Cowboys random notes

by Dave Halprin on Dec 16, 2005 7:42 AM CST in Dallas Cowboys News

Weather forecast
Expect some cold weather on Sunday with a high of 39 degrees. Since it's a late afternoon game, the temperature could be down-right frigid. Chance of precipitation is only 20% and the winds should only be 8 MPH, so besides the cold, the elements shouldn't play an important role.

Redskins injury update
LB LaVar Arrington (thigh) did not practice on Thursday along with CB's Shawn Springs (groin), Walt Harris (calf) and Carlos Rogers (biceps). LT Chris Samuels returned to practice on Thursday.

Santana Moss
After Santana Moss lit up Dallas in the fourth quarter in Week 2, he did the same to a few other defenses. Things have changed for him recently as defenses are lining up a safety on his side of the field. He's predicting Dallas will do the same.

"That's what other teams have been doing the last few weeks, so they might as well join the bunch," Moss said. "It comes into play when you do what you did early in the season, and you get that attention."

Dr. Z talks Cowboys
Dallas will go 2-1 for the rest of the year and finish with a wild card slot, according to Dr. Z.

The Cowboys' Drew Bledsoe will have the advantage of an injury-riddled Redskin secondary this weekend, and he'll throw for about a fifth of a mile, or four blocks, as Dallas takes a division biggie and just about ends the Skins' hopes, which will mathematically end the following week against the Giants. Carolina, locked in an NFC South struggle with Tampa Bay, will beat the Boys in Charlotte, but Dallas will sew up a wild card spot at 10-6 with a home victory over St. Louis in the finale.

Classic Redskins stat of the day
The Redskins will be trying to sweep Dallas for the first time since 1995 and the third time overall. The Cowboys have swept the Redskins 14 times.

Run defense leaking
A long article over at dallascowboys.com discusses our suddenly shaky run defense. Some very interesting points about personnel decisions are examined. Below is the money graf:

Since returning from the bye week, which fell exactly in the middle of the season, the Cowboys run defense hasn't been the same. They allowed a season-high 181 yards to the Eagles, including 86 to Westbrook. They gave up 144 to the Broncos, although 55 came in overtime on Ron Dayne's run which led to the game-winning field goal. Then the Giants rushed for 127 yards and the Chiefs totaled 161 last week.

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Comments

Run Defense

My unscientific opinion is that it seems the LB pursuit to the run has been more aggressive lately, but they aren't taking good angles to the runner. In some cases, guys are breaking tackles--but it seems on a lot of those big yardage runs the back isn't getting touched until he reaches the secondary.

by monkeymcgee on Dec 16, 2005 8:19 AM CST reply actions

Dat...

I'm convinced the absence of Dat is hurting us. The guy always pursued with the proper angles (and with speed), usually made the tackle if he got his hands on the ball carrier, and was smart enough to recognize offensive formations and direct the defense. I know Bradie makes the calls, but I guarantee Dat was helping him big-time.

by Dave Halprin on Dec 16, 2005 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

run defense

The run defense is definitely a major concern heading down the stetch. I think alot of it has to do with Ware, Spears and Canty hitting the rookie wall. Those guys aren't used to playing so many games and probably are getting both mentally and physically tired. I'm not sure if Dat would make a big difference because he was much more effective in the 4-3 where he could pursue and be instinctive without having to shed blocks from 300 lbs plus linemen. I also think Singleton is missed in this regard as Fujita isn't as good stopping the run as Al was. The bottom line is that the whole defense has to step it up and play tougher. Stopping the run is all about attitude and determination and they have to get that mindset back.

by Terry on Dec 16, 2005 10:53 AM CST reply actions