BTB Game Balls: Giants @ Cowboys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 1:30 PM CDT
90 comments
NFL Week Two is officially over. It's time to hand out the BTB game balls for the Cowboys' game against the Giants. Win or lose, each week I will virtually hand off a game ball to one player from each unit: offense, defense, special teams, and the coaching staff.
Offense
Marion Barber - His numbers were impressive: 18 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown. Even more impressive was what he meant to the offense. His vision was amazing. When there was a hole in the middle of the Giants' defensive front, he hit it hard. When the Giants would plug up the middle, he would break outside to take advantage of their lack of containment. His 26-yard reception just before halftime set up Nick Folk's 47-yard field goal.
Barber was the go-to guy Sunday night. Let's hope they let his strained quad heal, so they can get him back at 100%.
Honorable Mention: the Kosier/Cricket/Gurode combo, Felix Jones
Defense
Jay Ratliff - There's really no blocking this guy one-on-one. He's a beast in the middle with a great burst off the snap. Although he did give up some ground to double-teams by center, Shaun O' Hara, and one of the Giants' guards, he would employ an effective spin move to get himself back in the play.
Ratliff only had three tackles, but he clogged things up enough to help the Dallas D hold Brandon Jacobs to just 58 yards on 16 carries - 31 of which came on a play to the outside where DeMarcus Ware lost containment and Terence Newman put a nice hit on Keith Brooking. Without that play...well, you do the math.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Spencer, DeMarcus Ware
Special Teams
Nick Folk - Along with going 4-of-4 on extra points, Folk's 47-yarder just before the half was dead center. He is the kind of kicker that doesn't seem to get rattled. Had he been given a chance to win the game, he would have most likely done just that.
Frankly, this should go to the leader of the special team's units; but, there is a coaching game ball reserved for him.
Honorable Mention: Bobby Carpenter, Deon Anderson
Coaching
Joe DeCamillis - Solid. Sure, McBriar averaged a net of 43.5 yards on his punts, and Buehler kicked half of his six kickoffs in the end zone, notching one touchback. Those guys, along with Folk, do help. But check out what Coach Joe D's coverage units did against the Giants.
On kick returns, New York averaged just 22 yards with a long of 29. On three punt returns, they turned in a measly 13 yards with a long of nine.
I also applaud his decisions on the kickoff return units. Even though Felix fumbled, he stuck with him on the next return. And his creativity on the Miles Austin 29-yard return just before the half was also impressive. He had Sam Hurd and Marvin White loop all the way back from the left side of the field to the right, which timed out well enough to provide lead blocks for Austin.
Honorable Mention: Jason Garrett, Hudson Houck
Who gets your game balls?
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Barber was geat
sorry tol ose him from the line up
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the giants get one for winning..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 22, 2009 1:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Choice will shine
He was good last year but we need all 3 backs Felix cant take the beating.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 22, 2009 1:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What about Rat's takedown of Bradshaw in the backfield?
Talk about pursuit…. that was awesome.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 1:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That was one of my favorite plays of the game.
by Fernie67 on Sep 22, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't he also have a tackle on a swing pass?
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
They did a replay of it too! Cracked me up to see the nose tackle get there before anyone else.. Hustler for shoooo.
by Static on Sep 22, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not just that
the guy catching the ball was shocked that suddenly he wasn’t going to be patty-caked by Scandrick, he was going to get hammered by a 300 pounder…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a little confused by the HM to Spencer, since the radio guys
here were pretty critical of him. I’m not an expert, and I haven’t looked at game film, obviously, but it was said that while other linemen were getting double teamed, he wasn’t getting off single blocks to create any kind of pass rush.
Loved Barber, and I’m really bummed he’ll be out. I just hope it’s nothing that lingers. Is Jones 100%?
by Fernie67 on Sep 22, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I need to go back and watch Spencer's game
to see whether he really was single blocked all game.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He made plays.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely saw him show up in the run game.
But we need him to do the same in the pass game. I’m not saying he did or didn’t, just that I’ll have to watch again.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 22, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched him closer this second time around and it looks like he's coming around as a physical presence.
I don’t know what the “radio guys” are saying about him, but why would a strong-side LB warrant any more double-teaming than D.Ware?
Granted, a better pass rush from Spence would be nice; but, a better pass rush from anyone on this team would be nice.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Run game
Ya, he had some pretty good plays on runs. He does need to be a bit more effective in the pass rush. That should come as the rest of the line picks up their production on pass rush. I’ve heard a lot of people saying he was single covered and that’s true but it was generally by one of the giants better pass blockers.
by SDTrueblue on Sep 22, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good choices. Hard to pick
anyone else that did anything. I think you covered almost everyone who did anything positive, athought Choice was unstoppable on third down.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
by GunsUp on Sep 22, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Next up Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams
The 2008 #2 NFC team just loss 2 straight! They are going to come to Dallas in playoff mode, because 0-3 pretty much means your seasons over. Arguably the best running game in the NFL… This one could be tougher than the Giants!
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Sep 22, 2009 2:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget Jonathan Stewart.....
he’s not shabby! We’ll definitely have our work cut out.
by Road Warrior on Sep 22, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i cant believe the line is 9 points.....
by McLovin9 on Sep 22, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Starting the season with 2 losses
Doesn’t make you very popular in Vegas
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Sep 22, 2009 5:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
why?
Awards are reserved for positive contributions in my eyes… Why hijack this thread? Start your own whiner post so those that want to whine can…
by ProudBoyzLifer on Sep 22, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Spencer ...???
I am not sure I agree with this one either. I may have missed something (happens a lot). However, during the game I did not hear his name very often and for the most of the game he was blocked one on one. Just my opinion. I could be way off.
by eightball on Sep 22, 2009 2:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Spencer was an absolute savage against the run.
He even deflected an early pass. Just because he didn’t register a sack doesn’t mean he did not contribute. It was just an honorable mention.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron,
Felix Jones had a fumble……I love the kid, but he doesnt get a game ball!.
Neither does Jason Garret for his stupid call on Romo’s 3rd INT.
by ManTab on Sep 22, 2009 2:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That fumble was on special teams.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it's just an honorable mention, not a game ball.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially in that situation - you know??
its one thing to fumble on a kickoff return trying to make something happen….but you need to know the situation too
after opposing team has just taken a pick back for a td – you really need to protect the ball on the ensuing kickoff…that’s the type of thing that lets a game get out of hand….it didnt in this case but anyways
by McLovin9 on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is UNBELIEVABLE that anyone can blame Garrett for Romo's mistakes
Romo had choices:
1) He could throw to a WR
2) He could throw to a TE
3) He could check down to a RB
4) He could even audible into a running play
Please – when Romo has a brain-fart, stop blaming Garrett.
by BishopWest on Sep 22, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
6) Scramble upfield
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
by sublimezg on Sep 22, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't blame Garrett for Romo's mistakes, but....
Garrett can manage Romo and the situation better.
by staubachfan on Sep 22, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they can both
put each other in a better position to succeed. Garrett should identify what throws Romo has most trouble with based on what the defense is doing and work around that. Romo can stop trying to make something out of nothing.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree dunk.......
Garrett should realize by now if he dials up that play that it appears Romo will take it instead of the alternate play.
by texstar on Sep 22, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can't divine what the Safety is going to do
He didn’t knew that the Defensive Coordinator wasn’t going to make an adjustment in order to stop the run, he kept giving pass coverage more importance.
Romo should have seen the Safety playing deep and placed Hurd on ignore.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
by Chandus on Sep 22, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not really even talking about that play
I am saying in general. For example, the way they were backfilling on the side they blitzed from. There have to be adjustments they make for that. Otherwise it leaves the QB vulnerable because they aren’t any viable options on the normal hot read. Using your play, this is where Romo needs to make Garrett succesful – know what the vulnerability is to the play and seek it out on the field – a FS playing way off.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman used to do this regularly
Even with Emmitt racking yardage, he would look to go deep once or twice in every game.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
by Chandus on Sep 22, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hurd was the first option on the 3rd pick
I agree though, it was all Romo. Garrett is aggressive, and wanted to nail the coffin shut, but Romo should have seen that pick coming a mile away. One of the dumbest of many dumb throws in a short career.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Sep 22, 2009 4:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's time for people to quit blaming others for Romo's goofs.....
He’s a big boy and so it’s time for him to own up and let him take responsibility. I think this IS the year to see what Romo is made of.
by texstar on Sep 22, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's had a pretty darn good career
so far.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
play call
Everyone has been really down on Garret’s call in that situation and I just don’t understand it. I know Romo was struggling with his accuracy all night but when you are dominating rushing the ball and you’ve got the safeties peaking into the backfield you are supposed to take a shot downfield. It was a call that made sense but based on the safety playing Right-Field in the presnap read Romo should have located him and gotten out of that play. That’s not really garret’s falt.
by SDTrueblue on Sep 22, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mind the call, it was Romo not recognising that the Giants had guessed right and had a safety playing centerfield that bothers me
In other words, you are absolutely correct
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 22, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't we blame both?
They both screwed up.
it’s possible, you know.
But the majority of the blame to Romo, no doubt.
by Realist Larry on Sep 22, 2009 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't we blame both?
Because I don’t think you can pin any interception in the history of the NFL on any Offensive Coordinator.
Regardless of the play that the OC sends into the huddle – an interception is lack of proper execution by the players. Maybe the OL doesn’t block correctly and the QB is rushed to throw. Maybe the ball is tipped. Maybe a lot of different things happen……but to blame the OC for a pick is just erroneous.
The QB has so many options when the ball is snapped, that it is no longer in the hands of the OC. If the #1 receiving option is covered, the QB has to decide and determine what his better option would be.
by BishopWest on Sep 22, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sports Arenas Targeted
Probably not the right area for this, but http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32967671/ns/us_news-security/
Seems that sports arenas may be targets of terrorism in the recent probe. I saw how long the lines were getting into Cowboys Stadium Sunday night, of course with former Pres Bush and many other dignitaries there I understand.
Jerry World, as well as all other stadiums, may have to take drastic measures in light of this news to harden up these ‘soft’ targets.
by MooEChili on Sep 22, 2009 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It doubles as
the Dallas metro area nuclear fallout shelter. It’s good to go.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Thinking More Along
the lines of impeding the progress of vehicles, so as not to let them get anywhere near the stadium. Hotels have been targets recently because of the ease of vehicles getting near the building. Never having been to Jerry World, I have no idea how it is set up, but can they stop a determined driver to get near the building?
by MooEChili on Sep 22, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just kidding
it’s got to be high on the list of places to protect, especially during big events like the SB.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that right?
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 22, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't argue with MBIII, Aaron,
but I really liked what I saw from your honorable mentions, too.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 22, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Again, I'll have to watch, but it did seem our ILB's played the run much better.
No honorable mention for those guys?
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 22, 2009 2:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Together, yes.
But I’m trying not to get over two honorable mentions (even though I fudged that a bit on the offense :).
Defense was tough to pick because, like the special teams, nobody really, really stood out.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching live - Spencer was very active
Several plays, especially in the first half. Remains to be seen if he was an asset or liability in pass rush, but I saw no major gaffes.
The 7th Rule of "Fight Club": Fights will go on as long as they have to.
by tdships on Sep 22, 2009 2:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Aaron
Good for you for trusting your eye and not the commentators regarding Spencer.
I, too, want some pass rush out of him. However, if he can play the run against the gints, I will take him.
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
by HudBaby on Sep 22, 2009 3:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Aaron, I like your picks
Great write up explaining why you picked who you did.
by BishopWest on Sep 22, 2009 3:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ratliff is just incredible
and how long is Barber out? This is why I handcuffed him to Choice in my fantasy league. I can start Tashard without a second thought or any worry whatsoever.
On another note, I saw many opportunities where Romo could have scrambled for a few yards. I have long advocated him using his legs as a weapon downfield, but he seems to rarely do it. This is frustrating to me. Is it not wanting to put himself in a position to get injured? Is it him wanting to make a bigger play with a pass downfield? Has he been coached not to run for yards? I just think if he ran 3-4 times a game, it would give the defense one more thing to worry about.
by DavidH22 on Sep 22, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely yes
I noticed it last year as well. Romo scrambling past the line of scrimmage is a WEAPON that I don’t believe he uses enough any more. He’s not the quickest but he has the esacpability to pick up 1st downs on 3rd and 3s, keep the defense honest, etc. He has lost that instinct to run when it makes sense, if it’s possible to lose an instinct
by cow_fanatic on Sep 22, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I think that some QBs scramble to run
and others scramble to throw.
Romo scrambles to throw.
I usually don’t have a problem with it – cause some of his better plays take place when he is improvising.
by BishopWest on Sep 22, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I forgot to add something interesting!
Don’t know if this has been brought up, but after watching the Oline’s play again, I noticed that (in the 1st quarter) they moved Colombo to LT next to Flo, while Bigg played RT. Bigg then pulled left to block for the runner.
Garrett and Houck must’ve worked together on that one. I hope we see it again in the near future.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 3:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I heard someone mention that
interesting.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which play was this?
Interesting formation though…Was Kosier the RG in this formation?
by thejanusman on Sep 22, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone else notice (or am I mistaken)
when Felix lined up wide right and motioned into the backfield where both MBIII and Choice were lined up?
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 22, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants fan here...
Great game this week, as I said on this site before the game I thought it was going to be the Game of the Week and I don’t think anyone will argue that. Dallas and New York is always a good show.
First, a compliment to your stadium…that thing is RIDICULOUS. I have definitely never said this before, and most likely will not again, but well done Jerry Jones, kudos to you ya rich bastahd.
Secondly, just wanted to say you guys have a real play maker in Ratliff. I think we effectively took Ware out of the game by using Boss to nail him at the line, but wow Ratliff is a stud!
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 22, 2009 3:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And Manningham
what a surprise. Dude has come a long way.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Sep 22, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know I'm a sore loser
But when one team totally gift wraps a game and gives it to their opponent, I don’t consider it a good game. It’s not like the Giants made spectacular plays on the Cowboys turnovers. The Cowboys made it very easy. The Giants have major problems. The were gashed in the running game and there’s now a blue print for shutting down the big punk Jacobs.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 22, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow man...
I understand your frustration with the turnovers, but only one of those was “fluke” the rest was how the Giants defense and special teams play every Sunday.
Just remember the G-Men didn’t score once in five red zone opportunities, and missed a field goal to boot. The Giants kept the Cowboys in this game, not the other way around.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 23, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll trade him and Romo
For Osi and Eli!! And we’ll throw in Jerry’s ego as well!!
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Sep 22, 2009 4:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Romo almost gave away as many game balls as you did!
Bada bup bahhh…
by shaneshot on Sep 22, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL!
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome back Kosier
Kosier’s block (I think on Marion’s TD run) was a thing of beauty – he de-cleated the Giants LB – sent him flying. Good to have him back.
One thing on ST’s I thought was strange – DeCamillis obviously likes his returns exactly as drawn up. There was one return were Felix took the ball on his far left and ran all the way to his far right for the return. He literally covered the full width of the field and made about 5 yards upfield. Surely if the kick goes completely against the called return you bail and just go straight upfield and make what you can?
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
by BoyfromOz on Sep 22, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Spencer doesn't deserve to be in the honorable mention
He is did very well against the run, but the guy is getting one on one matchups in the passing game and is doing crap.
by quincyyyyy on Sep 22, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 22, 2009 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Spencer Was Pretty Dang Smoothe
Ours should take notice
No longer drinks Jagermeister because of the Dallas Cowboys.
by Stingah on Sep 22, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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