bill lets get a Super Bowl this year and let you ride off into the Sunset……..or Stick around for repeat!

by Jon on Sep 12, 2005 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

ManTab,
Sometimes Carucci will write good stuff, but usually it is the garbage you mentioned.

Danimal,
The whole “horse collar” thing is BS. And yes, it was wriiten because of and will only be called on Roy Williams. IMHO!

Sippi,
Because of Katrina’s affect on their season. It won’t bother me to let The Saints “borrow” our unofficial nickname this year, but this year only!

by James on Sep 12, 2005 12:53 PM CDT reply actions

James:
I think you’re right, I watched the Raiders-Pats game and I counted 2 tackles looking like a horse collar… I also saw the KC game and there was at least one… We all know of the one to Witten… And in Baltimore I counted another one… Zebras have a lot of film to see and I really hope that the first one they call is against the Cowboys because if they do so, they are going to be reprimended by Parcells, because I know that he’s seeing film and realizing that everyone in the league keeps using the tackle as a last recourse and isn’t being punished.

by Chandus on Sep 12, 2005 1:05 PM CDT reply actions

HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boy i am sure glad your Pre game preditions were wrong Rafael. Man what a start to the season. I know the first game is not a reliable sourse to base the the rest of the season on, but i am so optimistic right now that i dont give a sh-t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Go cowboys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, on a side note. Gators are gona rip Tennesses’ Heart out this weekend! Be sure to whatch!!!

by ALDS on Sep 12, 2005 1:53 PM CDT reply actions

WOW!!! We needed an Aikman replacement and we found it in Bledsoe. Reminds of Aikman the way he is willing to take a hit to make a play. Probably shortened Troy’s career by 4 or 5 years because of the concussions. Drew may get sacked but at least, knock on wood, no concussion problem yet.

Does andy team have receivers with better hands? Glenn off his shoe tops. Crayton at least three and I think four critical cathches under pressure for first downs. Keyshawn fallling out of bounds for a critical first down and his first touchdown pass!!! It was like watching Cirque de Soleil. Hate to think what the Seahawks would do with receivers who could catch the ball like that. Also occurred that all tose penalties against Jammer were because he could not contain our recievers otherwise.

Rookies—what an upside. Thiks how much Petitti is going to improve game to game. Not to mention Ware, Spears and the others. Or for that matter Davis (not a rookie but close enough). This team is going to improve A LOT!! San Diego won’t except to get Gates back. BTW they score with Gates at the end—but thot’s the way it goes.

by Swidge on Sep 12, 2005 2:05 PM CDT reply actions

That LB on ESPN who identified Bledsoe as the “hardest QB to bring down” was AP Rookie of the Year Jonathan Vilma. Good to hear. Now if Drew could only step up into the pocket…

by rc on Sep 12, 2005 2:21 PM CDT reply actions

Folks:

The Oct 9 game is in Dallas

by Raul Villaronga on Sep 12, 2005 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

James,

Right on with the horse collar crap! Just like the helmet rule … it was only called on Emmitt ….. well and Dwayne Rudd too.

by EricR on Sep 12, 2005 3:27 PM CDT reply actions

G Man:

Dallas Alley & Greenville Blvd are the two best areas for nightlife…unless you want to include Baby Dolls and the other famous strip club (forgot the name…the Gentlemen’s Club or something like that). Both are incredible for talent. Dallas Alley is great because it has 5 bars. Been awhile, but Deep Ellum used to be real underground and great to party…but I’m too old for that.

For all those that were dogging the QB position, say it with me…“I was wrong”. Bledsoe for two to three years and Henson or some other pickup gets time to develop.

Speaking of mea culpas, I was wrong…I picked SD, saying we would give up a last minute score. I hope to eat crow every week I doubt the ‘Boys. When this defense gets a few games under it’s belt…watch out! This is a playoff caliber team.

by Fighter15 on Sep 12, 2005 4:49 PM CDT reply actions

G Man: It’s the Million Dollar Saloon on Greenville Ave. Great talent…usually SMU co-eds. Plus you can just head south on Greenville toward downtown Dallas. If no bar/restaurant looks good, you’ll hit Dallas Alley in about 10 miles.

by Fighter15 on Sep 12, 2005 5:00 PM CDT reply actions

What you guys fail to realize is that in order for the “horse caller” tackle to be enforced it has to be Roy Williams bringing the guy down, and or one of the marquee players in the league needs to be the one being tackled.

by Cash on Sep 12, 2005 5:29 PM CDT reply actions

here’s what’s on the Charger’s website:

"And for a moment McCardell had that Ã¢â‚¬Å"one more catch,Ã¢â‚¬Â which would have been good for a ChargersÃ¢â‚¬â"¢ come-from-behind win in the final minute. But cornerback Anthony Henry knocked the ball loose as both players fell to the turf, preserving a 28-24 win for the Dallas Cowboys Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium.

Ã¢â‚¬Å"I thought I had that one, but youÃ¢â‚¬â"¢ve got to give Henry credit,Ã¢â‚¬Â McCardell said. Ã¢â‚¬Å"He stayed with it to the end and was able to get his hand in there.Ã¢â‚¬Â

Added quarterback Drew Brees, Ã¢â‚¬Å"The guy (Henry) made a great play.Ã¢â‚¬Â

—-

they also added about the go-ahed TD that McCardell beat both Roy Williams and Keith Davis : "Ã¢â‚¬Å"We saw something in their defense that we had seen all week (in films),Ã¢â‚¬Â McCardell said. Ã¢â‚¬Å"They gave us the coverage we wanted and it was wide open. Drew made a great throw and it was a great call.Ã¢â‚¬Â

by Carioca on Sep 12, 2005 6:01 PM CDT reply actions

The Oct 9th game with the Fleagles is in Dallas. Thanks for the tips Fighter15. I am actually flying from Philadelphia to Dallas to watch the game in a stadium that I can wear my Cowboys shirt at. Here in Philly the stadium is full of nuts. These fans turned me off many moons ago when Dallas was the expansion team that I picked to be my favorite. It was the stars on the shoulder pads of Eddie LeBaron and JW Lockett that hooked me at 8 yrs old. I’ve been a Cowboy fan in Eagleville since.
It would be great to put my “How Bout Them Cowboys” poster back up at work.

by gman on Sep 12, 2005 7:18 PM CDT reply actions

ALDS,

I’m always happy to be wrong like this.

by Rafael Vela on Sep 12, 2005 7:25 PM CDT reply actions

Jon:

Fujita played special teams. I only saw the last part of the game on TV, and had the listen to the first three quarters or so on the radio. I heard his name called by Brad Sham regarding punt coverage, but I can’t tell you any more than that.

by cowboy bert on Sep 12, 2005 7:27 PM CDT reply actions

Two things that I don’t see a lot of us talking about are Sean Payton’s awesome job of balancing out the attack and getting into the endzone, also its a great win but this team needs to step up and show some toughness on 3rd and short on both sides of the ball. Show me we can stop a team on 3rd and short consistantly!! Glover! Ferguson! Canty! Spears! Show the rest of the NFL that this is your house!! … Holding LT under 100 yards is great, but we have to focus on the next step and stopping players like that on the goalline! Stopping the tough teams in tough situations, and one of these players need to step up and be the emotional leader … set the tone of “This is our house and no one comes to our house and beats us!!!” …. Next week I know Michael will be in that locker room telling this team, “You aren’t going to loose on my night!! You better go out there and kick some $##@!!” Someone needs to carry that through .. and this team needs to make a point against the Eagles when they come into our house!! … Fine you beat an AFC team … now show me you belong! Show me you can win a game that separates boys from men!! Show me you can hit Donavan McNabb and rattle his game!! Show me you can beat those flocking Eagles when it counts!! … Lets go Cowboys!!!!

by EricR on Sep 12, 2005 8:08 PM CDT reply actions

the big question for next week is who are the wr? is bp gonna bring 5 so copper can play ST? i was happy about the game, except kickooff coverage. its hard on a defense to stop a good offensive team as it is, but when they start at midfield or better cmon there gonna score pts. if we improve on that this defense is gonna get better then we will be fine…

AW
you still mad about bledsoe????

by mike on Sep 12, 2005 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

The only reason I can see that the “horse-collar” hasn’t been called is that the tackler didn’t ride they guy down on the back of his legs. Obviously several players have been pulled down backwards by the jersey/shoulder pads (I agree, what’s the difference) but as I remember the Witten tackle and some of the others the the legs were not ridden into the ground. I’ll review the tape and confirm this.

by Sean on Sep 12, 2005 11:05 PM CDT reply actions

Hey, does anyone know that monday night will go down as the greatest in recent history? Two games toped with the fact that the last is the Boyz against those hogfaced snobs!!!!

Cowboys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2-0

i through in a precautionary knock on wood. Knock Knock and the Cowboys will rock!

by ALDS on Sep 13, 2005 12:29 PM CDT reply actions