BTB Game Balls: Cowboys @ Buccaneers
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 15, 2009 4:30 PM CDT
61 comments
NFL Week One is officially over. It's time to hand out the BTB game balls for the Cowboys' road-win over the Buccaneers. Each week, I will virtually hand off a game ball to one player from each unit: offense, defense, and special teams. Hell, let's give one to a coach, as well.
Offense
Tony Romo - Other than throwing for a career-high 353 yards, Romo just looked like he was on the same page with Jason Garrett's game plan. Sure, he missed on Martellus Bennett in the end zone, and then threw behind Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams. He even missed on that deep pass to Miles Austin. After that, he clicked. Austin caught on and adjusted to Romo's back-shoulder bullet. Romo and Jason Witten continued to abuse defenses on third-downs. He spread the ball around and found his rhythm with each of his receivers.
Tampa Bay did pressure Romo rather consistently, but he and Garrett took advantage. Nothing frustrates a defense more than allowing an 80-yard touchdown two plays after the offense pulls the team to within six. Just ask Aqib Talib.
To top off a statistically superb day (140.6 QB rating), I was also impressed with some of the little things Romo did. His block on Crayton's reverse would have helped gain a first down, had there not been a penalty. He faked like he was passing to freeze defenders on a nice, early run from Marion Barber. When Felix Jones looked to have fumbled, Romo was there to dive on the ball. His hustle to get the team lined up after Crayton's second long catch-and-run also showed his command of the offense.
Honorable Mention: Marion Barber, Jason Witten
Defense
Terence Newman - This was a tough call between T-New and Keith Brooking. I went with Newman because his veteran savvy came in handy up against the Bucs' big receivers. He pressed them often; and, other than that spectacular catch by Michael Clayton just before the half, the WRs on his side didn't make much noise. His awareness blew up a screen to Antonio Bryant deep in Tampa territory. He also blanketed Bryant on an early deep pass. And other than getting turned around on a long run by Derrick Ward, Newman did what corners are supposed to do in defending the run: he kept it inside.
Honorable Mention: Keith Brooking, Gerald Sensabaugh
Special Teams
David Buehler - I don't know what was more exciting about the kickoffs on Sunday: their distance, or the fact that Dallas scored so often that we got to see a good sampling of Buehler's work. As Raf points out in his post on the Cowboys' special teams units, three of his seven kickoffs went for touchbacks and only one return made it past the 30-yard line. On those that crossed the goalline, you could almost sense the returners' hesitation to bring the ball out. That split second gives the coverage units a slight advantage.
Honorable Mention: Mat McBriar, Gerald Sensabaugh
Coaching
Jason Garrett - Did this guy mix it up, or what? I had a hard time keeping track of where everybody was lined up, or who was in the backfield. I can't even imagine how confused the Tampa defenders were. Creating mismatches by putting Bennett out wide allowed Romo to find his WRs in one-on-ones with safeties. Together, they made a goat out of poor Sabby Piscitelli.
The little tomfoolery with the Razorback didn't amount to much, but it kept the defense guessing. When Garrett saw that Tampa Bay came out physical, he challenged their coverage schemes. He challenged their players, found their weaknesses, and took advantage. Then, when they were reeling from confusion, he hit them in the mouth with a little MB3. Knockout play-calling, Coach.
Honorable Mention: Joe DeCamillis
Who gets your game balls?
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WoW
I’ve become more lurker than poster since the changeover to BTB, but I sure couldn’t resist a shot at being first!
by shaneshot on Sep 15, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with all your picks Aaron
Very well done, although with the way the defense played, it was tough to pick somebody.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 15, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
John Garrett for honorable mention coach award
Martellus Bennett was awesome. I was in attendance and watched him for an entire series. He ran his routes completely when in pass mode (he was wide open on several plays) and pancaked several defenders on the runs. I don’t recall the wham block Raf mentioned on the big Felix run up the gut but he was impressive in all facets of the game. Remember last year’s TC when Garrett had to ride him just to keep his hat on? Well, he is a monster now and Garrett is THE MAN.
by Keys80 on Sep 15, 2009 4:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was completely unimpressed with Bennett
until I read Raf’s write-up.
You’re right – Garrett has done a great job and of course credit to Bennett for enthusiastically embracing all of the position’s responsibilities and not just the ones that get you talked about on ESPN.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 15, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved that on one play...
Just as Moose was circling the mismatch he created on the screen, Roy Williams ran past the safety for a long TD.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 15, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know I kept hearing about how it was going to be a tough match up
but that play was still eye-opening.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 16, 2009 5:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Keys – i was at the game also. Bennett looked good but I’m worried abou the Def. Cowboys Fans almost outnumbered Bucs Fans!!!! Blue! Blue! Blue!
by ButchJohnson on Sep 15, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ain't that the truth!
I was in Sec 334 and it was 8 or 9 to 1 CB fans. I must say, the Tampa fans were terrific and gracious hosts. A class act.
by Keys80 on Sep 15, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been critical in the past of Newman, but he had a good game...
He didn’t really stick out as his coverage ability in this game, but he made alot of tackles…..too many for my taste….He was making tackles that the LB’s or safeties should’ve been making….
by Boyzfan94 on Sep 15, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I noticed that, too.
He’s a pretty good tackler. That’s one area where Anthony Henry was pretty good, too.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 15, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Newman is a complete CB
That’s why he is one of the elite CBs in the league.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 16, 2009 7:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
after a quater and a half I was ready to post a "same old, same old" line about our ofence
but Romo did turn things around. I know TR put up on a tear, but how about Austin shaking two defenders and a monkey off his back, it reminded me of “the departed” WR with the YAC and the score, than you can see the maturation on MartyB. I’ve read that 2 years ago NE zeroed in on Witten, to disrupt our offence, who are the opposing DC will focus to stop now, JW, MB, RW,yep even Patrick Crayton its like pick your poison. Figure in that Felix didn’t do anything spectacular, just wait until next week. Yep offence is clicking.
Defense was not that impressive, but TB’s OL was very good and very underrated.
Buehler is becoming one of my favorite players, those touchbacks are priceless
by dcfanz on Sep 15, 2009 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My game balls go to:
Marty Bennett. While most BTBers knew we had something special long ago, this just felt like his coming out party. Raf’s post on the many ways Bennett disrupted the defense says it all.
Tony Romo. Simply amazing reads. He has Peyton’s smarts, Brady’s accuracy and his own quick release and pocket savvy. Cowboy fans don’t realize how good they have it!
WR corps. For shutting up the TO media parade once and for all.
Sensabaugh. For being a ST stud, an obvious upgrade on D, and for that HIT! (hope you’re good to go for the Giants)
The entire coaching staff, for:
1. amazing special teams effort
2. no turn-overs
3. minimal penalties
4. early defensive adjustments
5. simply unstoppable offensive scheme
Well done, gentlemen!!!
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
by DalaiLuke on Sep 15, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
most Cowboys fans
I certainly do and have since day one.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 16, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know the rule is for one player from one unit
but on offense I’d hand the ball over to our three WRs for providing a resounding answer to all the questions that had been raised leading up to this season. And this takes nothing away from Romo.
One overused storyline put to bed early, at least for this week. And in a 180° turnaround, the words ‘big-play’ and ‘Dallas’ are suddenly popping up in the same sentences again.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 15, 2009 5:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's funny how traditional media lock in on an angle, maybe even one they heard from "national"
press, and accept the premise pretty unquestioningly. Overused storyline indeed. Overhyped and it never made sense to me. You lose one petulant, demanding receiver who scores TDs and you get those TDs out of 4 or 5 other guys on the team and move on and run your offense. When you’ve got good schemes, you plug guys in. you start making the other team’s corners cover Witten and Bennett and there’s gonna be a bunch of other guys open.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Sep 15, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
but I am also glad that it happened that way so that we didn’t get treated to TO-what ifs for the follwoing week.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 15, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here, but
I’m sure after we have one bad game the mediots will be back in form. So the only way to avoid their nonsense is to not have any bad games. There, problem solved.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 15, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
So easy a caveman could do it.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 15, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We all knew we had talent at WR.
Noboby on this blog is surprised by what happened. I was relieved to see RW take one to the house. But I remember him his first couple of years in Detroit, and wishing we had a WR with his skill set.
And to think we didn’t even get Hurd into the flow of the game. These Wide Receivers are on a mission, and they have just the QB to get ’em there.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Sep 15, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hurd
He almost recovered that muffed punt. Just think how awesome the ST would’ve been if they got a turnover!
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 15, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen to that.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Sep 16, 2009 6:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great nominees
As offensive Honorable Mention I have to say Crayton did a really nice job of out-savvying the defense. Coming into their third season together, you can see real chemistry between Romo and his receivers.
I think maybe instead of “defensive breakdowns” people outside this blog should be talking about the mismatches Garrett created and the “one-mindedness” of Romo and his receivers.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 15, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I had Crayton on my list initially, but...
after watching the game again, I noticed that just about every, single pass that Witten caught went for a first down. I love first downs. And Barber’s head-butting runs averaged nearly six ypc—a great complement to the passing game.
While Crayton blew up and provided his usual “safety” at punt returner, he simply just had to run straight to get open on that 80-yarder. Still, I wish I woulda started him in FF instead of dookie-man-for-Week-1, Eddie Royal.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 15, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely T-New
Our leading tackler. And he couldn’t have had better coverage on the long pass at the end of the half.
I wouldn’t give any credit to our front 7 when we let Cadillac rush for 7.5 ypc. and only pressured Leftwich on 1 series.
by JimmyJohnson on Sep 15, 2009 5:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yes, that was disturbing.....
I’m not buying guys blowing there gap assignments….I’ve played enough to see that the guys up front were getting blown off the ball pretty good…some of those guys were absouletly man handled.
by Boyzfan94 on Sep 15, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, your boy Carp lead the way many times
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 16, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ehh..not.....James, Brookings, Rat, Igor..led the way..
Carp made a few real nice open field tackles…..The damage was done on first and second downs when Carp wasnt in there..Nice try Terry..
by Boyzfan94 on Sep 16, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Jimmy can' t let that one slide by...
Leftwich was under duress for most of the game and took a pounding. He got off a couple of ducks to backs that were so open it was disturbing. Yeah, Tampa gashed us for a lot of rushing yards and that has to get fixed. Hopefully we were saving our defensive surprises for the NYG. After all it’s the only plausible reason, right?
by Keys80 on Sep 15, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sensibaugh
He seemed to be everywhere over the middle. Great knockout punch on Clayton. Okay, so he knocked himself out, but I loved how he played with abandon.
Newman gets knocked from consideration because he let Clayton get behind him deep. We need to cut down on giving up deep passes at the end of the first half.
by kindablue on Sep 15, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Or, as my old football coach would say
He played with “recklessness inabandonment”.
by JimmyJohnson on Sep 15, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
off subject
on a different note, i’ve read in several places where rbs tend to slow down at 30. well isn’t westbrook 30? yet i keep hearing about him when people mention philly. and especially with the wear and tear from his multiple roles as rb and pass catcher. shouldn’t this be the year he slows down? Lt is 30 and look at him. he seems to be slowing. so i say let’s hear it for the slow down for westbrook.
by maxdout on Sep 15, 2009 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't you rather just play sound defense and beat him
Rather than have to hope he’s slowing down?
"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee
by BigDinSC on Sep 15, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather play sound defense ... but for the 14 games we don't play Philly, I hope Westbrook has lost a step
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
by DalaiLuke on Sep 16, 2009 4:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Folk
Folk should have been a honorable mention. His field goals were both perfect. After a rough preseason (and visions of Vanderjagt dancing in my head) he calmed all my fears.
by northtexan95 on Sep 15, 2009 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Folk does deserve some love.
Mr. Steady hit it from 51 and made it look like 25. I didn’t want to get into any more than three nominees, but he was just a bit outside.
That first down that McBriar “acted” upon when Piscitelli ran into him, along with his 54.8 punting average kinda nudged the Folk hero out for this week.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 15, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've said this before many times...
The key to success of the game is the QB not the WR’s.. Case and point, Tom Brady in winning his three super bowl (aside from the fact that he knew the opponent’s defensive scheme, ala “spygate”), he had no names WR’s! I think we have slightly above average WR’s which Tony can make them look pretty good, (as did Brady). I pray the O-line keep him clean and healthy.
by CDR on Sep 15, 2009 7:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ware
i wonder if ware being dazed had a carryover effect on the d. if he is the heart of our d it may be possible. i have heard that there seemed to be lack of intensity from our d. well if your main guy(ware) isn’t amped up(and justifiably so) then it’s possible other guys weren’t able to either.
by maxdout on Sep 15, 2009 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hes absolutely the heart of the D
I don’ know how much it affected his game (it had to, at least somewhat), but Ware is HUGE for our pass rush – he got shut down 1 on 1 a lot, and I thought, considering it took us 2 an a half wuarters to get that pass rush going, it was clear we missed him as a threat.
by foyesboys on Sep 16, 2009 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely
It would be the same if Romo gets knocked out of the game, the offense wouldn’t be as good.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 16, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the best thing about this last game...
was that there are no long term injuries aside from those to rookies that we already knew about.
by Becho on Sep 16, 2009 9:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Special Teams Question
It seemed like Tampa used a psuedo 3-man wedge on kickoffs. The two players would run together and then another would trail along about a yard behind but not holding hands. Is that within the rules? Maybe one of those ‘spirit of the rule’ things.
Anyone with DVR see that on review?
Thanks
by sixrings09 on Sep 16, 2009 10:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Only addition - McBriar on ST
So good to see him back there again, what a game changer he is at his position
My DVR question – why wasn’t Sensabaugh’s tackle on Cadillac in Q2 a horse collar, because he pulled on the jersey and didn’t grab inside the shoulder pads?
The 7th Rule of "Fight Club": Fights will go on as long as they have to.
by tdships on Sep 16, 2009 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think because he didn't
finish the tackle that way. He used the back of the shrt to get a better hold elsewhere. That’s how it appeared to me.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 16, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like he got a fine from the NFL though
I need to understand this rule better, he clearly did not reach inside and pull down on the pads. Thought that was the distinction
The 7th Rule of "Fight Club": Fights will go on as long as they have to.
by tdships on Sep 16, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
game charting notes from yakuza rich
i enjoy reading yakuza rich’s cowboys blog, and he has some good Week 1 Game Charting Notes
by scottmaui on Sep 16, 2009 2:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great stuff
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 16, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like how he breaks down the linemen.
And Joe D did a masterful job. Clifton who?
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 16, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting too
that the slow start involved both tackles. Probably at least some connection since Romo’s “slow start” didn’t actually happen until the third possession. The first two were nearly flawless. I think people sometimes forget that a team is a system and there is an impact when any part of it doesn’t function properly.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 16, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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