NFL Week Two: Strange Days Indeed
by Rafael Vela on Sep 21, 2009 11:25 PM CDT
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PrintThe NFL just finished week two and the season is already a slurry:
Three teams ran for over 200 yards this past weekend and lost. The Cowboys rumbled for 251 against the Giants; the Titans hit the Texans for 240 and the Dolphins possessed the ball for over 45 minutes and ground out 239 yards on the Colts tonight.
All donned the L. When is the last time you saw that?
The Cowboys have lots of company in that soup of teams still trying to figure out who they are. Look at the favorites, in both conferences. The Patriots are a late Leodis McKelvin fumble from being 0-2. The Chargers are 1-1 and beaten up. The Colts are 2-0 but their run defense is a sieve.
The Titans played a mirror image of the Cowboys loss. Their offense raced to an early lead. They destroyed Houston on the ground. But they lost the turnover battle 0-2 and their ballyhooed secondary was ripped to pieces by Andre Johnson and his friends. Consequently, Tennessee lost its home opener 31-34. (Sound familiar?) Jeff Fisher enters the day still looking for his first victory, but at the very least nobody will call him a cupcake.
Within the NFL East, every team has concerns. The Redskins can't score. They travel to Detroit this weekend and I'll bet the Lions feel they can win, after the Rams held Washington to 9 points in the 'Skins home opener. Jason Campbell has led one TD drive this year and that came in garbage time of week one's loss, when New York was playing prevent.
The Eagles has taken ill after an attack by the injury bug. The reason I picked them to win the division was their impressively rebuilt offensive line. Impressively rebuilt on paper, anyway. It appeared Andy Reid was finally going to run some powerball and balance out his potent passing attack.
It's September 22nd and that plan is already in disarray. RT Shawn Andrews is done for the season. Projected RG Stacey Andrews has already been benched. On Sunday, Reid ran a third of his running plays from the wildcat, and Michael VIck has yet to be activated. Kevin Kolb's start had something to do with the gimmickry but Jimmy Johnson wondered on the Fox halftime show if the Eagles are going to stay with the flim-flammery when Donovan McNabb returns?
Reid has gone through recent seasons where his pass/run balance was deeply skewed to the pass. He may be tilting that way again. It's not clear if he believes in his running attack, and it's only week three. Gimmicks can win a game, but Ihave yet to see a gimmick offense win over the course of a season. In this already crazy year, anything may be possible.
The Giants spent a fortune to shore up their defensive line and watched Marion Barber and Felix Jones tear them apart. Their youngster receivers are performing on cue but the defensive problems which killed them last December were still there Sunday night.
The NFC has five 2-0 teams. None of them look unstoppable. The strongest teams, on balance, have been the Falcons and the 49ers. (Yes, I'm impressed with the Saints offense, but that defense has to show me a lot more. I'm also not convinced Brett Favre can pilot the Vikings offense for sixteen games. )
I don't know where Dallas fits in this narrative but I am pretty sure that we're still several plot twists from learning who the real villains and real heroes of this season will be. The deeper we go into the salary cap era, the less past trends mean.
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I’ll try especially hard for you next time.. Maybe it will be “1st, Hi ROTTIE!!”
by AmericasTeamm on Sep 21, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Apparently Raf and Dave don't care.
They do it in every post…. it’s really elementary.
and its like floating on a stream of chocolate mike..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 22, 2009 1:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
lol.....milk that is, wow there're so many places i could go with that one...
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 22, 2009 1:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Man, Im sick of this nonsense talk.. I live in the washington dc area, and the sports announcers on the news here are obviously pro washington… Thats fine I underdstand that but they try to make jokes on Romo and Dallas in their broadcast.. Granted we all have our thoughts on Sunday, Romo, and how he didnt have a good game at all; atleast Dallas can score a touchdown.. Not only that, but how are the announcers on ESPN talkin about how good the Giants running game is, “one of the best in the league.” Ok so how do you not mention how they got shut down on Sunday? Unbelievable…
Everything is in motion
Very few analysts can think on their feet, so they’re leaning on the story lines set in the off-season.
by Rafael Vela on Sep 21, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of analysis
Did anyone else think Chris Collinsworth did great Sunday night? I can’t recall hearing that much excellent football analysis in the middle of a broadcast, especially the cat and mouse between the Giants blitzing and Dallas checking off to the run. He’s really much better than I remembered.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I always liked collinworth in the booth, I think he does a great job
Tony Romo, BIG IN NAME, NO BIG GAME.
I have always liked the guy. I never understood why people hated him so much
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
I agree
His personality is a little quirky I guess but I think he’s pretty insightful
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought he did a great job as well.
I used to think he was annoying on NFL Network because he talked too much and sounded like he was trying to be a know it all. He came across much better the other night. When he was on NFL Network he also sounded very nasally. He seemed to have toned it down a bit. I still miss Madden though
I think he's getting better
but I did not like him
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 22, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
I liked the on-the-fly analysis too. Don't get enough of that ever.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
He was on-point in analyzing Romo's first interception
Romo had audibled, Pierce saw that and audibled the defense, Romo saw that but didn’t have time to re-change the play, snapped the ball and threw a poor pass.
Collinsworth
was better than I thought, and Michaels was equally worse than I’d remembered. Because we totally weren’t tired of hearing about punts hitting the screen and we definitely didn’t want to hear something useful, like how far the punt actually went, or anything football related…
Why would a professional broadcaster bother with anything he has to actually think about?
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
They are just sad
because everyone is picking the Lions this week. Get ready for the Mike Williams show!
by DoomsdayD75 on Sep 21, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
shut down giants
When you have 9 in the box, you can shut down a lot of running game, that was Dallas
The problem was Dallas could not cover either WRs, and had no pass rush, Manning just stood there waiting for Manningham or Moss to get free and both of them had gigantic games
While Dallas OL did not give up a sack, they had a horrible game, Romo had no room to step up and was forced to the left or right just before throwing almost everytime, the only receiver worth a grain of salt was Witten, without him, Romo might still be looking for his first pass completion
"While Dallas OL did not give up a sack, they had a horrible game"
?
Romo was not pressured on any of his three picks. New York did the opposite of what you claim. They rushed four a lot and dropped into zones frequently or combination coverages with deep safety help.
I dont’ see how running for 251 yards on that front and not allowing a sack is a “horrible game.” I’ll take that horror every week.
by Rafael Vela on Sep 22, 2009 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions
please watch the game again
In the second pick, the Giants rushed the weekside safety up the middle, Romo has to evade to the right and threw accross his body toward the left, it was a horrible throw, but he was rushing the throw and could not step up into the pocket.
The Giants did not plan to sack the QB, they just rushed up the middle all game, they did not allow Romo to step into the pocket for his throws.
Adams missed two blocks and Tuck and Uemyora only did not sack the QB because he tripped them.
Ok I watched that play
And… while Romo did move slightly to the right, the blitz was picked up and he could have stepped foward to deliver the pass.
And really? “The Giants did not plan to sack the QB”
Sure they didn’t. Most teams blitz a safety up the middle and think “Oh no sack for us today, hope he messes up.”
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 22, 2009 5:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
that his post warranted a serious response.
What game were you watching
where Moss had a gigantic game? If by Moss you mean Steve Smith, then you are right.
by Mandmeisterx on Sep 22, 2009 5:42 AM CDT up reply actions
You listen to Czaban out there in DC?
He’s a die-hard Skins fan but very anti-Snyder. You’ll enjoy his show.
I love his show, he is the only msm radio show that I find entertaining.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
how is that possible?
8 -2-0 team, 15 1-1 team and 9 0-2 team
That makes for 31-33
Maybe you are counting the skins-rams game as a loss for both team
There are 32 teams, right?
8 are undefeated
that leaves 24 more teams – 15 of them are 1 and 1
that leaves 9 remaining teams – who have not won a game
What’s wrong with the numbers?
The problem is in that scenario
there have been 31 wins in the NFL this year, and 33 losses.
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Sep 22, 2009 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions
they do not add up
8 2-0 team give 16-0
15 1-1 team give 15-15
9 0-2 team give 0-18
So the total W_L record of 32 teams is 31-33 which is impossible
Somewhere, somebody's brain just exploded
Epic Fail since 1985
by the red scare on Sep 22, 2009 1:55 AM CDT up reply actions
OK, got it now
there are ACTUALLY
9 undefeated teams (corrected)
14 @ 1 and 1 (corrected)
8 winless
Thanks for your observation – my bad
But now thats only 31 teams lol
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Sep 22, 2009 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Now thats only 31 teams
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Sep 22, 2009 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions
lol, wait for the standings
9 undefeated
14 even
9 winless
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31+33=64
32 teams have played twice its perfect 32×2 =64
by TONYINCC on Sep 22, 2009 7:36 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
dont..
Try using simple math to un confuse the rest of us…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 22, 2009 2:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We need
a new coaching staff – period. NOW or this season is down the drain. And, I mean all of the coaches. The offensive play calling is poor at best, almost as bad as Romo’s decision making. #9 has lost the winning “fire”. Time to give #7 a shot – he can’t do worse (man it hurts to praise someone from Texas AM).
The defense – is with out a sack for two games. I am not sure which is worse the defensive play selection or the play of the DB’s. #32 needs to sit down until he learns how to tackle – NYG#82 took him to school and #32 flunked. (Actually I think a little practice time and in a year he could make the pro-bowl.)
Just my two cents.
I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys
when has a move like this ever been tried?
a housecleaning in week two?
Furthermore, when has it ever worked?
by Rafael Vela on Sep 22, 2009 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
the offensive playcalling has been great so far
saying romo has lost his “fire” is ridiculous….but he sure as heck needs to play smarter
Scandrick is generally a good tackler, yes he needs to improve, but sitting one of your better tacklers seems like a bad idea.
I agree.
And Scandrick actually made a few good tackles, but all the bad ones kind of obscured those.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
He had a bad game overall
Those missed tackles were huge. Too bad, I really like him and he’s consistently outplayed Jenkins in my opinion.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think so I think its more
rooting for the underdog to succeed. They have both played well but now Jenkins has the upperhand.
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Jenkins had some terrible games in pre-season
Frankly from the games I saw the competition for the starting job wasn’t even close. Scandrick outplayed him by a lot
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought Scandrick looked better in pre-season too....
The other thing about our Defense though-we didn’t get any pressure on Eli at all that I can remember. Because he didn’t get any pressure, it made it a lot harder for guys like Scandrick and company to stay with their guys. Am I right?
I forget which exact play it was
(thankfully my memory of this game is starting to fade), but I remember a long pass T-New gave up when Eli scrambled right. They replayed Newman covering his man and he had good coverage for several seconds, but because Manning got no pressure once he got outside of the pocket, all he had to do was wait a bit for his receiver to get open.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
I disagree
Scandrick was statistically better last season than Jenkins. Scandrick actually was the statistical best CB on the team last year.
Scandrick has, to date, been better than Jenkins. Yes, he had a bad game. But so did everyone else in the secondary.
If Scandrick was the 1st Round pick and Jenkins was the 5th Round pick. there wouldn’t even be a competition.
I completely agree with that
If Scandrick was the 1st Round pick and Jenkins was the 5th Round pick. there wouldn’t even be a competition.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Put McGee in there....
Based off of his stellar offseason,preseason, and massive amount of wins in college I’d really expect him to be better…. oh wait.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 22, 2009 5:42 AM CDT up reply actions
My Two Cents
I think one of the mental holdovers from week one was the quick strike passing game. Romo believed he could do it again this week. I hope that JG has learned that in certain situations he needs to better manage his QB. Don’t allow him to audible out to a long pass when we just need a sustained drive to slow the pace of the game and protect a lead.
You'll lose every game this season
if the QB can’t audbile to a different play. Romo actually did that one thing very well Sunday night. He checked off to a run every down on that touchdown drive.
Garrett typically calls two plays, a pass and a run. Romo gives the call in the huddle and then checks to one o fthe two plays he was givne. He doesn’t make up a third new play.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I'm not saying he can't audible.
Just don’t audible to a high risk low reward pass play on 1st and 10 when we need to take time off the clock. A quick TD would have kept the tempo of the game up and not allowed our D to rest. I’m saying that JG should know the situation of the game and better manage Romo on this. If the opposing D dictates that you audible to a pass play, have a little more conservative audible.
Much like he should have either changed the original audible
back or call a timeout on the first pick. The Giants clearly looked like they knew what was coming.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
not really....
read the post analyzing that pick, it was a pretty poor route by the wr and the corner bumped him, throwing off the play. Romo should’ve jsut thrown it away. Nothing wrong with that. I would hardly say the Giants “knew the play there”.
Right
throw it away or check to a run. But Romo admitted he missed the deep saefty, a big no-no for a QB.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Im rewatching the game and his first pass was to Williams and
it looks like he loses the grip on the ball, Williams is wide open on the slant.
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 22, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
if he saw the safety
you had to think he would’ve….
There was absolutely nothing wrong with a shot deep there to keep the defense honest considering what he thought he saw (no safety deep). He was obviously wrong, but that doesn’t make it a bad audible, it makes it a terrible read. Taking away his audible abilities wouldn’t have helped.
Never Said To Take Away His Audible Capability
What I said was at that point in the game it’s not needed or necessary to go deep like that. JG needs to better manage Romo in those types of situations by not having the audible to go deep in that particular circumstance.
LET'S GET IT STRAIGHT
if he saw the safety
It has been said repeatedly, he didn’t see the safety. In fact, it has been repeatedly said he fessed up post game that he not only didn’t see him, he made a mistake by not finding him.
Sorry for yelling
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree
He has said that he didn’t see the safety which only reinforces my point that JG needs to do a better job of managing Romo as the game goes on. There was no need to run that play. You don’t need to loosen up the secondary or keep them honest. You need to run the ball or use a higher percentage pass play and run the clock down.
I love that Romo is a gun slinger. But JG needs to do a better job of knowing when to let Romo do his thing and when to get him to see the big picture and focus on the win.
And as I’ve said many times. You can’t place this loss on Romo or Garrett or F. Jones, or the Defense alone. There was plenty of blame to go around.
by staubachfan on Sep 22, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Garrett
You are right mostly but imo the problem is also just garrett in general. Having a formal qb at oc can be great but in this game i think it’s what killed the cowboys. The one dallas drive was something like 7 plays and 87 yards, all on the ground. say what you want about balance, but until the giants prove they can stop the run, why even give romo a pass audible? if you run on 1st and 2nd down, chances are they weren’t going to be in 3rd and long, and if they were, then you have two receiving options who specialize in moving the chains (witten and williams). it seemed like the defense was on the field way too much, which i believe you discussed already. the cowboys should have been wearing down the d and clock, minimizing the total possessions for the giants, resting the d, and.. well thats about it i guess lol. its like playing peyton. if you cant stop the passing game of the other team, dont let them get the ball
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Sep 22, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Romo doesn't see the safety...
…and you blame Garrett – that’s laughable.
More than one guy was running routes – Romo had choices and he made the wrong choice.
Really
If Garrett can do a better job managing Romo make sure he can appreciate the circumstances the were in. A high risk play does not help as much as long sustained drive. Garrett should “coach” and have plays and audibles that minimize the risk.
Not Romo's Risk
But some plays like a running play or a quick out to a TE have less risk of going wrong and a high probability of success. Gain 2 to 4 yards keep the clock running and set yourself up to win. Not sure how long you’ve been watching football but their a ton of plays like this they can run. In fact, this what Parcells tried to make a career out of. That and a strong Defense. But if you have the lead and a team that is eating you up passing the ball. You should try and help the D by having these low risk high percentage plays keep the ball out of their hands.
Wow
That’s all? Give it a few more years and you’ll get it. Just kidding.
I’m just saying that Garrett can coach and create better options for Romo because we all know he’s a gun slinging high risk type of player and I love it. I think he wins many games for us. Just need to know when to pull him in some.
Honestly,
I think Garrett has tried to coach Romo into being a better QB (less risky or whatever) and maybe there is some improvement, but you couldn’t prove it by Sunday’s game.
it's week two....
here in Houston people were ready to burn kubiak and the entire Texans organization, in texan season tickets and apparel….now they’re checking into reservations for miami…why? week one the Jets physically beat the crap outta them..no ifs ands or but..it was an asswhippin’…this week they started the same way against the Titans, but this week I saw something from them I haven’t seen …when they got spanked early on..they got pissed and started hitting back..and didn’t quit…..now am i ready to say they’re on their way? nope…cause just as the previous years/games…they still made boneheaded plays, the coaches made boneheaded calls, and they were abused on both sides of the ball……just as we can all name the problems that Dallas has/had…and run down our check lists every game and see what they did/didn’t do on them…we need to realize it’s game 2….preseason doesnt mean jack…some complain about coaching adjustments…2 real games to work on ‘em…Romo’s habits/decisions..2 live games to work on em….etc….the season’s not over….yet……1-1..i say it’s too early to tell if they’re gonna be the same old-same old…and say this season’s in the crapper….but i still would like to see these reaccurring themes dealt with….
"Let me tell you sumthin' son ! an ass whippin' hurts no matter what kinda shape your in ! " Stone Cold Steve Austin
That's very bizarre indeed
It also tells me the sky isn’t falling. We’re in the same boat as almost half the league, and in very good company. I’m pretty sure New England, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee are going to be good teams this year. The Cowboys could very well be right there with them when all is said and done.
Epic Fail since 1985
I went back and watched the game
Dallas WRs weren’t open much. I wonder if Dallas ought to get some small fast guys to compliment what they have.
Some of Romo’s work was impressive. That deep ball to Kenny Phillips still stung. I recon Romo thought the safety wouldn’t mind him. Kenny Phillips looked pretty good though that play was easy.
A fluke batted ball that Williamham caught staved off the Giants facing a 4h down on the last drive. Dallas can’t let an NFL QB face no pressure, Eli or anyone. As good as Dallas was run blocking the Giants were pass blocking. Ultimately this game came down to a handful of plays right at the end and our D couldn’t get much pass rush.
by mind him, i meant “care what sam hurd was doing”
by AustonianAggie on Sep 22, 2009 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I still wonder
what scheme the giants were using that worked so well considering they had a banged-up secondary.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
maybe the same as seattle
in the playoffs 2 years ago when they were so desperate and beaten up they started Pete Hunter, aka my insurance agent.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I still can't get past that Seattle game plan in the playoffs
And it’s frustrating that we don’t seem to exploit other teams glaring weaknesses. But we did run for over 250 yards on them, so I guess their scheme was to take away the pass and live with the run.
The bottom line is that we should have won that game and I don’t feel like they are a better team. But we really need to fix the D, and the signals that we might have to abandon man coverage give me nightmares of QBs just picking apart a soft gooey zone like seemed to happen a lot in the recent past.
I have no problem with the offensive game plan,
it put us into position to win, which as many have pointed out, was completely nullified by Romo’s interceptions and the fumbled KR.
I agree that the D needs some work.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Seattle's defense
didn’t play that well against Romo that game anyways.
That was Bill Parcells being super conservative, Witten fumbling, Terry Glenn not catching a pass, and of course the infamous hold.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 22, 2009 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
they're looking pretty good
it’s a matter of keeping Frank Gore healthy for the year though
by AustonianAggie on Sep 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Doh! Week 2 is not the time to determine the remaining 14 games!
Injury bug is certainly not done biting, coaching staffs are not done tweaking, and just plain old bad luck (see NY-Dallas: A tale of crappy bounces). Plus our buddies, the striped avengers of decency are definitely not done with their game-changing flag throwing antics. It’s a long season from here. Enjoy the ride. We’re just as well equipped talent-wise to weather the storms mentioned.
The problem is, we REALLY need these early wins
especially NFCE games. This is a tough division, and we HAD them, and while at home. 7-1 is still possible, and we need to get there. December looks tough again. Getting early wins means that late season losses don’t hurt our playoff chances quite as much. Just do that, and just play well (win or lose) in the late season games, and I’ll be satisfied with this team’s shot at 10-6 or 11-5 and the playoffs.
We HAVE to win the next 3 games.
Carolina, Denver, KC… you’re not gonna see a three game stretch easier than that. If we don’t go 3-0, we’re not making the playoffs. The December schedule is ridiculous.
Carolinas not gonna be easy
but the other two should be.
A win against those three, going into the bye 4-1 would be ok..
We can't assume that we'll be 4-1 after the next stretch, but it would be nice.
I was hoping the loss wouldn’t include a division loss, though.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
I agree.
I see that we’re early 9.5 point favorites.
Their strong running game and TNew on Steve Smith will certainly be a challenge.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
It's the NFL
There are NO easy games
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Especially if you have 4 more TO's than your opponent
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah, I'm getting really tired.....
of people saying “Easy Games”. My answer to that is Remember the Rams Game?
Overreacting
Everyone is overreacting for the wrong reasons. Romo isn’t the problem. Even Peyton and Brady have horrible games. And I hated Garrett last year, but he called a great game. And the o line looked awesome.
The d is what worries me. I’m concerned Ellis may be missed. D ware hasn’t looked like himself. And Newman looks like he’s lost a step. Or three.
Squish.
by Squishmytomato on Sep 22, 2009 3:40 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Yeh, I'd like to see the D-fence able to make a stop when they really have to.
Seems like ’06 was the last time I really felt confident that the offense would score or the defense would hold when the game was on the line.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
Almost everyone blames Romo exclusively.
And, he does deserve the Lions share of it. But, he wasn’t on the field when our shut down corner got schooled by a second year reciever. He wasn’t on the field when Scandrick whiffed three tackles (so much for hitting anyone besides Roy Williams). He wasn’t on the field when the defense couldn’t get any pressure on Manning. Blame Romo all you want and deservedly so, but he wasn’t the only one stinking it up.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
The only thing I seemed confident in during the G-ants game
was that someone was going to screw it up. It just had that feeling. But your right, despite it all, if the D makes that last stand… we win.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the much needed chuckle
I actually got a visual on that… and it wasn’t pretty, although funny.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I cringe now almost everytime Romo goes back to pass
I haven’t had that feeling since danny White’s days..
The defense has it’s problems this year, as it has the last three years making a big stops when needed, especially after your team just scored, there’s no doubt about that, but you can’t expect your defense to make a big stop at the end of the game after your quarterback threw three times to the other team and your kick returner coughed it up deep in your own zone putting your defense back on the field for three more series in a game and expect them to man up at the end of the game to stop the other teams offense when they are gassed because they were put in the situation that the turnovers put them in..
Tony Romo, BIG IN NAME, NO BIG GAME.
Can't argue with that too much.
But even Peyton had some trouble last night. No QB is perfect, the game just tells me that our defense can’t make up for the mistakes of this one. I never had a doubt that Romo would not put us in a position to win, I just didn’t think our defense was that bad.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Of course the turnovers hurt
but that doesn’t answer why Eli threw well all game. Were they “gassed” all first half too?
I wonder though if the injuries have reduced depth they thought they were going to have on defense – did they have to play the starters more downs than they wanted?
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Really?
You didn’t cringe when Steve Peulleur or the ten QBs who followed Aikman dropped back to pass?
were those teams ready made to win and compete for divisions and playoffs??? NO
that’s the differrence.
Tony Romo, BIG IN NAME, NO BIG GAME.
I'm not so sure this one is anymore.
Offense made some mistakes, but the Defense looked ordinary at best. Kinda reminds me of the late 70’s Chargers. They could score at will, but their defense just plain sucked.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
It think you're being quite nice calling this defense
ordinary. Being ranked 30th in total yardage against, I’d call is putrid. It’s clear to me that Wade can’t perform the head coach and d-coordinator tasks.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
That's why it was qualified at best. Run defense was good, the corners
and rush are a different story.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Right,
and it was the complete opposite the prior week which is quite worrisome. I’d expect it to turn around, but if it doesn’t….. ugh.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Inconsistency is a killer.
If you are gonna be bad at something make sure it is the same thing all the time, so we can adjust for it.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
I'm with you there on this team
I think that the window is closing wiht this team, three years and the same problems occur with this team week in and week out.
I really like the moves this organization made in the offseason with regards to cleaning out the cancers, criminals, whiners and safety, who, could cover his own shadow, but I looked at the moves as a long term solution and going into this season, I had very little expectations of this team getting to the playoffs. I actually thought 9-7 would be a good record.
I thought the biggest move that wasn’t made, was not firing wade Philips. I thought he should of never been hired in the first place three years ago, but after that Eagles game last year and how this team was ill prepared, he should of been out the door as soon as the plane landed back in Dallas. The other bad move was not hiring Dan Reeves.
I really didn’t like the comments by Romo after the Eagles games but after those comments he talked about correcting the issues in his game I’ve been pointing out for three years now, and I said that I’d give him four games into this season to prove that he’s made those adjustments and taken the next step to show he’s the guy that could lead this team to the lofty goals this organization sets for itself. He talked the talk and put in alot of work in correcting his game, but you saw his flaw in the preseason where he threw it up for grabs and then said after the game, he’s working hard to correct it, something he’s said time and time again. Then in his first big test of the season, he completely reverts back to what I’ve seen for the last three years, poor throws, poor decisions and after the game, once again he reiterates the same talking point, I’m going to correct it., I’ve heard that same song from him now three years, he’s not a rookie but continues to make the same kind of rookie mistakes that cost your team wins, that’s something you don’t expect, nor should you from a seven year veteran quarterback.
I don’t expect perfeciton from Tony, I expect better decisions with the football, taking care of the football, throwing it away on first down is a good decision, checking down to a back is a good play, taking a sack instead of throwing it up for grabs is a good play, but throwing it time and time again into double coverage or forty yards down the field when you need three yards on second down is a dumb play, throwing a INT when your team is running the ball by forcing it into double coverage to a slow receiver when the safety is sitting there playing center field is a dumb play, You can’t win in this league giving the ball to the other team, period. Tony’s dumb plays are out numbering his good plays…hmmm what other player had the same things said about him, that’s right Roy, I can’t cover my shadow Williams..
Wade Philips is just as bad with his comments about this defense, we’re going to correct it. 30th ranked defense in the league, I would hope you would correct it. I think this team is way over rated in talent. This team shows flashes of its getting it in certain drives and defensive series, but then you see poor decisions and throws by Romo, dumb penalties, poor routes by receivers, poor play calling. Dallas always seems to make the stupid mistakes in the games you can’t afford to make that cost you games, the same story with this organization for the last three years, and from what I’ve seen so far this year, it hasn’t changed…..
Tony Romo, BIG IN NAME, NO BIG GAME.
I think that actions speak louder than words.
Right now it just seems that Romo, Wade and the defense are just paying “Lip Service” to their individual performances and not really improving.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Ware
ware was getting double-teamed and chipped by boss all night. there wasnt much he could do. wade tried to move him around a lot but it seemed the giants were ready since they only had to focus on one person. i dont think newman has lost a step, he made a great play to stop the wr (cant remember which one) who caught it at full speed in the flat to prevent the 1st down. it seems like his head isnt in it, taking bad angles, biting on fakes, etc. i dont know what he was doing on the interference call. he usually goes for the ball in that situation.
31 till I die
by FelixFanclub on Sep 22, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Incredible stats from last night. Indy holds the ball for 14 minutes and
wins? Makes me feel less sorry for our D.
Singletary could have been coaching us right now
Can you imagine what he’d do to our dear QB at half time?
Amen to that.
And I’m sure he wouldn’t just stop at Romo. This team is just not mentally tough… just like our coach.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions
JJ wouldn't hire Singletary because he couldn't manipulate him .
That would be a treat to have Mike running this team.
Wharter
Oh, I know you're right....
I remember his name coming up on other blogs when we were looking for a coach. And it all came down to the same thing, he’d never be one of Jerry’s whippin’ boys. Shame too, becuase the Niners are playing some good, tough football.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
He's got a lot of fire
But I’ll wait to annoint him a great coach. I think he has a very good chance of flaming out pretty quickly
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
What makes you think that?
They finished 5-3 down the stretch last year, started 2-0 this year (beating two division opponents in a very weak division).
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I think that because I
I can’t think of many examples of coaches like him lasting very long. Very high intensity, intimidating people into doing things. Maybe I’m crazy, I just don’t think that’s sustainable.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I think differently
First thing he did was try and change the culture of a one-proud losing organization. From get go, it was his way or the highway. You’re with me or against me. This is the way it’s going to be. See Vernon Davis.
It will be interesting to monitor, but I think once this foundation is established, he won’t have to be such a hard ass. This reputation will be known. Much like Wade’s reputation of being a ‘soft coach’ has seemed to rub off on our players.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Bill Parcells
The same was said about him, and Parcells cleaned most of the Front Office. He was no puppet.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
LOL and not in a mirror. . .
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
8-8
After watching the preseason I didn’t buy into the argument they were evaluating players and that was why the play was bad at times. There just seemed to be something wrong with this team. It was easy to spot because it’s the same thing that has plagued them for years now. They don’t play heads up football. After they beat the Bucs, I told a buddy they’re 8-8 at best. I don’t think they have the mental hardware to be a good team. I hope I’m wrong, but the people in leadership positions (GM, coaches, QB) all seem to contribute to the brain crater rather than offer hope it will change. All the talent in the world can’t overcome turnovers and stupid play.
One last rant. I’m tired of hearing about how good Flo is. He’s the most penalized player in the NFL over the last three years. How long would Mike Tomlin, Bill the Cheater, or Jeff Fisher exempt this guy from normal expectations?
by steelyeyedmissle on Sep 22, 2009 9:18 AM CDT reply actions
When they find someone who can hang with Tuck or Osi twice a year.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
He didn't hang
He took a cheap shot and wiped out a nice pass play. You can count on him doing at least one thing a game that is a game changer in the wrong direction.
by steelyeyedmissle on Sep 22, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Ok, let's just throw Free out there.
Be careful what you wish for.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
I'm OK with that
Look at how McNabb responded last year to being benched. Andy Reid didn’t tolerate poor play from even one of his stars. This coaching staff not only tolerates, but downplays it. That is part of the reason for the lack of mental toughness and football smarts. They can talk all you want to about accountability, but talk is cheap. Here’s a quote for the penalty machine himself:
“It’s not my fault. I don’t know what happened with that. He said he hurt his shoulder. I’m like, ’well, stay up.’ That’s all I know. He fell down. Stay up.”
Hey dimwit, it’s your fault a nice pass play was erased that got your team out of deep in its own territory. It’s your fault you lead the entire league, all 1696 players, in penalties. Yeh, lots of accountability there.
by steelyeyedmissle on Sep 22, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm ok with that for a series or two.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Jimmy Johnson Knew
How to make an example out of one player for the rest of the team. If any team needed a big time example made out of someone, this team does. Put Free in there, give him some help, and rely on all the other play makers for a game. The outcome may not be any different, but Flo and the rest of the team would have 60 minutes to realize stupid is no longer OK.
by steelyeyedmissle on Sep 22, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
agree
Frankly with as stupid as this team plays I’m starting to think they’ve actually overachieved in the past couple years, not underachieved.
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
you are not alone with your perspective with regards to this organization
I completely agree
Tony Romo, BIG IN NAME, NO BIG GAME.
Just out, McQuistan may have to start this week....
Well, Paul, that is. In Oakland.
Hope I woke a couple of guys up!
How long does it take to get the results of Barber's MRI out?
I hate this secrecy crap. After Sunday nights debacle, they can at least give us some information on one of the guys who actually showed up for the game.
I would like to hear too
but i prefer the information be accurate than fast. Whatever the news is, how fast it comes out won’t change it
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions
I wonder what Barber's injury will mean for Choice
Does he slip into Barbers role and get the bulk of the work, or does Felix take up the slack and Choice gets Felix’s load of 5-8 touches?
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
I'd think Choice would take Barber's role.
Felix has yet to prove he can handle a full load while Choice did at the end of last season.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
hard to prove it when your coaches, even when healthy, won't give you over 8 touches
imagine that
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
True.... but what we do know is this coaching staff sticks with that they 'think' they know.
If Barber doesn’t get hurt last year, Choice probably never gets on the field. All I’m saying is they’ve seen Choice do it, so I’ll guess that he’d take that role.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
cowherd is rippin romo
Hope you are not listening terry, u just might cry.
by TONYINCC on Sep 22, 2009 9:59 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Tools can be very effective if used properly.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Effectively used tools can be very properly correctly.
Squish.
by Squishmytomato on Sep 22, 2009 10:35 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t know about y’all but I’m back from the ledge and think this team can rebound well. They need to maintain a stoicism though and not let themselves be so up and down
by AustonianAggie on Sep 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions
I don't care if they are stoic or not.
I do want to see improvement where it counts. On the Field.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Im still depressed
It might be strange that we lost because we got some unlucky bounces but the real truth is:
A – Stupidity
1. No reason at all to call for a bomb when you’re running all over them, on a bad QB day and when you have the lead.
2. No reason at all for Romo not to call timeout on the play when he threw his first INT.
3. No reason at all for Romo to throw the ball on his third INT.
Take away those three stupidities and we win the game. Worst of all….Take away ANY of the three stupidities and we still might win that game.
The other ones that bother me but have to do with talent, rather than brains are:
1, Very bad pass from Romo on his 2nd INT.
2. The fumble by Felix on his KR.
3. The unbelievable play by our deffense. Manningham and Smith looked like Rice and Moss out there….those guys stink!.
In a close Game
you can take away one bad play from the Defense or the Offense and it looks like we would win the game. I was never a big fan of trying to point to a key or a few key plays that change the game. However, I agree with your point #1. I think JG needs to have better awareness of the situation and not have a play or an audible that goes deep in that situation.
And, even with all that “stupidity” we had the lead with under 4 minutes to play with the opposing team at their own 19 yard line.
by staubachfan on Sep 22, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
and it was 1st and 20
and then 2nd and 18.. i was holding on to a tiny bit of hope, that all it would take is one sack, or one incomplete pass and it seemed like it would be enough. you cant stop a team 2nd and 18? no pressure = no way the db’s can stick with someone. so maddening
31 till I die
Until we get a "chamnpionship D" we are going to struggle stuffing other teams......Wade Philips is NOT the answer.
His so-called “get tough” approach is laughable. It may stink differently but it’s still the SAME skunk. WP’s track record is horrible. He was in Buffalo and we all know what happened there. He was the DC in San Diego and could NOT win the big game there. After the debacle in ’07 AT HOME against these same Giants, WP should have been fired outright. He cannot prepare a team well and a team as the Cowboys are right now that is inconsistent at best is NOT a well coached team. Preparation is the responsibility of the coaching staff. WP has GOT TO GO!
He should have beeen fired after going 13-3
in his first year as the coach? That doesn’t make any sense.
by DoomsdayD75 on Sep 22, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Wade's been cursed ever since...
he replaced Doug Flutie for Rob Johnson in Buffalo’s playoff game vs. the Titans in the ’99 season.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Does it make any more sense for a defense of his to be so inconsistent?
In the first two games, our D has NOT created any turnovers or made any sacks. In big games you have got to be consistent enough to create those every week. Go watch the Ravens and see what a quality D will do to you every week. Its called CONSISTENCY!
I've watched the Ravens plenty.
Their secondary is horrendous also. Not sure if you’ve been paying attention but they let up a lot of points against the Chiefs and Chargers. The Chargers could have won that game if they didn’t take the ball out of Philip Rivers hands. He threw for 450 yards, that’s ridiculous.
by DoomsdayD75 on Sep 22, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
The POINT is...we need a CONSISTENT defense in order to get to the playoffs and win the big one.
DWare is our best defensive player. WHERE HAS HE BEEN? Newman is supposed to be a our best DB. WHERE HAS HE BEEN? Other than stopping the run, the defense had a horrible night. Newman has a great game and then disappears. Our corners played very well against TB but were poor at best Sunday night. UNTIL the Cowboys play REAL, SOLID, CHAMPIONSHIP defense, this team will struggle no matter how many points the offense does or does not score.
I don't understand
why people blame coaches for players bad plays. Wade Phillips didn’t tell Ware not to get any sacks. Newman didn’t get a pass inteference penalty because of Dave Campo. Phillips came in using Parcell’s players. He at least should get the opportunity to get the type of players that fit his scheme. It isn’t like Wade has a losing record in Dallas. Cut the guy some slack.
I think that all the time.
It’s not like Bill Parcells taskmaster was keeping players from making dumb penalties.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 22, 2009 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
We were served our humble pie early this year.
I’m actually glad we lost this game. When we win games like that it gives our guys too much confidence. If we can take loss like that and rebound it will build character within our team that will pay dividends late in the year.
Sort of depends how we lose.
I’ll be concerned if Romo has another awful game, but he usually rebounds very well from these kinds of games. If we can continue to run the ball the way we did Sunday night and Romo gets back on track, this offense will be nearly unstoppable.
by DoomsdayD75 on Sep 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll go with that.
We should be able to run the ball even if Barber is out. We just need to get a couple of breaks… we’ll be fine.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
It's one loss to one of the best teams in the league.
It’s not the end of the world.
by DoomsdayD75 on Sep 22, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
It's a game that should have been won
No if’s, ands or but’s
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
We didn't win though.
Are they supposed to sit around feeling sorry for themselves? Boo hoo. It’s one game. Learn from it and move on.
As always, Tex, whos your solution?
Your two replacement suggesions thus far have been Brady Quinn and Byron Leftwich.
Uh-huh.
of course, who can forget Drew Henson, the "next great Cowboys QB" IYHO
Henson, Quinn and Leftwich make quite a roster of beefcake, but we’re talking QB of the Cowboys here, Tex, not a casting call for Chippendales.
You forgot...
Brian Brohm
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 22, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Really? Bench Romo?
Who’s the answer… Stephen McGee from the 4-8 Aggies in 2008. Please.
Romo is prone to bad games. But he is so talented that we forget this is only his 3rd year as a starter. Peyton manning didn’t win his first playoff game till 2003, his 5th year in the league. He had lost twice before in the opening round. Sound familiar?
It’s just week 2. Take it easy…lots of things looked dominant and some things looked real bad. Against a top 3 team in the NFL (reportedly) I’ll take that as long as the improvements can be made.
People get so mad at losing a game like this
that they need someone to be mad at. Since Romo had a bad game, he’s it. So talking sense isn’t going to matter. “Someone must pay for all the crap I take at the watercooler!!”
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
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