BTB Game Balls - Wild Card Edition: Eagles @ Cowboys
It's time to hand out game balls for the Cowboys' home playoff victory against the hated division rival Eagles! We've got one for a player from each unit: offense, defense, special teams, as well as one for the coaching staff.
Make the jump to see who gets a BTB game ball.
Offense
Felix Jones -The 73-yard TD was just the icing on the cake. Throughout the game, Felix showed that he can be the feature back the Cowboys have dreamed of since drafting him. He gets the tough yards, and every now and then slips through for a quick 20-yarder like he did in the first quarter. Earlier in that quarter, he showed his tiptoeing skills (ala Woody Dantzler) on a 30-yard catch and run. He finished the half averaging 5.9 yards on nine carries.
And then, in the third quarter, he cemented the win for the Cowboys with the longest run in the franchise's postseason history. Of the Cowboys' 10 longest plays for the night, Felix took part in four of them. He's just so much fun to watch that I had to include his highlight reel here. Before you watch it, though, ask yourself: who has the team's cheesier smile - Felix or Miles?
Honorable Mention: Miles Austin, Tony Romo

Defense
Bradie James - One of my biggest fears still stemming from the '07 playoff loss to the Giants was the way Eli drove them down to get a quick TD before the half. Even though the Cowboys were up 24-7 on the Eagles with less than a minute to go in the half, I felt that same fear creeping into my gut.
On 2nd-and-15, McNabb escaped pressure from Anthony Spencer and hit Jason Avant for 20. Avant was able to stretch the ball out of bounds. Standing up with both my hands on my head, I tried to dismiss the "here we go agains". If the Eagles could have pulled within two scores before the half, they may have stolen the momentum from the Cowboys.
During the next play, James ensured that Dallas would maintain that ever so important momentum. With Jason Hatcher and Victor Butler squeezing the pocket, McNabb checked down to his ProBowl FB Leonard Weaver. Just as Weaver began to make his "football move", James reached in to rip away the ball, and then fell on it to secure the turnover. Instead of a seven-yard gain, the Cowboys got the ball near midfield. After a few passing plays, the offense put Suisham into position to make his 48-yarder. At the half, Cowboys 27 Eagles 7.
Aside from that game-securing play, James led the team with a smorgasbord of stats: six solo tackles, a sack, two QB hits, a tackle for a loss, and a pass defended. He may not be flashy, but he is playing furiously. With Keith Brooking, DeMarcus Ware, and Anthony Spencer, this linebacking corps is a completely dominating unit.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Spencer, DeMarcus Ware

Special Teams
Mat McBriar - Another g'day, mate! The real story here is not that McB averaged 38.2 yards on six punts with a long of 61, it's how he and the coverage team pinned the Eagles back inside their 20. Five of his six punts landed inside the 20 (the sixth was a touchback). In effect, the often dangerous DeSean Jackson was able to return just two of them for nine yards with a long of eight. Combined with the way guys like Kevin Ogletree were hitting on coverage units, it's a wonder Jackson even accomplished anything on his returns.
Check this out: McBriar and the coverage team forced Philly to respectively begin their drives from their own 10, 5, 24, 11, 10, and 20 yard lines. Between that unit and Buehler's kickoff unit, the Eagles only decent field position of the game came after that Jenkins/Newman fumble, which Philly recovered on the Cowboys' 47.
Average starting position for the Eagles was their own 20; for the Cowboys, it was their own 37. That there is some darn good field position management. Thanks, special teams!
Honorable Mention: David Buehler, Shaun Suisham

Coaching
Jason Garrett - Garrett simply outsmarted the Eagles' defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott...simply outsmarted him. If you don't believe me, read Raf's enlightening "Smoke-Screen's" post. You would think that a DC would be able to make the appropriate adjustments to any OC, seeing that it was the third time these two teams met, and second week in a row, to boot! Send the blitzers: Garrett throws screens. Don't send the blitzers: Garrett dices you up with the running game. Blitz a little here, a little there: plays right into the hands of Garrett's offense.
The Eagles have known about Miles Austin. They knew about Felix Jones. Still, Garrett sucker-punched their defenders with his two playmakers whenever he got the chance. The rest of the game, he jabbed them with a little Roy Williams, the ol' TE one-two of Jason Witten and John Phillips, some Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree and Tashard Choice. He's making a weapon out of everybody. How can a defense defend that?
What is working really well for Garrett is that he and Romo are on the same page. The offensive line looks to be on the same page with each other, as well. Combined with a working run game and an efficiently explosive group of receivers, there does not seem to be a limit for what Garrett can do with this offense.
Honorable Mention: Wade Phillips, Joe DeCamillis

With such a triumphant and lop-sided victory, there are many players who deserve a game ball for Saturday night's game. Consider how many different players on defense made plays, Crayton's punt returns, Carp's fumble recoveries, Flo's dominance of Trent Cole, etc.
Before we turn our full attention towards the Vikings, who get your game balls?
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63 comments
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Comments
First time for Felix
as the feature back. And it was awesome.
by DoomsdayD75 on Jan 12, 2010 2:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm sad that I didn't get a memorable mention...
due to me calling you before the game and glimpsing into the future of an ass kicking!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 2:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Or even honorable mention.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry dude...
didn’t hear the crowd cheering much on Buehler’s touchbacks.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's because
I lost my voice by halfway through the first quarter!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
First time I'm disagreeing with you Aaron
I’m going with Romo on offense (100+ rating) and both Jenkins and Newman on defense for the job they did shutting down Jackson.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 12, 2010 2:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Love it!
Didn’t know how to squeeze any secondary guys in there. Would you give the nudge to Jenks over Newman for the game ball?
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cuz he had that pick, but fell on the Maclin TD and fumbled his INT.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
whereas TNew simply played a solid, solid game.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats a really tough call
which is why I said both, I thought they both played an outstanding game, but if I had to pick, I’d go with Newman simply because Jenkins gave up the long TD to Maclin.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 12, 2010 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3/4ths of the world is covered by water....The other 1/4....By Mike Jenkins!!!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 12, 2010 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Charles Woodson is AP defensive player of the year?
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 12, 2010 2:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thought that would go to Revis.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
but Woodson was a pretty big badass too.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah tough call
Revis will get his though. He’s not going anywhere.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
by dunkman on Jan 12, 2010 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, he's not.
I would have gone Revis too. But, like most awards, they generally come down to popularity and exposure. The national media didn’t get a chance to see Revis that often this year. That will change.
by Road Warrior on Jan 12, 2010 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Carpenter
Not a very sexy pick but those fumble recoveries were huge.
"You have to have a stronger belief in yourself than the disbelief of others."
Antonio Ramirez Romo
by Far Rider on Jan 12, 2010 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Personal distinction here…I went with guys who forced turnovers.
Though, both Bradie and Bobby looked like they were running 4.3s out there.
Bradie seems to get better as the season ends. He did the same last year.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you play faster when
you get more confortable with each other. They seem to be playing pretty fast right now.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
by dunkman on Jan 12, 2010 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I even think...
Patrick Crayton should have had a honorable mention in special teams.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 2:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Me 2.
Though I gave the nod to Suisham for hitting down the middle for a position that has been weak all season long.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm glad u mentioned that Aaron
his kicks were PERFECT each time. upright splitter
2009 BTB Part Deux Fantasy League Champion. 'Kill Everybody 13-2'. KDP knows football.
by KDP on Jan 12, 2010 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
48er to end the half is no gimme.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
crayton
terrific game by crayton. he’s had a great year all around. i think moving back into the slot has taken some of the pressure off of him and allowed him to play with more confidence, both at receiver and on special teams
by billstickers on Jan 12, 2010 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've always been a Crayton supporter... and have taken my share of flack over it.
That said, I think you’re spot on with him playing in the slot. Although, when Glenn went out a few years ago, he really stepped up as the 2.
by Road Warrior on Jan 12, 2010 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It also takes advantage of his strengths
field smarts and reading the field the way Romo does…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
by dunkman on Jan 12, 2010 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
screw honorable mention
I’d give him and the return team the game ball. He was terrific. He got 10 yards or more on early returns and then on a punt that could’ve backed us up inside our own 20 and shifted momentum, he returned it to the 40. He and McBriar both played a huge role in our dominance this week.
We never lost momentum because of these two guys. They preserved it from offense to defense/defense to offense
by foyesboys on Jan 12, 2010 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Felix is such a game changer
Like Tony D – gets to his top gear so quickly and can cut at full speed. His top end is not quite as fast as TD, but he’s stronger and can run through tackles better. Great article in Bleacher report that refers to FJ as, ‘the guy everybody thought Reggie Bush would be.’
I'm not losing my memory, I'm living in the now
by tdships on Jan 12, 2010 2:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
I thought the same thing.
Felix even has a nice little stiff arm on him.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 13, 2010 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like all of your picks
But there’s certainly a very strong case to be made for Wade. The Eagles averaged 26.8 points per game, in 3 games Dallas gave up 33 to them. Booyah.
"Thanks Ed, good hairpiece" - Tony Romo
by robolundgren on Jan 12, 2010 2:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ogletree Gets my Special Teams Ball
Ogletree gets the special teams ball. Took out their safety, not to return for the game!
FEAR THE TREE!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jan 12, 2010 3:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Unmacho'd him!
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jan 12, 2010 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've looked for it, but no luck.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lol!
Yeah but he keeps leading with his head … (as Bill Parcells said to Keith Davis) “son you won’t be in this league too much longer.”
by spadesking131313 on Jan 12, 2010 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great picks Aaron
So many guys to honor that it is a shame you have to limit yourself to just 4 game balls.
Make an exception and just pass out a bunch of game balls. Why? This isn’t regular season, so you don’t have to hand out game balls in a “regular” way. It was Wild-Card weekend, so just go WILD with game balls and hand out one to everyone deserving.
by BishopWest on Jan 12, 2010 3:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good point...why limit them?
Alot of these guys are playing damn good football!
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We need Sensi and Hamlin there as well...
I think they had a lot to do with shutting down Celek…who is the eagles go to guy
by thejanusman on Jan 12, 2010 3:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice picks Aaron
There were so many great performances but none better than Jones, James, McBriar and Garrett.
by Luke. on Jan 12, 2010 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And Emmitt should get a fan game ball.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Irvin should get the fan ball
Even on network TV, he couldn’t keep from being excited, and his weekly video w/ Randy Galloway, he was smiling the whole show
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jan 12, 2010 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly
would give an offensive HM to Roy Williams. I know it sounds weird but he really showed up to play for the biggest game of the year. He made a couple nice snags. I think JG went to him early on purpose and he answered the bell.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 12, 2010 4:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
5 catches for 59 yards aint that big a deal
It sounds great because of his previous stats…….unfortunately because of his salary, what we gave up for him, and the emergence of Miles Austin, Roy is in a very tough spot.
I hope he keeps improving
by ManTab on Jan 12, 2010 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
two were on third and long
and one was a high ball that roy snatched up high. He wasn’t awesome, but if he consistently does that, this offense will be awesome.
by foyesboys on Jan 12, 2010 5:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
It wasn’t that his stats were eye popping, he was making tough catches, on third downs.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 12, 2010 8:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It is much better
than he had been giving the team. Plus, as others pointed out, the timing of his catches were important.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 8:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's def a smart idea of JG's to go to RW early.
It kicks in his confidence and gets Romo and him on the same page. Also, the defense has another person to think about straight from the 1st Q.
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down...
You’re the Best! Around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-own!
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 12, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
football move
by the way there is no rule for making a “football move” any more… if you have possession of the ball and have 2 feet down in bounds, it’s a catch. Weaver clearly had that.
by scottmaui on Jan 12, 2010 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Can't argue the game ball picks. I wonder how the Vikes will defense that flanker screen? I'm betting JG has
something special for them if they sell out to cover it. Remember, Witten is already down field on a blocking assignment.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
by CowboyMan on Jan 12, 2010 5:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Jones gets my game ball
just kidding… sort of.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
by quincyyyyy on Jan 12, 2010 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’ll never forget that Woody KO return. Amazing…
Cant remember when it was but Braidie James had another sick play where he dropped out of a rush to come back for Celek. That was pretty money.
"On a journey to anywhere you can draw your own map."
by saidseven on Jan 12, 2010 6:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Either last week or two weeks ago I said the TEAM deserved the game ball.
Amazing that here we are again. The entire TEAM was just awesome. I am having so much fun watching this team play this well that I can’t even remember the last time. Probably the ‘92 team. Back then though, I think I still took Cowboy success for granted. Now I relish what they are doing to the point of having gigglefests during the games. This is why I’ve hung in there with this team my whole life; for moments like these.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
by White Wolf on Jan 12, 2010 6:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
no disagreement on giving a team game ball
this was a team victory all the way – everyone playing well.
if one goes with individuals, on offense, it’s got to be romo. felix was awesome, but romo is the trigger man, and except for that dumb almost interception, he’s playing great. looked kinda jittery early on, but he settled down nicely, and without him, garrett’s “turn everyone into a weapon” plan falls flat.
on defense, could be ware or spencer.
i agree with mcbriar on ST, and for the coaching staff, i’ll go with wade. garrett, campo, and coach d are doing a great job as well, but phillips has been in the hot seat, yet managed to stay on an even keel, and his team is finally peaking at the right time. kudos to him and all of the cowboys!
by g8tgod on Jan 13, 2010 1:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Felix Jones
is a bada**.
"The last time the Eagles visited Cowboys Stadium, they were spitting on the star. This time they left Cowboys Stadium pissing their pants."- Mike "Fish" Fisher
by DC_fan on Jan 13, 2010 9:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Someone on the NFL Network said after the game
‘DAL is playing for the name on the front of their jersey, not the back.’
Pretty much summarizes where we’ve come from and where we are now
I'm not losing my memory, I'm living in the now
by tdships on Jan 13, 2010 10:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

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