Cowboys vs. Panthers: Mirror, Mirror
by Dave Halprin on Sep 28, 2009 3:00 AM CDT
87 comments
I won't say that looking at the Carolina Panthers is exactly like looking in a mirror for the Dallas Cowboys. Maybe a fun-house mirror - they're not identical, but they do exhibit some common characteristics.
Dallas is 1-1 thanks to an easy road game against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs. The Panthers are 0-2, and one of those games was a very tough road loss to the Atlanta Falcons and the Panthers were in that game until the end. But when you start looking at each team's one home-game of the season, the similarities begin to creep in. The Cowboys, as I'm sure I don't have to remind you, lost at home mainly due to a QB breakdown in the turnover department. The Panthers lost at home due to a complete QB breakdown in the turnover department.
Now, Tony Romo and Jake Delhomme are being compared to each other as "struggling" QB's by the press.
An AP wire report is headlined - NFL: Struggling quarterbacks face off tonight
Cheer up, Tony Romo. Jake Delhomme knows exactly how it feels. Those frustrating interceptions. All the griping fans.
The support of teammates that you hope is sincere. A body of work that shows turnovers are just part of the deal, the downside of the go-for-broke style that lifted you from obscurity to Pro Bowler and multimillionaire.
I'll still take Romo in that matchup, but there is no denying that both have turned in one giant 'fail' game so far this season. Tonight, it's time to regain the momentum for Romo.
Both teams have another problem to face, high-profile pass rushers who are not getting it done so far in the 2009 season. We all know about DeMarcus Ware's struggles, zero sacks for him, heck, zero sacks for the team. The Panthers are having trouble too, and Julius Peppers is their mystery.
Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks last season with 20; Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers had a career-high 14.5. Both have gotten off to slow starts this season (Ware has no sacks, Peppers one). Their lack of production has been emblematic of both teams' struggling defenses. Shaking off their defensive stars' early doldrums is a priority for both teams.
Both teams are desperate for victories. The Panthers because they can't afford to go 0-3, their issue is pure mathematics. The Cowboys are desperate because you just can't go around losing home games and hope to have a good record in the NFL. Both teams need a win badly.
The Panthers have no problem announcing their desperation.
It's not all-or-nothing, but a win Monday is vital if the Panthers are to get back on course for a goal they've repeated when breaking some pregame huddles this year -- "Super Bowl champs."
"Vital is an understatement," linebacker Jon Beason said. "Oh-and-three is just not a possibility. This is a must-win."
Just to make sure we get it, Beason reiterates to another reporter.
"It's desperation time." That's what Panthers linebacker Jon Beason told me this week when we were talking about Carolina's road game tonight against Dallas on "Monday Night Football."
By coincidence we face another WR named Steve Smith this week, and the Cowboys secondary is a concern. The secondary needs help from the pass rush, but if they don't get it, the name Steve Smith could be our nightmare for the second week in a row.
The Cowboys have issues in the secondary: There are also concerns about the tackling on the back end, and they missed a lot of open-field tackles against the Giants. The Panthers' running backs like to run wide, and in the passing game, [Steve] Smith will run hitches and crossing routes designed to get yards after the catch. Carolina is not overly explosive on offense, but the Cowboys must avoid giving it free yards. If the Cowboys close well and keep everything in front of them, they should be successful against the Carolina offense.
At least if you don't stop the completion, let's make the tackle this week.
We still don't know if Marion Barber will play, I'm guessing he won't. The Panthers have a few injury issues, too.
The Carolina Panthers will likely have a makeshift lineup against Dallas as they try to avoid an 0-3 start.
Linebacker Na'il Diggs was declared out of Monday night's game after missing his third straight practice Saturday with bruised ribs. Starting strong safety Chris Harris, top fullback Brad Hoover and defensive end Everette Brown also sat out the workout and are listed as doubtful.
0 recs |
87 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I was surprised by the margin on Yahoo! Pick Em....
I think it was 98% of users picked Cowboys to win tonight. I hope the ’Boys take the Panthers as much more of a threat.
by MicThaRock on Sep 28, 2009 3:36 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
typo
Not 98%, but 92%…I had 92% to 8% in my mind but ended up combining them.
by MicThaRock on Sep 28, 2009 5:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see a shutout.
I’m not taking the Panthers lightly, but it has been years since the Cowboys held a team scoreless. I think it would do a lot for their psyche. We haven’t done it in over 5 years, and have only done it twice in the last 10.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 28, 2009 4:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Shutout ! shutout !!! hell I take any kind of win. Shutout!!!!
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PLAYOFFS? WHAT DO YOU MEAN PLAYOFFS?
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
by GunsUp on Sep 28, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't think it was Romo's fault.
Though his performance against the Giants wasn’t great and I threw quite a few explicatives his way, what disappointed me most was the defensive performance. It seemed that every young receiver on the Giants was open by fine yards on every play. Newman looked very slow. Scandrick and Jenkins were interchangeable and they both stunk.
Remember that Romo broke his own passing record the previous week and even grove the team 80 yards for a late touchdown. I know it was mostly running but he still drove the bus with confidence. We also scored 30 points, for goodness sakes!
I’m looking for that D to tighten up tonight.
by JoeWho on Sep 28, 2009 5:39 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Then Romo was responsible for 51 points scored.
30 for us and 21 for the Giants.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
by GunsUp on Sep 28, 2009 6:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to see you back Terry.
I still like Romo, but I dislike his not finding the safety before heaving the ball. Might even be harder since Carolina’s uni’s are similar to ours.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
by GunsUp on Sep 28, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome back Terry
Didn’t Romo light up Carolina last time he started against them?
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 28, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not really
He was okay but nothing spectacular. He played better against them in his first start back in 2006.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo's last game versus Carolina
December 22, 2007 (Game 16)
Final Score: DAL 20 @ CAR 13
Romo’s Stats:
42 attempts
28 completions
257 yards
1 touchdown
1 interception
81.1 qb rating
Observations:
1) M. Moore was the CAR QB
2) Twice CAR had 1st and goal and came away with only Field Goals
3) DAL defense held CAR to 18% conversion rate on 3rd-down (2 of 11)
4) Barber ran for a season high of 110 yards
5) Out of 10 possessions, 7 times CAR did NOT advance beyond the DAL 49
6) Though battling with injuries, Steve Smith (CAR) caught 9 balls for 137 yards and a TD
7) DAL held an 18-minute advantage in time of possession (DAL 39 min, CAR 21 min)
8) T.Owens was injured early in the 3rd quarter and did not return
9) Barber was targeted 15 times (run or pass) in the last half
10) On kickoffs, Folk put one out of bounds (CAR started @ the 40), and Folk landed one at the CAR 21
by BishopWest on Sep 28, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could be mistaken and just remembering things wrong,
but I don’t recall in our “golden age” of winning playoff games and , daresay, championships, that we usually had to wait for the defense to “catch on” to what they were supposed to be doing.
Seems like the defense held the score down and special teams jockeyed for field position and maybe scored and we had to wait a game or three for the offense to start rolling consistently.
Why isn’t the defense kicking arse and taking names from the get go?
Initially after the game i was thinking, well, we gave ‘em those turnovers and they had field position and the Giants didn’t really drive it on us. Then I read we gave up over 400 yards again. Crikey! 800 and something yards in two games! That’s a month’s worth.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Sep 28, 2009 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting stat
Neither the Giants or Bucs had a sack in the Giants drubbing of the Bucs. This ‘no sack’ thing the Cowboys have going could end up being redefined as the great O-line play of their two opponents thus far. I’d like to see them get it going with a huge game of pressure tonight on Delhomme.
I realize Wade hasn’t played the pressure game yet, but even without sending the rush, you’d have expected us to get a couple. Look for the Cowboys to get at least three sacks tonight, and pressure the QB all night. This, in turn, should give the CB’s the lift they need to play better.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Sep 28, 2009 6:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This game is bigger than the Giants game IMO
For the simple fact the Panthers will be in desperation mode tonight and we would be staring 1-2 in the face with a loss.
I think it’s a must win for the Cowboys as well.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 7:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is definitely a big game.....
good to see you Terry because I was worried what happened to you? The one positive that I can see from the past game is that Romo has actually said that he was to blame for this ugly loss. He wasn’t entirely, but he “appears” to have taken responsibility as a leader. We’ll see what happens tonight. Anyway, good to see you’re okay Terry.
by texstar on Sep 28, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
but I was okay, just really bummed about the loss and wasn’t in the mood to deal with all the criticism last week.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There really wasn't very much.
LOL!
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naaah - I didn't see any critism
on the blog after the loss – Terry didn’t need to lay low
hehehe (snickering)
by BishopWest on Sep 28, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can understand you being bummed...
but avoiding the blog IMO is not the right thing to do…honestly i like the fact that you stand up to Romo and are quite oblivious to other’s criticism of him. I would expect you to be standing up for him with more zeal when things like last week happen….again don’t take this the wrong way…just my 2 cents…
by thejanusman on Sep 28, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just wasn't in the mood...sorry
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that game really got to ya didn't it?
Me too but apparently there were some that really went waaaay over-board the night of the loss. Apparently it got pretty nasty.
by texstar on Sep 28, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I signed off well before that point
I just felt really bad for Jerry because I knew how much the opening of the stadium meant to him and for the team to let him down, well it was extremely disappointing.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed......
I’m glad you’re back because even though we disagree on occasion I still consider you my friend. I’m as much a homer as you but I sometimes just express myself differently-LOL
by texstar on Sep 28, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reactions of many commenters after that loss was truly disgusting. I’ve been lurking on here for a few months (first comment yay) and I’d slowly been drawn in by the high caliber, intelligent posts and comments. But after seeing the hateful, deeply unappreciative comments early this week (including by respected posters), I almost didn’t come back. Instead, here I am making my first comment. Call me a homer, but I feel privileged to call such an outstanding team my own. As soon as Romo started taking snaps for us, we became a team nobody wanted on their schedule. And we have players who are actually worth rooting for at nearly every position. I’m a Dallas Cowboy and I’m damn proud of it. The Giants won’t be so ridiculously lucky the next time we see them.
by speedmetal on Sep 28, 2009 1:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome speedmetal
Buckle up, its gonna be a bumpy ride :)
by BishopWest on Sep 28, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome Home, Sir :)
The Giants won’t be so ridiculously lucky the next time we see them.
… totally agree
… from a fellow homer, here’s hoping you join the fray!
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
by DalaiLuke on Sep 28, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just may :)
Thanks for the welcome.
by speedmetal on Sep 28, 2009 6:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
plus I knew guys like dunkman and others
who are Romo fans would be defending him, I’m not the only Romosexual on this blog. ;)
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even want to think
About how many times we’re going to hear how big this game is tonight. Maybe I’ll just watch the game with the volume down and listen to music on my ipod. It will be unbearable how they will play this up.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It feels like the Cowher sweepstakes
The loser probably hires him after the season
by cow_fanatic on Sep 28, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't think Cowher can live with Jerry.
I think he wants full controll and Jerry can’t live with that. He hated
it when Big Bill had controll. Steven will have to take over before we have a top coach in Dallas.Hope that comes sooner than later.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was once said about Parcells
You’re right, one must dream of another day when Jerry is more concerned about success than involvement
by cow_fanatic on Sep 28, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're right
If Wade gets canned at some point, the next HC will be either Shanahan or Holmgren.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope not.
That would mean Garrett would have to get the axe too, and I just don’t see that happening. I would expect another defensive-minded (3-4) coach coming in.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes Shanahan more than likely.
I hear they are buds,but is he a top coach? I don’t think so not like Cowher.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Garrett would move up and a 3-4 DC will come in.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could be,Jerry is comfortable with him.
Garrett would play the game and let Jerry be Jerry.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if the offense plays well
and we lose because of the defense, I think thats the most plausible and likely scenario.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, but he is the best out there.
Sure beats poor old Wade by a mile.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No matter Cowher want come to Dallas anyway.
Jerry won’t hire him and Cowher won’t take the job.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather they go young at DC after Wade moves on.
Build something that can last instead of getting guys that seem like short-term leases.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have Holmgren or Shanahan
Those two seem more compatible with Jerry as GM, I get the feeling that where ever Cowher ends up, he’ll run to run the show from top to bottom.
Jerry won’t allow that.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me, any of those guys are the coaching equivalent of signing T.O.
The trend in the NFL right now—and a successful one, at that—is either to hire a young up-and-coming coach, or to promote a successor from within.
If JJ was to pull a guy out of retirement, then he might as well keep Wade.
Doesn’t matter anyways. Garrett is the future HC of this team.
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its hard to last with Jerry.
At least thats what the history has been with head coaches.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.......
I have never understood all the love for the guy. He only won one SB but he had many failures in the playoffs before that year. To be quite honest(I’m ready for the bashing) but if the Steelers hadn’t taken out Palmer in that game, I’m not so sure that the Bungles wouldn’t have won that game.
by texstar on Sep 28, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great way to start the day...
Courtesy of SI.com…
Owens’ day got even worse after the game. On his way up the tunnel, T.O. was struck in the face and chest by a large bucket of popcorn thrown from the stands.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/scoreboards/2009/09/27/3468_viewcast_recap.html#ixzz0SP7O9bJe
Can you imagine getting fired up over your hometown getting a minor league football franchise... and then they sign Quincy Carter to be QB!!!
by Mikhaili on Sep 28, 2009 7:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what a clown
He certainly is deserving of everything he is enduring right now and I’m loving every minute of it.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rodney Harrison was bashing him last night on Sunday Night Football.......
as well as all the media guys on Sirius.
by texstar on Sep 28, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twitter Response
Apparently T.O. responded to Rodney Harrison’s comments by calling him out for using steroids. Hilarious! The move to get rid of him is looking better and better every day.
Beware D-Ware
by WittenRocks on Sep 28, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad the Bills' coaches and players are the ones having to answer all those
questions about why they’re not getting the ball to T.O. I can feel Dick Jauron’s pain: “Obviously we have to get him the ball . . . obviously he’s a big part of our offense . . . yada yada.”
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Sep 28, 2009 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've had enough of that already
and I’m glad its behind us now
by BishopWest on Sep 28, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe hyperbole
But I’ve always thought someday TO could just totally lose it and do something REALLY stupid. The guy is unstable and his behavior is bizzare by any standard. Something like getting hit in the face with a bucket of popcorn when he’s already in one of his moods could end very badly.
by StillHateTheGiants on Sep 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
T.O. is simply an immature, egotisical jerk
and despite his impressive career numbers, I have serious doubts about him getting into the HOF as a result because everyone will mostly remember as a locker room cancer and not as a great WR.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he wil make it but it won't be on the first ballot
You cannot deny his numbers.
Irvin being kind of an ass kept him out of the HOF for a few years also
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 28, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
First ballot no way.
It may take a long time for him to get in the HOF.I would never vote for him, too much crap comes with the numbers.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enough about T.O., will RWilliams get some good yards tonight?
I hope Garrett & Romo goes to him more this game. They need to get this guy going. #1 WR? Let’s see it already!
by torchindefenses on Sep 28, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping Witten gets a ton of looks
The best way for a qb to get back on track is to find his security blanket early and often.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And a great running attack!
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Sep 28, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lead by the Cat
I have him on my fantasy teams so I hope he runs wild tonight.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I need 30 points between him and Romo.
I believe!
And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply ...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 28, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we're all looking forward to see what the Cat can do as the...er lead dog.
Huh? You know it’s really bad when you question your own statement. But hey, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
by White Wolf on Sep 28, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron, you'll get that in the 1st half!
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
by DalaiLuke on Sep 28, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The panthers could try the same approach the gints had which is to play a cover 2 style where they will
hope for Romo to try and force something.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Sep 28, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if they do, I hope Garrett
calls Felix and Choice’s numbers early and often.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Romo is always good for at least one brain fart it seems.
We wil see if he can play like a top QB. Its time to sht or get off the pot.
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nope, actually it isn't.
I’m tired of people throwing that ultimatum out there, when it’s so far off the mark. Great athletes have bad performances. Most great quarterbacks struggled to win big games early in their careers. It’s no time for ultimatums. It’s time for patience.
by speedmetal on Sep 28, 2009 2:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Im a Romo fan.
But he needs to play like the good QB he is and cut down the mistakes. Talk is cheap
by DIRE WOLF on Sep 28, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well said
Patience is the key, most fans obviously aren’t.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 28, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aikman spoiled us
with precise, consistent play. He was an Iceman like Brady. But Romo has a rare gift. He is a playmaker. A Maverick.
by speedmetal on Sep 28, 2009 6:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
This is why Staubach is a Romo fan
by speedmetal on Sep 28, 2009 6:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
