Dallas’ "Knockout" Player

by 5Blings on Nov 9, 2009 5:12 PM CST Comment 39 comments

There are plenty of “Atta Boy’s” to go around after this win.

Spencer, Sensei, Ratliff, Ware, Jenkins, T-New, Roy Willie (yes, him!), Barber, Romo (and others I’m sure I have missed) all deserve one for the game.

In fact, I attribute the victory more to the play of the defense than anything else. That said, I’m not going to drone on about all of them. It was a good team win where, as I suggested would have to be the case, Dallas needed to show uncommon toughness and grit. They did just that.

But let me make sure we don’t overlook one who might be the real ‘unsung hero’ of this football game, Kevin Ogletree. Maybe it was me, but on two key 3rd and long plays in the game, Ogletree was the guy with the ball in his hands making smart decisions in terms of getting behind blockers and knowing where the marker was.

The first play, a 3rd and 9 at the Philadelphia 23 was a play that would eventually be uber-meaningful as the game wore on. Against another variation of an A-gap blitz, Ogletree caught the ball cleanly on a WR screen, ran toward the hash and then turned it up field. 21 yards later, the Eagles were staring at Dallas, first and goal from the 2. It was the difference between a Nick folk FG attempt and a Tashard Choice TD out of the wildcat formation.

Then, on 3rd and 14 at the Philly 21, there was Ogletree again sprinting up field for 17 yards and a first down and goal at the 4 yard line. While Dallas couldn’t punch it in, the ensuing chip shot from Folk put Dallas up by 4 points at halftime of a 10-6 game.

By the way, the final margin of victory? Those same 4 points. I’m just sayin…

He was targeted 2 times in the game and both came up big for Dallas. One could easily make an argument that he should get more reps with the first string because this is a league that thrives on speed at the edge (heck Philly’s recent success is predicated on it). Last night, under the bright lights in a meaningful game, his speed was evident. The topic came up between Bigrigga and I last week about our oversized small-forwards masquerading as WR’s and how Romo needed some smaller, quicker targets with which to beat the blitz. Who knew Novinger and I were so prophetic?

So, here’s one fan’s vote for more “K-O” (my new nickname for him…I hope it sticks) because as we head into a difficult second half of the season, we’ll need to knock some teams out and I know the guy that can do it.

GO COWBOYS

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Agree Blings

KO looked good last night, I hope to see alot more of him as the season rolls on.

by Boyz4Life on Nov 9, 2009 6:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like the Tree as much as the next guy

but there was one play…a WR screen…designed for him. It was well designed and called under specific circumstances. Redball deserves much of the credit.

The execution was also flawless. Great blocks by Bigg and Crayton.

But you do have to love the “scoot” that kid has. He’s earned a bit more, but let’s not go annoint him just yet.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

by Fighter15 on Nov 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Am I wrong

but didn’t he run a reverse too? I won’t annoint him but I can smell some “it” in KO.

by jevans1729 on Nov 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

He’s taken Crayton’s role on those plays.

And he’s much more adept at them (at least the early returns).

But he’s got a long, long way to go before he’s ready for a much more expanded role as a primary receiver. He’s yet to run a single “passing tree” route.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

by Fighter15 on Nov 9, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh without question.

He surely isn’t getting the reps in practice to get any meaningful timing with Romo. He is probably running scout team stuff. BTW, I just had to ask you:
“Are you coming with me?
Gonna take you on a party ride.
Gonna teach you teach you the Electric Slide.”

Sorry, the devil made me do that.

by jevans1729 on Nov 9, 2009 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see him at kick return

I’m cringing every time Felix catches one that he can return.

by Thehomerpimpson on Nov 10, 2009 9:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

KO is a player

I’m not saying he is a star or anything like that but anyone who has watched football knows that some young players just get it. KO is one of those. He has shown nothing but awareness and skills everytime he has been given the chance.

I can’t wait to see more plays designed for him.

by Billito on Nov 9, 2009 6:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well said

He’s got electricity.

Somewhere in the unsaid is that without Felix’s trademark explosiveness (is the knee brace slowing him?), Dallas needs its best playmakers on the field.

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No Doubt

The plays called for KO were great. The fact that he shows up and executes when his number is called is just as impressive. Our no name receiving corps is starting to make a name for itself. Austin is clutch when it counts, Crayton make a good catch and run and RW looks better than I’ve seen him in a Cowboys jersey. They all stepped up against a good defense and played as a team. KO is a nice piece of this team and hopefully we will see a lot more as the season goes on. It’s great to have more than one go to guy.

by oldboysfan on Nov 9, 2009 7:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

KO runs really well in traffic.

He follows his blockers. He is fast. IMO he would be good as the kickoff or punt return guy also as another option. Red Ball should try to get him deep in a game. He will draw single coverage and could produce an easy score.

by cowboy1966 on Nov 9, 2009 9:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he'll have to earn another chance

didn’t he fumble one earlier this year?

by foyesboys on Nov 9, 2009 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd throw him that smoke route all day long...

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just when you think you've heard about all the Cowboys' weapons...

…suddenly another one steps up to make game-changing plays.

Can you imagine how frustrating it would be for an opposing defensive coordinator to have to decide who to contain…Smash/Slash/Dash? Witten? Austin? A suddenly-clicking Roy Wiliams? Maybe a Crayton reverse? How ’bout Bennett? Or a Romo scramble?

Oh, wait! Here’s another: Kevin Ogletree.

Guys, if our defense continues to play this well, we’re going FAR into The Tournament (as Parcells used to call it).

But until then, riding this upcoming Green Bay-Washington-Oakland schedule to a 9-2 record could give us a confidence and SWAGGER that simply can’t be prepared for, can’t be stopped. This is starting to feel like 1992 all over again…

by JohnnyRender on Nov 10, 2009 12:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Whoa Nelly

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For sure on The Tree

They want to use this guy in the offense, and he looks good running those bubble screens, also looked like he saved that end around, I didn’t think he had anywhere to go but he made it work. He knows how to let the blocks set up and then hit the hole with acceleration.

I didn’t see how they would get him active on the game day roster, but I think he’s taken Jason Williams spot (I could be wrong on that). That’s a bit surprising considering how highly the staff values LB’s and Williams’ potential.

Since we are praising the rookies here, I’d like to give a shout out to John Phillips for doing a damn good job blocking. I know he won’t move up the roster, but he is exactly what you want from that 3rd TE spot.

You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.

by APerfectStar on Nov 10, 2009 12:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rossum's injury allowed KO to be active

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

by Fighter15 on Nov 10, 2009 6:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1 on Phillips...he laid a couple of Eagles out!

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

I loved Ogletree’s playmaking — but the real peace I feel right now is due to EVERYONE stepping up.

On offense, first it was Miles. Now Ogletree and RW. The RBs are fighting through injuries but doing their best. Crayton gets demoted but steps up huge. Our OL is underappreciated, I think, too. Witten and Barber are obvious stars. I love the way Romo has really worked on protecting the balls, being smart, maturing as a QB — it is showing.

On defense, the obvious ones are Ware and Ratliff. But there’s a HOST of guys there doing it up, even when many have been doubted. Olshansky doesn’t get mentioned much, but he’s doing his job well. Brooking has huge leadership ability and has shown it. Butler, Carpenter, Spencer — they are showing up now too.

Sensabaugh, Terence, Jenkins. And ST all around.

I love Ogletree. I do. But for me, the beauty is everyone stepping up and playing as a team.

by dfan77 on Nov 10, 2009 1:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I loved the remark Olshansky made. "I'm like rock no one moves me."

"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell

by GunsUp on Nov 10, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Question

What is it you disagree with?

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Um, 5Blings

I usually really love your posts, but how hard is it to understand my comment?

I’m disagreeing with the idea that there is ONE knock-out player.

I’ve already stated that, up above.

Are we clear now?

by dfan77 on Nov 11, 2009 5:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's sad

how a lot of fans don’t under the concept that football is really a team game, I think they’re influenced by the MSM way too much.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 11, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really

I said that KO could be the “unsung hero” of the game because of how he came up big in important situations.

I didn’t say he was THE guy…in fact, I think I started out with the following;

There are plenty of "Atta Boy’s" to go around after this win.

Spencer, Sensei, Ratliff, Ware, Jenkins, T-New, Roy Willie (yes, him!), Barber, Romo (and others I’m sure I have missed) all deserve one for the game.

In fact, I attribute the victory more to the play of the defense than anything else. That said, I’m not going to drone on about all of them. It was a good team win where, as I suggested would have to be the case, Dallas needed to show uncommon toughness and grit. They did just that.

So what did I miss?

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 11, 2009 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Drafting a WR

I guess the Cowboys do not need to draft a WR early due to Austin and the promise of K.O. This kid has been consistent since day 1 in training camp. I will not anoit him yet, but would love to see him get more playing time.

On a side note, guess my pre season side bet with a few Eagle visitors does not look good for them. They bet the Cowboys would have a losing record.

This is a good team right now and so far no injuries to key players. I think December could be a totally different story for the Cowboys.

My favorite semi pro teams are the Eagles and Giants

by RealAlbertEinstein on Nov 10, 2009 8:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

I’ll be absolutely shocked if we have a December meltdown this year, really shocked.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 10, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree

The whole “december meltdown” monniker is overblown. The 13-3 team was drunk on their own Kool aid and Romo wasn’t the leader he is now. Last year was a tired, beat up and dysfunctional team that had no hope of fulfilling it’s own potential and the playoff games we lost before – those teams made the playoffs on smoke and mirrors and I would have been more shocked if they had won a game in the tournament.

by Billito on Nov 10, 2009 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Overblown?

Do you know how many teams have more playoff wins than Dallas over the last 12 years?

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

But are you saying this is the same team as the teams that lost those games? As far as I’m concerned, THIS cowboys team is 0-2 in the playoffs and has a great shot to change that this year.

To try and make it some sort of December curse is to discount the strides the current team has made as well as ignoring the nature of the NFL. Every year is different.

by Billito on Nov 10, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Objectively? Yes, that is what I am saying...

THIS Cowboys team still has the same owner, GM (who hires assistants before head coaches) and organizational dymnamic, although you could argue Stephen Jones’ role is increasing, as the past 12.

I agree with you that it discounts whatever success the team has at this moment.
However, as much as I hate to say it, THIS team will be considered no differently than the teams that lost those games until they prove they can do otherwise.

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 11, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You are right

But then you also fall into the same trap that BSPN perpetuates.
Are the Saints doomed to fail this year because they always have in the past? Are the Bengals going to fall apart because they are the Bengals?
Are the Pats going to win it all because Belichek is a genius and that can compensate for the holes in their roster and the age of their defense?

I get what you are saying but without TO, with Romo’s sudden maturity and with the stong scent of “team” that this year’s cowboys are giving off, to automatically assume they will fail in december and january is short sighted and illlogical.

by Billito on Nov 11, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Short sighted maybe, illogical not so much...

Once you’ve seen a pattern develop (Lover15 calls out potential for “choke tendencies” below), the laws of probability (again, the logical method) suggest they continue unless something tangible acts to change the pattern.

Look, my heart is in it with Dallas to win it. My head will believe it when it starts to see it in December/January.

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 11, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And I am right there with you about december

Its just that for the first time in a long time, I see a real “team” out there wearing the star and that, combined with the laws of probability that say we have to win a playoff game eventually, leads me to believe that this is the year.

by Billito on Nov 11, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since Romo

He’s been 2-2, 2-1, 1-3…and ???

The year he was 1-3, he broke a bone in his passing hand.

Look, I’m not a true believer either (I think he may have choke tendencies) but you have to give the dude credit.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson

by Fighter15 on Nov 11, 2009 1:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Billito is talking about December, you're talking about Jan Blings, big difference

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 11, 2009 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

…but over the last 12 years, most January’s for the Cowboys can be traced back to their December’s.

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 11, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't go that far...

Dallas still needs more playmaking on the edge. I’d be surprised if a WR (this is another good draft for WR’s) isn’t chosen in the first 3 rounds.

You could make an argument that O-line and safety are the biggest needs, but if for some reason an Arellious Benn were to fall, they’d be crazy not to add him to the stable we have.

Isn’t Sam Hurd a goner after the season? What’s his contract status?

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Nov 10, 2009 5:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

I think Austin and Ogletree could certainly shift the WR position from a primary need to perhaps the kind you address in the middle rounds, but I personally would still love to see the Cowboys add some more speed to this offense. I know Austin and Ogletree have that speed, but you truly can never have enough. In a dream scenario, I would love to see the Cowboys pick up Jacoby Ford at some point (2nd or 3rd round likely) because not only could he be a slot replacement for Crayton due to his extreme acceleration and cutting ability, but he is a great punt and kick returner with real playmaking potential.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Nov 10, 2009 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The defense played great

and Romo got the ball into our playmakers’ hands on offense…great team win.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Nov 10, 2009 1:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about playmakers

I like a whole stable of guys that get the job done. One of the things I’ve noticed about the Saints is that they have a very diversified attack. I believe it was the Seattle game where 10 different players had receptions. That sort of thing gives me hope for playoffs. I love it when opponents try to take away one or two guys and we beat them with other guys that get the job done.

It’s so cool to see 60 yard bombs or run-and-catches, but it’s fabulous to see more and more weapons that can move the chains.

Fear is just frozen adrenaline.

by abileneblues on Nov 11, 2009 8:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs