A Shutout Gets Them In: Cowboys 17, Redskins 0
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:09 PM CST
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PrintWhen you see the "Perils of December" stories, and some are already around, know that the quarterback may get the attention, but it's the defense which will either navigate the rocky waters at last, or wreck the Cowboys ship again.
-- Wade's Defense Will Guide the Cowboys' December Ship, BTB, Nov. 29th
How 'bout that Cowboys' defense? It entered December with an NFC best 16.5 points per game average, but saw three of the league's top 10 offenses on its schedule. Last night, that defense closed December with a 16.7 average, and three strong performances. It held San Diego to a season-low 20, and would have tasted victory had the offense found a way to convert goal-to-go from the one (more on that foible shortly). It brought the high-flying Saints down to earth last week in a 24-17 win.
It shut out the Redskins' pop-gun offense, withstanding a couple fo Santana Moss runs after the catch. The shut out earned Dallas the final NFC playoff berth, after the Giants had returned their playoff aspirations earlier today, in an embarrassing home loss to Carolina. Green Bay claimed one spot with a blowout win over Seattle and Dallas closed the field in D.C.
Dallas is just two points behind the Ravens for 2nd in NFL scoring defense. It is far ahead of the rival defenses in the NFC field, which gives the Cowboys a fighting chance to excel in the post-season. That defense will have to carry the load, as the Cowboys offense again showed it has explosive capability, but lacks the short-yardage oomph which would help it roll deep into January.
The offense put on its usual big play show, with Tony Romo, Jason Witten and Miles Austin again pacing the passing attack. Witten made the play of the game with a 69 yard catch and run past LaRon Landry in the 2nd quarter. The Cowboys converted this play with a Marion Barber draw, but struggled mightily to convert third downs and goal line efforts from that point forward.
Each of Dallas' first two 2nd half drives died on downs when the Cowboys failed to convert short distance runs. The initial drive rolled to Washington's 36, where the Cowboys faced 2nd and two. A direct snap to Tashard Choice in the Razorback set gained a yard and two Marion Barber plunges on 3rd and 4th down failed to gain ground.
The next series rolled from the Cowboys' 12 to Washington's 30 and failed when Barber was dropped for a loss on a 4th-and-1 counter. Dallas was stuffed a third time inside the Washington ten on the subsequent drive. Dallas tried converting a 3rd-and-1 on the Redskins five by running the power-I off-tackle play which worked so effectively against the Saints. Washington stuffed it, and Dallas called on Shaun Suisham, who nailed his first Cowboys field goal attempt to push the lead to the final 17-0.
The short-yardage woes will keep the coaches up late, working on creative new ways to gain touchdowns from red-zone drives. In the meantime, the team will enjoy a return to the post-season.
Notes:
-- The Cowboys will win the East if they beat the Eagles at home next Sunday. That and a Packers win would give Dallas the 3rd seed. In the mean-time, pull with both hands for the Bears tomorrow. Two Vikings losses (they close against the Giants) and a Cowboys win would hand Dallas the 2nd seed and a first round bye. Hard to believe, but it's true.
-- Wade Phillips kept things simple tonight. He did not call many blitzes, preferring to rush four and send the extra rusher or two when the Redskins began to build momentum. Those blitzes threw Jason Campbell off balance. Little Orlando Scandrick gets the smack of the game for a 3rd quarter blitz off the slot which nearly put Campbell in traction. Campbell's back will no doubt hurt tomorrow after Scandrick slammed it with both forearms.
-- Washington played a lot of two deep zone, so Tony Romo played a lot of short-ball with Miles Austin, who went from being the big play maker to the first down maker. The big catch went to Witten, who ran a deep in on one of the few plays where Washington played man in the secondary. Witten caught a perfectly thrown Romo pass in stride, shook LaRon Landry with an in-an-out cut, picked up a sideline block from a receiver and romped to the Washington three.
-- Best wishes to special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who underwent an emergency appendectomy late Sunday afternoon. The fates keep trying to knock Joe D down and he keeps going.
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Awesome!
Now on to the Philly game!
by Chris in Va on Dec 27, 2009 11:12 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Playoff scenarios
I know we all have our preferences on matchups, but here’s my thought: we’re in and the goal is a Super Bowl win. That means, EVENTUALLY, we’ll have to beat teams like the Packers, Eagles, Saints, regardless of location. If we ARE a Super Bowl team, then we will. There won’t be any “easiest road” to that ultimate goal. Let’s go get battle tested and just kick ass fearlessly.
I've never bought that
I think luck plays a role. Does Philly get to the NFC championship if they play carolina in round 2 last year? They had the vikings and giants, too teams that were playing average football at best.
Well, I buy it
If you are the best, you are the best. Period. End of story. I want nothing less than for us to be the best, and I think we are.
So what does that mean? It means bring it! Whoever we need to beat, wherever we need to beat them, do it. That’s ultimately what a SB champ does. And that is the only goal worth fighting for.
No luck involved.
Yes
When it counted, both the Steelers and the Cards were the best conference teams last year, and yes, the Steelers were the best.
I guess so
And that’s cool, of course. My point is this: IF you are going to go for the ultimate goal (SB title), you WILL win, regardless of matchup or location. Take care!
its not that simple anymore
too much parity in today’s league. Matchups are important.
That's ridiculous
You can’t possibly believe luck has nothing to do with wins and losses. Chance bounces, bad calls, fluke plays, these things regularly mean the difference between winning and losing. Unless the team hoisting the lombardi at the end of year blew out every team in a perfect season, they are there at least partially by the grace of God.
by Dansonofdirm on Dec 28, 2009 12:27 AM CST up reply actions
Luck is luck
Sometimes it makes a difference. Generally, however, the best team wins. Great teams don’t need luck — they just dominate and make “luck” a non-issue.
My original point: “EVENTUALLY, we’ll have to beat teams like the Packers, Eagles, Saints, regardless of location. If we ARE a Super Bowl team, then we will. There won’t be any "easiest road" to that ultimate goal. Let’s go get battle tested and just kick ass fearlessly.”
And then: “So what does that mean? It means bring it! Whoever we need to beat, wherever we need to beat them, do it. That’s ultimately what a SB champ does. And that is the only goal worth fighting for. No luck involved.”
Do you disagree?
And BTW, God has nothing to do with football.
Agreed, to an extent
I don’t think we should shy away from any team (though I’d prefer not to play the Eagles twice in a row at Philly). I think we can beat anyone, but I also think anyone can beat us.
I think ultimately a number of SB teams won by luck – see the since cut David Tyree’s freak helmet catch in 2007. Being talented and well coached gets you a majority of wins, then there are a few every year that are luck wins.
What do you think God was doing on the 7th day? Football baby, football.
by Dansonofdirm on Dec 28, 2009 12:44 AM CST up reply actions
Give them props
Without the Giants hanging close, that “lucky play” doesn’t matter. And was it “lucky” in the first place? You want to look Tyree in the face and disrespect his skill and dedication by calling that lucky?
A wrong bounce of the ball is lucky. But by and large, luck is one of two things: grease for the winner or an excuse for the loser.
As a longtime Cowboys fan, neither is acceptable to me.
Inside the NFL comment on Eli pass/Tyree catch
Someone stated. That’s in the grasp when the Pats had
a hold on Eli…..
Fluttering ball, helmet catch, now it’s history, along with the tuck rule…..
Sometimes destiny is in your favor….
In any case Congrats on playoffs, and big smiles GMEN are at home.
Let’s roast some BIRD going forward
Thomas Edison said...
99% perspiration 1% inspiration
Which I think translates to it’s amazing how much your luck improves when you work your ass off practicing
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Guys...
Just made a playoff spot, when at one point it looked like the season was done…
For now let’s just celebrate.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 27, 2009 11:24 PM CST up reply actions
agree totally
I am just fired up and ready to get on with it. Feels like 10 years since we’ve been in the dance. Crazy, I know.
Me either
So I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game...85!
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions
But look who the Giants beat in the playoffs that year
As a wild card, da G-Men went on the road to beat NFC South Division Winner Tampa Bay
As a wild card, they went in to Texas Stadium to defeat our Dallas Cowboys – the #1 Seed in the NFC
As a wild card, they went on the road to beat NFC #2 Seed Green Bay in the frigid confines of Lambeau Field
And in the Super Bowl, the New York Football Giants defeated the previously unbeaten New England Patriots, who was by far the best team in the regular season that year.
Even though I cannot stand the G-Men, I do respect them for achieving their SB title by beating the best teams that season.
Dfan77 is “dead on.”
Let’s hope our Boyz handle their business, one opponent at a time!!!
Go Cowboys!!!!!!!
Is playing smart too much to ask?
yet if you look closer
You’d see that in our 3 games against the giants, 2 of them we played absolutely PERFECT offensive football (the regular season games). The playoff game we made 3-5 mistakes, and we lost for that reason.
The Giants have always played us close, that wasn’t some huge upset. The packers were reallly overrated, and Lambeau hurt their ability to pass the ball, while the Giants could run a controlled offense with their better run game.
Frankly, if the Giants were at home for any game, they probably would’ve lost – they seem to play terribly in their home stadium in big games with eli.
i don't disagree...
… but my point was that they had the toughest possible road (based on each opponent’s record/seeding that year) to winning a Super Bowl that season — and they did it.
if you stop and think about our Boyz current season, we were in each and every game — and could’ve won all of them.
Yes, even the Packers game. Heck, we led early and were in it — even in to the 4th qtr.
With the risk of overstating the obvious, if we don’t beat ourselves, we have just as much of a chance to win “the tournament” as any other playoff contender.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
Yes, Cards were lights out in the Playoffs last year
We might not be the best now, but the playoffs are like an entire new season to prove that we are the best.
Wooooo-Frikkin'-Hoooo
All I’ve got to say. So glad that we got to the dance… Now it’s time to put on our best shoes and hit the floor!
Bring on Philly!
Also...
everyone should expect a fanpost from one 5blings soon, as he stated that if Dallas won 2 of the last 3 he would put a giant sunshine pumping edition fanpost up.
It’s the little things in life that make it great.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 27, 2009 11:19 PM CST reply actions
Awesome
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 27, 2009 11:25 PM CST up reply actions
I generally agree with 5Blings. . .
. . .so he’d better man-up. :)
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions
The short game is baffling, both the calls and the
execution. But nothing can rain on my joy right now! Cowboys go to the playoffs!!!
(Best wishes to Coach Joe for a quick recovery.)
I gotta hope...
that part of the decisions were based sorely on the fact that Washington’s offense is so bad.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 27, 2009 11:26 PM CST up reply actions
why are people whining about short yardage calls
There are by definition predictable. You’re not trying to fool anybody. You’re trying to over run them. The team needed a yard in each occasion. Garrett called wildcat plays to Tashard, a counter draw to Felix, a counter from the Packers formation to Barber, a power I run to Barber (twice) and a dive for Barber.
None of them worked.
THIS
AIN’T
PLAY
CALLING.
He called every short yardage play on his sheet. None of them worked.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:31 PM CST up reply actions
So the coaching staff needs to adjust, the short runs aren't working.
Pass it maybe? Play action?
by robolundgren on Dec 27, 2009 11:35 PM CST up reply actions
LOL
You notice they tried that on the 1st drive?
Romo made the play work by scrambling around the pocket for four seconds before Williams got free.
Tonight they counted on Romo playing streetball. That’s not something you can game plan.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
The end results are what matters.
The pass worked, the running didn’t.
by robolundgren on Dec 27, 2009 11:39 PM CST up reply actions
Right
I can hear the call now.
Romo: I’m gonna drop back and run around like Curley Howard going “woo, woo, woo, woo, woo! Somebody get open.”
It’s just that easy.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:42 PM CST up reply actions
Instead
The play call was “Hey guys, remember how we tried running Barber repeatedly at the Chargers to no avail and how it failed earlier in the game tonight? Let’s do that again! Weeeee!”
by robolundgren on Dec 27, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
You don't get it
They called the pass first, because the run didn’t work.
The pass was covered, but Romo bought time with his feet and made something out of it.
You don’t game plan plays like that. The 2nd run worked because they passed the first time and Washington was playing pass again.
The runs, well ONE of them should have worked. That’s on the line.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:47 PM CST up reply actions
What is there not to get?
That the short runs repeatedly failed and we just stuck with them and got absolutely nothing out of it? The fact that your argument is a play that WORKED, albeit not the way intended, shows a flaw in that logic.
I guess sometimes you just have to agree to disagree.
by robolundgren on Dec 27, 2009 11:50 PM CST up reply actions
Nothing bush league about what I'm saying.
I truly believe what I’ve said. Frankly, I value Raf’s opinion on all things Cowboys over virtually anyone elses, that’s why I keep going on about this.
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 12:02 AM CST up reply actions
I dont doubt you believe what you are saying
that doesn’t mean it has validity outside of that same belief. Use your eyes. where is the push on short yardage runs? its not there. Why does a mobile QB like Romo have so many pressures and hits? Show your work. or else move on to the next topic
That's sort of the point I'm going after
If we’re consistently not getting that push, why do we keep calling plays where we need it? There were 10-11 people in the box on some of those plays, seems like an ideal time for a PA or a quick slant or a sweep. It’s like Washington took one look at us and decided it was definitely going to be Barber up the middle and they were right. Variety is the spice of life :p
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 12:16 AM CST up reply actions
it was one yard, the cowboys dictate when the snap actually happens
the back has eight steps downhill. And the Cowboys are losing ground half the time.
Its the line stupid.
(to paraphrase James Carville. Im not trying to insult)
It's the play calling, stupid. . .
And no, I’m not trying to insult.
Know what your OLine can do.
Know what their DLine can do.
Look at what’s worked/what hasn’t.
Now choose your next option.
Or pound your head against the wall. Again.
What he said.
If the plays up the middle for short yardage aren’t working because of personnel, then adapt and go another direction.
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 12:46 AM CST up reply actions
you two are kidding right?
getting short distance 3rd downs converted by running for a yard can be optioned out of a playbook?
Wow.
If i take your arguement to its fatal flaw, it would mean that a good JUCO team could beat an NFL team with the right playcalling ………
I'm not saying to just flat out abandon it
Though I realize what I said could easily be translated as such. It would be asinine to do that. However, to seemingly do ONLY that is an issue.
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 1:02 AM CST up reply actions
There sure are a lot of offensive coordinators here
I seem to remember that when Garrett called passes in this situation earlier in the season and it didn’t work we heard the same second guessing. Those failed attempts were on the line- and in one instance on Barber.
It wasn’t bad play calling.
Why are the first 20+ entries full of attack?
We’re on the same side. Robolundren is right — short yardage plays haven’t been effective for the Cowboys of late. I too would like to see more success there. Demean the desire for more success (however it can be found) by calling it bush league?
by Eagles suck on Dec 28, 2009 12:45 AM CST up reply actions
thanks
Its probably not easy to see it res-ed down to avatar size glad someone appreciates it.
by Eagles suck on Dec 28, 2009 12:49 AM CST up reply actions
at first it kind of looked like a cinnamon bun or deflated basketball
But with the name Eagles suck, thought I’d check and see just who exactly you rooted for and then I got the grand image.
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 12:53 AM CST up reply actions
no no no
Everyone wants more success for the cowboys in short yardage situations. At the same time grinding a yard is a staple – even when the other team knows its coming – of winning football. its basic. it is shocking when a team can’t punch through for a yard.
the line needs to get it done.
What's bush league about it? Because you say so? It was
a perfectly respectful debate until you put in your two cents.
raf - overall i agree about it being on the line - they have to get a push....but for
a play-calling noob, this is what i don’t understand…..
on tons of 4th and super short situations, i’ve seen teams hand off to a RB that looks like he was shot out of a cannon….the ball is snapped, he has a full head of steam built up, and he barrels into the line with full momentum, regardless of whether he actually gets the 1st down or not…
on both of those barber runs, he did the whole hesitation thing (see one of my other posts in this thread)….what i’m wondering is, is that an actual different play call? or was the play designed for barber to be running “all out” as he took the handoff, but Barber himself decided on his own to do the “hesitation” thing…..I just didn’t get that….I say run as hard as you can in that situation, and attack that line like they just slapped your mama…after all you’re only going for 6 inches
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 27, 2009 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
the difference is
with the pass called, if the defense has it covered there is a chance for Romo to buy time and make it work
with the dive play, its there or its not…Barber is not breaking tackles and he’s not able to bounce it outside
So the game plan is to take the play call that has more than 1 chance for success
by Kansas Cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 9:18 AM CST up reply actions
I'd suggest that they think about Felix instead of MBIII
at least he’s not obliged by the laws of physics to go up the middle. At least two of those looked like they could have bounced outside for some kind of gain.
As you pointed out previously, this line is not suited for those plunges up the gut. At any rate, Garrett was demonstrating the “First Law of Insantiy” by doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Play-action to Procter!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
If he could take the hand-off backwards
I’d give it to Procto-monster every time. He is SCARY fast in reverse!
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
That's why they keep him around.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
I respectfully disagree
Short yardage plays are not “by definition predictable.” Likewise, play calling should be — by definition — unpredictable. It is insanity to attempt the same thing over and over when you know it doesn’t work.
There were dozens of “other” plays that gained us far more than 1 or 2 yards. Try one of them. That’s unpredictable, proven successful, and plays to the Skins’ weaknesses (middle) rather than their relative strength (D-Line).
same thing?
they tried about six different runs.
If this team is going anywhere, they need to find something that works in short yardage.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
Marginally different runs
And it doesn’t matter anyway, when they are predictable.
that's nonsense
what is “marginally different?”
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
Not nonsense at all, IMHO
“Marginally different” means a) a formation that screams “we’re running up the middle” and b) actually executing a running play aimed up the middle (over guard or tackle, doesn’t matter).
do you know
which gaps are being attacked? which matchups are being set up? are they draws, counters, dives, misdirection?
To call different running plays “marginally different” is to call a change up marginally different than a screwball because they’re both pitches.
How about this?
They were all so similar that they failed.
And if that pattern of predictability continues into the playoffs, we’ll lose.
Is that simple enough, Joey?
It's called Tashard Choice
and it works so well, our brilliant Offensive coordinator can’t see it because his run game philosiphy is questionable. Felix is not the back to use like that, and he seems to lack the explosion fans have come to expect. Barber isn’t that type of back either. Tashard being used as a wildcat rb only is definitely a Garrett type of decision, and is the biggest single issue of why the offense doesn’t blow out teams and score alot of points in every game against every defense. Imagine how good the passing game can click with a back that can consistently pick up a 3rd and 3. Garrett’s run plays alot of times leave alot to be desired from the simple perspective of what back is used. For some reason, I got a feeling in my stomach that we should have won 34-0. This offense won’t cut it in the playoffs.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions
So Choice can overcome poor blocking
and getting hit in the backfield to succeed in short yardage situations?
He must be a pretty good vback
So I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game...85!
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 12:03 AM CST up reply actions
Yes, because Tashard Choice is apparently Earl Campbell's bastard son
He doesn’t need blocking. To paraphrase Deion Sanders, just have the line fall down and let Tashard step over everybody,
or so some people would have you believe.
got to have some fun
the Cowboys won a shutout and are in the playoffs.
They’re going to get a shot at sweeping the Eagles and they’re beaten the Saints and have their own offensive miscues to blame for losing to G.B.
In other words, they’re in the mix, and yet it’s apparently time to roast Jason Garrett as if the Cowboys lost by 14.
yes
but we all agree those 3rd or 4th and short situations need to get fixed asap. I’m all for enjoying this victory, but that’s a problem that needs to be fixed. not being a “dan downer” — just arguing that the bar remains set to “high.”
but seriously, “Earl Campbell’s bastard son” had me rolling. :)
my main problem with garrett is...
He gets tunnel vision, I’m ok with pounding barber up the gut for 1yd all day but its when we’re up by 14 with 10mins. To go and he’s pass happy and romo’s getting hit every time….makes no sense, its like he studied under mike martz , but overall he called a nice game and our D played lights out…..1 last thought does anyone else think spencer is playing like ware 2 years ago, he’s all over the place…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 4:59 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I blame the RHG for a lot
of questionable calls, but now I understand that this offensive line is just not capable of hitting the D-line consistantly to pick up the tough yards.
The RHG is trying to find something that works. He has one game to do it before the stakes go up really high. Heck their already high, with a home game in the play offs at stake.
RHG is simply working with what he has.
It IS fun. Who is saying it's not? Not trying to rain on anyone's
parade. It’s funny; after the game, Romo talked about there still being things that need to be fixed going forward. Why is it bad, bad, bad for us to agree with him? Doesn’t take away the thrill of a great win like this.
By your own Words
You at least have enough common sense to admit a problem with our short running game. Our difference in philosiphy about RB’s is directly related to the O-line. You say they can’t block, While I am the one that is saying both MB3 and Felix being used the way they are is not going to give Garrett his short yardage running game the way the team needs to win against good run defenses. I never said Tashard can run without blocking, that’s you and aussie making up that nonesense.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Prior to the Washington game...
In games 1 through 14 of this season…
Felix had converted every 3rd and short opportunity he had (2 of 2 or 100%)
Barber had converted 11 of 13 third and short opportunities (85%)
Choice had converted 5 of 7 third and short opportunities (71.5%)
Before our last game, Felix and Barber both had better percentages of converting 3rd and short than did Choice.
To define 3rd and short = 3rd and 3 yards are less.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
How about 1 yard or less?
I think there’s a big difference between 3rd and 2 or 3 and 3rd or 4th and 1 or less.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions
Prior to the last game
Choice had 2 different opportunities to convert on 3rd down and 1. On his first attempt versus CAR he got zero yards. On his second attempt versus DEN he got 2 yards. So his conversion rate would be 50% in that situation.
Barber had 13 different opportunities to convert on 3rd down and 1 (or 4th down and 1)
1) DEN – got 4 yards
2) SEA – got 2 yards
3) PHI – got 3 yards
4) WAS – got 2 yards
5) WAS – got 1 yard
6) WAS – got MINUS 1 yard
7) OAK – got 1 yard
8) OAK – got 32 yards
9) NYG – got 6 yards
10) SD – got 0 yards
11) SD – got 0 yards
12) NOR – got 2 yards
13) NOR – got 4 yards
He converted 10 of 13 times (77%) with 1 yard needed for a conversion.
Felix Jones has had no opportunities with 1 yard to go on 3rd or 4th down.
On 3rd and 1 to go, I still want Barber carrying the ball even though he didn’t do so well in the last game.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
Nice
Thanks for the hard work finding that.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions
You rock, BW!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
How about when
Romo wears his hat backwards and Phillips spills gravy on his hoodie? I know I’m demanding, but it matters!
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
The Best MB3 has looked
in 2 years now was the New Orleans game.
But when it’s crunch time, in games that have great significance (the Green bay game for instance) and the game is on the line, do you have good confidence that MB3 or Felix will convert on 3rd and 3?
I think MB3 has lost a step. If he was a little faster, I think he would be fine. But there is something missing there, and anyone that has watched him since he came onto the scene can see it. Those stats don’t show that kind of reality. half the time, we have success (when Garrett decides to use the run). If we can get that percentage a little higher than that, it would help the offense tremendously, because it would directly effect continuing drives and winning games. Just because I believe Tashard has the speed and vision to run in those situations a little better doesn’t mean that your stats point to anything significant regarding his effectiveness. After all, he gets about, oh, 3 carries a game at most? 2 of them out of the wildcat? How does that get a running back in his rythym? That’s what you have forgrotten Bishop- you have alot of carries to base the stats on with MB3 and Felix. You have mainly wildcat plays to base the stats on regarding Choice, and very few of them at that.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
Just because I believe Tashard has the speed and vision to run in those situations a little better doesn’t mean that your stats point to anything significant
That sums up this entire argument: your belief vs. statistics and the very real problem of the offensive line’s futility. I’m not saying Tashard can’t do what you’re saying, but neither side is going to budge on the issue, so this discussion is pointless.
Very nice, BW
never ceases to amaze me how a few well-placed stats can kill an out-of-control thread instantly.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 28, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions
Tashard has no stats
for you to even reference too, so how does that kill this so called “out of control” thread you refer to?
Are you, perchance, talking about stats based on Tashard’s 3 carries per game, 2 of which are the razorback?
How’s this- you keep believing that Bishop has pointed out something significant with his stats, like prove that the running game is fine, and i’ll continue to believe that our offense needs improvement from our running game.
Just because I believe that Tashard is the kind of running back that can give the offense a better running game than what has been seen, does in no way qualify as a topic that is “Out-of-control”. But it most certainly is a topic that brings out alot of venom from alot of people (Raf, Bishopwest, Jevans, Terry to name a few). It must strike a wrong chord in they’re internal keyboard to even bring it up. Does that bother me? Not in the least. They all are aware of the fact that the running game needs to get better. They just think it’s all on the offensive line, while I don’t (not completely at least).
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Jan 1, 2010 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
Do you guys remember in the preseason when Felix was getting redzone/goal line carries?
His burst helped get him where he needed to go. Makes me wonder if they will give him that chance again soon.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions
I've seen this from you already
and how do these stats help? You are totally missing the point going back to your stat quoting.
Did it help when Felix and MB3 couldn’t run the ball against the Giants? How about the Green Bay game? How about this Washington game, or the last one? The point is, every time we face a team with a good D-line, our running game goes down the tubes. If the Cowboys are gonna be a threat in the playoffs, they have to fix it. All indications, so far, show that the running game won’t be good enough in the playoffs, especially in short yardage.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 7:30 PM CST up reply actions
Well
Against the Giants, counting both games, Barber only got the ball twice in “3rd and short” situations. In their first match-up he ran on 3rd and 2, and gained 3 yards. And in the second match-up he ran on 3rd and 1, and gained 1 yard. He picked up a first down 100% of the time in 3rd and short situations.
Against Green Bay, Barber nor Felix ever touched the ball on 3rd down and short. No runs and no receptions in 3rd or 4th down in short yardage situations.
In the first Washington match-up, Barber ran in short yardage situations 3 times, and picked up a first down 2 of those times (66.6% success rate.) Felix had zero touches in 3rd or 4th down in short yardage situations.
Of the opponents that you reference, ONLY in the most recent game with Washington did we see a let down on 3rd or 4th down in short yardage. Garrett was calling plays in the 2nd Skins match-up based on data from games 1 through 14. That’s what all good coaches do.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
I don't believe that stats prove everything....
but Bishop pretty much nailed it down and added upon it.
And that’s not accurate anyways, Dallas ripped the Giants apart on the ground in the first game.
The last Washington game Dallas ran real well on them too.
I’m not for picking sides but Bishop kinda just owned you.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
Really? Owned?
It’s alot simpler to understand the problem than just looking at the stats to formulate an opinion. Please don’t confuse the words “not good enough” with “running the ball and forget the pass” like Bishop is always debates with me that my posts are all about. My posts are not about running the ball and abandoning the pass. On the Contrary. The whole idea of having a long time consuming drive is not only to sit the opposing teams offense, but to give the Cowboys defense a chance to win the game, as well as deflate the other teams confidence of success on offense. We don’t play that kind of offense. we have started to somewhat the last couple of weeks, but it can be better. Let me give you an example:
Cowboys Vs Chargers; The best offensive series the Cowboys had was the failed drive to score points. How can i say that? easy- That drive took time off the clock, but more important than that, up to that point, San Diego was playing lights out so much that I actually thought that they would blow the Cowboys out. That drive took alot of steam out of the chargers offense. They did not score again until D-ware got injured. If the Cowboys offense would have continued to play it’s disease (3-and-out-syndrome-from-to-many-drop-back-passes), the Chargers would have kepth they’re Rythym, and they would have blown us out. Even though the Chargers won, it could have just as easily been a different story. Having a successful running game, even without scoring, caused this. If we would have scored on that drive, we would have won the game.
Cowboys Vs. Saints- Very simple explanation- we ran the ball effectively. They don’t have a D-line to stop the run as good as other teams we will face in the playoffs, and this bodes well for the future. But that doesn’t mean The Cowboys shouldn’t be doing any and all things to continue running the ball effectively. We ate the clock on the Saints, and gave the D a chance to win the game.
Cowboys Vs Packers- need I bring this up? an effective running game would have easily brought victory against the Packers. I know it sound easier said than done, but anything would have been better than watching that turnover after a dropback pass to ice the game for them, even watching MB3 and Felix get no gains. we probably still would have won (maybe not- remember Folk?)
Cowboys Vs Redskins- I hear what you are saying about running the ball effectively against them. But at any time during this last game, if the Cowboys would have started they’re 3-and-out waltz again with too many drop back , i got the feeling that the Redskins would possibly get hot and come back again. alas, they weren’t capable, but that doesn’t excuse critiquing the weaker part of the team- the offense.
I urge you to look at things not through stats. they don’t tell the whole story about the team. Alot of those stats are built up against lesser defenses and opponents.
If the Cowboys are to win the Super Bowl, the key to that is the offense. The playcalling has to continue to be mixed, and the offense has to have success on short yardage runs against GOOD RUN DEFENSES. Stats do not show this about any team no matter how good they look.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
I don't think anyone in this discussion thinks you're arguing to abandon the run
What you’ve been arguing is that Choice would’ve been better in the short yardage scenarios than Barber or Felix, and the others are saying no back would be effective when the offensive line is allowing penetration and not getting push, and most of the time they ARE effective in those situations.
NO ONE IS SAYING WE SHOULD ABANDON THE RUN…
You are obviously not aware
of how long this same debate has raged on with me and bishop (as well as others) . They have already written many posts in the past.
You are relatively new to this debate on this topic Joon.You really aren’t aware what Raf and Terry and Bishopwest (and others) have already written on this topic in the past.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Jan 1, 2010 10:18 PM CST up reply actions
LMAO!!!!
and people think I have a man crush on Romo, DallasPalace’s crush on Choice puts mine to shame.
In Romo we Trust
If Barber and Felix seemed capable
of giving the offense (and Garrett) an effective short yardage running game, do youi think I would be saying what I say about Tashard?
Alas, the truth must hit everyone square in the face. The Cowboys do not have an effective short yardage running game. If they did, we would be blowing teams away that we only win 17-0, and winning games we loose. It is I who has consistently said that MB3 and Felix seem more like situational RB’s than all-purpose, And Tashard is an all-purpose back. Yet Garrett continues to use MB3 and Felix heavily for what I believe is wrong situations for the type of RB’s they are.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:13 PM CST up reply actions
Well, Choice does have those pinchable cheeks.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
LoL.
The linebacker on the 49ers?
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
You do.
And it is on par, but I wouldn’t say put’s yours to shame.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
What you call mancrush
In your twisted reasoning, I simply call using a player to develop a running game that will allow the Cowboys to win any game, and that is what I have a crush on- Cowboys victory.
All it takes is a warped thinking individual like you to misinterpret the truth and mold it into whatever you think, and then try to peddle it and pass it off to others as the truth.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
How do you know what will happen
When Tashard is used for only the razorback.
Need I remind you of what Tashard did as the main back at the end of last year? Are you and Rafael’s memery so bad that you can’t remember that far back?
We don’t need a speed back used as an all-purpose back predominantly, and we don’t need a power back that doesn’t have enough speed to be used as an all-purpose back either. We need an all purpose back so we can get a good short yardage running game going. That is what will help our pass offense (and our offense in general) succeed against the Arizona’s, Green Bay’s, Minn, PHi and NYG’s of the NFL. The defensive line’s we will face in the playoffs are not like our regular season schedule. every running play Garrett has tried to jumpstart our running game hasn’t worked except trying to run them with Tashard. The Cowboys need to fix this if we are to have a chance in the playoffs to take it all the way.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
The point is
It doesn’t matter what back is running those short yardage plays when the offensive line is allowing penetration into the backfield and not getting any push.
I agree...
Remember when Haynesworth stomped Gurode in TN? It was because Gurode was handling him really well all through the game. So here’s my question and maybe it goes back to my harping on Hudson Houck. Why is the smallest man on the line, Kosier, being tasked with handling Haynesworth? Why isn’t Gurode, who weighs 30-40 lbs more than Kosier the one handling Haynesworth? Or at least teaming with Kosier to seal the NT while the FB and Bigg make a hole? MB3 could walk through that hole for a yard.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
That's asking for
alot of run offense creativity from an offensive coordinator that wants to obsessively call pass plays. Garrett is not committed enough with hurting a defense with the run, either that, or he’s not capable with his playcalling. I don’t believe it has anything to do with the O-line or player execution.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions
Naw, he called runs
But I continually bitch about our blocking schemes. And I’m pretty sure that falls on Houck. Maybe he’s been given his orders from JG. If so, then it’s on JG, if not, then it’s on Houck. Either way, we better fix it before next next week.
Our O-line has some problems, but it sure isn’t size & strength. So it’s either execution or scheme.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
It's not by Design..
The blocking scheme is dictated by how the down linemen are aligned at the line of scrimmage..i am not sure on this play..but haynesworth was never lined up across Gurode in the game..
that is the point
but i believe Tashard has more of an ability to make something out of nothing than Felix and MB3, considering what the offensive line is like.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:25 PM CST up reply actions
No, they are by definition predictable.
You think opponents didn’t know what Norv Turner or Ernie Zampese were gonna call when those Cowboys were in 3rd and 2? The whole world knew. It didn’t matter.
You can’t throw every time you’re in the red zone or 3rd and short, Cause teams will figure that out and take that away.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:40 PM CST up reply actions
My point. . .
. . .isn’t that it’s an “either/or” choice (run all the time or pass all the time). My point is, mix it up! Especially if you’ve seen proof that your current approach isn’t working. It doesn’t have to be anything radical. Just mix it up.
agree
i wish they’d run play action in that situation, or roll romo out and give him the option to pass or run.
i also think barber dances too much sometimes before hitting the line. is this indecision on his part, or is the play designed that way?
No clue
I suspect that he’s searching for a hole that isn’t there, however. In other words, Garrett thinks we can open up a hole (hence, the play call) but we don’t. In this case, we don’t because the Redskins DLine isn’t all that bad. So Barber stutter-steps and things go downhill from there.
I would think one of our draws, or even a screen, would be more predictable. Just as you use the run to set up the pass (or the opposite), I’d think you mix it up on short yardage to preserve both a run AND pass option.
When all you do is run, it becomes pretty easy to stop. Especially, again, with a fat and decent DLine like the Skins have.
Second paragraph edit
I meant “less predictable”
i think this is taken out of context...
If you were to look at the season as a whole I think we are pretty good on 3rd and 1…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 5:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
What it all comes down to is the playoffs
Out of the 5 playoff teams we could face, only 1 has the kind of D Line that Washington has (Minnesota). With that being said, let Garrett and Wade figure out a few new twists to get our short running game going, but do not unveal them until (or if) we have to play Minn. I think our O Line takes the other 4 D Lines (Philly, GB, Arz, and NO) with out a problem
Arizona has a pretty stout line, especially against the run
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions
They scare me the most.
They can get real hot.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
"i also think barber dances too much sometimes before hitting the line. is this indecision on his part, or is the play designed that way?"
that’s what i was wondering as well….and posted a question about it earlier in the thread….he looked like he was trying to RiverDance on a couple of those short yardage run plays
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 8:16 PM CST up reply actions
That seems new.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
I don't question the run so much raf...
but I do wonder why Dallas didn’t try a toss play in that sequence.
It seems like whenever dallas was trying to get a critical 3rd and one last year they would go to a simple toss and it worked.
I think you should be able to get it in one yard out but I would have liked to seen something going to the outside on at least one of the occasions.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:05 AM CST up reply actions
The toss play.
I would like to have seen that once, but after thinking about it…they were protecting the lead. Bad stuff can happen on a short yardage toss that could lead to a quick 6 the other way.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
I agree
I think nursing the lead was the reason for alot of the playcalling. Don’t want an inferior team to think that they still have a chance to win the game. i.e. TB against NO yesterday.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions
Was it?
Perhaps.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
It was indeed...
And it came with Marion in at FB and Felix in at RB.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Dec 29, 2009 2:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
But the Cowboys don't have that line. We know that, and you've pointed it
out yourself. So, move on (the coaches, not you) and deal with that. No one is saying throw it all the time or run it all the time. Do the unpredictable if you can’t execute the predictable.
Denver Game anybody?
We all bit#$ed about two throws on short yardage to end the game.
I like the vanilla look this time of year, save the other stuff for post season.
Yeah, the dam's gotta break eventually.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
It did against the Saints, which is why I was cool with trying to run it again
and again early on. But after a while, it became clear it wasn’t happening.
We have to give credit to the Skins line, too.
They are much beefier than the Saints, or really any team the Cowboys have faced.
True hogs, they are. This was a good litmus test to find out more about the short-yardage game.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
Absolutely, on both counts. The main reason I was nervous about
that game ahead of time was because of the Redskins D. They’re good.
He shoulda beard-butted him.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions
Where is the Grizzly Adams pic?
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 8:26 PM CST up reply actions
Kosier's always ready for December/January.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions
Nice
That one actually looks like him.
The other one you posted cracks me up every time.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions
Out of curiosity
Who did San Diego have that gave us such fits on their goalline?
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
I think it was Castillo and the Wagaboo guy.
That LB Cooper was playing lights out, too.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions
I don't but it. You play to win the games.
You don’t save your best for last. RHG is just growing into his shoes as a play caller.
those plays are somewhat mostly predictable based on our backs.
3/6 were barber runs to obvious locations. 1/6 was a wildcat, everyone knows whats gonna happen there. The other two worked I believe.
Well, noone knew what was gonna happen on that one WildCat play/reverse thing...
noone, except the Redskin defender.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions
LOL. Austin, the goal line is the other way, dammit!
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Yeah, I was surprised it was just a 14 yard loss. Looked alot farther at first.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions
and the thing is
Austin only added in an extra 6 yards or so.
That was just kinda unfortunate. I love that Austin is trying to make a play, and he got stuck in a tough position where you have to just accept the loss, but that play sucked.
I was hoping he'd throw it outta bounds.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions
It was a running play
Odds are linemen were already downfield so we’d get a flag. Eating the ball was the smart play.
The play itself was pretty dumb
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Oh yeah, I forgot about those guys.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
Didn't realize I was whining by being baffled by some of the plays called.
I do realize not all the calls were the same, but since none were working, maybe something else would have. There are times when I don’t get the intense need by some on this site to defend the coaches. Are they always at fault? Of course not, especially when we all know the O line leaves something to be desired a lot of the time. But are they perfect? Nope. I never claimed to be an expert, but I could see those plays coming, and, obviously, so could the Redskins. That said, I didn’t have any problem with the last one; it looked to me like they were content to set up the field goal and ice the game.
That said, sorry this devolved into a ridiculous argument, complete with insults.
Well, let me back that bus up. Yeah, I get the intense need by some to defend the coaches.
Just like I get the intense need to defend Romo or the D or whatever. We all see what we see, and we’re all entitled to our opinions.
Yeah, I'm glad Suisham got a shot in there.
They probably didn’t want to risk him losing any confidence on those earlier ones, which woulda been from 45+.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Kosier was getting his a$$ kicked for one thing..
on most of those short yardage plays, Albert Haynesworth was just pushing Kosier out the way and stuffing the gap making it difficult for Barber to get any yards. Kosier was a rag dog just about every time he tangled with haynesworth. Kosier was so overmatched he just didn’t have a chance against the much bigger haynesworth.
I disagree.
Kosier did an adequate job for a guy asked to man-up against Haynesworth with no help. The broadcasters showed plays where Haynesworth got penetration, but he’s an all-pro…that’s to be expected.
It looked like Kosier used some tai-chi moves on him a couple of plays…lol. Those seemed effective at least in shoving that big dude down.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
Next week on 4th and 1
we’ll line up in the power formation then everyone will flex out and Romo will move back to shotgun. Uh oh Garrets got some tricks
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
I was there
but you all probably enjoyed the game more in your comfortable living rooms. It was freezing!
Great to watch the defense dominate and Romo play excellent in person. But Roy Williams and Marion Barber continue to cause me grief. Have we already complained about these two yet?
My friend went who's a skins fan (i live in d.c.)
and said there were more cowboys fans than redskins fans
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
it sounded that way
the crowd on TV seemed louder when the boys did well vs when the skins did well – I wish our home crowd was that loud!
Forget about winning and losing; forget about pride and pain. Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh; let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones; let him fracture your bones and you take his life. Do not be concerned with escaping safely - lay your life before him. - Bruce Lee
by LucyFur3d on Dec 27, 2009 11:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Moss had that one long catch and run.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
4th and 1, unfortunately.
And when Roy batted the pass to them.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
bump, set, spike!
What about Doug Free’s tackle on that play?
He had the spirit of Colombo with him there!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Hockey team is good
I live in DC. 3 bad franchises 1 that is leading the NHL. Not a difficult choice.
I'm really starting to loathe Roy.
Is he trying to catch punts out there? Get your hands in front of your face, dude! Like Miles does!
Cris Carter syndrome approaching…all he does is catch touchdowns.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions
why does Roy laugh when he misses a catch too?
It’s really starting to grate on my nerves. Did you see him laugh after he missed that pass. I’m glad he found it amusing because I certainly didn’t. If memory serves me, Romo never threw to him again after that.
Romo used to smile when he made bad plays.
It’s because he’s a kid out there, having fun, or something like that.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think any of them are yucking it up. I'm guessing it's the same
reason I smile when I’m disgusted with how something has gone.
I think it was a nervous laughter, like "oh, S%*t I dropped another one".
Did you hear him on the post game PC? The guy is actually saying he needs more touches, he said “when you only get 3-4 passes thrown your way you have to make the most them”. A little passive aggressive jab at romo and JG? I think the guy understands that he is not going to see the ball that much and knows he needs to play better, but at the same time he is whining about a lack of touches. He needs to take his own advise and show it on the field.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I think Roy isn't as eloquent as Romo.
So I’m hoping that he didn’t mean it that way. I’m sure he knows that the more that he accomplishes when he gets opportunities, the more plays that will come his way.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah it was just the tone and that fact that he kept repeating it is what makes me think that he was
whining; but I definitely hope he finds a way to catch some footballs.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
He's all passive.
The only thing aggressive I see in him is when he’s in the red zone.
Going over the middle? Why bother trusting him with such routes.
Thanks for breaking Romo’s INT streak, btw.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
I think he's laughing as if to say, "I can't believe I did that!"
Sooner or later, he’s gotta go ball$ out. We all know in practice that the safeties don’t whack the WRs, so that faith that Wade has in how well RW practices can be thrown out the window.
He’s gotta get in Hines Ward mode, now.
Personally, I thought he could’ve got a better block on Doughty on that Witten catch, too. Cost me at least 15 fantasy points!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions
Give him credit on that one, though.
He got his legs taken out from behind and still tried to get back upfield to help block. The guy does give a lot of effort to blocking.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
Oh, I didn't see that.
Guess that woulda limited his momentum because I was wondering how Doughty could outrace him, even with the better angle and all.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
Practice is different from a real game
That’s the point, it’s easy to make great catches when there is no concern about getting hit, like in practice. Roy probably is fantastic in practice but there is no hitting. I think he’s gun-shy because of the ribs. I would bet good money those ribs are still sensitive.
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe they should keep Scandrick on him solely during the week.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
I agree
I’m sure it stings a lot to be boo’d and talked bad about all week long. He has a point in that he’d probably be more confortable if he got more throws his way. But that’s not going to happen because (a) this offense is now a “throw it to the open guy” scheme (b) Miles is the number 1, for good reasons and © If you want more passes you have to look a lot more like (b)
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Short yardage plays
I think they need to be quick hitters – maybe without even a fb. It just looks crowded and slow developing.
I don’t blame Barber.
Roy W needs to sit on the bench.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:30 PM CST reply actions
why not line
up in the wishbone with our 3 backs?
You wonlt catch jones or choice running a sweep.
by oneforthethumb on Dec 27, 2009 11:35 PM CST up reply actions
why doesn't Tony ever run the QB sneak?
Handing the ball off 2-3 yards behind the line gives the D line a chance to get pressure. FOr 1 yard or less, most teams in the league are sneaking it just off the center’s backside to pick up the 1st down. I know Tony’s not Ben Rothlisberger but he should be able to follow Davis/Gurode’s initial push to a first down 3/4 of the time
And it forces the defense to react more quickly to gaps so that when you do run it with a RB the OL has a different advantage
by Kansas Cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 9:23 AM CST up reply actions
when it was an inch I agree
but anything a yard or more, we need a back to pick that up
In Romo we Trust
Yeah, I think that second short yardage situation was a good time for a Romo sneak.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions
They did the QB sneak with Bledsoe all the time...
but then again, I don’t really regret sending my QB in against a guy who stomped on our centers head a few years ago.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Well Drew was huge too.
I mean he could fall down for a first down easily.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions
He had his physical limitations
But Bledsoe was a good transition to Romo. Sorry, just nostalgia.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
I liked Drew.
By the time he got benched, I just don’t think he was a good fit for the offense anymore.
LOL.
Really, that’s what RBs are for, so I wouldn’t call a QB sneak either unless it was a dire situation with the game on the line and you are just a millimeter from the goalline.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:52 AM CST up reply actions
Romo's first sneak was in a pre-season game..
I was hyped to the max when he ran it. Obviously he called it as an audible, cause Parcells chewed his butt when he came to the sidelines – even though he made the TD.
But I’m not gonna rant about Parcells (again ;) )
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Yeah, against the Raiders.
That’s when I put my thumb and index finger to my chin and said, “hmmm…”
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions
During the game
when JG consistently attempted to puond MB3 up the middle to convert short distanace situations (unsuccessfulyl) I began to wonder if maybe, he was attempting to set up future opponents. By that I mean show them a tendency that he plans to break in a more important game (posstseason).
Just a thought. What do you all think?
So I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game...85!
I thought that too. Like throwing inside pitches, off the plate, to set up the batter for the pitch outside that paints the corner?
by Mr._Mulligan on Dec 27, 2009 11:32 PM CST up reply actions
I hope it doesn't work as poorly as the wildcat
TChoice running a draw was predictable but effective. The new wrinkle didn’t catch anybody by surprise.
by JimmyJohnson on Dec 27, 2009 11:34 PM CST up reply actions
That was ugly. I was hoping Miles would heave the ball away.
by Mr._Mulligan on Dec 27, 2009 11:35 PM CST up reply actions
it was a stupid call.
garret had 4 bad calls. the reverse and the three short yardage calls.
earlire in the year we ran an option with jones and got big yards.
it is very predicatble when anderson and barber are in the game.
by oneforthethumb on Dec 27, 2009 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
Running play, probably linemen already down field.
The play sucked, but Austin eating the all was probably the smart play at the end.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
If Jones had kept it
it looked like he had a nice game
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
Thats what my post
above speculates as well. We’ll line up in that formation same situation and then something else will happen.
"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips
I agree
He knows he doesn’t have to bring his top notch schemes against a team like WAS that has a such a poor offensive line. It’s a good set up for the next game. I would be totally confident seeing the Cowboys throw to Witten on 4th down.
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 27, 2009 11:36 PM CST up reply actions
we do not
use choice enough.
screen with him and we will see some big yards
by oneforthethumb on Dec 27, 2009 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
Wrong
We don’t use Tashard Choice at all! Who’s brilliant idea is that I ask you?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:11 AM CST up reply actions
They will use him.
It seems like they’re trying to get Felix some rhythm right now.
One at a time, guys. Me thinks Choice will play a big role soon.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
The thing is...
has he been really needed the last few games?
Felix and Barber have been doing fine.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:20 AM CST up reply actions
If you notice
Felix is starting to get the bulk of the early carries. That is a good sign as long as he stays healthy.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
And he's playing well.
He gets alot of hate because of the comparison to Chris Johnson, but when healthy he’s been a fine running back averaging 5.9 a carry.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
CJ has had a chance for a 2000 yard season.
It’s unfair to compare any back to him at this point.
Shoulda woulda coulda.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions
This may sound contradictory, but I think the more carries he has, the better his health becomes.
Makes him stronger and more used to taking hits. He needs that experience going into the playoffs. Also, it helps him be more conscious of the ball when they run him inside so much.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions
One thing I've noticed about Felix..
Is that while he’s known for his explosive plays, he actually has a bit of power to him. He’s fights hard for more yardage.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, he's a stocky guy.
It seems like he’s been sooo close on a few plays in every game. Someone always gets that last hand on his shoe or something.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
Felix 6'0" - 218, MB3 6'0" 222
Doesn’t seem like 4 lbs is that much difference and Felix has real speed, maybe more burst now than MB3.
But don’t get me wrong, still love the way MB3 runs. But Felix is a different back, both strong though
When in doubt, empty your magazine
His hair is the extra 4 lbs.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
I'd rather see
Big plays, pass receptions, and touchdowns from Felix than “a bulk of the carries”. I wonder who’s brilliant idea it is to use felix this way? How wonderful it is to relegate one of our big play weapons to this kind of duty.
Someone else must ask themselves these kind of questions about personnel decisions like this. Grant it, I think Felix has done well, but no big plays?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
I think there's some truth to this
they had a 14 point lead against a weak offense.
This was a controlled experiment. It let them test all their short yardage plays without great risk of being hurt if they failed.
But it still sucks that ALL of the calls failed. A couple of them should have worked.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
again wrong running back for short yardage
No Tashard Choice, no short yardage running, no victory against the good defenses in the playoffs. This is Garrett’s doing. I shudder to think what it’s gonna be like against Arizona and Minnesota’s D line without a short running game. Tashard seems to always make something out of nothing. Simple, but effective.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
Something out of nothing?
Like the swing pass where he got knocked out of the game?
What an embarrassing line of argument.
Oh, c'mon
Raf, I love your stuff. This blog is the bomb. You deserve all the props in the world. But sometimes your comments here (not your posts — your comments) feel like a lecture, and you simply do NOT want to concede anything.
Calling DallasPalace’s argument “embarrassing” is just the latest.
Doesn’t seem to “embarrassing” when Choice is second with 5.5 yards per rush and first among RBs with 8.8 avg per catch.
A crude analysis, yes, but enough to discredit your insult of DallasPalace. And regardless of stats, again my original point: just mix it up, please.
why should concede anything Raf is right
Choice isn’t one of the best backs in the league as DallasPalace thinks he is, our OL cannot run block, it’s as simple as that.
Has absolutely nothing to do with what plays are called and which back carries the ball.
In Romo we Trust
We don't need the best back in the league
we need a short yardage running game. It’s you an Raf that think our O-line can’t block. It’s not as simple as that. I believe our O-line is good enough.
If Tashard isn’t one of the best backs in the league, how would you and Raf truly know this anyway? Sorry if I don’t just take you and Raf’s word for it.
Again, we don’t need the best back in the league. We just need an effective short yardage running game. Just because you don’t see that matters little about the point.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
well your belief is wrong
Our OL cannot run block, it wouldn’t matter if we had Emmitt Smith back in his prime, not happening with this OL.
In Romo we Trust
As you have said many times
along with your “Pot meet Kettle”
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
I think Raf is pretty patient
Having read his stuff for a few years he knows a lot more about football and the NFL than most if not all of the people on this blog. He makes a point which is backed up with facts based on pretty careful analysis and gets a pretty superficial argument in response.
Every time I read one of these exchanges I worry that he will say to heck with and we will lose out on some of the best analysis I have read.
Your referring to something as insulting?
Pot meet kettle.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
You guys can all hate me
But I agree that Raf can be snarky and condescending at times
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
He can...
But generally it is on valid points.
Tashard isn’t the savior of all football. He’s a good runningback but he has had his bad games like everyone else.
The short yardage plays IMO weren’t due to who was toting the ball, it was the execution of the offensive line.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions
And just maybe
If my hunch is right, and Tashard can give the offense a short running game more effectively than what MB3 and Felix are able to do, How does that hurt the team? Why such Venom from Raf?
Some subjects are just like that, even with the Editors. If they don’t like it, they look to discredit and belittle just as much as the next guy.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
Before the WAS game
Barber and Felix both converted a larger percentage of 3rd down or 4th down and short opportunities than did Choice.
Your hunch is not based on facts.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
and the end of last year
that wasn’t a fact, was it Bishop?
Tashard wasn’t running effectively against the best run defenses in the NFL, was he? Some Hunch you are referring to. The only reason I have to refer to it as a hunch is because Tashard isn’t getting any playing time, Thanks to Garrett.
We are talking about running the ball, aren’t we? Even the high and mighty Rafael admits that our short yardage running game is not there. Don’t start with that “We are a passing team anyway” spewage that comes from Terry’s mouth. i’m sure you realize the value of running the ball Bishop, and to deny it’s value is foolish. My opinion is it’s not just the offensive line that is the cause. The Offensive line may be good at it. I question the coaching and player evaluation of the running backs, as well as the use of the running game. I always have with Garrett.
I"m sorry, but it was fact what Tashard did at the end of the year last year against the best run defenses
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 7:02 PM CST up reply actions
I like all of our RBs
I just think you’d have a hard time PROVING that Choice is better in short yardage situations than Barber. And hunches don’t count.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
I don't have to prove anything
this is a debate, and it’s not wrong to talk about anything that helps the team. If the Cowboys run the ball more effectively than they have, they win- against anyone. Even you know that. There would be no need to talk about Tashard Choice if the running game was more effective, would there Bish? i’m just responding to a majority of the people thinking that it’s the offensive line totally that is the cause of that. I know your not like Terry, who believes the line sucks, and the players can’t execute. I don’t believe it’s totally the line’s fault. I think coaching definitely has something to do with it. I don’t like Garrett’s blocking schemes as well as his misuse of the teams run offense up to this point. The last 2 weeks have been better, but we need to get better. It’s playoff time Bishop- it’s put up or shut up!
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
You're into what I call
Truthiness (Google it.) You don’t want solid facts to get in the way of your hunches or feelings.
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions
What solid fact gets in the way?
How’s this for solid fact- MB3 and Felix aren’t very good at all in short yardage situations. They are both marginal to slightly above average at best.
And how about this fact (I won’t quote stats) you go look if you want to see what Tashard did as our main back the last 5 games of the year last year against the NFL’s top run defenses on the road nontheless.
i don’t let those facts get in the way Dat. I make them important. If we loose games, chances are very high the offense will be the culprit. It isn’t wrong to talk about that, is it?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions
The majority of Choice's yards...
were on draw plays.
Not short yardage.
There isn’t a single statistic from either one of the last couple of years that says the he is a better short yardage back.
And I’m a Choice fan, but like Bishop there isn’t a single indication that he’s a better short yardage back.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 7:57 PM CST up reply actions
And they're won't be
as long as against good run defenses, we keep watching Barber get dropped behind the line of scrimmage on critical plays at critical junctures of the game, Because Garrett’s gonna keep playing Barber. The reason you try something else (like try a different back) is because you want to show variance, as well as try to establish the run.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions
we keep watching Barber get dropped behind the line of scrimmage
How is getting dropped behind the LOS Barber’s fault? Isn’t that a direct result of our offensive line allowing penetration into the backfield? Can you please explain specifically why you think Choice would do better in those circumstances, I’m really trying to understand your reasoning. And don’t say ‘just look at last year’ because Choice wasn’t breaking tackles in the backfield.
It seems that
Barber has lost a step in regards to his speed Joon. The only reason i point to last year is because Choice was an effective runner.
I’m not saying that the line isn’t at fault, because they are (partially) but the fact that MB3 seems to not hit the hole fast enough doesn’t help the situation. I hope MB3 can get his edge back. Maybe he is playing injured and it is effecting his speed, I don’t know. One thing is certain- our short yardage runs are not getting it done, and he is getting contacted behind the line of scrimmage too much.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 10:43 PM CST up reply actions
In the last 5 games of 2008
Choice’s conversion rate in short yardage situations was 85%, exactly the same as Barber’s this year in the first 14 games.
Again, the only exception to Barber’s good conversion rate is the most recent game against Washington.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
Your forgetting something Bish
it’s called the screen pass. Didn’t Tashard really hurt teams with that at the end of the year along with those run stats? Go look at the Pittsburgh game for example. Weren’t those games against the best defenses in the NFL, on the road nontheless?
I doubt MB3 would have done that during that stretch, and i believe his loss of step or two with his speed is the reason. I love MB3, but he had unbelievable production in his role before Julius left, and now has become average. You said it yourself Bish- he has a 50 percent conversion rate on short distance runs. Is that worth 8 million dollars a year? I know we are stuck with it (thanks to Jerry), but wouldn’t that kind of pay be better used him punching it into the endzone alot down near the goal line, and closing games out, like he used to?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
Screens don't work on short yardage.
The truth is we suck at screens for the most part. Screens are sold by the QB and the line. Our screens are telegraphed so early they are not consistent in their efficency.
On next years list of things we need to improve upon, lets put screens directly under short yardage.
KICK ASS every day!!!
Absolutely
The point I was making is that a running back has to do more than just be effective in short yardage. Tashard did well at the end of last year, and if we had that kind of production this year, then we would be really getting big leads on teams like Giants, Philly, Green Bay…
There should always be a feeling that the offense needs to improve on areas that are weak Squidlo. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy we are in the playoffs, but I also temper that enthusiasm with a desire for the team to improve it’s performance in areas where it is weak. That includes the defense also, but our defense is playing well…
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 10:33 PM CST up reply actions
Screen Passes?
Guess how many screen passes Tashard Choice caught in the last 5 games last year?
Answer: 2
Versus SEA – 0
Versus PIT – 0
Versus NYG – 2
Versus BAL – 0
Versus PHI – 0
Why did you reference the Pitts game? Choice caught zero screens in that game.
Of the 2 screens he caught against the Giants, neither of them were in short yardage situations. One was 2nd down and 14, the other was 1st down and 10.
Dallas threw zero screens in the SEA game, zero screens in the PIT game, zero screens in the PHI game, and only screen in the BAL game. Versus the Giants, we threw 4 screens and two of the went to Choice, the other 2 included a WR screen and a TE screen.
So how many screens to the RBs did Dallas use in the final 5 games last year?
Two.
And how many were in short yardage situations?
Zero.
What’s all the rave about using screens to Choice late in the season last year?
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
What are you talking about?
I will send you a video of Tashard’s 57 yard screen pass where he made Polamalu miss from that game, just to whet your whistle.
Don’t confuse short yardgae gains with an overall effective running game that includes screens. There is alot of plays that Dallas doesn’t use with it’s running backs.
Excuse me mr. “Bishop-I-Know-all-the-stats-to-disprove-your-point-West”, but why do you make such senseless points that show you are continually going out of your way to disprove ? I mean, your stats are nice information, and they are good to look at and know about, but as I’ve said many times before to you , not all of us fan’s are obsessed with stats since they only tell half of the story. It’s stupid that you would forget Tashards successful screen play against the Steelers last year. The Cowboys have had stats Galore for quite a few years now, what has that brought the team? no playoff victories yet. Curb your enthusiasm on trying to prove your points by stats. They are important, just not as much as you make them out to be. There is a deeper story that you seem to be missing.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
Your arguments would make more sense if they were factual
Was Tashard’s run for 57 yards? NO
Was it a screen pass? NO
Let me help you.
Mid way through the 3rd quarter Dallas had the ball on their own 40. It was second down and 9. Romo threw a short pass to the right side of the field to Tashard (but it was not a screen) and he ran it 50 yards and was tackled by Clark.
Tashard only caught 2 screen passes late last season and they were both against the Giants.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
The pass
was so similar to a screen, that you are making a pointless point. Why don’t we just call it a pass to the back out of the backfield (Duh).
Really?? 50 yards, not 57?
If you have not gotten the point by reading those stats, you never will…
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 11:09 PM CST up reply actions
Instead of just quoting stats...
why don’t YOU come up with some ideas on what the Dallas Cowboys should do to help the running game do better than what it’s shown so far . Seems like you like to debate alot about the point, but you’ve never stated what you think should happen. Maybe you think everything is ok, and nothing needs to change….?
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 29, 2009 11:02 PM CST up reply actions
Personally I think the issue has more to do
with the offensive line than with who is carrying the ball. The worst game for Dallas this year on 3rd down and short or 4th down and short is the last games versus Washington.
Why did Dallas struggle in that game? Well, my guess is for 2 reasons.
1) Haynesworth
2) Washington’s familiarity with our plays and tendencies
How to solve those problems?
1) Proper blocking assignments and technique
2) Keep the defense guessing, but not every team knows Dallas like the Skins do
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
It's not like we don't KNOW. . .
that our OL can’t run block.
Thus my point.
WhyTF are we calling those plays repeatedly if we (and allegedly Wade, Jason, Terry, Raf, and all the other experts) all agree on that point?
THAT is my point. And no “expert” here has sufficiently answered it yet.
Cause nothing else is any more consistent.
Every one can point to a play they like and remember a game where the play worked but when you look at the past 10 attempts on any given play, those arent any more consistent.
Football is a violent sport. Trickery and misdirection are great but at some point, if you want to be a winner, you have to line up and kick the other guys ass.
KICK ASS every day!!!
and the bloggers he's arguing with aren't??
Give me a break, Raf’s analysis is spot on almost every time and this time is no different. He has a right to get snarky and condescending.
In Romo we Trust
When the man has so much knowledge and respect
I feel it behooves him to act more as a teacher than a know-it-all. A contrary viewpoint to yours, but just as valid.
In the end, he can behave as he wishes. I was merely stating my feelings.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Raf doesn't come acroos that way to me
It’s the fans he’s arguing with that come across as know-it-alls.
In Romo we Trust
Feelings are opinions
And opinions can be wrong
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
Love your username
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
And you have the right
to state your opinion, whether it’s “spot on” or not.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Dec 28, 2009 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
I tend to agree, aussie.
Look predictable. It’s not like the ’Skins were ever a threat…from the TNew INT IMO.
Why show your hand when you got a good poker face?
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
Hey Raf can you riddle me this?
Why is it that the Cowboys never call qb keeps for Romo on these short distance situations? It seems to work quite well for other teams.
So I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game...85!
I don't get that either
Romo behind Davis and Gurode should get you two feet
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:39 PM CST up reply actions
if barber doesn't.
I don’t see how romo will
it's a quicker play
the o line needs to get the initial push but not sustain as much
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:42 PM CST up reply actions
and Romo is going to brign about a quarter the force of barber
to the LOS. Not to mention Romo seems injury prone and I don’t want him reachign his arms out with the ball for a first. Which qbs tend to do
it's not about force
it’s about timing
the plays I saw tonight (I was in and out of viewing) were slow developing. Barber has to avoid Cricket, who is getting pushed back, etc.
4 wide one back spread and qb sneak
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
I should say
I don’t think it is about force
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:48 PM CST up reply actions
i understand what you're saying
and frankly i think barber should’ve absolutely gotten 1 or 2 of those anyway and took too long getting to the line.
If we had a qb with prototypical size, i would see it. But I don’t think we get enough push up front and i can’t see romo bringing anything to the table in that dept like ben, mcnabb, taller qbs do.
One reason why Barber was slow
is that it looked like he already had to dance around Anderson to find a hole, instead of being able to follow him
I’m still not sure how Bigg can’t just lean a yard automatically.
The big guys have an advantage, but the little QBs can wiggle in seam.
Its funny – 20 years ago, 3rd and a foot was often a sneak for every team
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
seems like the immediate forward motion the instant the ball is snapped might make a difference though....it was
maddening to watch the ball handed off to barber and then see that hesitation (presumably looking for a hole to run through)….watch the entire line “clog up”, and then and only then does barber charge forward…
with absolutely no head of steam built up no less….he has maybe one step to build momentum before hitting the line
it seems to me if Romo takes a snap and immediately lunges forward (qb sneak), he gets that 6 inches before there’s time for the line to clog up….maybe i’m just bitching i don’t know
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 27, 2009 11:44 PM CST up reply actions
barber seems hesitant on some of those plays
i was going nuts watching him take the handoff, stutter step while he looks for a hole, then kind of pushing into the crowded line. it takes forever to develop.
it makes more sense with teams with big qbs
romo isn’t gonna force his way for a first down
Agree
I was hoping they would try the sneak on the second 4th and inches.
The counter from the Packers formation was a bad callll. A slowdeveloping run play with a pulling guard on 4th and inches? Come on. Didn’t we learn from that a few weeks ago?
Squish.
by Squishmytomato on Dec 27, 2009 11:45 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Because they don't want Romo leading dives into the line with his head?
This is why Jimmy never called sneaks for Troy. He thought there was a concussion risk. Romo isn’t the biggest guy in the world.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
+1
I’d rather punt than have Romo get hurt. And there are too many other viable options available anyway.
U.T. fans will recall that Colt McCoy tried a dive at Kansas State
Took a linebacker’s helmet to his own head and was knocked out of the game.
He wasn’t the same the rest of the season.
Sneaks have risks.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 27, 2009 11:57 PM CST up reply actions
except the Iggles
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:22 AM CST up reply actions
JG is too smart to not have the sneak in the playbook
Maybe he’s just waiting for the right time to unleash it. Romo’s only 6’2" 226, he’s not a small QB and like I posted earlier, he’s done the sneak with success before.
And the sneak is a much quicker play
When in doubt, empty your magazine
PLAYOFFS!
We can argue about the playcalling or we can toast the fact that we just made the Playoffs…and knocked the G men out of it. I couldn’t be on here earlier, but our D is turning into to something formidable! How about Jenkins! How about Brooking! Let’s go Boys!
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
Playoffs!
What’s that? Ah — Playoffs? Don’t talk about — playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs?
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:46 PM CST up reply actions
"Was Romo actually yelling at someone?"
That’s a direct quote from my girlfriend when Miles didn’t go out of bounds at the end of the first half. I was like, yeah, he does that now. He’s finally owning that leadership role. Nice job, Romo.
When was the last time we had a shutout? It has been a loooong while.
I wonder if some of those short yardage plays would have been more effective with Phillips in there.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 27, 2009 11:49 PM CST reply actions
I loved that...
my mom said the same thing….at the same time!
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
Phillips over Anderson
I’m still not sure that Anderson is reliable
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
I don't care about yelling
but I remember last december there were bunches of miscommunications and Romo just seemed to sit on the sideline and not do anything about it. As fan, i could never tell whose fault it was.
Since then, we’ve seen vast improvement in this area. I think this is the sign of a “leader” at qb.
I so wish I'd seen that
I think I was taking a leak.
It's not the yelling, it's the correcting.
Before, he would just trot off the field with that “I just farted” grin on his face. This year he is not content to just “lead by example”, he finally understands that you also have to lead by direction.
I really took notice of it in the Saints game, when he jumped on MBIII for making a mistake and gave Roy a look of pure disgust. He’s holding his teammates accountable, which makes them not only play better, but want to play harder for Romo.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions
Hahahahahaha!
Okay, if you think that Romo has always been playing as well as he is and that he hasn’t improved this year, that’s your prerogative. Personally, I believe I’m seeing a different guy out there this year. He’s still Tony Romo, but he looks like a man, not some dumb kid.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:32 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think he said that
Romo has said that he is playing better and protecting ball better.
he's never looked like a dumb kid
you’re absolutely wrong about that. And I never said he’s not playing better this year, I said he’s always held his teammates accountable and that is true.
In Romo we Trust
I think you'll find that...
The turning point in Romo’s career will go down as being on the day he finally decided to wear his baseball hat like a man and not some dumb hick kid.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions
Breaking news!
in yesterdays presser (DC.com) he did not wear anything on his head, although I believe I did see something akin to a halo briefly.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 28, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
And, the twinkle in his eye was genuine!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
DMN is reporting that Romo
snickered. It was just once and it might have happened after Crayton snapped Choice with a towel, but it’s being full-on tracked by Ed Werder. Stand by for more up-to-the-minute reports of Romo’s facial expressions and haberdashery.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
and I think you'll find
thats the most ridiculous thing you have written on this blog
In Romo we Trust
+1
Big Ben wears his backwards as do other QB’s. Just hoping that was sarcasm Baked
When in doubt, empty your magazine
You know it's a medical conditon right?
The front of his head is shaped different. Hats only fit him backwards.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
LOL - Ben's? From his nose dive over the handlebars w/o a helmet?
I wore a helmet when it wasn’t the law. I know my head is weak ;-)
When in doubt, empty your magazine
I can't believe you're making light of this
This is a serious condition!!
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
The accident?
It was serious and my many biker friends wear helmets. Ben is a role model for kids. Not wearing a helmet when he rides is stupid.
I’m very glad he wasn’t permanently injured. But I think his stupidity gives me a little room to make some fun of his decision
When in doubt, empty your magazine
An interesting bit of trivia
The rule aginst removing your helmet on the field of play is also known as “The Big Ben Rule” because of a group of underpriviliged kids at a Stiller’s game had to enter therapy after a Big Ben face shot on the jumbotron. True fact.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
He does look different
More like a QB leading his team to postseason success rather than just a guy “having fun out there.” It’s called growing up, and believe me, it’s a good thing.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
I love how Collinsworth
was talking about how Romo just decided to start taking more calculated risks after the Giants game.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
On a game-by-game basis
You can actually see his response to that stadium-opening turdfest.
The Carolina game was marked by a super-conservative Romo. He looked like he had been severely reprimanded by his previous performance. That carried on until the Denver game too.
It’s not till the KC game that you started to see him come back out of his defensive shell. But this time, I think the lessons had started to stick….and here we are.
I also liked the comments about how much more responsibility he has at the line. That is something that makes P. Manning so gosh-darned special.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
It's even showing in his passes.
He’s confident in how to throw the ball. That TD pass to RW had enough touch on it to rainbow over the leaping defender.
On the comeback to Austin, he threw a fastball becuz that’s what’s needed to keep from being picked in that situation.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:00 AM CST up reply actions
That may be one of the best passes I've seen from Tony
When you watched the replay fromt he QB angle, it looked almost impossible ot fit in there.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
that was a perfectly thrown ball....
I used to be about 60-40 excited- worried when Romo dropped back, now I’m just excited, it surprises me now when he F…s up…but I still feel he’ll do what it takes to make the plays to win…I think we’re very lucky to have him…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 3:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Since 05...
Against the redskins… haha.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:12 AM CST up reply actions
lol
When I first read that I had a vision of Wade Phillips in the lineup – and thought hey, that might work… ;-)
Wrong Phillips…
I think Jerry Glanville threatened to use Bum in a blitz once.
Maybe Garrett should give it a shot with Wade at FB.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:24 AM CST up reply actions
My wife said the same thing
I think it was just “on field” coaching. Romo did the same thing on the sidelines with Austin in the Denver game when Champ picked him because Austin turned in rather than out as he should have.
Either way – it’s leadership!
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Don't look now
But he may have become the QB most of us hoped he’d become. Now if he could get a SB ring (or even a playoff win) he could be put on that Mt. Rushmore of Cowboy QB’s.
Austin seems like the kind of guy open to suggestions, though.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
okay now that i got that out of my system...
where is the flip to barber on the outside?
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
What to do about Roy Williams?
Twice when we had the chance to put the away, he missed catches that he should have made. One killed a drive by creating an interception out of what should have been a first down in or close to the red zone and the second hit him in the stomach and helped kill a drive. I’ve kept thinking he would come out of it and start makinhg plays but all he seems to be able to do is catch short passes in the end zone. I am afraid our offense will sputter in the playoffs if he doesn’t step up and start making routine plays. Maybe it is time to give more work to Ogletree, aothough Raf will probably explain why Williams should stay because of his blocking.
I didn;t think his blocking looked all that on Witten's long one
average
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 27, 2009 11:56 PM CST up reply actions
Totally agree!
I saw that too. Didn’t feel like a “team player” move to me. Or maybe it was just bad skills. Either way, not cool — I really wanted Witten to have his moment there. He could’ve if RW had run at full-speed and hit the right guy.
it wasn't an easy block
Witten was running fast, its hard to run near full speed while blocking. Still, I thought RW would’ve done a better job, he really didn’t do much that play.
It was an pretty easy block
Witten was running fast, sure. Is RW slower?
You’re disagreeing with me — and then agreeing?
No, not necessarily an “easy” block — but hey, if you can’t catch, you at least have to make yourself useful blocking, right?
Who caught the TD pass?? Oh, that's right. Roy did.
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 6:20 AM CST up reply actions
Sorry
I forgot he had such an outstanding game – catching a pass and all
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 28, 2009 9:56 AM CST up reply actions
I'm down on the guy just as much
But someone has to make that catch, and I’m glad he did. There is nothing to do but pray he improves. He still seems to expensive to bench. The only silver lining is that Jerry can sniff a Superbowl, and he might be willing to put his ego aside and ask Wade to do what’s necessary.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
I hate that feeling.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
You know
I think he’s struggling with himself now that he’s been eclipsed by Austin. It’s got to be a blow to the ego. I’m hoping he puts it together this season, but this takes time and solitude…like an offseason.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
he should have gotten used to it
Having to play with Calvin Johnson should have gotten his ego in check
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe that's it!
Twice now, he’s been upended by the new young thing.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions
There's only one way to combat that.
And that’s to just keep making plays when you have the opportunity.
Look what a lack of confidence did to Nick Folk. It’s like a disease, I tell ya!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
That's probably true
and I certainly don’t wish him ill. I just don’t think he’s helping the team and I think he’s in denial to some degree.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
i'm just not sure i agree with the whole too expensive to bench argument...
if the ultimate goal is to win games, then we have to put the product (in this case players) on the field that gives us the best chance of accomplishing the goal…it really should be just that simple
i’m not saying that i think we’re there yet (bench Roy), but keeping him in only because of his price tag just seems like bad logic…If i buy a $5000 rolex watch and a $5 walmart watch, but the rolex consistently quits on me, then i’m still better off overall using the $5 watch, assuming my ultimate goal is to keep accurate time….sure it sticks in my craw that my $5k watch was a bust, but at least i know what time it is
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
Not when you check your phone (Austin)
More often than you do your Rolex, and you have a reliable wall model (Witten) that doesn’t quit. It doesn’t matter because the Rolex just looks better on you, and other people are more impressed.
Then it’s going to take a situation where your Walmart watch saves your job or something before you think about switching.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
i agree with your assessment that "it's going to take a situation where....before you think about switching"....because that's
the reality of the situation – it would probably take some major, undeniable screw up by Roy, and conversely a game changing/saving performance by, say, an Ogletree, to actually get them to make a move
but it just seems to me the best approach is to go with your 3 best time-telling devices, not your 2 best and a 3rd one that looks good and costs a lot of $ – i’m far from a roy hater, but i don’t think he should be above being benched
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
+1
The money is already spent, RW-lovers. In hindsight, yes, it should’ve been more incentive-based. But it is already spent. He makes the same amount on the bench, not making mistakes, as he does on the field, making them.
Occasional TD? Sure. If Crayton or Hurd or Ogletree (can’t believe I’m saying this) got the same reps as RW, they’d have similar stats, too.
The RW money is already spent, guys. Figure it out.
This conversation is a little deep for me but
I’m going with the defective Rolex because it looks better on my arm.
Hope this helped..
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
ha! but what about when
the rolex develops a new nasty little trait…it smiles and giggles at you every time it drops an important pass, er, i meant, every time it stops ticking ; )
i’d love to see more Tree, but i’m gonna be a good little fan and yell my head off for whoever they put on the field – i’m just glad we’re in the playoffs!
by Loozeeana_Cowboy on Dec 29, 2009 11:14 PM CST up reply actions
Looked like RW was getting ahead, but never ducked left to throw the block to spring
Witten the last 3 yds. Hate to say it, but TO would have thrown the block
When in doubt, empty your magazine
TO
is fast as ****. He wouldn’t have had a problem making it.
True, very true. But..
RW’s combine speed in 2004 was 4.42, in 2003 Witten ran a 4.65. I don’t think Witten’s gotten any faster. IMHO RW could have thrown that last block
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Ogletree, Hurd, Bennet also dropped passes
I’m not sure what to do. Roy has earned himself a spot on the bench, but noone else has earned themselves a chance at starting
couldn't agree more
+1. i wish somebody else would step up. at this point, even using RW as a decoy is becoming less feasible, based on what i’ve seen.
The one pass to Ogletree
was a bad pass by Romo (low and short)
Yeah, that wasn't a catchable ball
Wish they would have given the majority of Roy’s second half plays to Ogletree to get him more game experience before the playoffs.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 1:06 AM CST up reply actions
I was going to mention that Romo got hit as he threw it
but that would be redundant. He got hit after EVERY throw.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I agree about the short pass to Ogletree
but I am simply not on the “MORE TREE” bandwagon yet.
I’d like to see him get his shots, sure. . .but I don’t get why there’s a wagon, let alone a band.
Time and reps will tell.
There won't ever be a wagon or a band
if they don’t start throwing it The Ogletree. But the reason is that RW is wearing out his welcome, if he ever had one to start with.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Can't argue with that
Just not sure who I believe in less — Williams or Ogletree.
it seems like romo throws high balls to RW so hes always getting hit...i think hes getting alligator arms..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 6:03 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Huh???
You are thinking about games from long ago, HK. That hasn’t been the case for a while now. RW is an equal opportunity dropper.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
i'll have to watch it again but that int seemed high...
RW is a tall wr and he had to go up for it…but that 2nd one for sure hit him in the numbers….it just seems like romo has diff. Ball placement for each receiver…could be me but it seems like roy is stretched out a lot..still no excuse, same with T.O. A lot of rib shots and back shots…he doesn’t seem to string out whitten or Austin
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 7:25 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
That one was slightly high but
it hit RW in the hands and he tried to run without the ball. Once it hits the WR in the hands, it’s all on the WR, period. The second drop was in the bread basket. RW is out of excuses at this point.
I don’t think Romo is stringing anyone out. He throws the ball as well as he can given the situation and the WR has to make the catch. I don’t think his throws to RW have been “off” over the past five or six games now. Roy is just not concentrating.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Screwd up in editing
The high-ish ball weas very catchable and RW missed it. The second drop was right in the gut and RW just tried to run early. It’s RW’s head that is in question now.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
RW doesn't seem to come back for the ball very well
he waits for it
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 28, 2009 9:57 AM CST up reply actions
+a bajillion
I got fed up with him the moment he missed a sure catch and just smiled like an idiot, i think Romo got on him after that one, i mean you just dropped a sure catch for possibly a first down, dont start smiling, you havent earned that right.
Let's face the facts about RW...
he was brought in to be the #1 WR. I think he has showed the entire league he’s not the guy you turn to when you need a clutch 3rd down or TD catch. His attitude is poor and is so inconsistent with his execution that he’s become a liability. I think the coaches play him out of a sense of trying to get their money’s worth. The problem is, he is simply is not the talent we all thought he might be in this system. I haven’t looked but I bet his numbers are not too far off of a certain crybaby up in Buffalo who has also had a terrible season.
Miles Austin on the other hand has proven himself worthy of being that #1 and has been very consistent with big plays and has great hands to catch those 3rd downs and Romo’s TD passes. If I were the coach, if I couldn’t trade RW, the only other thing to do is to either waive him or cut him outright. He’s simply not worth the investment we have already made in him. Getting rid of him will free up more time for Ogeltree and Sam Hurd to develop.
Well...if we are talking of Drops...Miles had one too on the half ending drive
From the looks of it..that was a pretty simple pass as well..you can go on about the INT..but it was not RW fault…it was just a nice play by the Corner…
by thejanusman on Dec 28, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions
Austin did have a couple of drops...
but when you also make plays it makes those drops… seem a little less bad.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
I am not talking of all his drops this year...
I agree some of them looks bad…but the reasoning that he cost us points in yesterday’s game because of the Drops is not correct. Now people are questioning his blocking…how many times have we seen plays this year by the RBs where they have run towards the side of RW…this is just Knee Jerk
by thejanusman on Dec 28, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions
This wasn't about him costing points or not
it’s simply whether he needs to figure in as much into the roation of WRs. I suspect that no matter what we think, he will eventually be phased out completely because no O-Coord and QB will keep throwing to a drop machine.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
That could be debatable.
He was kind of responsible for a drop, that while it would have been a tough catch, he is getting paid to make those catches and it let to an INT.
This isn’t a one game thing for me, this is a year long trend.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
Don't forget
the wide open drop where it hit him between the numbers and he tried to run before he had it.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
It's the way he's trying to catch the balls that's frustrating.
Miles go after the ball with his hands and snags it.
Roy waits till it hits him in the bread basket.
WR101 = look the ball into your hands, catch it at its highest point
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
It's really been a two year long thing.
If his hands worked as well as his mouth does… we’d have ourselves a great receiver.
by Road Warrior on Dec 28, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Do you seriously. . .
. . .want to get into a discussion about Miles vs. Roy? Really?
I think the problem/fault was with Witten.
If he slows down and gets in behind Roy its a TD. Witten had the look of a big guy who ran 70+ yards and was running out of gas quickly. A runner is responsible for setting up his blocks.
KICK ASS every day!!!
A little medical info...
According to the Brad and Babe pregame banter, Joe D’s appendectomy occurred in time to prevent the appendix from bursting, which is EXCELLENT news. I’m sure he’ll be on the field for the Cowboys’ next practice. A burst appendix is a huge problem, but a swollen one caught in time typically results in one of the most “routine” surgeries one can have. Here’s hoping Mr. D gets well soon.
Had that 2 years ago.
Worst pain ever.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Why all that fuzz about short yardage plays
We played a very conservative game….an we won it…..why should we show any “creative” or “innovative” play for a 1 yd 3rd or 4th? or why should we risk a qb sneak? the game was controlled since the beginning….did we see any deep big play either? nooooo…. we can keep them for the real thing, r the real moment……when it counts. You are on 4th and 1? just try the old direct play…if it works, well, if it doesn’t….who cares…we are still in charge….don’t show anything different if yo don’t need it…We are in!!! and if we win next week we have home field against philly…..Go Cowboys!!!
You know your right
I think it was being a bit ahead of ourselves in the heat of the moment, as we had the lead. But they played the plays that worked which is what really matters.
Interesting point
Maybe the name of the game (against the Redskins) was to be vanilla. OF COURSE, I’d like my vanilla flavored desert to please me (ie., get the damned first down), but today vanilla was all we were serving. Actually seems reasonable against the Redskin team we saw today and the way our defense was dominating.
I seriously hope that wasn't the case
Why hold back when winning this game is the easiest way for us to get in the playoffs?
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 1:14 AM CST up reply actions
Silly musings from a fan playing monday morning QB
a) I’d like to see less of Barber. And I’m not talking about our short yardage failures. I’m talking more generally about his inability to make plays. He’s got well below average hands (witness two of his catches that were very catch-able and were bobbled) and drop when Romo shoveled it to him. And when he runs, he’s just not doing much when he gets the ball. And who fumbled against the Giants? Yes, bring him in when we need to get 3-6 tough yards, but count me in the camp that’s happy to see Felix’s production going up.
b) I REALLY need to see less of Roy Williams. If Barber is unimpressive than Williams is down-right pedestrian. Worse even — he’s counter productive. He’s doesn’t make plays that any average receiver can’t make. And worse, he’s dropping passes every game. Can anyone really make an performance-based argument about why Crayton hasn’t out played Roy and deserves to be starting? I know this is silly to imagine, but the Cowboys really should cut Roy in the off-season (if next year is uncapped) and wash themselves clean from the lousy trade and worse contract.
Agree about Rw
It makes me sick watching RW dropping passes the TO way….. and about Barber…..U think the RB mx should give Choice more chances….better on screens and sometimes play actions…..and in wildact? put 3 RB’s and don’t let him alone
Blaming playcalling for not getting short-yardage situations is laughable.
What is not laughable is the fact that we’re 0 for our last 3 in 4th-and-short situations. With our offensive linemen, we need to move the man in front of us.
This is the exact reason why we run all those draws and misdirections. For as big as our linemen are, they sure to get beat alot.
Hawkeyes n Cowboys. Bleeding Black, Gold, Sliver and Blue since 1987.
You are laughable
Easy quiz. Ready?
What’s the most effective change right now?
a) Changing the talent-level, skill, or size of our offensive linemen or
b) Changing the play calling?
Ready? Tick-tock.
It’s Week 17 and we’re headed to the playoffs, dude. You figure it out.
You really think play calling is the reason we cant move the ball a foot?
Playcalling?
This isnt a 4th and 6. It’s 4th and a foot and you’re whining about playcalling?
Coaches coach, PLAYERS PLAY.
Hawkeyes n Cowboys. Bleeding Black, Gold, Sliver and Blue since 1987.
by HawksFlyHigh on Dec 28, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions
well said
The OL getting beat is the only reason for not getting the first down and quite frankly if a team can’t run the ball a yard, they don’t deserve a first down.
In Romo we Trust
BS
Terry, our OL run blocking blows, and yet you agree with calling those plays?
IF you know your OL running blocking blows, and IF you’re going for 1 or 2 yards, do you STILL do it?
Wow.
And Hawks (not sure which team you actually like, but whatever. . .). Yes, I think it’s play-calling. As stated above (again), if you KNOW your offensive line doesn’t execute that scenario well, you choose another play.
3rd and 1 doesn’t automatically mandate a run, dude. Especially when you’ve already seen it fail.
Good football is a collaboration between the coaches, who allegedly know their players and talents, and the players, who have a certain set of strengths and skills. Everyone here has pretty much agreed already that our OL doesn’t perform well in those short-yardage situations.
Therefore, yes, it falls on the coaches to call an alternative play that will suit the team’s strengths and get the yards.
Is it that hard to understand?
I understand it, but we will get the standard "It is not the coaches' job to execute, that rests with the players" argument in 4...3...2...
Coaches need to call plays that work with the players’ strengths, and the failure to do so is a failure of coaching.
If this O-Line is not capable of straight ahead run blocking, the decision to call those plays in the Chargers’ game and the Skins game is completely inexcusable
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
That only works so much
If a coach calls plays his team can’t execute – knowing his roster’s strengths and weanesses – he should adjust to them. You don’t ask MBIII to make the same runs as Felix and vice versa.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I don't think Garrett ever called a play
he didn’t think his team could execute, that wouldn’t make any sense.
In Romo we Trust
Of course not
but he has called several they in fact could not execute, and ee were treated to enough repetitions of those calls that we all knew that in fact they could not.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Then he is doing a poor job of evaluating his team's talent.
As well as the talent of the defense’s that he is playing.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
This
in my view, is the single biggest threat as we enter the playoffs.
Sure, Garrett’s part of a coaching staff that got us here. But I think his planning is the biggest “what if” factor going into Philly in Week 17 and beyond.
I don’t doubt the ability of our players to continue doing what they do.
Short yardage problems
The problem is that our offensive line lacks an initial burst, and they really aren’t all that great of run blockers. They are great at the point of attack, but they really can’t move a pile. I also think that a problem is the lack of a true fullback. For example, Philly had issues last season with this and went out to get Weaver. As much as it seems like Barber’s running style would be perfect for this situation, Barber simply lacks the size to push the pile forward. Cricket has just been worthless, and they need to seriously add a FB to the priority list this coming off season.
I'll give myself a hat tip
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2009/12/24/1218580/dreaming-big-things
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
ooohhh, you can't do that
that’s like posting ‘first’ on your own post :-)
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 28, 2009 3:55 AM CST up reply actions
Just call me
T-Bone Coco
So I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game...85!
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 28, 2009 8:19 AM CST up reply actions
See the start of this article.
Sure he can.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 7:58 AM CST up reply actions
LMAO- it aint THAT bad haha
Coach Winters: Mississippi State's offensive set. 2nd & 2 on our own 24, what defensive set might we call?
Alvin Mack: Eagle Zipper Hero, unless the setback shifts into the I.
Coach Winters: Good..[clicks to next slide], third and seven?
Alvin Mack: Oakie Thunder Lion. {What's your assignment?}
Alvin Mack: Kill the quarterback. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Hit the tight end so hard his girlfriend dies. {{Coach Winters clicks to next slide}}
Alvin Mack: Kill everybody.
by KD Drummond on Dec 28, 2009 10:05 AM CST up reply actions
We have to hope that the Packers beat Arz.
If we finish with the same record as Arz, they will win tiebreaker #3 – best win % in common games. There were 4 common opponents this year (Carolina, NYG, Seattle, and GB). Good thing is, I think GB will beat them pretty easy.
A little unrealistic to try for 2nd seed
We need 4 games to go our way: (courtesy of NFC Playoff Status)
Cowboys beat the Eagles, and
Packers beat the Cardinals, and
Bears beat the Vikings, and
Giants beat the Vikings
If we set 2nd seed aside (that may happen tonight), we will be better off if Arizona wins. That way, if we win Sunday, we will host GB. I like our chances in that revenge game at home much more than our chances of beating a well-coached NFC East team for the 3rd time in back-to-back games.
by JimmyJohnson on Dec 28, 2009 6:40 AM CST up reply actions
I want to see the Packers again
Unfortunately I do not think there is any scenerio where the Cowboys can play GB in the 1st round. Which means that if they are to play again, it would be in the Conference Championship. Hopefully it happens. I was at the GB game in November with my Dad (a huge Packer fan). I have had to listen to him for a month now.
what if we beat the Eagles and Pack beat the Cards??
we would have the 3rd seed and wouldn’t GB get the 6th seed??
In Romo we Trust
Green Bay would get the 5th
based off of win percentage against common opponets (If I did the research right). GB and Phily both played SF, Chi, Dal, and TB. Green Bay has 4 wins and 1 lose while Philly has 3 wins and 2 loses.
For once, I agree with Raf
Nothing wrong with the play calling. They ran several different running plays in short yardage situations. But I don’t understand why it didn’t work. Some say our O-line just isn’t the tough road-grading type. But that is all Bigg Davis can do – he can’t block in space, short yardage gives him somebody to mash. Gurode is one of the better centers in the league at the point of attack. Maybe the rest of our O-line fails in these situations. But, jeez, most of the league is using backup, undrafted tackles at this point in the season and they still get enough push to convert 3rd and inches more often than not.
I don’t blame Barber since there is nowhere to run. But I miss the Magic Marion Barber from the 2006-2007 seasons who somehow always escaped and made a big play when he looked like he was stuffed and ran like a man posessed. Now, he just seems like a good power runner – nothing more.
But the seed of the answer is this statement
if after about 6 third/fourth and short you can’t pick anything up in the middle, you have to do something else. Raf himself said this line can’t block that way. As others have pointed oout, it’s too late in the season to change out linemen, so the only option is to change RBs or playcall. I think what most of us want to see is a little adjustment to compensate for an obvious O-Line weakness.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I think you are right.
Sometimes playing to your strengths also means compensating for your weaknesses. If you have a guy or guys who have consistently shown that they can’t do something, at some point it becomes the coaching staff’s fault for continuing to ask them to do it. I used to say the same thing about Roy Williams 31 and Bradie James getting beaten every single game by similar routes. At some point, you have to figure out the adjustment to make that work, because they obviously can’t do it in the way you are trying now.
It’s the same thing for this offensive line and running game. Whatever the problem is, it’s obvious that what they are trying now isn’t working. Maybe it’s time to actually figure out something that works instead of repeatedly asking them to do something that you know they can’t do. If they ask Marcus Spears to cover wide receivers, would it be his fault if they get open, or the coaching staff’s fault for asking him to do something that everyone knows he doesn’t have the ability to do? While not as silly as that example, it’s a similar situation in continuing to ask this line and MBIII to execute a run up the middle for short yardage. You know they can’t do it, they know they can’t do it, and our opponents know that they can’t do it. Is it really their fault if you keep asking them to do it anyway?
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:05 AM CST up reply actions
Great Post, I agree with everything
My biggest problem with this whole thing is why can’t they do it? Our O-Line is built for running the ball. We have something like the 2nd biggest O-Line in the NFL. They should be pushing the D-Line around on run plays. MBIII is also known for his bruising, mean style of play. You would think they could pick up at least 1 of the 5 attempts.
I don’t have the answers, otherwise I would be in Garretts shoes right now (wish I did, wow that would be great). Hopefully Garrett and Houck can figure this out before Sunday though.
No explosion.
These guys are like freight trains, but have you ever noticed how slow a train is when it first starts moving? That’s my theory, anyway.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:28 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe they need to change up the Snap Count
You would think the the O-Line has an advantage knowing when the ball is going to be snapped. They should get that initial push before the D-Line gets going. I really wasn’t paying close enough attention last night to tell if Washington had any tips on our Snap count.
Some people say Gurode snaps the ball slowly.
That’s why it often looks like our tackles are false starting when they jump back to pass block. The ball is actually moving, but because he snaps the ball slowly, the middle gets moving at a different rate than the ends. I can’t see whether that is truly happening or not, but I have heard that theory floated out there.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:36 AM CST up reply actions
Sounds like horse manure
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
+1
Our OL is big and slow. They don’t explode off the snap. The DL’s we face have in short yardages have one thing in common. Their pad level is lower and they explode off the ball. These two things allow the DL to close the running lanes and disrupt the intended path.
Before the WAS game
Barber had converted 11 of 13 short yardage situations. That’s a pretty good percentage. The skins just had our number this game.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character. - John Wooden
Anyone else concerned about
all the blind-side pressure coming at Romo from “So Slo Flo’s” side? He often goes up and down but lately he just seems down. I can’t count how many times Romo took big hits in last night’s game.
I’m not a knee-jerk guy, but I have to wonder if Colombo coming back might make them think about Free at LT. Flo is clearly the worst player on that line right now.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
i still think some of it is playcalling.
We were up by 2 scores with 10mins left and we’re still winging the ball….those are the calls that bother me not the 3rd and 1s…that’s why I think garrett isn’t ready to be a HC, he doesn’t think about getting the D rest by slowing the game down and burning up some clock….Parcels was very good about seeing all 3 phases of the game…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 7:38 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe they could have protected him later in the game but
Romo was being hit all game long and the week before Manning was hardly touched, so Flo is still an issue I think. I just don’t know that they have the moxie to do anything about it.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
was colombo a left tackle coming out of collage?
I don’t remember..but I would be surprised if they didn’t look for some sort of replacement for him next year…. On a side note did anyone else notice how early the LT for philly was jumping at the snap and no false starts…If that had been flo they would be all over him..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 4:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
He played RT for BC in college.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:43 PM CST up reply actions
Somebody on here said he played some LT with da Bears before he started rockin' with da 'Boys.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:52 PM CST up reply actions
He did
They drafted him to play LT, I don’t know how long he was actually at LT before the catastrophic injury, but they definitely started him at LT for part of his time in CHI.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
I kinda wish we would have tried to sign
Jon Runyan earlier in the season. The guy was a good tackle and probably is just as good as Flo in this point in their careers. Plus it would be great having a former Iggie on the team playing for the division.
Did anyone see the clip
of Keith Brooking pumping up the team before the game. He wasn’t just pumping up the Defense, he had the whole team around him. That is something this team has been lacking in recent years. Give Wade Phillips props for that signing. Brooking might actually be the best Free Agent signing in the league this year! We wouldn’t be where we are without him.
Yeah he's a ball of fire
I think his post-game interview was informative – know when to encourage, when to get guys emotional, etc. He’s got the psychological aspect down pat.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
And...
i think Brooking has a bit of crazy in him.
I like it.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:14 AM CST up reply actions
There's a nice clip on NFL.com from the Saints game.
It shows him and Brees doing that before the Saints game. Slap on some headphones, it’s pretty cool.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/dallas-cowboys/09000d5d81536bcb/Ultimate-Audio-Cowboys-vs-Saints
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:07 AM CST up reply actions
Here's the clip.
I love Choice’s kung-fu chop!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
awesome
I’ve said it once before but it bears repeatin’
Brooking is the answer to the missing link on this team.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 28, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
Love Brooking
He and Ratliff have been the best things to happen to our D in a long time.
The more I watch him Brooking
play and the interviews he does, the more I like the guy. I wish he could have been a Cowboy from the get go.
Question...
Why is there this myth that Jason Witten is having such a bad year comparably?
He’s really only had one big year as a scorer, but besides the TD’s he is on pace for 90+ catches and is 46 yards away from his second 1000 yard season in his career.
His YPC is down this year, but even that isn’t drastic.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:23 AM CST reply actions
I think he is having a great year
Tight End wise he is ranked 2nd in receptions and 3rd in yards in the NFL, he is 1st in both of those categories in the NFC. I wish we would use him more in the Red Zone. HE gets great separation and can beat any LB in the league. Unfortunately our O-Line can not block worth a crap and we have to leave a TE back to help keep Romo off his butt. I would like to see him get to 100 receptions, that would mean 12 catches against Philly though.
Fantasy Football
He’s not scoring TDs, so everyone thinks he isn’t producing. He’s having his typical great year receiving, but they haven’t found him in the Red Zone like they have in the past. I think that if teams continue to give us the middle for fear of Austin and Jones, he could have big games next week and beyond.
Another reason is that the casual fan doesn’t understand blocking. Witten has been tremendous in that area this year, kicking butt and taking initials. He’s too busy to stop and get their whole names.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions
I got a Witten Double Star jersey for Christmas this year.
When I put it on, I just wanted to go and knock some people over.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
Sweet
I have one too and know that feeling.
by Road Warrior on Dec 28, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
I had to stop wearing my Ware jersey.
I kept throwing people down and knocking their stuff out of their hands.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah same thing with my Roy Williams jersey
I kept dropping everything. Costing me tons of money replacing all my valuables.
ROFL
I tried to blame it on my wife, saying she was putting things up to high. People just made fun of me on blogs though. I still get the jersy out from time to time though just to dream about the way things could be.
Seriously though
I have a Gallaway, TO, and now Williams hanging in my closet. It’s like a graveyard of defunct Cowboys WRs. I am affraid to get an Austin jersey and put the curse on him.
I was asked if I wanted an Austin jersey.
I said, “Let’s just wait until this summer (my birthday) and evaluate where he and Jenkins stand.” Pretty sure that’s what I’ll be getting though.
You should get them to put White on the Williams one and Crayton on the Galloway. Not sure about the TO one. Maybe next year.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions
ha..you became split pea soup..
Don’t make him angry you won’t like him when he’s angry..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 4:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
QB Sneak anyone??
Doesn’t our team have a freakin’ Quarterback Sneak in the playbook?
One of those 4th downs would have been a perfect time to fake a run and go long
Why not give Buehler a shot at the 50+ yard field goals??
Or pull out the old fake FG trick
With Romo as the holder again, I would think that play would be in the book.
I do think they tried Buehler out
the week before they cut Folk. From what I read he was even more eratic then Folk was. Too bad, he has a monster leg and we could probably use that roster spot for depth.
I have a feeling that he will be told to fix that before next year.
He would be way more valuable to our team and other teams if he became a decent FG kicker. Otherwise, the Cowboys may continue looking for a guy who can do both. I hope that they invite Folk back to camp next year, too.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
I heard that too
But for long shots only might be worth a look. It will either go in or shank like a bad golf shot lol
I make fun of kickers quite a bit
But it really is something that is so mentally defined that he has to be doing it well for a while. I don’t know if he’ll be ready for gametime by next season.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
When Beuhler and Folk were on their game at the same time
It was worth an extra roster spot to have both of them. If a kicker came along that had Beuhler’s leg, and great accuracy, he would definitely be worth drafting.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Agreed
That would be the ideal scenario. Heck, I’d even trade for one for a low draft pick.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
Accountability
Isn’t dropping a pass that hits you in the chest when no one else is around comparable to missing a 24-yard field goal? I mean, I hated to let Folk go, but when a guy gets the yips, you can’t keep putting him in the position to hurt the team at crucial times. So we cut a talented kicker. We had to in order to be fair to the other players who were busting their asses and making plays.
Now Roy Williams is consistently hurting the team with what looks for all the world to be mental miscues. We can’t cut him, of course, but we need to sit him down or, mark my words, he WILL hurt this team in the playoffs.
That comes down to economics...
money money money, Folk was alot easier to cut.
Although I’d say that Roy might be working for his job next year.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:42 AM CST up reply actions
Plus sitting him going into the playoffs
Might not be the best idea. We would replace him with Crayton, Hurd, or Ogletree. If crayton is known for anything, its for his drops. Hurd, although a decent #4, is not a #2. And as much as I like Ogletree, do you really want a Rookie Free agent starting for you at #2 in the playoffs? I think maybe you try to drop Roy to #3 and put him on Special teams as a punishment for the 1st drive of the Philly game. But anything after that and I think we would be playing with fire.
That's really not a fair assessment of Crayton.
Honestly Crayton is being judged badly because of two big drops in his career.
He has good hands.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions
There's going to be a fine this week for
Fletcher’s forearm to the head on that pass to Crayton over the middle. Talk about cheapshots.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
He did it more than once
Also saw him come into a pile late, and use his forearm.
Sad that you can’t challenge that first hit , when it was so obvious….
There should be a fine! There should have been a flag on that play also.
Cheap shot all the way
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Its not quite the same as recieving
but I kinda judge him on his drops punt returning too. He alsmost had another one last night. I’m not saying he is a bad player, I like Crayton. But is he better then Roy? I think everyone looks at Roy the wrong way. People say he is a bust. But I just think we way overpaid for a pretty good #2 WR.
I don't know...
I know that Pat put up similar numbers as a number 2 receiver in 07… and I know that I have seen Roy drop more passes in one season than I have Pat in his whole career.
I’m not a Roy hater, I love it when he flashes the horns across the screen, but this has become a trend of bad drops.
I didn’t mind when he wasn’t catching the one’s that were ridiculously high, but last night he dropped one that hit him right in the numbers.
He dropped a very catchable ball against the Saints.
He FUMBLED the ball inexcusably against the Packers earlier this year.
I mean he has caught TD’s this year… but his inconsistency is killer.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions
That's how I see it too
I’d love it if he could help the team the way they thought he would, but he’s got some issues, maybe confidence issues, that are making him the worst option of any of the starters. I keep waiting for him to get it together and he’s just not.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
+1
Crayton has good hands and he’ll go after the ball to make the catch – unlike a taller supposedly #1 WR
When in doubt, empty your magazine
I was asking the same thing, Staubach.
And I was pissed. But the truth is Austin dropped one prior to that and he was smiling on his way back to the huddle. I’m not trying to compare Austin and Williams. I guess the difference is Austin has done some much for this team this year, and Williams, although he has caught a few TD’s lately, continues to perplex the Cowboy nation.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
I think that's just his way of dealing with it
A sort of automatic response. I don’t think it meant he was happy. I see a lot of athletes react that way.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Just like a kid that spills a drink
He looked sheepish. Normal reaction. I’m sure he was sorry.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
I also wrote this above
I’m sure he’s not 100% happy that he’s been eclipsed by Austin.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
It just looks bad to grin like that after a horrible drop
Not to mention it p*ss’d me off
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:36 PM CST up reply actions
what bothers me most about RW smiling after his drop is....
With all the money he’s making why are his teeth so yellow?
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 4:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
lol
Too much coffee?
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions
I almost found myself chanting that during the game
It probably would be too much drama for an otherwise focused team, but I could imagine being Romo and saying to Garrett – “Jase, my man, you might as well put someone else out there on 3rd down because I AM NOT, REPEAT NOT, going to look Roy’s way.” I suspect that is going to happen regardless – Romo will stop including RW in his read at some point and then it’ll have to be Hurd or The Ogletree.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
+1
It’s time to move in a different direction. And I’m pretty sure the team will. They did with TO. I’m a diehard Longhorns fan, and Roy was a dream come true when they got him, but he is not helping this team. They should move on unless Roy suddenly blows up.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Nope, blow up, as in play really well.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
I liked your comment
better when I thought it meant “spontaneously combust”. Oh well.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I wouldn't throw to him on third down.
Might as well spike the ball.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
Same here
“Jason, love ya man, but don’t bother sending the Royster in on 3rd down. It will not be coming his way. He’s killin me.”
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
+1
Although TREE did drop his first one of the season ;-) (7th pass to him wasn’t it?)
So his catch record drops from 100%. I still would rather see him out there than RW.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
That was a very low pass
I doubt I’d give him a drop on it. Romo was dumping it off his back foot.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I'd need to see a replay
it looked to me like a tough catch, but one a good wr in this league makes. It may’ve been lower than i thought.
All man crushes aside
I thought at the time that it wasn’t catchable but that it was a shame becuae The Ogletree was completely alone out there.
There were a ton of drops in the game though – Austin, Crayton, RW (duh), Hurd, Felix all dropped passes.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
its getting tough to keep looking for the silver lining...
As long as they’re wearing the star its hard for me to rip them…but ogletree does seem to make plays I’m all for giving him more catches, I’m just not sure who to take out. If taking out crayton means the tree goes against the #3 cb then I like it, but I think without roy in there the separation might not be as much…and I don’t worry about crayton dropping passes as much as punts he makes me nervous
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 5:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'd much rather see this scenario instead
Demote RW (sort of like the Gints did on their D-Line)
Promote Crayton to the #2
Promote Ogletree to #3
I think Tree is faster and Romo has already shown he trusts Ogletree. I can’t see how he could trust RW anymore (if ever)
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Rafe, Why don't you guys on the BTB staff do an interview with Rick Gosselin of the Dallas News sports dept.
He has the Cowboys ranked #10, while Philly is at #5.
I’d like to hear him answer questions from some real football-savvy folks.
Wharter
I don't think there is anything perplexing about our short yardage woes
They had Albert Haynesworth and he is better than our players up front. Simple as that. Not every team will have Haynesworth.
Kosier's played well this season.
I think Fat Albert has the strength to make most linemen look like rag dolls when he wants to.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sure that's true
they probably sought that match up because of the size difference.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Wade Phillips should get some props too...
Dallas being rated 3rd in points allowed is pretty sweet.
Compare that to 20th at the end of last year and you have to give him mad props.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 8:50 AM CST reply actions
Give some of that credit to Romo and Special Teams Joe.
The Defense has been stellar, but not turning over the ball and giving up big returns has helped them out a lot.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions
+1
Have to agree.
Defensively though, I know one thing… Mike Jenkins is a badass.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
Dare2dream...
You are right. I don’t want a rookie FA starting in the playoffs. Trouble is, I don’t want a credentialed receiver who has lost his confidence and (surely) the confidence of his QB starting, either. I think cobbling together a “Frankenstein” receiver out of Tree, Hurd and PC would get fresh, hungry players out there, and I’d rather go to war with any or all of them than with Roy (the Sun was in my Eyes) Williams.
Point well taken
Maybe I am just an eternal optimist. I keep thinking that Row will finally turn the corner and show us what he can really do. I mean the guy has all the ability in the world. I can keep hoping right?
Our short yardage game needs to improve.
Yes we won and for that I am happy, but I’m disturbed when I see readers ridiculing guys that would like to see us convert on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1.
It’s a problem and if you don’t think it is you aren’t smart.
Raf, the football prophet.
Amazing looking at past comments from the best “Cowboy Analyst” out there.
Also, and I can’t resist, sorry if anyone takes this personally, but looking at some of the comments on here from some of the people who were pure doom sayers earlier this season, I just can’t help snickering to myself. Now the C’pokes could come out and lose to the Eagles, and lose another first round game, (which I don’t think they will, but the field is tough) and they’d be right back, but here those same people are, back on board. Nice to see ya guys.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Do you think the Cowboys are playing better, worse, or the same as earlier in the season?
I think they are playing much better football than they were in the first month of the season. Most of those people were saying things like, “if they keep playing like this…” Clearly, they didn’t keep playing like that. I think that most people are now thinking, “if they keep playing like this…” too. I’m not sure what the difference is.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 9:19 AM CST up reply actions
It really comes down to less penalties
More discipline.
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 28, 2009 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
I'm afraid
We’re not done with stupid penalties. The key is whether we are playing well enough to overcome them. I think the Saints game was an excellent example of what I’m talking about.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 9:58 AM CST up reply actions
Funny you should mention that BPS
I recall sighting that very point. The players were asking the fans for patience. They were working on some things, and it was going to come together. Remember that?
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
I think 3 big things
Better QB play by Romo
Better WR play by Austin
Better CB play by Jenkins
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 9:57 AM CST up reply actions
Really, there's better play by many
The entire defense is more cohesive, Austin has saved the season, Romo has gotten control of his wildman tendancies, etc, etc. I don’t disagree at all. Hey, I’m an optimist. I was making the same arguments last season when they imploded.
I have one for you. How about Free blowing up the Redskin’s DB on the interception? I felt sorry for the kid getting his ankle twisted so badly, but my point is look at Free. How long has it been since we had a young O-lineman playing so well? I think Free has earned the right to stay in the lineup permanently.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
I agree on Free
But he will remain the odd man out once Columbo returns. Left tackle looks like a totally different animal.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:06 AM CST up reply actions
Isn't it still up in the air as to whether Colombo comes back this week?
And if he does, is his lower body strength going to be what it was? Leg injuries limit your ability to keep working out. Don’t doubt his heart, just his strength right now.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
I think that Columbo...
probably should sit myself.
Free has been doing a good job, why risk further injury?
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
Yep, my point exactly
And isn’t Free the swing tackle when Colombo is in? Which means he can play LT. Could be a challenge next training camp with Flo
When in doubt, empty your magazine
He was the back-up LT
McQ was the back-up RT. But McQ wasn’t as ready as Free, so they moved Doug to the left. I’ve heard that they think he is actually a better LT than RT.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Looked it up...
Free had 34 starts as LT ans 2 at TE! I didn’t know that part. Sure does make me think about reporting as an eligible receiver on short yardage. After Colombo comes back of course.
And 2010’s training camp should bring out some competition for starting LT
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Better play by Anthony Spencer
That dude is an animal. He is like Mini-Ware. I as giddy as a school girl about him.
I actually think Spencer is a different type of cat.
Ware is much more athletic, but Spencer is a bull.
He is the guy that physically just dominate people where Ware is the speed, freak, guy that has no business being that fast.
It’s nice.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions
I almost put him on my list
But I think he’s been giving it his all this season. Only now have the results and recognition started to come.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Noo, I take it back
He should be on my list.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Don't forget Rat
He keeps on coming, in spite of double teams………….
So true
I’m sorry for taking him for granted, but he’s been playing lights out for a couple of seasons now. I was just pointing out who’s gotten better this year.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
Quick top 3 defensive players this year
Rat, Jenkins, Brooking
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
+1000
Thought about this for a few minutes and…I can’t and don’t want to argue.
But I think Spears & Igor have to get honorable mention. They’re always in the pile and around the ball
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Igor is bada$$.
“I must break you.”
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:55 PM CST up reply actions
+1000
Considering how Canty looked yesterday, I think Igor is an excellent upgrade and less expensive
When in doubt, empty your magazine
While I agree...
I think that all three of them would agree that Ware make’s their job easier.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
+1000000
Ware is a freak of nature and I am so glad he’s our freak of nature. I think he makes everyone else’s job on D easier.
Love seeing him & Spencer arrive at the QB at the same time. Sweet!
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Plus...
He had the game of his life in what now might be the definitive game of Dallas getting back into contention.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
I am very tempted to go back and find a bunch of them
Many, many were not qualified in that way
well...some were
there were quite a few who were saying the season is over, which is a totally unrealistic approach from anyone thats watched football for more than a year
i can only speek for myself....
But I’ve always been here I just haven’t been posting because I didn’t have good things to post and I didn’t want to be negative and that’s how I was feeling but their play lately has inspired me so I feel like posting…simple…I still feel the same way…I don’t like some of the ruts JG gets in that’s my main grip….but we’re in the playoffs and have a chance to win the division so its hard to bitch about too much..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 5:20 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I know
I feel exactly the same way. I also kept waiting and waiting for Folk to snap out of his “slump” because I knew he was a good kicker.
I still have hope for RW. Kinda. I just think his head is the problem right now. Sitting would be an embarrassment. He would either rededicate himself like a competitor, or he would go completely in the bag. Either way, we would find out what we are both wondering about him.
Wade Phillips
Please give coach Phillips credit! The Cowboy Defense is the difference maker! If we win the Super Bowl, it will be because of the DEFENSE!
CREDIT...i give it to him, im a fan of wade's
I want him and everyone who’s is a part of this team to win it all, not for me because i’ll always stick up for this team but because they are a good group and I think because they are a part of the cowboys they get ripped….I think no matter what they should all hold their heads high…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 5:36 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Down here in Ft. Worth Y'all
Just read in the Star-Telegram where JJ was asked about the short yardage woes and he said Emmitt Smith asked him during the game why did we hand the ball off 7 feet back of the line to get 1 foot? I wondered that too.
Just becuz you put yer boots in the oven don't make it bread
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Dec 28, 2009 10:03 AM CST reply actions
Emmitt knows what's up
Those were dumb playcalls
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed.....
when we only needed a little more than an inch for the 1st, just run the QB sneak. Instead, you start the play 3 yards behind the line?
by Road Warrior on Dec 28, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
that's what I was saying last night too......
especially on the second one. I was calling for a QB sneak. Also, why hand the ball off whenever Barber is so far back behind Romo?
And...
has the vocabulary of a 5th grader.
He was a helluva runningback but there is a reason he isn’t on ESPN anymore.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
so your saying emitt is as smart as a 5th grader..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Dec 28, 2009 5:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Close
it was the Grim Reaper coming for the Redskins season. Greenspan says he gets that a lot…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I thought so
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
yep, and his wife Andrea Mitchell. I also saw Sam Donaldson in the box
Who is the teenage kid with curly hair that is always standing next to Jerry? Stephen Jones’ successor as GM?
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
No, he's an all-star kicker from the local high school.
Just hangin’ around if Suisham missed.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
His name is Spaulding
Someone’s grandkid I think.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:44 PM CST up reply actions
I wish Roy Williams was more like this
Steve Smith says his broken forearm is "a minor nuisance.‘’ "There was no chance I’d drop it,‘’ he said. "I’d die before I’d drop that ball. Then I fell into the end zone, and when I got up, I knew it was broken.’’
haha
Yeah i wish Roy Williams was Steve Smith too… that would make Dallas pretty freaking unstoppable.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
My question with Roy is
not whether he compares to the top receivers, not whether he is a #1, but rather if he even belongs in the NFL. Lowber/Amendola/Holley are just as capable of getting open and probably have better hands.
by JimmyJohnson on Dec 28, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
Playoffs
Sure, we just need to beat whomever we play. But if I have my choice, I’d like us to kick Eagle ass (eagles suck, after all), Jump into the 3rd seed and take on the 6th seed, Green bay, fresh of their loss on week 17. Peace.
Him and Deke,
Won’t show up until there is panic.
That’s how they work.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions
exactly, they're haters after bad games
they’ll never sing the Cowboys praises…ever. They not happy unless they’re throwing somebody under the bus so lets hope we don’t hear from them for a long time.
In Romo we Trust
Tex is Raf's alter-ego.
He only comes out when Romo is in the lime-light for negative reasons.
Witten's a warrior
But it was a little funny to see him huffing and puffing for the goalline after the long catch.
But goddamn, did you see the move he put on Landry to break free in the first place. There are starting receivers in the NFL that wish they could do that.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 11:18 AM CST reply actions
Yep...
He has good open field moves… he’s just not the speediest of tightends.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
He looked faster to me
I was pleasantly surprised at how fast he move.
Nice juke also……………..
Glad it was on Landry.
He’s on my Rodney Harrison list.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
By the way
I don’t wanna hear anything about Dallas and December. if you wanna talk about being bad in December, go look at NYG. Their last game in their stadium, and they got KILLED!
Makes Dallas’ loss to Baltimore last year seem minor.
Oh, you won't....
the haters will go right to the ‘when did you last win a playoff game’. They have a system.
by Road Warrior on Dec 28, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions
LOL. The hater's playbook.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
It's a valid point right now.
Hopefully it won’t be after this season.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 29, 2009 9:01 AM CST up reply actions
Man I did not get to watch that game but I could not believe my eyes when I turned on the TV and saw 31-3 car on top of the gints.
Joe Buck must have been all sorts of butt hurt. The cherry on top was the importance of the game and the last one in their stadium and they stunk it up worse than dallas did last year. The giants did not want to wait until the last game of the season to tank they just wanted to get a one week head start, LOL!!!!
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Buck was fine
It was Aikman that was all sore in the anus….
by BK Arsonist on Dec 28, 2009 11:29 AM CST up reply actions
Well, true to their bias, BSPN's web page
talks about the Giants crash & burn. The Cowboys making the playoffs was a sideline story.
What a bunch of crap. I mean, what will they do for stories if we actually win the whole damn thing?
When in doubt, empty your magazine
Terrance Newman
What in the world has happened to this guy and what’s up with the 10 yard cushions? It seems as though his confidence is totally shot. I wish we had 3 Mike Jenkins’ running around in our secondary.
......
Newman had a good game last night.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
According to who?
The INT was a gift and he missed at least 3 tackles.
by BK Arsonist on Dec 28, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
Dude he covered pretty well, and Santanna Moss was making not just Newman miss
He’s a good receiver…
How many pass’s was completed to his side, not many.
So according to me.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions
Oh for sure!
Not saying that, he hasn’t even had a great year BUT… he had a pretty good game last night.
When the longest play from scrimmage was a weird screen that Moss reversed field on… someone was doing what they were supposed to.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
That play was awesome, I thought.
Not in that it was against us, that sucked, but the play itself was cool. I think we should borrow that one for Austin or Ogletree. Or for Williams, even, he has pretty good open field running ability. Or maybe even for Felix.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 28, 2009 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
Ok...
My thing is, Moss was able to catch that pass and reverse his field because Newman was so far off of him, as was the case when Moss made Newman miss and picked up about 8 yards.
by BK Arsonist on Dec 28, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
But that's a scheme thing, not a Newman thing.
They played off of Moss on every play that wasn’t a third and short, because they knew he was really the only guy who was threat to break off a big play.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
Not scheme at all
Newman chooses to give the cushion and bail. Have a look at Scandrick and Jenkins; they’re pressing while T New is giving his guy 7-10 yards
by BK Arsonist on Dec 28, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions
You know it's not scheme?
He chooses that?
This is the same guy that I remember a year ago bitching because he wanted to play closer to the line.
I find that very hard to believe and if it is then your saying that Newman just freelances on the field and doesn’t do what his coach’s tell him to do?
Uh huh.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions
painfully obvious to me...
…that you don’t know what you’re talking about…
Case and point, Vincent Jackson’s long gain down the sideline on 3rd and whatever… Dallas was playing cover two, and Newman, who knows what he was thinking, gives Jackson a free release off of the line instead of pushing his azz out of bounds…
Look at the difference between how Jenkins plays and how Newman plays…. Jenkins tries to make plays while Newman plays not to get beat deep
Really?
Who are you talking too?
Maybe I’m wrong and Newman is making the decision to play off. Just seems odd to me that a guy who I heard on the radio say that he wanted to press more, make the decision to play so far off on every play.
You want to insult someone, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I’m not a football idiot, and you shouldn’t talk to me like I’m one.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
Iron Fist...
First off, let me aplogize if i offended you. Forums are impersonal, so i didn’t mean for it to come off like that.
I live in NYC, so obviously, I don’t hear what’s on the radio down in Big D, so I have to take your work on what Newman is saying. However, his body languange and his style of play says something totally different. Jenkins has a swagger about him and Newman does not, period. If Newman is playing Moss tight, he does get those quick hitters and that has nothing to do with the coaches, trust me.
The Boys sent a huge blitz and I think Campbell tried to hit Randal El over the middle, but he had to throw off of his back foot. Randal El was in the slot and was bumped off of the line. I can’t remember if Jenkins bumped, but he was playing his man tight. Meanwhile, Newman came up and then started bailing out.
And perhaps you're right...
possibly it’s because of the physical limitations of Newman.
Not ever corner can play the bump and run.
I just didn’t think Newman had that horrible of a game against a good receiver. It was adequate.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions
newman is fine
moss is by far the most dangerous man on washington. newman missed one on one a couple times, but who doesn’t.We SHUT THEM OUT, meaning newman really limited moss. Did they even get inside out 30 that game?
I don't see Newman as a bump-and-run CB.
He’s more of a cover guy who peeks into the backfield, sometimes a little too often.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions
Fukin sick of this T-New hate
Perfect example right there
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Dec 28, 2009 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
That's about right...
It means they think the teams are even, they generally always give 3 points to the homefield.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
I love that we won last night, because I honestly don't care how this game turns out
So if we win, good, screw the Eagles. If we lose, whatever, we’ll just have to beat ’em the next week.
by robolundgren on Dec 28, 2009 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
Also, for what it's worth, the Eagles starting center tore an ACL yesterday.
Ratliff is drooling somewhere
It sucks for him
But the way it works for Dallas is that the Eagles line will play like the 90s Dallas O-line. Just because.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Hey guys
I stayed away and didn’t blog during the game and Dallas wins again…
Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old
You know what is amazing?
As horrible as St. Louis is, Steven Jackson still is cranking out a 4.5 average and has the second most rushing yards in the NFL.
I wanted to draft him so bad…..
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 3:56 PM CST reply actions
You suck
For bringing that up. Goes to show you that what looks like the best option…sometimes is the best option. No need to outthink yourself.
Excuse me while I go punch the wall.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
Blame Bill Parcells.
Uh oh, he he.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 28, 2009 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
Also
Another amazing tidbit is that Felix Jones averages the most YPC for any running back with over 100 carries.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 3:59 PM CST reply actions
Even more amazing...
Chris Johnson has a 5.8 average with 322 attempts.
He is a freak of nature.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions
He is not human
I have no idea how a guy can be that fast with pads. Hes like what felix looked like the first 7 games of his career minus all the injuries + 20 carries a game
I still think
Felix is still explosive. He accelerates quickly, the difference is that Johnson’s top speed is ridiculous.
Johnson is so weird to watch, because it’s not like he makes cuts, he just glides in and out like he’s floating on air and then turns on the jets. He’s my favorite non Cowboy to watch in the league.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 28, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions
It's easy to run for 60 yds
When you have wide open space ahead of you. His line does a stupendous job run-blocking.
N.B. I am not taking anything away from Chris Johnson. He is a freak.
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by accidental innuendo on Dec 28, 2009 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
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