Little Doomsday. Dallas Outlasts New York 16-13

by Rafael Vela on Oct 16, 2005 9:08 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys Games

Early this season, the defense played like the little boy who walks around the house in daddy's shoes. The unit looked tough, but many of its players were inexperienced, so it tripped when it tried to run. It surrendered long passes by the handful, giving up seven TD passes in the first three games. It let floundering ground attacks in San Francisco and Oakland run free. It dropped late leads and put cardiologists in the Metroplex on double duty each Sunday night.

It's not quite man-size, but Little Doomsday is growing up fast. LaRoi Glover, Greg Ellis and their gang of juveniles stepped up big in their second consecutive divisional win. This week, they held the league's top scoring offense to 13 points and were 19 seconds away from pushing their quarters-without-allowing-a-TD streak to eleven. They were the difference in an often frustrating 16-13 overtime win over the Giants.

Sure, the defense gave up 150 of New York's 270 yards in the game's final 12 minutes, when a 100 degree day wilted its pass rush. And yes, its last minute play brought back painful memories of the Washington loss in week two. But let's look at the positive side of the equation. 90 seconds into the second half, the Giants had a 4-0 edge in turnovers. The Giants had just recovered their second Drew Bledsoe fumble and were 31 yards from regaining the lead. Dallas had a 7-6 lead then, but Tom Coughlin's men were again working the script that had led them to a 3-1 record and first place -- win the turnover battle and convert your opponents miscues into points.

But the Dallas defense would even the turnover ledger before the Giants put their next points on the scoreboard. Over the remainder of the half, the defense:

Intercepted Eli Manning at the Dallas one, turning back the first Giants threat;

stripped Plaxico Burress at the Giants' 19 one possession later;

sacked Manning twice after he had found Jeremy Shockey behind the Cowboys' linebackers for 59 yards and a first down at the Dallas 16. Manning fumbled the ball the second time he was sacked. Greg Ellis picked it up and lumbered to the Giants' 33, setting up the Cowboys second field goal;

Roy Williams knocked the ball from New York's 260 lb. behemoth Brandon Jacobs at the Cowboys one with just 1:18 left in regulation. Williams recovered the ball, seemingly ending the Giants' day.

The defense got erratic help from the offense, who failed this time to move the ball even one yard. New York forced a short punt and when Williams played zone while the rest of his teammates were in a blitz, Jeremy Shockey broke free from him to score from 24 yards out, deferring the Cowboys' celebration.

That spotty offense came to life in the overtime, taking the kickoff and moving 51 yards in eight plays, setting up a 45 Jose Cortez field goal for the win. The drive would prove costly, as Patrick Crayton was helped from the field after catching a ten yard pass on the drive's opening play. An MRI is scheduled for tomorrow, but Parcells hinted that Crayton broke his ankle.

Notes:

The heat was as big an adversary as the Giants. When Ellis ran Manning's fumble back early in the fourth quarter, several linemen had to crawl several yards before they could stand up and leave the field. Both teams rotated linemen freely and it affected their execution. This game won't earn high grades from either team's staff.

If you haven't seen the Giants play before, this is how they win. Lose time-of- possession badly, but win the turnover battle by a wide margin. The New York secondary is nothing special, with the exception of free safety Gibril Wilson, but its line can generate pressure and induce bad throws.

Marion Barber finally joined the season. Two things were clear about Barber in camp. One, he was highly talented; two, he was one of those guys who learns the hard way, by making every mistake in the book at least once. Parcells was frustrated by Barber, who would regularly make two good plays, then make one silly one. The coach alternated scolding him and stroking him. The lessons finally seem to have sunken in. Barber was rock steady on blitz pickups today, ran with more elusiveness than Anthony Thomas, though neither could get going against New York's stunting front seven, and caught a long screen pass to start a long scoring drive. All was not perfect, however, as he was stopped for no gain on third-and-one from the New York 11.

New York had only allowed six sacks of Eli Manning in four games. Dallas got to him four times today. Greg Ellis was the most effective rusher, turning RT Kareem McKenzie inside-out several times.

Demarcus Ware got a sack in his fourth consecutive game. It came at a crucial time, one play after Shockey's long reception.

Dallas mixed fronts today. They were most effective when they brought pressure. They were least effective when they dropped eight men into coverage and only rushed three. Eli Manning showed patience and ripped the secondary in these situations.

Check Flozell Adams' injury status. Rob Petitti got a lot of help again, but Dallas was in real trouble when Torrin Tucker replaced Adams. Tucker was beaten twice on pass plays inside the New York 15. The pressure Adams allowed blew up two pass attempts that could have broken the game open.

Manning's QB rating of 68.1 was his lowest of the year, coming one game after he posted a 120 rating.

Shockey's TD was the first allowed since Lamont Jordan scored in the first quarter of the Raiders' game.

This was another "me-too" game for the o-line, as everyone except Larry Allen took turns making crucial, points-costing mistakes.

Today was the first time this year you could say Bledsoe was rattled by the rush. Giants' DC Tim Lewis sprung several effective blitzes on the Dallas line and often threw them and their QB off-balance. A strong inside push by Cedric Clancy prevented Bledsoe from stepping into a bomb for Glenn, which was intercepted. Bledsoe had Glenn open and apparently felt he could muscle the ball to the WR. In the overtime, with Dallas facing a third-and-thirteen at the Giants' 26, Sean Payton called a deep out to Keyshawn on the left sideline. Johnson beat his man. Bledsoe got good protection but acted as if he was about to be hit. He rushed the throw, which bounced short. A completion would have given Dallas a first down at New York's seven.

Willie Pile is getting more time and Keith Davis less time at free safety.

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Comments

Good job, Rafael.

I knew The Giants were gonna go after Bledsoe. It was the smart move. I thought they did a okay job of it, too.

While I’m certain we’re the better team, I was not happy with the game today. Besides the mistakes on offense, Crayton’s injury is a huge blow. I felt worse after the win today then I did after the loss to Washington.

Price CANNOT replace what Crayton does for this team….

by rich on Oct 16, 2005 10:47 PM CDT reply actions

Rich,

When Price had his big year with Bledsoe in Buffalo, I believe he was operating out of the slot most of the time. He’s familiar with this position. I don’t know if he has Crayton’s hands, but he’ll have plenty of speed.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 16, 2005 10:51 PM CDT reply actions

I know Dallas won’t receive high marks from this game, but if you take out some of the mental breakdowns it becomes a blow out. Thankfully, we can fix mental errors. What you can’t fix is talent. Fortunately we have that in boatloads.

Oh, and Rich, I’d save your conclusions until after the guy shows up and plays(or doesn’t). See: Bledsoe.

by theogt on Oct 16, 2005 11:01 PM CDT reply actions

With this squad, winning ugly really means winning UGLY. My first thought at halftime, was that I was amazed that we had the lead even after playing so poorly on offense. Our execution was off, and inconsistent all game. Brights spots were again the defense, which aside from a big play or two played a pretty impressive game, Marion Barber showed why BP has been so high on him even through some pretty inconsistent play in the preseason, and big Rob Petitti shut down down Strahan after those two initial sacks.

Ware showing us his full range of skills: after his sack on a bullrush last week just blew right around the Giants LT for his sack today.

And Crayton’s loss is very big. He’s become a very good all-around WR this year, and it looks like he’s spent a lot of time working on his downfield blocking. Price gives us another deep threat, but we lose the going across the middle and blocking dimensions that Crayton’s game brought. Not to mention his role in returning punts, which will now go to either Aaron Glenn, Terrence Newman, or Marion Barber, all of whom (at least now for Barber) have important roles elsewhere on the team, and cannot easily be replaced.

And a note about Anthony Thomas: I’ll give you one play that redeems his signing. His run from the 1 yard line. The OLine let two or three defenders through, one of whom got to ATrain in the endzone, but he had enough presence of mind to keep his feet moving and push himself just out of the endzone before going down. His veteran mindset saved us the game. So don’t rag on Thomas too much after this game. I agree with you, I can’t see how this guy rushed for 1000 yards, but its easy to see what 5 years in the league gets you.

by David-CT on Oct 16, 2005 11:18 PM CDT reply actions

Dont think it’s that we dont want Price or dont believe in him (I believe in him at least) but I enjoyed seeing Crayton on the field. It may sound silly, but I always had good vibes whenever i saw him on the feild….a sense of comfort. Now im not saying that hes the best reciever in the world and such but from my friends down in Dallas area, they made it seem as hes got a great character and those are the players Id hate to lose the most….

by OutKasT on Oct 16, 2005 11:22 PM CDT reply actions

I’ll say this for Crayton. He broke his ankle and got kicked in the jaw on the same play. Yet he HELD ON TO THE BALL! If my leg was snapping, I’d drop everything I’ve ever carried.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 16, 2005 11:27 PM CDT reply actions

Any update on the Hotel’s injury status? I heard sprained knee but didn’t get details.

Also, I believe Price had most of his success from the flanker spot during his big year in Buffalo, but not sure.

by Tim on Oct 16, 2005 11:38 PM CDT reply actions

Crayton was also starting to break out on those punt returns. He gave the Cowboys good field position several times last year and he did it again today except for Nate Jones’ penalty which was stupid since the man he blocked was not close enough to affect the play. I’m hoping Crayton can come back this season ‘cause we’re gonna need him in the playoffs.

by Joe on Oct 16, 2005 11:45 PM CDT reply actions

it was obvious Crayton’s leg or ankle was broken………too bad. He is was having a good season and a good game. Time for Price to get out there and earn his paycheck!

We did not play our best game, we played without Julius Jones and Dat Nguyen two of our best players on both sides of the ball and yet we managed to win a tough game! A W is a W, and we go to 4-2 and lead the NFC East. Lets go Cowboys!!!!

by Jon on Oct 16, 2005 11:49 PM CDT reply actions

a WIN is a WIN,
either it’s ugly or good I really dont care as long as we get the job done….As I mentioned in previous BLOGS Dallas will allow teams to hang around and not truly put them away….Even in the early 90’s winning seasons there were games we just kept allowing teams to stay in it……..
I will say this to all doubtrs believing that Eli is as good as his brother and that we were going to have all this trouble going against the Giants…………..Well read the stats…….

by Ray on Oct 16, 2005 11:59 PM CDT reply actions

David-CT:
The loss of Crayton is a big one, but you can cover his duties, if Price can’t cover the middle routes then he will go deep and Glenn will work in middle routes along Key. If there’s someone with a better set of hands than those of Crayton is Glenn.

If Crayton’s injury heads him to IR I’d be up for trading Thomas, even with his guts running of yesterday (because he didn’t ran with speed, he ran with guts, at least that’s what I saw on that 1 yard run that someone mentioned up there), for a role receiver and ST’s performer. There has to be a team looking for a backup at RB.

by Chandus on Oct 17, 2005 12:05 AM CDT reply actions

I’m hoping Crayton is back in 4-6 weeks and we keep him on the squad. We need him back for the last few games of the season and for a hopeful playouff run.

Trade Thomas? Why trade Thomas? he can still run a little. While Jones is hurt, the Boys need Thomas to (a) be a dependable, non-fumbling back (b) be a solid blitz situation back and © move the pile. Did you see him hussle to not be tackled for a safety today? He can move a pile when he’s stopped and maybe he can help in short yardage situations. Lord knows we’ve been pittiful running the ball on third and fourth and short. And did you see him picking up the blitz today? He’s the reason Flozell got hurt. His knock on Strahan was so solid that Strahan and Petite fell on Flozell clear across the line. Plus, he showed he can catch and I’d like to see us dumping off a few passes to him when Drew is under heavy pressure.

by Carioca on Oct 17, 2005 1:53 AM CDT reply actions

carioca,
thats a great point about thomas and moving the pile to get out of our endzone. i dont think barber or thompson could have done that. we need that solid veteran back, no way do u trade him.

and everyone whos talking about not being able to replace crayton, he was good and improving, but he was still a #3 and believe me, price can play. i saw him in buffalo with bledsoe throwing to him, he can play

by nate on Oct 17, 2005 6:11 AM CDT reply actions

Raf,

As always another good breakdown.
The cowboys were covering Shockey with Newman
and it seemed to work well, then they switched out of
that coverage later in the game giving Shockey to Roy
any reasons why???

by becker on Oct 17, 2005 8:28 AM CDT reply actions

Becker,

Not sure. I haven’t had a chance to rerun the tape yet. This is all stuff I got watching
in real time. I know that on the long pass, Dallas dropped 8 and when they got no pressure, Shockey was able to run a cross and up. That’s got to be the longest pattern you could imagine — going 40 yards across the field and then about 30 upfield before you get the ball. That means Eli had at least six seconds to scan the field, which he did.

Dallas was in zone then, and there’s no way Scott Fujita, or just about any other LB for that matter, can stay with him that long. They were trying to confuse Eli with a bevy of coverages, but when they went to this old school 3-4 scheme, they had some real breakdowns.

Keep the pressure on, Mike Z. It’s what your guys do best.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 17, 2005 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

I don’t know why everyone thought the Cowboys had it wrapped up when Williams recovered the fumble on the 1. New York had all three timeouts, Dallas had no room to run, and a safety would have given the Giants a chance to win with a touchdown on a short field.

by Lex on Oct 17, 2005 10:58 AM CDT reply actions

1)I hated seeing Crayton go down. That guy played hard and made big plays. I hope he can come back this season.

2)I like seeing Barber step up. He ran hard and received well out of the backfield.

3)I like that we are so deep in alot of areas.

4)Al Johnson is an idiot.

by Chris on Oct 17, 2005 12:47 PM CDT reply actions

agreed al johnson was an idiot yesterday holding after you are beat on asreen where you are supposed to let the rush in as well contributed to bledsoes fumble

by ian on Oct 17, 2005 1:48 PM CDT reply actions

Roy Williams cost them the skins game and almost cost them the giants game. His aggressive style creates big plays for the D but is also giving up big plays to opposing offenses @ crucial times in the game, i.e. under two minutes. The main objective of the safety is to prevent the big play, that’s why its called the safety position. Don’t expect to make the playoffs if you can’t stop the big play. I love Roy but he’s gotta learn that with under two minutes trying to stop the completion or first down, is secondary to preventing the game tying or in some cases winning touchdown.

by Ricky on Oct 17, 2005 2:05 PM CDT reply actions

We seem to be piling up the injuries on this team in the last two weeks which is not a good thing. However in the NFL the teams that can play through injuries and have other players step up are the good teams. I don’t know about anyone else but I rank the injuries in this order.
1. Flozell Adams
2. Julius Jones
3. Dat Nguyen
4. Patrick Crayton
I know all of these injuries are not the same, some are obviously more severe than others, but if everything is even I think losing Flozell would be a lot worse than losing Crayton. I judge this on two things. One how important the player is to the overall team. Two what is the situation at backup behind the player. I trust either copper or price over Tucker. Jones and Dat are closer than these two since they both are key players, but they do have some depth at their backup position. Also when you get injuries at the arguably weakest part of the team (O-Line) then that makes that injury that much bigger. Luckily it seems that the worst injury occured at the position we have the best depth and experience at.

by RDO on Oct 17, 2005 2:07 PM CDT reply actions

Losing Flozell means that we have TWO rookies on the line. Okay Tucker got in some last year but realistically, isn’t there some free agent out there we can pull in? Is there a trade possible?

This is not good news.

Bledsoe gets happy feet when he gets blind side pressure……

by AlanTdot on Oct 17, 2005 3:43 PM CDT reply actions

Flozell out, Torrin Tucker in..oh no! I do not like this. We can do without JJ, Crayton, and Dat because of more than adequate backups but Tucker. Bill has his work cut out for him now. I hope Jerry J has a few trade tricks up his sleeve. Anybody have any ideas of who could be available at OT?

by G Man on Oct 17, 2005 3:47 PM CDT reply actions

Please I live in the washington DC area and don’t catch the game when the skins are playing. Can anybody provide me with a tape after each game if the have please. Eventhough I don’t get it live I would like to watch it.

Also can anybody explain to me why Keyshawn keep dropping the damn ball like he never played football before.

by chopchop on Oct 17, 2005 10:36 PM CDT reply actions