Cowboys vs. Panthers: 5 Questions with Cat Scratch Reader
by Dave Halprin on Sep 25, 2009 6:00 PM CDT
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PrintTime for a little 5 Questions with our friends over at SB Nation's Carolina Panthers blog, Cat Scratch Reader. Jaxon is the main-man at CSR, here are my Q's and his A's.
Blogging The Boys: Jake Delhomme? Any indications that he's on a short leash from the organization? How many of the fans are still behind him? And could our old friend Matt Moore figure into the picture?
Cat Scratch Reader: The last poll I ran on Jake's popularity had it around 75% but that was before the Eagles game. I would imagine its around 50 to 60% confidence right now. If Jake throws a couple picks early then Fox might have a shorter leash than in the past with him. With Josh McCown on IR I have to assume AJ Feeley is still too fresh to the team to take over. So in that event you would see Matt Moore.
Make the jump...
BTB: We've been reading lots of bad reports about your defensive line. Give us the injury problems and the skinny on the replacements? Is Julius Peppers playing a big role?
CSR: We've lost three DT's to injury for the season, a position we were not deep in to begin with. Starter Damione Lewis is available but completing our three man rotation will be 2nd year man and 6th round pick Nick Hayden who sat last week with a sore toe. The other guy is RaShon ‘Sunny" Harris, a UDFA cut loose by the Steelers at the final cut down. So you guys should be able to make some hay running right up the middle. Peppers had a decent game against the Eagles but disappeared against the Falcons. Our million dollar a game DE looks pretty average so far.
BTB: Most people think you guys have two quality backs, with DeAngelo Williams being especially dangerous. How has the ground game worked so far?
CSR: The running game has looked good early in both games so far but since we can't hold a lead we have ended up throwing the ball in the second half. DeAngelo Williams hasn't missed a beat and looks as strong and shifty as ever. Jonathan Stewart essentially sat out the entire preseason with a foot injury and looked a little rusty in the Eagles game but came on strong against the Falcons. The offensive line was horrid against the Eagles but performed much better against the Falcons. I have no reason to think the Panthers won't run the ball a lot against the Cowboys just as they plan to every week.
BTB: Is John Fox close to losing his job? If he doesn't turn things around could he get fired either in-season or at the end of the season?
CSR: That's hard to say so far. I think it depends on how bad the season went (if it goes bad). Another 7-9 season with the tough schedule and the injuries the Panthers have suffered might buy him another season. Anything less than that and it might get shaky. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson just fired his two sons from the organization so any thoughts about blind loyalty to Fox are probably unfounded. It also doesn't help his case that Bill Cowher is unemployed and lives just up the road.
BTB: What's the perfect game plan for the Panthers to beat the Cowboys?
CSR: On offense, run the ball effectively, takes some shots down field to Steve Smith and most importantly score TD's instead of FG's. On defense we have to limit the Cowboys running game, we absolutely have to get a pass rush in order to force Romo into some mistakes. We cannot overlook special teams either. The Panthers have been horrid on kick coverage so we need to limit the long returns and force the Cowboys to move the ball the length of the field. Of course limiting turnover is essential every game. Given the Panthers have 9 in two games they obviously need to improve protecting the football.
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How about a few big plays from the Cowboys on special teams?
Maybe a blocked punt, punt return for TD….we haven’t seen either of those in a while.
It hasn't been that long.
They blocked a punt against San Fran last year.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 25, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I can visualize
Felix Jones doing what he did so many times on that beautiful highlight reel. Man I think he’s so much better than that McFarten guy he use to run with in the same backfield. He needs to do more of that, you know, where they didn’t even lay a finger on him on those returns for Arkansas.
Oh yes, I can fantasize about that ,do it for me Felix bahaby (country singer pronunciation:)
by dcfansinceiwasababy on Sep 25, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Visualize it a lot now
Because come Monday night, you won’t see it. And I’m sure you guys are gonna love hearing Steve Smith’s name called constantly for consecutive weeks in your own house.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
For hitting one of his own team mates?
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
as in,
steve smith dissapoints his fans yet again? Mabey, steve smith punches a ref and gets thrown out? go away troll.
by mutombo4life on Sep 26, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Special Teams.....
I agree. We got a blocked FG in Tampa but other than that and our kickoff specialist booting the ball into another country we need a big play on ST or DEF.
Rumor is they were bickering a lot with each other
However they both are still part owners. So it was pretty much just Jerry trying to teach them a lesson. No reason to think that at least one of them won’t be back.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I hope the Cowboys are fuming with anger
over the Giants loss. And I want to see them take that anger out on the Panthers. I want us to blow out every team we play, but I think if we dominate this week it will be great for our team, Romo and the offense in particular.
Do you guys have any reasoning for these statements?
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
since when do "hopes" need reasoning?
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
You do know...
that you are on a Dallas Cowboys blog right?
And that 99% of the people on here are Dallas fans right?
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 26, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
yup
my roommates a big time Panthers fan and the last thing I want is him parading around the dorm talking trash monday night
After Fuentes blows a save and an Angels loss to the Indians:
"Angels still in first place" - UCI Halo
"Hey you know who would have gotten those 3 outs in the 9th?
Darren O’Day." - FirebatM3
LOL
btw... great name!
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Sep 26, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
42-24
Cowboys rip Carolina a new hole where the sun doesn’t shine
by torchindefenses on Sep 25, 2009 9:17 PM CDT reply actions
Again, how bout some logic?
Just yelling “HOW BOUT EM” doesn’t win games.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
This is a Cowboy blog, what the hell do we need logic for.
I tell you why I think we win. Your interior D is shot to hell. We should be able to run up and down on you. If you sell out to stop the run we have 2 top notch talented TEs who are nightmare matchups. Though Romo has bad games he doesnt have 2 in a row. Even as bad as he struggled last week he is still playing better than Jake.
Your backs are great but you will be down by 13 at the half leading you to abadon the run. Negating your only strength.
Steve Smith is your only scary WR and we will double him.
Our special teams are better than yours.
We are at home.
Its a Monday Night game and we started drinking heavily after the Giants putting us in an alcohol rage where 95,000+ screaming blood thirsty fans incased in a closed stadium will make impossible to hear audibles.
Wade truns loose the D.
KICK ASS every day!!!
+1
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Sep 26, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Tony Romo's struggles aren't just random.
He cracks under pressure… and there is a ton of pressure for him to play well Monday night. Steve Smith is our only “scary” receiver, true, however Muhammad was 5th last year in receiving yards among #2 receivers. And most teams including NYG don’t have a WR as scary as Steve Smith.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
So then if Romo destroys you..
Where does that leave your 0-3 team? Oh wait, I just answered my own question.
Summarizing the Dallas Cowboys in two words; inconsistently amazing.
I'm not gonna play ignorant
If you beat us, then our season is pretty much over. After what we witnessed week 1, I wouldn’t even be that shocked.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
-1
ROMO has a bad game every once in a while, not in all big pressure spots. Like they said after having a stinker of a game he usually rebounds and averages a passer rating of 114.
Big games: he beat green bay, to take the #1 seed in the conference. He beat the giants last year with a torn up pinky 20-8. He’s beaten mcnabb on monday night on the home opener last year.(That’s pretty big)
He beat carolina in his first start ever(spanked them).
Spanked tampa on thanksgiving to the tune of 5 tds.
Beat the giants, on the road in 2007.
These are all that came to mind. The cowboys games are “big games” pretty much every week, if romo struggled in" big spots" his w-l record would be much worse. As it stands, he is like 28-13.
So you want more ground on why, your team will get spanked?
How about cause the cowboys own them.
How about a healthy O-LINE who leads the league in rushing.
How about a defense that has struggled, and is angry with something to prove. No sacks for them threw 2 games means 1 thing. Wade will bring the house early and often, and your qb won’t make it through the 2nd qtr.
Let me pose this question to you, on what grounds do you think your team WON’T get blown out?
by TONYINCC on Sep 26, 2009 9:17 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I totally agree
The big game argument is generally garbage. but im concerned with Romo right now. Hes struggled in his last 8 or so regular season games – i know many of those Ds (Giants twice, Eagles, Ravens, Steelers) are great, but hes really played poorly at times. Hes has as many bad performances in his last 8 as he did in his first 35 or whatever.
He doesnt crack under pass rush pressure. He cracks under big game(playoff type) pressure.
His screw ups werent from Giants bring the heat. In fact pass rush pressure gets him out of the pocket where he can be more dangerous. It seems to be the expectations of a big game. No offense but this isnt that type of big game. Your not a divisional rival and the playoffs arent on the line.(meaning win or go home).
Muhammad is getting long in the tooth and we have done well against Steve Smith.
Our line shut out the Giants Dline and as a unit they are scarier than you guys.
I think you have been posting on here for at least a week and if someone on here mentions our Oline its nothing but praise. Those guys are a little long in the tooth but they have played together 3 years and seem to be clicking. In fact I bet you if you took a poll it would probably be our best strength.
KICK ASS every day!!!
I hardly think you have room to talk....
DelHomme? Please. He’s still seeing Cardinals run by him. Tony’s had some stinkers, but he’s got nothing on your boy.
by Road Warrior on Sep 26, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
So what would you rather have?
More “stinkers”, but with 5 playoff wins, 2 NFC Championship games, and a Superbowl appearance… Or less “stinkers” and no playoff wins?
No doubt Delhomme’s best days are behind him. But thus far Romo’s career pales in comparison to Delhomme.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Delhomme has start 4 more season than Romo.Why dont we wait on the finally tally.
KICK ASS every day!!!
Romo looks pissed off
See that interview today? He has a pissed off intensity, still some awesucks going on but he has more intensity. Hopefully it carries over to Monday night.
by torchindefenses on Sep 25, 2009 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
He knows this is a have to win situation.
And for those that don’t think so… you’re wrong
by torchindefenses on Sep 25, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember when we cut Moore.
A lot of folks were upset about that, and still are. The sentiment was that he would come back some day to bite us. Though I wouldn’t expect much out of a guy thrown into a bad situation, (which is what it will be if Delhomme is benched) we have a way of being burned by our own bad Karma. At this point, every game makes me nervous. Guess I have to take this the way I took my favorite baseball team this year. I knew they didn’t have the pitching to compete, so I just let go of the wound-up fan thing that I do, and of course, my baseball team did end up sucking. I can’t do that with the Cowboys. They are the team of my life, and I just can’t bring myself to relax about it. This whole season is going to be pins and needles for me.
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?"
He started 3 games in 2007
And played well. Went 2-1, and had a better showing than Vinny Testeverde and David Carr. Despite the 0-2 start this year, this o-line, receivers and running game are far better than in 2007. So your scenario above could be likely.
However, John Fox loves Jake Delhomme. You’d need to force him into about 4-5 turnovers before Fox would bench him. And considering you have 0 sacks or INTs, it doesn’t look like Delhomme will be benched this week.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Wouldn't be too sure about that
all it takes is a hot start from us and 1 or two turnovers for Fox to have to really think abot pulling the plug on Delhomme for the year, and coming out with another qb like we did against the giants in 2006.
Listen, if that happened you'de be doing many Panther fans a huge favor
Many people here wanted him benched years ago. But Fox just won’t do it… Jake fits too well into what he want’s to do.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Sep 26, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
How do Dallas fans really feel about Wade Phillips
To be honest you guys have a good team, with a lot of potential. Jerry Jones is world famous. You got the best stadium in the world… I could go on. But Wade Phillips? Why is he coaching this team? I feel like I’m listening to an older Forest Gump in his press conferences. Is he just a decoy for Jerry to coach the team through?
What am I missing here?
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Hard to speak for everyone but....
I didn’t mind the hiring at the time. Mainly cuz I wasn’t a fan of Parcells. And if you notice, it’s common to pick a coach that’s the complete opposite of the last. In that respect, Jerry succeeded. Plus, we were sold the bag of goods that he’s a 3-4 defense genius. We see how well that’s working out.
And now he’s in charge of the defense too? While that worked out well the first few games after Brian Stewart was canned, it’s clear that he can’t handle both jobs. I was shocked that Jerry kept him after last year. But Jerry is defiant.
by Road Warrior on Sep 26, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
We don't have a lot of choice in the matter Southtunnel
We have to make the best of what we have, and so I think we all hope that he’s going to dial in this defense and get them playing. Yes, it’s frustrating at times when he starts talking, but hope springs eternal, and that’s what we have. I can tell you this, Jerry is very comfortable with Wade, and unless he really sucks this year, I’d bet my money he keeps Wade again.
One more thing. There is some evidence that our drafts have improved under Wade, and after all, all the coaching and scheming in the world can’t win championships. Players on the field win them. We’d love to have a great coach, but we’ll settle for great players, at least for now.
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?"
BTW, welcome Southtunnel
Trolls are not welcome around here, but intelligent fans of other teams, that want to have intelligent conversations are great company.
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?"
go to the panters SB nation site and you may get a better read on southtunnel
he’s not so “intelligent”.
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 26, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not a troll
I’m here to chat with this week’s opposing team’s fans. And it’s been a good one.
For the record, Musiccitynorm is bent out of shape because I asked if there was any truth to the rumor that “Cowboy fans are the dumbest fan base in the league”. I didn’t make that up, it’s what I have heard multiple times from sports analysts. Now, I mean no disrespect. I have friends that are Dallas fans, and we spar over that one. It’s all in good fun. I hope you guys are not that easily offended. Right?
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Yeah...
who would be offended by getting basiclly called stupid right?
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 27, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I honestly would like to know why some sports analysts claim that?
But since I now see that you have to walk on eggs in here, I will just let it be.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Hate is a really easy thing to achieve...
… When your Franchise has as much success over the it’s existence as the Cowboys.
You can look it up, even when our team hasn’t been relevant for a while, it’s still one of the most hated franchises around, right now polls indicate that 1a is the Patriots and 1b the Cowboys.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Defense
That’s the main reason he is the HC. That plus his experience in the NFL, and he does have a good record during the regular season. I know a lot of folks like to bash on Wade, but I like him alright. I definitely like what he’s done with the defense.
So it begins...
by APerfectStar on Sep 26, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Last 2 weeks really
They need to fix the lack of QB pressure. I want to see Delhomme as uncomfortable as possible. Although I expect CAR to stay with the run as long as its a close game.
So it begins...
by APerfectStar on Sep 26, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions
there was an article on DC.com
Wade said that 1. Offenses have been going max protect and 2. We have no rotation because of all the rookie injuries and cutting ellis, our starters are really wearing down late
With Jake it is very simple...
If you guys find a way to revive last years defense, and apply constant pressure on Jake, then he will hand you the game on a silver platter. But if you allow him to have time, then he WILL find Steve Smith… who will hurt you. If you allow that to happen you will have to win by a shootout.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Sep 26, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions
I quote him
“Is it true that Cowboy fans are the dumbest in the world?”
He then goes on to talk about BTB. he thinks were the dumbest fans in the world. He can go away.
Seriously, I have you never heard that line before?
Give me a break. You guys have the history, the stadium, the fame… what you can’t take a joke?
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I think some others have mentioned this, but its scary how similar these 2 teams are
I mean really similar. The injury bug has definitely hit the panthers pretty hard this year.
Super strong running games (probably top 2 teams in the league) and they have a legit passing game as long as they can keep their QB from making too many mistakes.
Defense have question marks all around. Both have a super playmaker on defense, but its hard make things happen by yourself. Depth is a concern.
Neither team is really known for their special teams. Cowboys has greatly improved this year so far. Felix makes every touch special (just no more fumbles eh big guy).
Each team has a number of players/coaches, questionably on the chopping block. If either team has a below than average season, more changes will come in the offseason. Both team had high expectations. Things are starting of shaky for both.
Luckily, the cowboys do look to have quite an advantage in almost every category, but cannot let the guard down even for a minute (TNEW, especially in the last minute of the half!).
Big thanks to Dave and Jaxon. Hopefully its a good game … and by good I mean the Cowboys win like they should have last week (on the field and on the scoreboard).
Into video games? Check out GamersBeyond.com for reviews/vids on latest video games from all platforms (PC, PS3, xbox, Wii)
haha
Joe Thiesman was telling telling Sterling Sharp the redskins would beat the Lions and Sharp said he agreed it would take the Lions 8 weeks to get settled down and Thiesman started to argue as he seemed upset by the 8 weeks before the lions were better than the Redskins and Sharp cut him off and said, they might win this week.
haha classic!
Hmmm
""get a pass rush in order to force Romo into some mistakes."" Well my mind want to say that the pressure is not required.
BUT I think TR (while letting me down last week) is OUR QB for now and the future. When he retires he will join the Ring of Honor with 2 Super Bowl rings. The pressure of the “Big” game — well I think he should be use to this and this year a couple of play off wins would not surprise me. But this year could be a waste if we don’t have a major improvement across the board on the defense. AND the Special Teams (other that the KO’s) isn’t anything to brag about.
The receivers – a great bunch as are the running backs.
This week Choice and Jones can and will carry the load.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Cowboys run away with this one. OR we may be looking at a new head coach.
I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys
The defense will get it together.
These players have played well before, and they’ll play well again. Here in a couple of weeks we’ll get Jason Williams back, and he was looking like the real deal. We need about one more speed player on D, and he’s going to be it. You watch, the defense is going to get after Carolina Monday night.
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?"
here is the difference in coaches
the jets defense is not as good as the boys.
the jets are winning last week and what do they do against the pats at the end of the game?
They blitz every single down. Brady was never comfortable.
What do we do? Play prevent and let them march down the field.
I would rather blitz and let them score then let them methodically march down the field and beat us!
Wade coach like your job is not at risk!!!!!!!!!
Wade is coaching not to lose.
by oneforthethumb on Sep 26, 2009 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions
The jets defense is VERY Good
they have a much better #1cb right now, a pretty good safety in rhodes, and they have a Dline that las year was a stalwart against the run….
Given our lack of depth at linebacker, the Jets probably have overall more talent than we do.
The jets blitze every down cause they are one of 3 or 4 teams with a cb capable of shutting down randy moss – otherwise they’d be out of their mind to do that.
David Harris is a stud as well in my opinion...
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Sep 27, 2009 1:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Yup.
He is my FF defensive player. He’s just relentless.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 27, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions
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