Dallas Cowboys news & notes
by Dave Halprin on Dec 24, 2008 12:06 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys News
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PrintThe DMN blog reports that today's practice, basically a walk-thru, was missing Tony Romo because he was sick and Jason Witten also sat it out. Marion Barber dressed but Tashard Choice took the first-team reps.
Just to be clear, the Eagles need the Bucs to lose to the Raiders and the Bears to lose to the Texans to remain in contention for the playoffs going into the 4 o'clock kickoff against Dallas. Both of those games start at 1 o'clock.
For news from the Eagles visit Bleeding Green Nation where our good friend JasonB runs the show.
The Cowboys defense says the two back-breaking runs by the Ravens were an aberration and won't affect their confidence.
Romo, the Cowboys, December and the playoffs.
Tony Romo comments on a lot of subjects in this Q&A. But ball security is all the news this week.
Do you treat those long interceptions like you had in Baltimore almost like punts?
Romo: Don't get me wrong. They are never a good thing. I'm not trying to make it sound better. An interception is a bad deal, no matter what time it is or frame or whatever. I think sometimes, against a team like Baltimore, you get into a mode, or you just kind of do stuff off the cuff a little bit. That's what they do well. There're probably 20 different throws where you are just kind of off the cuff in that game, which is a really, really high number for a game. Obviously, I made two poor choices on those. I have to fix it. I have to go back and decide why I did that, and make sure the next time I get in that situation, I don't. It's part of the game. It's part of the learning process. And I will get better, I promise you that.
"That's something he's had a history with," Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "That's part of what Tony has done, if you go back to when he first started playing. He made a lot of plays, but he also made a lot of turnovers. I think he's made great strides in that area. You learn from those things and hopefully as we go forward into this game, those things kind of register when he's in a similar situation and he makes a better decision. Fact is, we all have to play better, and certainly he's a part of that."
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Everytime I get onto this site...
There is an insightful new post. I love it.
I clammored for Marion to just sit out when he was injured, and it appears the injury is not only healing slowly, but most likely won’t have Marion healthy until after our next loss or until we win the Super Bowl.
How Dallas wins the Super Bowl in February
Amidst all of the ridiculous talk about how Garrett or Wade is the problem with this team. Interrupting all of the knee-jerk banter criticizing Romo’s play, the Cowboys control their entry into the playoffs (there you go Costas, destiny or fate cannot be controlled – glad to see that Syracuse education is almost as good as one from The Ohio State University).
Can the Cowboys beat the Eagles?
Are these the same Eagles that scored three points Sunday at Washington?
Wait, Philadelphia tied Cincinnati 13-13, right?
Dallas has already beaten Philadelphia once this season, and two out of the last three games.
So can the Cowboys beat the Eagles?
Yes…and no.
I finally realized why this edition of the Dallas Cowboys is as maddening as hell: they are a millimeter away from being a Super Bowl Champion. Excuse me while I take off my homer glasses…yeah, this stupid Cowboys team is still within a whisker (for those not metric-savvy) of winning the Super Bowl.
Please permit me to elaborate if you are still reading:
Minnesota 17, Atlanta 24 (Turnover margin: +4 for ATL)
Philadelphia 3, Washington 10 (Turnover margin: +1 for WSH)
Pittsburgh 14, Tennessee 31 (Turnover margin: +4 for TEN)
Tampa Bay 24 , San Diego 41 (Turnover margin: +3 for SD)
Arizona 7, New England 47 (Turnover margin: +2 for NE)
Total turnovers for the winning teams: 0 (zero, nil, zip, none)
All of these games were between teams that are battling to be in the playoffs. The only team to win against another team battling for the playoffs that turned the ball over: the Baltimore Ravens…figures. Neither New York, nor Carolina turned the ball over, and each team had 2 penalties. That game went to overtime.
Speaking of penalties, none of the teams mentioned above had more than 7 penalties in their game (ATL 6-70, WSH 3-25, TEN 4-45, SD 4-25, NE 7-65, BAL 3-19). Please note, however, that most of the winning teams had only 3 or 4 penalties: the Cardinals have packed it in, and the Vikings had 7 fumbles. The Dallas Cowboys are averaging 7.67 penalties per game, and have accumulated 21 penalties in their last two games.
My point?
If Dallas plays as it has over the last 15 games, the Cowboys will get one fumble, and maybe (50/50 chance) an interception in games from here on out. Unfortunately, there is a better chance that Dallas will lose the turnover battle (-7 to date, although it drops to –1 with Romo under center), or at best stay even in games played in the playoffs (and yes, this game against the Eagles is a playoff game).
So penalties come into play, and Dallas leads the league in infractions and yardage.
We’re number one, we’re number one!!
So following the trends established this season, the Dallas game versus Philadelphia (-1 turnover margin) will be a toss-up. The Eagles commit about three fewer penalties, however, so penalties may decide the game.
Did you hear that Wade? Penalties may decide the game.
Now if Dallas reduces their penalties, and stops committing stupid turnovers, the sky is the limit. Both of those factors are completely in control of the Cowboys.
I despise comparing this multi-dimensional Cowboys team that is much more talented than the thugs from New York (homer glasses back on), to the Giants, but the biggest difference between the regular season and the post season for the Giants last season, was that the New York offense stopped committing dumb penalties and significantly reduced their turnovers.
As a lifelong Cowboys fan, I hold out hope that this team will realize that they cannot throw the ball up for grabs, throw into tight coverage, run incorrect routes, not fight for the ball in tight coverage, remember the snap count, and drop the ball randomly on pitches, runs, and when hit.
I am the eternal optimist. Otherwise, why would I cheer for such an underachieving team.
But really, that is the difference between watching the Super Bowl calmly with friends, and watching the Super Bowl in your basement alone with your good luck charms, yelling hysterically, as if you had an impact on the game.
Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XLIII champions. Has a nice ring to it…as if it was the right thing to bring the universe into balance.
Actually, it is!!!
Amen
Nice post there Scarlet. It boggles my mind that the kind of pressure our D-Lineman and our LB’s can create is still not improving our turnover ratio, with the CB’s we have on this team. Romo needs to protect the ball, and take a sack or throw the ball away if he has to. Focus really has to come into play with the penalties as well. It’s going to be a hostile environment (whether TB wins or loses), and we are going to have to click well in these areas.
Let’s get that offense in and out of the huddle quick like a previous poster has said before, and establish some sort of rhythm and balance (give choice more carries with a FB and stop the Shotgun draw play all the time). I have a gut feeling Nick Folk could be a Folk hero come 7:14PM
Being from PA, I am surrounded by Eagles fans. This game is going to be one of those games Eagles/Cowboys fans talk about 10 years from now, no matter the outcome. I hope I enjoy recollecting on this game when those days come.
by commoncents on Dec 24, 2008 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
great write up
This should be a fan post.. All great points..
We talk about protecting Romo, but neither int was caused by pressure in Romo’s face..
We do these 3 things we will not lose another game this year.
Limit the penalties
Protect the football
Protect Romo
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
Like Romo, I'm sick today myself. Still no word from my local Fox affiliate
on whether they’ll show the Cowboys at 1:00pm PST. I’m dying here!!!!
Nice write up ScarletO
This team just needs to stop the turnovers (mainly Romo) and the penalties (the rest of the team). It really is that simple.
They have they talent, I don’t think anyone can make a good argument to the contrary.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Dec 24, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions
What I liked...
He promised to get better. Never heard that type of language from him before, it’s always been the “nice guy” reaction. I never heard him say something so definitive. Good sign.
I wouldn't mind seeing Romo get a hint of a mean streak in him.
Maybe he should hang out with Columbo instead of Carpenter.
He might gain 50 pounds though after hanging out with Columbo
Gotta imagine those dinners would be fierce…
Not sure if it would do any good or not
But no one follows the “Aw, shucks”-guy that wants to be everyone’s buddy. He doesn’t need to be a total jerk. It’s not his personality. But the only time I’ve seen fire in his eyes was at the end of the Giants playoff game, when the line became a sieve. It was too late then.
The only Super Bowl winning QB
I can think of that didn’t show passion or fire, at least at times, is Eli Manning. Even Montana would get on someone that blew an assignment. I think Romo has it in him. Personality-wise I think he is more like Staubach or Favre and that’s not a bad thing.
and Staubach and Favre are both SB winning qbs
And how do you know if Romo doesn’t get on players….just because you don’t see it on camera doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
In Romo we Trust
I initially said I'd like to see it
You’re not going to change my mind on that. We’ll just say you’re right and Romo’s perfect.
I'm not saying Romo is perfect
I’m saying leadership comes in many different types of personalities….why most fans think the fiery, in your face type, is the best kind is beyond me cause they are all effective.
In Romo we Trust
I'll believe it when I see it
He’s not getting off to a good start by skipping practice. Players play through flu, stomach viruses, even staph infections but he can’t go through a patented Wade Philips practice before the most important game of the season because he’s ‘sick’? Give me a break. He really doesn’t care.
Well it's only practice
If he missed a game, I’d see your point. Do you really think he needs more practice in the 17th week of the season? If he does, then this team is screwed anyway. More important than anything is that he be ready to go on Sunday.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Dec 24, 2008 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
Doesn't sound like he missed much
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d9a73d&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Dec 24, 2008 10:15 PM CST up reply actions
And thanks to
my fellow bloggers. Who make inciteful post and comments. I hope all of you xmas wishes come true.
I guess my first post didn't hit
Merry Christmas everyone.
Well if you're that pessimistic and wont even watch the game
Why even bother posting?
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 24, 2008 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
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