BTB Game Balls: Panthers @ Cowboys
by Aaron Novinger on Oct 1, 2009 1:00 AM CDT
74 comments
It's time to hand out game balls for the Cowboys' home victory over the Panthers. We've got one for a player from each unit: offense, defense, special teams. We've even got one for the coaching staff.
Make the jump to see who gets a game ball.
Offense
Tashard Choice - He just keeps chugging along and makes the most of his opportunities. No, Choice is not as explosive as the other backs, but he is consistent. He reinforced that against Carolina. He adds value as a receiver (targeted seven times, caught four for 36 yards), and puts a little more mustard on his blitz pickups than Felix does.
The Cowboys controlled the ball for more than 37 minutes on Monday night. Choice was one of the main reasons they could do that.
Honorable Mention: Jason Witten, Felix Jones
Defense
Keith Brooking - During the open threads the other night, somebody mentioned how fast Brooking looks. The dude just flies around looking for the ball carrier. And he has no problem taking on a fullback head-on. In the first quarter, he shot through the offensive line, got around the FB, and tackled James Stewart for a four-yard loss. That put the Panthers in a 2nd-and-19 situation.
With the Panthers facing a 3rd and 3 on their opening drive in the second half, Brooking broke up a pass to Dante Rosario that would have been enough for a first down. It set up the first of four consecutive three-and-outs for the defense. Those are the kinds of plays this defense needs to make.
Honorable Mention: Jay Ratliff, Terence Newman
Special Teams
Mat McBriar - I know it's a boring pick and Crayton looked great on punt returns, but McBriar showed some nice control Monday night. All five of his punts landed inside the 20. Although he averaged only 37.4 yards per punt, the Cowboys asked him to punt often from a short field. In a tight game, they played the field position battle and he proved to be a weapon in that regard.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Crayton, David Buehler
Coaching
Skip Peete - Let's give some love to Peete. All of his boys show up ready to bring their "A" game each week. Whether it's MBIII, Felix, or Tashard finding holes, or Cricket creating them, Peete has helped this unit become the best in the league.
Honorable Mention: Joe DeCamillis, Jason Garrett
Who gets your game balls?
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Good picks!
Choice is a stud, plain and simple.
by Rickyy. on Oct 1, 2009 1:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Special teams ball: Buehler
We didn’t get to see Buehler kick off until the 2nd half, and almost every time he did, it was in the end zone (already 7 touchbacks on the season…7 more than last year).
I love Folk, but I think it’s possible we lose the Carolina game if Folk is kicking off. One or two long kick returns for the Panthers in the second half might have made the difference when their offense was struggling.
It is enormously demoralizing to another team—especially when the crowd is loud and the defense is in a rhythm—to have to start at the 20 yard line EVERY TIME.
Nice, nice pickup this past draft in good ol’ David Buehler. He will literally translate into victories. Might have happened in the Carolina game.
by JohnnyRender on Oct 1, 2009 1:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Props to both Buehler and McBriar. It seemed like Carolina started on the 20 and back multiple times.
Glad to see Brooking get some love. Newman had the clinching play, but man, Brooking was a beast all night!
by selke99 on Oct 1, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Newman
had more than just the clinching play though.. after that first series he essentially shut down one of the more dynamic receivers in the league, which is what really created that pick 6. steve smith was frustrated all night. newman was in his head
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's funny
how Newman always brings his A-game for Steve Smith. Hope he has another in the tank this week for Brandon Marshall.
by Road Warrior on Oct 1, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
he steps up for challenges but doesnt seem mentally there against receivers that he should dominate. I’m sure he will be up for it. I really hope scandrick can maintain his confidence since Jenkins was given the nod. I hear the broncos run a lot of 3 wr sets and scandrick seemed extremely disappointed in this interview. it’s too bad the guy has one bad game and loses his chance. I still think he’s better in coverage than Jenkins, but I think the continuity of who is starting and playing where will help the consistency of the secondary. now it’s time for Hamlin to man up and contribute.
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scandrick strikes me as a guy
who will never lack for confidence. I’ll think if anythng, this’ll drive him to play even better.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't say he shut him down...
with Hamlin always over the top of Smith, but he did frustrate him on the shorter/intermediate routes, besides missing some tackles on Smith.
by selke99 on Oct 1, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely had an effect on the game.
The few times that Buehler’s kicks didn’t go for touchbacks, it seemed like they started off with even worse field position because of good coverage. In fact, I seem to remember towards the end of the game one of Buehler’s kicks being field in the frong part of the endzone (where you would normally see the return man bring it out) but the return man immediately took a knee almost as if he was content to take the 20. Having Buehler and an improved coverage unit has been an asset to this team.
Beware D-Ware
by WittenRocks on Oct 1, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Wade talked about the other part of Buehler’s kickoffs – hang time. He said that even when he doesn’t nail a TB, he lets the cover team get down before the other team can set up the return.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
averages starting position was the 17 for carolina
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Oct 1, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd throw Hudson Houck into the coaching list
Not sure what he’s doing, but that unit is playing pretty darn good so far this season. The holes seem huge when they show those Madden video game type views behind the QB.
by osa1011 on Oct 1, 2009 4:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great point
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely
I was worried after last season, but his left guard for most of the season is better served as a bouncer at Ghost Bar than taking on NFL DTs. Houck has done it time and time again throughout his career, and made great running backs into transcendant players.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Oct 1, 2009 10:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
The holes were open for the running attack
but the pass-protection was getting Romo a bit banged up back there.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Oct 1, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah they all seem to lack a first step
to some extent – either firing out on the inside runs or reacting to a pass rush. Once they are moving they seek athletic, but they seem to have trouble with speed, either rushers or guys filling gaps before they can push forward.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree their running game looks dominant but the pass protection seemed less than stellar.
Good think Romo is so mobile and evasive or he gets sacked at least three more times.
Don't believe everything you think.
Your causes are cute!!!
by stoproyce on Oct 1, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not all the line's fault on the blitz pick up
Carolina was doing a good job of disguising blitzes and mixing up where it was coming from. So credit them but that’s also on Romo to recognize where it’s coming from and call out protections, audibles, and hot routes. He got fooled on the intentional grounding play where he sent Bennett down the middle but the blitz came quicker than he thought. Overall though the line has done a good job or protecting Romo.
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They have done a good job
but not a great job. Some of it is Romo not seeing it, some is a RB not blocking well, but some of it is guys getting beaten one on one.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo and the Blitz
Yes, and I recall on the first half sack in the red zone – Romo totally failed to see this coming; he actually tried to fake a handoff and turned his back to the defense as he made his deep drop . . . now there was very little time with the max blitz but still Romo has failed to see defensive adjustments prior to the snap more than a few times this year. Dallas offensive unit is a bit nervous at the line right before snap; as if we are waiting for a penaly from Flo, or an errant snap from Gurode – and Romo takes the clock to zero with regularity giving the defense a jump on their adjustment calls.
by Iowacowboy on Oct 4, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we gotta give one to Jerrah
for the first victory in the Palace. He brought us the greatest venue in the history of the planet. THAT deserves a game ball.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Oct 1, 2009 5:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I would give a game ball to Butler with 2 sacks and a fumble.
I would defintely take out Newman….if any of the CB deserves a game ball is Jenkins. Jenkins goes for the ball everytime they throw at him….this time he picked one. Newman int was wrapped in gift paper from Delhomme.
by ManTab on Oct 1, 2009 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
even without the INT
TNew stuck Smith like glue – his stat line was only 4 balls for 38 yards – that’s measly for pro-bowl wr
kudos to newman
by BishopWest on Oct 1, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dido
Newman doesn’t get the respect he deserves for limiting the leagues top wide outs
by Prime-Time on Oct 1, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the bomb that was thrown at him and he didnt even turn of rthe ball?
Shouldve been an easy int? How about all the missed tackles in the 1st qtr?
The guy stinks.
by ManTab on Oct 1, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The tackles (or lack thereof) are a real problem in the entire secondary,
that’s true. Going for a hit without wrapping up, or trying to wrap up high is just not acceptable.
But I have no complaints about Newman’s coverage of Smith. Did he lose a couple of his battles with Smith? Yes he did, to a terrific wide receiver, but he won more of those than he lost.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Oct 1, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
meant...
He can’t locate the ball. Has been his problem since day 1 and wont change. It doesn’t suprise me he had a great game against Smith because he always does. Hopefully he keeps it going, but he has a history of being inconsistant with his coverage.
by Boyzfan94 on Oct 1, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stinks?
Credibility..insert into toilet.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Oct 1, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what?
Newman is head and shoulders above Jenkins, whose interception was also gift wrapped. it looked like delhomme was trying to hit jerryvision on that throw. Newman was dogging STEVE SMITH all night and shut him down. Jenkins did well but he was lined up with 55 year old muhammed. Newman struggled in the first two games, but there’s a reason he was told to follow steve smith the entire game, because he’s the best we have and when he is on his game is a top 5 or 10 corner in the league.
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the guy stinks
He was bad the first two games, his tackling was horrendous this game as well and he gave away the pittsburgh game last year. How many in’t has he had on his best season? 3? That’s not top 5 in the league. QB’s have to be affraid to throw your away, NO ONE is affraid of throwing at Newman….
by ManTab on Oct 1, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Top5 = Stinks
Tough crowd.
Newman has the feet and work ethic to be a great corner. His insticts are average and his ball skill are below average. The last couple of year he has had some injuries. He has ended up being a very good corner who gives up fewer big plays then all but a few corners, but fails to make as many big plays as some of the elite corners.
Last week was the rare day where he actually made the big play to go along with his usually solid coverage performace. Very good, but not the elite of the elite is good enough. If we could order them up, any team in the league would take three of him.
by Trey, on Oct 1, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo of course
This is why
“We had some tough times, some tough drives and he could have went into the tank,” Williams said. “If he goes into the tank, this whole offense is going into the tank. He stood in there, held his head high, even though we had all the penalties and we were punting every series it felt like. He stayed in there and led this team down the football field and I really appreciate that out of a guy like that.”
Williams said it showed a great leadership quality in Romo.
“That’s what I think a leader is. I could care less about guys who are rah-rah all day long,” Williams said. “To me, it’s like shut-up. You’re getting on my nerves with all the rah-rah stuff. It’s show me on the football field. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to say anything. All his stuff is on the football field. He is America’s Team’s quarterback. Whatever he does, people are going to love it or going to hate it. When we win, they love it. Nobody understands the small things that he did in the game, and that’s why I told him I appreciated it.”
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/09/cowboys-wr-roy-williams-said-he-apprecia.html
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Oct 1, 2009 7:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was classy of Williams
instead of talking about himself he’s supporting other players.
I also agree with him on the rah-rah stuff. Everyone has a different style.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Amazing What Major Media Misses
I really didn’t know anything about TO or RW until they joined the Cowboys. IMHO both have been represented by the press as something other then their real personalities or motives. TO is gone but I really believe the press would write the “story” then find a quote or an act on the field that supported it. As opposed to reporting the actual events.
The more I learn about RW the more I like him. He’s a team player and wants to win regardless of stats, reminds me of a QB we had a few years ago. He is a leader using action to back up what he believes. He also has demonstrated he will help develop the other WRs, not to mention he throws a little humor in to boot.
by staubachfan on Oct 1, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
from
where do you learn about TO and Roy Williams? Are they your friends?
by Joey2zs on Oct 1, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
What I mean is I believe I learn more about them with more exposure via local media outlets. If you watch ESPN, Fox, NFL Network, or others they have a pre defined story to tell. For example, a player yelling on the sidelines can be interpreted anyway you want. He’s a getting frustrated, he’s being a bad team mate, he’s a distraction to the team, he’s attacking the coaching staff…….or he’s a fired up, he’s a team leader, he’s mad at himself for that play, he’s getting his teammates fired up. They have no idea what it means unless they are there or they talk to his teammates or coaches outside of the formal press conference.
by staubachfan on Oct 2, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the more I think of Romo, the more I'm afraid
he’ll turn into Rex Grossman that year the Bears went to the SB. you have “good” Rex and than “bad” Rex shows up unexpectedly. Just the thought of “bad” Romo lurking around makes me nervous.
by dcfanz on Oct 1, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that will never happen
Romo has proven he is capable of producing big numbers over a three year period, the only big numbers Rex ever put up were INTs.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Oct 1, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hate Cowherd but he had a point most of Romos numbers come against horrible teams and
when having to play elite to good defenses not so much especially in our division.
Don't believe everything you think.
Your causes are cute!!!
by stoproyce on Oct 1, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you could say the same thing about any qb
I don’t see Brady or Manning lighting up really good defenses either. That’s an argument the haters like to use but it has no merit.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Oct 1, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that is even true
He played great games agains the Giants the year they won the SB, awesome agins tthe PAckers who played to the final drive in the NFC champioship that year. He had a stellar first game against Philly last season who went to the NFC championship and a super game against the NYG who won the division. He was good against Arizona until he was hurt. They went to the SB.
And of course really great defensive teams will make any QB look worse. How did Brady look agains tthe Giants in the SB? Pretty average after a record-setting season.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After the Giants Super Bowl run
Michael Strahan said the toughest team they played that post season was not the Patriots, but the Cowboys. Romo has lit up the best defenses in the NFL. He just hasn’t done it in December and January, and he’ll get over that hump, I guaran-damn-tee it!
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Oct 1, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First thing he'd have to do to be like Sexy Rexy is
kill about a trillion brain cells…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Props By RW to Romo
Thanks for posting that quote; how true.
by Iowacowboy on Oct 4, 2009 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked this nomination
Skip Peete
He really has done a great job getting these guys ready to contribute each week.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 7:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hmm
Is it the coach making the players look good?
Or the players making the coach look good?
(maybe a little of both)
by BishopWest on Oct 1, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say it maybe a lot of both.
Hat’s off to our running backs and their coach (and the offensive line and their coach). A happening running game is a thing of beauty.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Oct 1, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also think both
these are all talented guys, but their understanding of the poistion also seems very mature – blocking, selecting the right holes to hit, catching passes. They all seem to use pretty solid technique.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 1, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
game balls
coaching . wade phillips. i heard he ripped the team a new ass at halftime and they came out ready to play. offensive . felix jones. his big plays made a world of difference in the field position game. defense. entire front seven for shutting down a stout rushing attack two weeks in a row. special teams. bueler. his touchbacks are huge.
by TARHEEL PAUL on Oct 1, 2009 8:06 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
coverage teams
punt and kick coverages were amazing… best ive seen dallas probably ever.
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would interest me is to see some film session breakdown of Elvis vs the run and how well
he plays it when they run right at him. Does he have dware’s ability to play the run whether they run at him or away from him? Based on his size compared to Flo he would need to make sure that Flo cannot put his hands on him, because if he does then Elvis is in for a long day. I think a heavy dose of running will be a good way to counter Elvis and their line.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Oct 1, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jason Williams back at practice
according the the DMN here
by AustonianAggie on Oct 1, 2009 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Elvis Dumerville of the Broncos has 6 sacks already
Dallas is going to run him over, at 5’11 248, have Flozell hit him every play
by AustonianAggie on Oct 1, 2009 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The smaller they are
The easier to trip……:-)
by staubachfan on Oct 1, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
The broncos (??) are the most overrated team in the league. I could shut down the browns and raiders. Jemarcus russell is the worst qb in the league, followed closely by brady quinn. I cannot wait to stomp these clowns in their house and shut up the bronco bandwagoners. THEY ARE WHAY WE THOUGHT THEY WERE, which is garbage
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember when people were mad
when we didn’t draft Quinn?
by Road Warrior on Oct 1, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I wasn't mad lol
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Oct 1, 2009 11:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
nice picks
glad to see TC getting props and Brooking getting noticed as well. Nice to have an inside LB who takes on and sheds blockers. Speaking of which: when are they going to cut Barbie C.? He’s so soft and fluffy he should be the spokesman for fabric softener.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate"
by angie'sdad on Oct 1, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Newman had lots of help
Let’s not gloss over the fact that Newman had Hamlin helping out deep for most of the game. It’s not that tough to get in a receiver’s grill when you know you have deep help.
He played a good game, but let’s not get carried away.
by bewareofdware on Oct 1, 2009 12:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ummmm
not overreacting to Newmans’ game… but that’s called strategy.
Most corners have safety help when the defense is in a cover 2.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Oct 1, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cover 2 is a zone while Newman seemed to be in man, focusing on staying
between the QB and the WR. Hamlin stayed between the WR and the end zone. Cover 2 guys are usually considered liabilities in man to man coverage.
Still, Newman always brings his A game against Steve Smith, ever since that Carolina vs Dallas play off game when Newman was a rookie and had a rough game.
by AustonianAggie on Oct 1, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well honestly too...
This isn’t for Newman or against, but when you aren’t getting a pass rush, any corner will get killed. seems like there was a concern there.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Oct 1, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillips often mixes
man and zone coverage. Especially with Newman.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2009 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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