Nine Cowboys Games and What Do We Know?
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:10 AM CST
199 comments
A handful of facts on a bloodshot Monday:
1. The Cowboys, at 6-3 remain atop the NFC East, one game ahead of the Eagles and Giants.
2. Dallas is tied with the Cardinals for the third best record in the conference, behind New Orleans and Minnesota
3. Dallas has the best scoring defense in the NFC, though it ranks 8th in the NFL. Dallas should remain a solid NFC contender as long as the good health continues on this side of the ball.
4. Point three leads to a chicken-egg question. The Cowboys would rank 3rd in the AFC in scoring offense, behind only the Colts and Chargers. Yet, they rank much, much lower in the NFC. Look at the NFL and the top scoring defenses all reside in the AFC while the top scoring offenses are in the NFC. Do the NFC teams score so much because the defenses in conference are relatively weak, or is there some other explanation?
5. The NFL season is one of attrition. In that respect, the Cowboys remain blessed. Yes, they lost starting right tackle Marc Colombo, perhaps for the season, but their injured secondary players appear set for quick returns. CB Mike Jenkins maintains that he will be back against the Redskins while Jerry Jones claimed that Ken Hamlin's ankle injury was not believed to be a long-term issue. With Washington and Oakland, the two worst scoring offenses in their respective conferences next on the schedule, the Cowboys' defense should remain on track, health sustaining.
6. Injuries have to be assessed according to team depth, not just by position; if you suffer an injury at a deep spot, it's not so bad. If you're thin or empty on a unit and lose a starter, you're sunk. In this sense, Dallas got a bit lucky. If you were to rank their linemen from 1-9, Doug Free would rate 6th, just behind the five starters. I'd probably put Marc Colombo 4th on this list, ahead of Kyle Kosier, but behind Gurode, Davis and Adams. This means that Dallas would realize the least drop-off from starter to backup.
Compare that to last year, when Cory Proctor replaced Kosier for much of the season at left guard. While Kosier is the lowest rated of the five starters, the drop-off from his level of play to Proctor's was significant.
7. Dallas has likely reached the its limit of serious o-line injuries. Free was the best backup, and he may be the only backup who could give quality long-term starting play. We know Proctor's limit. Montrae Holland you ask? I think the fact that Proctor is active and Holland frequently isn't says a lot about the team's confidence in him.
Free may take this opportunity and run. He may show he's much better than Rob Petitti and Torrin Tucker were in '05,but the Cowboys may be facing a similar situation. Petitti had to start as a low round rookie that year because Ryan Young and Jacob Rogers could not play. The Cowboys were able to progress into playoff contention with him, but collapsed when Flozell Adams tore a knee ligament.
That team could absorb one significant line injury but not two. I believe this team finds itself in the same situation. It can progress with Free in the lineup but I don't think it can start Free and another of the backups.
8. Dallas' offense has struggled facing 3-4 fronts. Dallas has faced two thus far and could muster only ten points against the Broncos and seven against the Packers. The Cowboys face just one more 34 this year, when Norv Turner and his DC Ron Rivera bring their Chargers to Cowboys Stadium.
9. The Redskins bring a shiny new win with them to Cowboys Stadium next week. They're not going to feel any sympathy for Dallas. They lost Pro Bowl LT Chris Samuels to a neck injury weeks ago. They lost RG Randy Thomas before that. Only C Casey Rabach remains from Washington's '08 starting five. (Ask the Eagles about OL depth today. Or the Packers. It's part of the game. There's no crying in football.)
10. The Redskins are a divisional rival, which means anything can happen. If you're looking for another reason why this game is far from certain, know that Washington ranks 2nd in NFC scoring defense behind the Cowboys. The Redskins offense can barely muster 14 points per game, but DC Greg Blache's guys do not surrender many points.
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Very perplexing
Are we really that bad against 3-4 schemes, or is it just the quality of opponents? I would imagine that Wade would give some pointers to Jason on how to work a 3-4 defense, plus the offense can play against a 3-4 in practice until their faces turn blue. Mysteriously perplexing.
by One.Cool.Customer on Nov 16, 2009 10:17 AM CST reply actions
Thinking the very same thing
Is playing smart too much to ask?
by silverblue5 on Nov 16, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
yeah, Princeton graduates are really stupid
Any idiot can get into an Ivy league school.
In Romo we Trust
Ivy league...
…does not guarantee that someone is gifted with football knowledge. Just saying. Pretty sure that neither Landry, Shula nor Walsh were Ivy League grads.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
agree completely..........
just because you are smart head wise doesn’t necessarily translate to football smart
Landry went to Texas
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
I have met plenty of morons with Ivy educations
Not saying Garrett is one, but an Ivy pedigree is no indicator of smarts
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
very true........
on the flip side, some of the smartest people (in life) that I have met only have high school educations. Maybe they don’t have the education because of opportunities, they are smart when it comes to life.
There is a difference between book smart and street smart.
Just because Garrett is book smart, it doesn’t make him football smart.
~Texas Massacre '09~
Considering how many players got injured yesterday...
Raf is right; we’re “lucky” — only for lack of better adjectives — that Colombo was the ONLY possible season-ending injury.
Although I still hate the fact that he broke that leg bone.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
Those 3-4s and ours differ in style
Capers ran a lot of corner blitzes and safety blitzes. I am a bit surprised that the inside linebacker games gave Dallas so much trouble, because Wade uses them a lot too.
Holland can't play center, which is why he is not active and Procter is
if a guard got injured long term, Holland would be the replacement.
You sure?
The Cowboys were ready to cut Proctor and keep Brewster before he tore his arm muscle. They were going to move Holland to C but he couldn’t do it.
Just because Holland might start ahead of Proctor doesn’t mean he’s qualitatively better.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions
From what I have seen of both Holland and Procter, Holland is significantly better
which is why he would start long term.
I had scouts telling me in camp they "hate" his game
Don’t like his conditioning, don’t like his game. Say the coaches have to ride him all the time. He might be marginally better than Proctor, but that’s hardly saying much. If he were signiicantly better he would be active and blocking on the wedge.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:27 AM CST up reply actions
I worry about his conditioning as well
but I don’t have to worry about him getting pushed back into Romo’s face on every play like I do with Procter.
Keep your fingers crossed
that we don’t have to find out about either one of them.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah I don't get the Holland bashing
didn’t the running game do very well last year in his limited time?
McQ, Proctor, Holland and Preston are placeholders
Dallas is hoping Brewster comes back strong. That will kick Proctor out the door.
Guaranteed they draft an OT and a C next April. That will send McQ and one of Holland/Preston packing, if not both.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe for depth in the mid rounds, but again I dont see Jerry spending big money on OL in the draft...
Most of these players are locked in for a few more years….Holland is a experienced G so I think is on this team next year and could start…
What about Davis at RT and moving Free or Holland to RG?
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
They don't want to start Holland
Free is an OT.
Brewster is a guard. Flo is getting old. They were giving Free playing time to see how desperately they need an OT.
Flo is declining. Colombo isn’t young. Even if Free produces, they need another OT. We can quibble about where they draft one, but they’re gonna take one.
And they absolutely need a C. They were looking hard at them this spring and it didn’t work out. I don’t think they let two drafts go without bringing in a new one.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
They better take one and not a low draft choice either...........
who were they beating when they were blitzing right up the middle of our line? That was what surprised me the most
I just hope we don't draft some no-name project O-lineman that Jerry thinks is a diamond in the rough.
I just want a good O-line prospect that has some sort of pedigree that looks like he has starting potential.
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
Davis is a guard, he'll only move to tackle in a pinch
Raf is right, the Cowboys will carpet bomb the OL next April and I mean early and often.
In Romo we Trust
go look at these players contracts....there not going anywhere...
How many OL you want to draft and not start them?? dont expect a OL to be drafted until the 3rd or 4th round…We have the worst luck drafting…..Jerry will go into FA to find quality depth, it’s not going to be through the draft…
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
How many quality OL backups does this team have?
You must have OL depth, and you have to develop it yourself, because you can’t find OL of any quality on the waiver wire. The supply is too low.
How many OL do you want to draft and not start? At least two and maybe three.
You have to DEVELOP OL. You don’t throw rookies in when the starters break down. This team has NO depth at OL. NONE. They need to add to Brewster and fast.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
Raf, on the money again...
Let me take this opportunity also to thank you for such a great blog. It’s my first stop every day for news and info on the Cowboys…
by LDVFootball on Nov 16, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions
I agree..
and I know you can’t pick them up in free agency.. but .. isn’t this a problem that should have been handled already? Even if we draft two linemen in this upcoming draft, they are still an injury or two from having to start a rookie. Seems like they have been ignoring trying to draft quality linemen. Don’t know the stats, but I’m fairly certain we have been defense heavy in the early rounds of previous drafts
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Nailed it
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Nov 16, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions
Do you think Brewster will ever be anything but another McQuistan?? Does he have that talent??
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
Boyzfan, there isn't a rule a high 1st rd pick
has to immediately start right away. We can draft an OL in the 1st and 2nd rd and develop them until they’re ready.
The current OLs salary has nothing to do with it.
In Romo we Trust
Sure it does...ask Jerry....He believes spending money on experienced, veteran lineman..
not rookies that take 2 years to get ready….He is not paying a first round lineman to sit around for 1 or 2 seasons…..He is already on record saying he wants his first round picks to be able to contribute…Look at the track record for us drafting lineman as early as the second round…im talking within the last 5 years..not too freaking good….Gurode is the only one you can say that has worked out, but if you look at some of the comments about him today, maybe not….
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
no Jerry doesn't
Actually he’s on record as saying he had to spend big money on OL FAs because we haven’t drafted OL well.
Obviously he’d rather hit on some OL in the draft rather than pay big money in FA
In Romo we Trust
Track record speaks for itself.....not good....
Look for Jerry to go out in FA to find quality lineman next year…I don’t expect any different from him…He will use his first rounder on defense more than likely….
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
that won't happen
Jerry is sick and tired of spending big money on OL in FA. We’re drafting 2 OL next April in the first 4 rounds.
In Romo we Trust
what quincy said
Montrae Holland you ask? I think the fact that Proctor is active and Holland frequently isn’t says a lot about the team’s confidence in him.
I dont think it has anything to do with confidence. It has to do with Proctor can play multiple postions on the OL, Holland can’t.
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
what I said
there’s nothing special about either one of them. Holland isn’t worth a debate.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Didn't he play well last year when Kosier was out??
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Too bad he didn't get a chance to play longer because I think he would do well...
certaintly better than any rookie coming in…most OL take 2 or 3 years to develop unless we are lucky enough to get a top 10 lineman and that’s not going to happen… this team has never been about starting rookies, especially OL..
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Doesn't Philly run a 3/4?
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
I think the reason we have problems with blitzers is because Gurode is dumb
I don’t think he is diagnosing the proper blocking assignments. I think this is why he started here as a guard, because of his poor football intelligence.
Going back to 2006 this is what Grizz had to say about Gurode being a center
Andre Gurode has been a beast in camp. I’ve watched him physically manhandle all three nose tackles pretty regularly throughout camp. Of all the linemen, I think he has had the best camp, and if he can conquer the mental aspects of being the center, there’s no way he won’t start the season as the #1.
In fact I remember his mental problems being discussed quite a bit that year when he switched back to center
In my next mock I will be looking for center in round two to draft. Maybe J.D. Walton
Sunday yips point to another winter swoon...
The weather is turning cold around the United States, which means its time for Romo to head south. Right on cue, the best quarterback never to win a playoff games, fumbles away the Cowboys first best chance to make the tournament. Don’t get sucked… Romo had delivered more disappointments, flops, and folds in his three short years, than any player in Cowboys history. This game was a must win, as the schedule sets up for a 1-4 finish.
“The only good Redskin, is a dead Redskin.” – Early American Settler
by Montecito Tex on Nov 16, 2009 10:31 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Wasn't it like 50 degrees in Green Bay?
It’s a little early for this post. Nomember is Romo’s month. If anything will kill this team it’s the O-line and their lack of depth. We have had a few scares with injuries on the line, and after using up the only back up the team really seems to trust, we could be in trouble. How is that Rossum signing look now? I said it then and I’ll say it now. We should have been trying to find capable linemen instead of knee-jerking for another ST specialist.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
"We should have been trying to find capable linemen instead of knee-jerking for another ST specialist."
Capable OL don’t exist on waivers mid-season. Why do you think Dallas held on to Proctor and McQ? Because the supply of OL does not begin to meet demand.
This is why the team has to draft two next year. They’ve had to pay through the nose for Davis and Kosier because they haven’t hit on an OL in years.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions
I get that..
but they could have tried to make a move before the deadline.. Jerry is obviously loose with his draft picks.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
lol sorry i dont have too much history here
so his posts are fairly new to me.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Kosier is the only player across the OL that we could see a change in the next two seasons...
Most of these guys are locked in…Flozells contract is over 9 mil next year….I wouldn’t expect any changes across the OL until at least after the 2010 season.
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Jerry ate T.O.'s $9 million this year
OTs can play a long time, but when they lose it, they often lose it in a hurry.
You need to have LT covered if you want to play January football. Even if they feel
Flo can play another year or two they MUST put somebody in the pipeline behind
him.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
With the new stadium..
I don’t think Jerry plans on making it a habit of eating players’ contracts.. just sayin lol
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
If Flo's game drops off a cliff
He’ll eat his deal to get a capable LT in there. He’s not going to let Romo get killed because of a contract.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah because then he will be eating romo's contract too, because his career will be shortened.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
You think he's going to fall off though?
He had one bad game, but in my opinion was equally a mental lapse as being out played. The big fumble came from Flo double teaming on blitzer and leaving the other with an open path to Romo.. and Felix missed the blitz on that one as well too, so..
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Flozell is on this team in 2010...starting...take it to the bank
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Nobody is predicting Flo is getting cut
But he’s not getting any younger. Free hasn’t proven he’s ready to play LT.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
we need to find his replacement...no question about it....Flozell is getting worse...
for where we draft every year, I think the best chance is through FA…
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
We've actually made some nice pick ups in FA
Brooking.. Sansabaugh.. seems weird they we are turning other teams trash into our treasures.. I don’t know if we can pull that off for the line though.
Brooking.. Sansabaugh.. seems weird they we are turning other teams trash into our treasures.. I don’t know if we can pull that off for the line though.And Raf, I’m not retracting my statement about the Rossum signing. Just saying that the second Crayton had a bad returning game they snapped to sign a returnman but have seemingly ignored to a large degree the depth issues on the line.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
the question is who are we are going to draft that would be able to come in and start??
nobody…….If Jerry has plans to find a new LT next year his best chance is through FA like he always does….3 out of the 5 players on this OL are FA’s…that says it all…I don’t see anyway Jerry drafts a OL in the first round…I can’t recall the last time that happened..and for good reason…we have zero luck….
I don’t like JJT but here is a article from the summer:
The Cowboys have used nine draft picks on offensive linemen since 2000, and Andre Gurode is the only quality player in the bunch.
There have been colossal busts such as Jacob Peterson, a second-round pick in 2004, and others such as Doug Free, a fourth-round pick in 2007, who has developed more slowly than hoped.
Jerry Jones has no problem admitting his frustration with the Cowboys’ failure to develop offensive linemen, especially since he has spent a chunk of the family fortune to sign free agents Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis, Kyle Kosier and Marco Rivera to long-term deals over the last few seasons.
http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/nwsltr/sports/ivr/stories/080509dnspcowboynewsletter.32313ce.html
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Yeah, so?
You need OL. You don’t stop drafting them because you’ve failed at it in the past.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:52 AM CST up reply actions
yeah, but he won't in the early rounds because of that...
I agree that we still need to draft OL..keep plugging away, but I would be shocked it Jerry drafts a OL before the 3rd round unless we have an extra 2nd round pick, or a player drops…I think we will see the first and second round picks be a DE, NT, ILB or WR come March….
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Huh?
Flozell – 2nd rounder;
Gurode – 2nd rounder
Larry Allen – 2nd rounder
Jacob Rogers – 2nd rounder
Solomon Page – 2nd rounder
Jerry has drafted a ton of OL high. Not all have hit, but a bunch have.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
They were gonna draft Max Unger in the 2nd last year
before Seattle swiped him from them.
They were ready to draft Darren Colledge in the 2nd two years before that when the Packers snapped him up.
They don’t take take OL in the 1st, but they would certainly take an OL in the 2nd, and if they found one in the 1st this year, they would consider it. What’s the biggest need on this team right now?
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
Point was first rounders....
Rogers? bust….Flozell and Larry Allen were well over a decade ago….Gurode is the only lineman selected fairly high in the draft that has worked out for us..
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Cowboys will draft an OL in the first rd
if there is one available who is rated high on their board when they pick next year…that is something you can take to the bank.
In Romo we Trust
anytime you want to place a side bet Terry....that's money in the bank for me buddy....lol
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
That's not what you said.
but I would be shocked it Jerry drafts a OL before the 3rd round unless we have an extra 2nd round pick, or a player drops
Gurode is the only lineman selected fairly high in the draft that has worked out for us.
.
By this you mean in the last decade? I’m getting confused. Jerry’s been drafting for twenty years now.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
Im saying Jerry is not going to draft a first round lineman....not going to happen...
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
please do....not going to happen though....
You should know Jerry doesn’t like to draft lineman high in the draft…I’m talking higher than 2nd round…
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
He does if one is available when we pick
and that hasn’t been the case so he hasn’t.
In Romo we Trust
One Thing We Do Know
This team is NOT good enough – no team in the NFL is – good enough to take another team lightly. Sorry, but the offense – from Garrett the offensive line – wasn’t prepared for the Packers. GB has a very good defense, our ineptitude made them look all-world.
I think this team has a chance, but they need to get over themselves.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
I'm not so sure..
I think if Romo connected with Austin for the td on the opening drive things would have been different. The Packers got a ton of momentum after that, but still, it seemed like Dallas shot themselves in the foot every time they started to build their own momentum. I’d say it was another mental loss more than effort.
Speaking of effort.. did anyone else see Felix’s blitz pick up? He met the LB at full speed head on.. I loved it.. the best part was when Felix didn’t limp away.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Roy Williams: Worst Best Game I've Ever Seen
No wonder Detroit fans were laughing. What a chump.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
He can't blame Detroit any more, can he?
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
He got lost in the lights.
Figuratively and literally. I don’t think he can handle playing in Dallas.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
LOL
Well….
If you can’t play in Dallas, and can’t play in Detroit, where can you play?
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
I'm quoting Chris Rock on rap when it comes to Roy
Like him, getting tired of having to defend him.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
Hard to defend drops and fumbles..
It was hard to defend T.O’s drops and he was at least putting up big numbers. A man that strong should never get stripped like that.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
cut him if next year is uncapped.....
there is no reason to let him linger around like a bad stench…move on
at least we know what we have with hurd and crayton
Worst Best Game is exactly right
He left more yards on the field than he actually caught for
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Raf, back to drafting OL
Do you see Dallas trading up in the first round to get one, especially if the player can be projected to start rather quickly… Or, what will the supply be like in this draft…
Raf...
just wonderin if you caught my other reply to the Rossum signing.. here’s my point..
The second Crayton had a bad game, Dallas snaps to sign a returnman. BUT, the depth issues at OL have been clear for some time, for now, and for the future of this fairly young team. It seems they have ignored that issue to a large degree which is why the Rossum signing blew me away.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Rossum was available
what OL are available? That’s my point. You don’t find OL of any value on waivers. There are not enough to go around.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not talking waivers...
I’m talking about the fact that OL depth has been an issue for a long time.. but seemed to remain ignored..
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
But one fumbled punt is an issue that they "correct" in about 20 minutes
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
They're not ignoring it
Parcells addressed it. He and Ireland sucked eggs at it. They drafted nine OL when he ran Dallas’ drafts and all of them busted out.
Jerry actually had a much better record at it. Flo and Gurode are his guys. Solomon Page hung around, as did Oliver Ross, also products of Jerry 1.0.
They’ve come close and missed the last couple of year, with the notable case of Unger. I trust Ciskowski on linemen. He wrote the report on Larry Allen back in ’94.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Let me add that Parcells had no touch on free agent OL either
Ryan Young?:
Jason Fabini?
He signed Marco Rivera when he scouts wanted Mike Wahle.
He got Jake Long at Miami when he had the top overall pick but he completely lost it assessing OL in Dallas, college and pro.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 16, 2009 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not going to refute your points..
because I’m not an O-line expert. BUT, the fact remains that despite all the drafting or w/e, we still have depths at the position. I’d really like to look at a break down of every lineman drafted by Dallas in the past 5 years or so. How could we be so bad with one position, with the possible exception of a few guys. Depending on your opinion of Spencer, I’d say we have been doing pretty good drafting for defense. Was that Parcells mainly?
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
depth issues**
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
not one position.. but you know what I mean.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Parcells did bring in Kosier and picked up Colombo
I see your point though, between his draft picks and most FA’s, his regime did not help us at O-line.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Nov 16, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions
Hands to the face on Jenkins
cost the Cowboys a turnover inside the 20.
The Romo to Jones fumble that should have remained Cowboy ball. This is probably a 14 point swing.
Romo missing a wide open Autin for a TD early in the game.
Even though the Cowboys got whipped…and they did…If they make a play, and the ref doesn’t make the other two calls it is a very different game. They probably make a few more plays if these 3 go in their favor.
What an ugly game.
So the question remains....
does that make Dallas a good team, bad team, or neither? Sounds like kind of a stupid question but I ask because.. despite those plays you mentioned, they were still in the game until late in the 4th. Now, you can argue a good team would be able to get the win, but you could also argue that it takes a good team to remain that close despite playing that bad.
As bad as this game was, for some reason, I feel good about it. I don’t know why. It just seemed like we were about to get things rolling up until the Roy fumble and drop and then that last fumble. I don’t know, maybe I’m clinging.. but we’re still clinging to first in the division, so we’re still in a REALLY good position, especially considering where we were a month ago.
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Those plays were more bad luck than anything.
But they were game changers. Just like Austin taking it to the house is a game changer. So if you miss a few chances in the game to change the outcome, like they did, it would be nice if a game changer (playmaker) steps up. Today we did not get that. Last week Romo hit Austin to change the game.
Good team.
They just got beat this week. Hopefully this is a building block and not a stumbling block. Really, if there was a game that they could “afford” to lose, this was it. They need to handle business against the Redskins and Raiders, at least split with the Giants and Eagles, and get one from Chargers and/or Saints. I think they can do that this year, and I am usually pretty down on them come December. I think this is their year.
One positive from this game is that they got some bad breaks but not bad enough to blame them for the loss. And they got outclassed, but not badly enough to get discouraged. This game showed them that they still have some work to do if they want to make and then succeed in the playoffs, without them getting beat down to the point that guys give up.
by Baked Potato Soup on Nov 16, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
+1
The Eagles game was a lot like this except for the bad breaks – they mostly went against Philly. This time Dallas could catch no breaks – fumbles all got covered up by GB, the rules don’t allow you to assess possession (I’m betting that will change – that was blatantly stupid to let happend again), Romo barely misses Austin for a TD and the lead, penalties coming at just the right moment to keep GB drives alive… Moat of that is probability-based not “fate”.
My concern was the center of the Dallas line being unable to give Romo time. They either get that straight or they forget the playoffs. Weapons on offense are useless if you can’t feed the ball to them.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
+10000000
I was thinking the same thing. We didn’t play that poorly in this game. We didn’t play that well the philly game. A couple breaks here and there, a couple played we make the majority of the time (ROY) and we’re in position to win this one.
i was worried that dallas would lose yes-turd-ay
it seemed like GB wanted it more. And after losing to Tb, it was a must win for them. They played a good game. I wish our defense knew what getting a turover is
Wade Phillips Must Go
Bring back the same head coach… and get the same results – expecting anything different is “insanity” according to Albert Einstein. Get mad Wade, just once. Tex was pleased to see a little exuberance in Philly, but would prefer a little fire and brimstone before things completely unravel. Dropped balls, penalties, missed field goals, interceptions in the red zone and there are no repercussions – let along a fire lit under the a$$es of these Wade Phillips Guys. The Cowboys have taken on the personality of their soft and passionless coach, and Tex is tired of it. Three full years wasted under this Bum.
I was warning guys that this wasn't going to be an easy game.......
lots of guys didn’t want to hear it. Oh well!!! What really disturbed me was the stupid penalties like having to burn a time-out because you only have 10 men on the field and right after a time out Come on, that is simply stupid.
no team is going to be easy for this cowboys team...
and you could extend that to probably every team in the NFL…(see New Orleans @ St Louis yesterday)
and the Redskins will be stoked….this will be another tight game
Agree completely..........
I had a bad feeling about this game and unfortunately I was right. We will see what their true character is won’t we. Not trying to cover for Roy but at least he took responsibility for his stupid play (fumble and dropped passes) by saying that he was the reason they lost yesterday. That’s not true but at least he admits he played terribly. Ya know, I was watching the Colts game last night. My son remarked that the last pass Reggie Wayne caught was a tough one. I said to him that he knows he better catch it because Peyton won’t accept it if he drops it. That’s true leadership which we are missing. Reggie Wayne knew he had to catch that pass. Anything less won’t fly with Peyton
well the funny thing is that Roy Williams
was never a burner – he was known for making tough catches in traffic…using his big body to box out defenders and making circus catches along sidelines etc etc
the guy can’t catch a cold since he got to dallas and there is no explanation for it…
other than he’s trying too hard
I agree McLovin......
Roy is pressing too hard. On the fumble, he was trying to get the TD instead of securing the football. I’m not taking up for the guy, but I think he’s trying to do to much because of all the criticism from the media/fans.
Perfectly Said
Championship quarterbacks don’t let these mistakes happen, let alone continue. Unfortunately, the Cowboys are stuck with an average, care free, undrafted free agent at the most important position in all of sports. Romo will never win a playoff game in Dallas.
by Montecito Tex on Nov 16, 2009 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
what was Peyton going to do if he dropped it?? Spank him
That whole leadership argument is all BS, the team just flat out didn’t execute, blaming it on a lack of leadership is just an excuse.
In Romo we Trust
oh come on Terry......
I’m not blaming Romo for this loss. All I’m saying is the Colts are accountable to each other. They never quit and they play like a T-E-A-M. Do you honestly think that the Cowboys always play like a team with their bone-headed penalties, missed assignments, fumbles, interceptions? Leadership is not BS.
This team didn't quit
it never got started
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
I didn't mean the Boys quit......
what I was referring to was I thought the Colts were dead in the water at the four minute mark. I left the room and they scored really quickly while I was gone. Came back and then I saw that last Colts defensive stop. When the offense took over, you have to admit, it was a thing of beauty.
don't kid yourself
Belichick gave the Colts that game, had nothing to do with the Colts leadership.
In Romo we Trust
well, you don't think being down by 13 points with four minutes
to go is something. A lot of teams would have quit, but they didn’t. Even though Belichick made a dumb call, the offense still had to score that last drive. They were down by 17 points and won for heavens sake.
I disagree that alot of teams would have quit
Teams with good offenses wouldn’t have quit. If Belichick would have punted and made Manning drive the length of the field for the 2nd straight time, that would have been impressive.
Getting the ball at the opponents 30 with 2 minutes, not so much. I think a lot of teams score in that position.
Belichick’s arrogance lost that game, pure and simple.
In Romo we Trust
It was a gamble worth taking IMO
Peyton Manning on a game-winning drive with 2 minutes at any part of the field vs Tom Brady getting 2 yards and running out the clock.
Belichick would have been the toast
of the town if they would have made it. He did not think his “D” could stop Peyton so he went for it. It was a very gutsy call. I don’t think any other coach in the NFL would have done it. Maybe Jimmy Johnson would have.
texstar, the Cowboys didn't quit and they played as a team
and they are accountable to each other, they just didn’t execute and made too many mistakes. It happens and it will happen again, has nothing to do with leadership.
And I never said leadership was BS, what I said was it’s BS to blame the loss on a lack of leadership.
In Romo we Trust
Re-read Terry........
I never said the Cowboys quit. I said that the Colts never quit. Peyton had two bad interceptions but they kept on plugging ahead. So who are the leaders when adversity strikes?
then what about our victory in 2007 against the Bills
when Romo threw 5 picks, you don’t think the Cowboys showed leadership in that situation?
In Romo we Trust
that was 2007.
last time I checked this is 2009. I could be wrong, but I think that was two year ago-LOL. Why is it when someone brings up something good about another team that is something to strive for, you always feel like you have to put it down? You can’t give credit to any team. Now, that’s the true essence of a “homer”.
Plus, you never answered my second question?
Who are the real leaders when adversity strikes in 2009?
thats easy
Romo, Witten, Choice, Ware, Brooking and Ratliff just to name a few.
The Cowboys have bounced back from losses well this year because of those leaders, Sunday won’t be any different.
In Romo we Trust
How about this year
with the eagles driving and some really solid defensive plays to stop the Eagles in short yardage.
I agree Terry...
I think the biggest reason Wayne caught that TD is because, well, he’s a great receiver with very good hands, and body control. Manning’s "leadership" certainly didn’t prevent Pierre Garcon from dropping several passes last night.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
and Romo's leadership is not going to make Roy Williams an adequate receiver either
For the record, I am not questioning Romo’s leadership qualities/abilities
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
that is correct.........
I was not questioning Romo’s leadership. It got jumped on so quickly by Terry that it’s gotten out of hand. All I was trying to say is when teams like the Colts get in the position to win, they capitalize and play together like a T-E-A-M and don’t shoot themselves in the foot by committing a stupid penalty, missed blocking assignment, missed catch etc. They are a well oiled machine that knows how to win. Sure, Belichick made a stupid call but it was not a given that the Colts would score. They still had to and they did when the game was on the line. That’s what good teams do.
Romo was not the issue yesterday…
How is he supposed to see someone coming from behind? He has to have some faith that his blind side is protected; that sack and fumble is on Flo if anyone. There is not one QB that I have ever seen play in this league that would have produced yesterday with that O-line’s performance.
I’d LOVE to see what Romo could do playing behind a line of the quality that Aikman got to play behind.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
I wasn't blaming Romo......
why do all you guys think I’m blaming him? All I was trying to say, is unlike the Cowboys, the Colts stick together and play as one unit. Didn’t you know that when they got the ball on the thirty yard line, that they would probably score? I certainly did because they play together and don’t typically shoot themselves in the foot like fumbles or stupid penalties.
I wasn’t saying that you were blaming Romo (more directed at Tex)…
…And I agree with you that the Cowboys haven’t had the mental fortitude to win the type of game the Colts won last night against the quality opponent they beat. However, as close as the Colts may be they are still an annual one and done in the playoffs, the 2006 season notwithstanding.
The Cowboys penalties are without a doubt a killer though. I don’t understand why this is a yearly issue for them. I just don’t feel like they are a very smart team most of the time.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
Sorry, I misunderstood you.........
I may not be expressing myself very well, but I caught the interview after the game with Peyton and Reggie Wayne. They both said that they are the veterans on this team and so they had to step up and lead the team. That’s all I was trying to say when Terry jumped on me. I do believe that is what team leaders do. They don’t think about losing. They have their eyes on winning and believe they can win.
Dungy said that the DBs on GB slid to the blitzers side and Romo
should have seen it. He also said Crayton saw it and cut off his route
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Welcome the Blitz...
Good quarterbacks will welcome the blitz… let alone blitzes coming from the secondary. Tony too often has these Jessica Simpson like brain farts and game-changing yips – see NYG, Denver, and now Green Bay. The distractable quarterback needs someone on his a$$ 24/7 and Wade Phillips isn’t that guy.
by Montecito Tex on Nov 16, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions
Give it up Tex
Tony is never going to be your friend much less your boyfriend
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Nov 16, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions
That kind of sounds like you're blaming Romo
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
Sorry, if it sounded that way..............
I wasn’t blaming Romo. I was blaming the whole team because every phase of the offense stunk it up at one point or the other. Dropped passes, stupid penalties, missed blocks etc. are what did this team in. It’s frustrating to watch. All I was trying to do was compare the Colts to the Cowboys. The veteran leadership in that team is amazing. Yeah, Bellichik made a mistake but the Colts still had to execute and win the game. They are like a fine oiled machine that keeps fighting to the end. You don’t see offensive linemen miss their blocks consistently etc. I just think that Peyton is an incredible leader/competitor and it’s amazing to watch his game. That’s all. Not blaming Romo for this loss but somebody does need to step up to this team and take the leadership role because this kind of play isn’t gonna cut it. Agree?
Three Key Skins' Injuries This Sunday...
Haynesworth (ankle) may not play
Cooley (ankle) may not be ready ‘til December (at earliest Week 12)
Portis (concussion) will not play if the doesn’t practice this week
Just read this a few minutes ago.
Then again, things can change, because coaches lie all da time…
Is playing smart too much to ask?
Agreed
But without Haynesworth in the middle, it could help our running game — especially if Red Ball decides to re-establish some semblance of a rushing attack.
Plus, Cooley usually kills us whenever we face the Skins.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
Another solid post raf
Right now, we’re a much defensive ballclub with what seems to be a more mature qb – I like our chances better in the later months this year than previous years. Of course, we’re one OL injury away from having no chance to compete with the top two teams offensively.
I have no idea what to make of the nfc. The Vikings look well rounded but I think favre may struggle in december. The Saints are an offensive machine but defensively, they are not very good. The Eagles, Giants, Falcons, Cardinals and us look like the next teir of teams. Any one of these teams is capable of beating the top two I think.
The O line discourages me. They discouraged me last year and the year
before. For all the calls for Romo’s head over the last couple of years, the guy lives and dies by his line. Yesterday was no different. I hope they draft for the line this year the way they drafted for ST last spring.
I'd also prefer
you not bring up Torrin Tucker ever again. I had totally forgotten about him, and just the reference to him made me slightly less optimistic about this team.
My head hurts.. must be a Monday..
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Is Jon Runyan worth a look?
He is available ya know
good question...
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
Did Philly just cut him over the last few days?
They re-signed him earlier this season, and he played in their loss to us in Week 9.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
No, they didnt resign him........
according to DMN he’s still available. Can’t figure out why no one has signed him. He had off season surgery but is still unsigned.
woh. it would be killer if we did sign him. if he's okay physically, why not?
Is playing smart too much to ask?
they were saying on sirius.........
at least give him a look-see. What do we have to lose?
wait a minute. did they say that Dallas was actually considering bringing Runyan in? That would be cool.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
by silverblue5 on Nov 16, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
No, they didn't say that........
they were saying that Runyan is available and the Cowboys should take a look see at him.
hey, maybe Raf, Grizz, or Fish could use their connections to suggest they bring Runyan in for a look-see : )
Is playing smart too much to ask?
State of the Union
OK, the Cowboys are a good team when they want to be a good team. When they are inspired to be a good team.. Ive read through the reply chain and all are good points.. It all starts with the O line.. Our depth is sketchy..
But, coaching is very lacking right now.. I just pray that Jerry sees this through his rose colored glasses.. Yes, its the NFL, yes any give Sunday but how many of these “crapping the bed” games have we seen in the last 3 years.. Wade has got to go.. And Im leary about handing the ship over to Garrett.. Love him as a guy, but man, youve got to make better calls..
I fear for our season with Wade at the helm..
Oh, and I want Roy Williams gone.. “Lost it in the Lights”.. Sigh..
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can."
JJ will never admit mistakes or failure. The only way that Dallas wins division titles or even
goes to the playoffs is if Jones will actually turn the reins over to a real football gm and/or coach.
Wharter
Horseshit
They were 13-3 in 2007 and won the division.
The run game is lame.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
it is though...
I don’t know waht happend but it has not looked good since KC. And it only looked good on that day when Choice carried the bal.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
well, one thing was
Garrett abandoned the run. According to DMN, Barber only had two carries in the second half. Kinda hard to get in a running groove when you don’t have any touches.
This...
…after having 27 yards on just 4 carries in the 1st half. It seems to me like Garrett is afraid to go back to the run once it gets stuffed for a play or two or if the team is behind on the scoreboard (even if that deficit is only 3 points).
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
I agree...........
you would think that if your offensive line was having trouble protecting Romo you would run the ball more to ease some of that wouldn’t you?
Cows lose! Cows lose!
We have secretly replaced Victory Monday with PMITA Loss Monday!
Let’s see if the team notices…
that which doesn't kill you, probably hurts like hell.
This just in, preliminary injury update
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Sorry here is the real link
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/11/marc-colombo-undergoing-surgery-today.html
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Man even beuhler is nicked up, and we are going to be seeing ball or watkins for a few weeks.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I think he moves into a backup role at most, I think they will interchange watkins and ball based on they types of packages
they play. Hopefully ken comes back in two to three weeks.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Mike Hamlin will at least get activated now on game days
At some point before Ken Hamlin comes back, I hope Mike gets a chance to impress the coaches enough to keep him active.
You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.
by APerfectStar on Nov 16, 2009 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
Columbo's Injury
Well the Fx will heal on it’s own, the ligaments are what required the surgery… makes sense now
Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old
Blown Opportunity
This team just can’t stand prosperity. I think JJT just pulls his columns out of his @ss. Soon as they lose it’s the tired old song about this team lacking leadership. What they lack is an OC with any imagination. Garret doesn’t add any new wrinkles from week to week. GB knew soon as Ogletree entered they were going to run the bubble screen and on Romo’s pick in the at the goal line Woodson knew they were going with the same play that sealed the Philly game.
Even during the 4 game win streak the offense looked less than sharp and sputtered quite a bit. The big plays by Austin and one by Hurd masked some of the issues they were having in some ways the offense has been a lot like Philly’s relying on big plays and it’s feast or famine.
O-Line
When Flo went out briefly yesterday and they moved BIG to LT and brought Proctor in to play guard I almost broke down. I could not take another extended period of Cory Proctor playing human turnstile. That would spell the end of the season.
Is it possible for an opposing coach to throw one of ours under the bus?
Inviting pressure: The Cowboys rushed only 14 times, matching their third-fewest attempts this decade. Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Dallas abandoning the run allowed the Packers to intensify pressure on Tony Romo.
“The game became one-dimensional,” Capers told reporters. “You can just go out and blitz, but if people are going to run the ball for big yardage on you, you’re foolish.”
Phillips was disappointed in the run-pass ratio. Marion Barber had four carries for 27 yards in the first quarter and only one more attempt after that. With Barber having trouble on pass protection because of his fractured thumb, Tashard Choice assumed that role.
“We’d like to be more balanced, certainly,” Phillips said. “We had 218 yards rushing against them last year.”
Capers and Phillips. Ouch. JG must feel like he has a bullseye on his back today.
Raf did a really good analysis on this ina previous post
we really weren’t in position to run much.
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