Dallas Cowboys Game Ball: Thanksgiving Edition
by Tom Ryle on Nov 26, 2011 12:00 AM CST
in Dallas Cowboys Games
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PrintIt was a nail-biting, teeth-clenching, gut-wrenching game. But somehow, I had a strange sense of calm. I worried at times, but as the game went on, I just had a feeling the Dallas Cowboys were going to find a way to win.
And this game should go down as one of the classic Thanksgiving games in Dallas history. The Miami Dolphins played a terrific game, and strike me as a much better team than their record indicates. It was such a clutch win, and with a lot riding on it for the rest of the season, it had more drama and suspense than I really like to suffer through, but looking back on it, I think it was one the Cowboys faithful will remember for a very long time.
The team did not make it very easy for me to award a game ball. I have been looking at what happened, and although there were some very impressive performances, there were also some warts. A lot of people deserve some mention, but instead of the usual honorable mentions, I thought I would stay in the spirit of the holiday weekend and offer some thanks.
The things I feel blessed by after the jump.
First, I am thankful that Jason Garrett got the head coaching job. I don't know how much of the resolve that the team showed in winning the game comes from his leadership and philosophy, but I am fairly certain that this game would not have been a win under the last regime. I think JG is building something significant with the Cowboys, and the only question is how fast is he going to get to where he wants to be.
I am thankful for Rob Ryan and Rob's Mob. RR is not as far along as JG, but Garrett had a big head start, not only having eight games under his belt as head coach last year, but with his time before that as Offensive Coordinator. And the team obviously drafted for offense this year. The defense looked porous at times, but it stiffened in the red zone, holding Miami to field goals, allowing them to only get three points off the two interceptions Tony Romo threw, and making that all important stop to let the team drive for the winning field goal.
I am thankful for the team signing Laurent Robinson. I cannot imagine what this season would be like without him. He is developing a connection with Tony that you normally only see after a quarterback and receiver have at least a couple of years of work together. Jason Witten may be Romo's security blanket when he needs a first down, but when he needs a touchdown, it looks like he starts hunting for 81.
Speaking of Jason Witten, he gets some really heartfelt thankfulness. The man just keeps on keeping on. You know that when things get tough, the Senator is going to be there making the clutch catch.
DeMarco Murray is also one to give thanks for. He has provided the running game this team needs, taking pressure off of Tony and the passing game, delivering crucial yards. And he is also a force catching the ball as well, where he may be even more dangerous with his open field skills.
Of course, no Cowboys thanks would be complete without including one Antonio Ramiro Romo. His 77-yard drive has been called "the most impressive drive of the year" by both Phil Simms and Gregg Rosenthal. And the drive to the winning field goal started off with a couple of pretty good passes as well.
Oh, yeah, that winning field goal. How thankful are we all for Dan Bailey, he of the many suggested nicknames. Darth Bailey (my current favorite) just nails 'em over and over. When the Cowboys got inside the twenty, I knew it was a win.
So, having given thanks, now I have to give the game ball. And this is a problem. Who do I pick? I thought of Anthony Spencer, who, despite some people who talked badly about him in the comment threads after the game, was a stalwart defensively, leading the team in tackles and getting three stops for loss, which is basically the same as a sack. Tony Romo was obviously a candidate, for the reasons I mentioned above. Laurent Robinson, Jason Witten and DeMarco Murray all had crucial contributions. And of course, Darth Bailey made the winning score.
But I looked at the end of the game, when the defense first made its vital stand. Abram Elam stopped Reggie Bush cold. Sean Lee got a sack, and Orlando Scandrick was credited for defending the third down pass that fell incomplete. And those are just the defenders who were named. Each was working with ten others to get the ball back.
Then the special teams came through with a twenty yard return. Sure, Dez Bryant had the carry, but he had to have blocking to get that far. It was badly needed and put the offense in good field position at their own 36.
Then came Tony to Jason twice, and DeMarco did the rest on the ground, getting 27 yards on five carries when Miami knew the run was almost certain. But that isn't quite right, because he had to have the Yuglies and John Phillips blocking for him to open those holes.
And finally, the special teams get that game winning field goal, and Dan Bailey shines again.
How do you chose?
Well, maybe it is the spirit of the season. Or maybe I am finally bowing to the wisdom of tanstaafl, who keeps making the same point. But this week, this can't go to one person. This was the definition of a team win, because this team never gave up. Everyone kept playing hard, giving it what they could, and in the end, this Game Ball just says Dallas Cowboys on it.
Thanks to you all.
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Great job Tom
I am not only thankful for all you have listed but to the front page writers and many posters on BTB. And I am thankful to just be a small part of it.
To all the writers, posters, commentors and readers, have a great holiday season and the best wishes to you, your friends and family.
You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders
How do you want to be rememberd. Go out there and play every play like it is your last play. Be remembered as the person you want to be for the rest of your life. Spike Dykes, Midland Lee and Texas Tech Coach.
by Birddog26 on Nov 26, 2011 12:10 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Tanstaafl is smiling somewhere
Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus is EveryWare Man
Twitter: @silva918
Well you should be.
Your point is valid, and this was both the perfect time and just about the perfect game to honor it.
And I, for one, hope you hang around for a long while.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
btw, “just about the perfect game”? About the only way it might be moreso would be in a Super Bowl, same circumstances. Ahhh, and with that +1 point differential…
But that materialistic, unrealistic to be achieved on a continual basis (despite our being insatiable Cowboys fans), unattainable unflawed game and team, well… – somehow Thanksgiving just seems much more appropriate to me, good, bad, beautiful and ugly, so…
“just about the perfect game…”
Down to the last edge-of-your-seat play.
Cry 'Havoc!'
You sound like Monty Python...
in the Holy Grail. “I’m not dead yet!”
The Superbowl is played three times each year: the "real" one, and the two times we play the Philadelphia Eagles.
heh-heh-heh
See, why think when Life gives ya all the answers ya need. They’re all around. Trick’s in C’ing them, eh, cowboy? Then again, without thinking, would ya?
Cry 'Havoc!'
Perfect
Accurate on so many points with scholarly precision.
The Football fan that hates Football fans.
by thablackwizard on Nov 26, 2011 12:14 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I think Most Amazing should go to Tony for The Drive
My wife and I were jaws on the floor watching that. I was so pissed at the team for having just given up the TD, then Tony’s back there getting killed again, but yet…somehow…Rocky came through. Again.
Even that first lame duck throw to Jason on that drive wasn’t nearly as bad as it looked. the bad part was that Tony threw it a second or two too late. Jason was running scot free, but since Tony was a bit late on the throw, the ball came down in Jason’s hands only a yard or two in front of a defender. If he throws it earlier, Jason is wide open and probably goes for a good gain. The other three major passes on that drive were just Jedi-esque.
Game ball, Cowboys.
’Nuff said!
Fear the Star!
Another great post Tom,
You front page guys are the biggest reason I am here.
Rec’d. Keep up the great work.
If the play works, never run it again. If it fails, keep running it.
First and goal at the one. Run it three times in a row, and then kick a field goal. Sound familiar?
Ball and Newman don't deserve game balls
They deserve a slap upside the head. Ball’s coverage was embarrassing. Thankfully Tony pulled out the houdini act once more and saved us.
by houseofprime on Nov 26, 2011 3:30 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Hey, if you're committing a foul, get you money's worth.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
LOL +100
I agree… If you are going to take the penalty do it when they catch the ball in the end-zone and make it count. He caught it anyway so the penalty was mute.
RexP
haha you took the easy way out!
but i couldn’t have picked one either.
great post
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
Anyone know which cheerleader was hit?
They’re coming over here to Camp Casey on the 19th, and I’d love to bring that up, lol.
here's a pic to remind you of what she looks like:
and a link: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/dallas-cowboys-tackled-cheerleader-melissa-kellerman-photos/
Apparently she tweeted that she’s not the best at Witten trust falls. :D
I know this woman very well.....:)
Nobody cares about your effin fantasy team, keep it to yourself...........Lock n Load
Send her good wishes
and then reminds the NFL HE TACKLED WITTEN 10 YARDS OUT OF BOUNDS.
by bloodyhanded on Nov 26, 2011 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
Just when I figure I couldn't think any higher of the guy
He yet again displays his skill outstanding taste.
Cry 'Havoc!'
You...
are a sick man.
There were many things about Korea that I liked, kimchi and it’s lingering stench, was not one of them. I was introduced to the effects of kimchi while I was still in Japan. The guys that ate it while TDY there still stunk of it for a week after they got back to Kadena. You could smell it coming out of their pores when they sweated, not to mention what it did to the communal bathrooms.LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Nov 26, 2011 12:15 PM CST up reply actions
enjoy the win and eat a damn turkey leg ...
i’m thankful for this saying. And this post. We got a lot of things to be thankful for. Our season was dead and buried this time last year. Now we’re in the hunt. Go Cowboys!!!
Non-football-related sidenote: (the nba is back!!!)
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
I just went back and watched those last 2 drives again
and the last TD drive especially, hoooly crap. that was such an unbelievable series of plays by Romo, I don’t see how you can’t give it to him. I know the QB is the obvious choice but in this case, even with his early INTs and out of syncness, that seriously was just one of the most amazing drives ever. They call it clutch, but he was in the clutches of the defender, throwing accurate touch passes while his body is being impacted by a rusher, compensating for the impact in the throw and delivering balls time after time. Un Freakin’ Believable. Total Jedi. He’s not always good. But when he’s good, he’s really, really good. For that drive I gotta give him the game ball. That was one for the ages.
Now, the question is why were there so many free rushers getting to him? Was that the plan, let one guy go free and beat the blitz by depending on Romo’s super escapability and impact-passing technique to make plays. or did his superb play cover up a bunch of missed assignments/blocks there time after time? I think it was some of both, but his play sure lets the protection off the hook sometimes!
and Witten yells “Get the F*** Back!!!” and they have to apologize for the language lol. He’s such a nice gentlemanly good guy off the field but when he’s trying to win a ball game he’ll unload the f-bomb with gusto! I wonder if they get a letter when the curse loudly in a big national game lol.
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
My Game Balls and Lame Balls
Game Balls
1) Tony Romo: started out slow, but was clutch yet again. That second TD drive where he went 7-7 and was getting crushed nearly on every pass attempt was something right out of Hollywood. My favorite plays on that drive where him rolling left and finding Murray in the flat as he’s falling to his knees, and the TD pass to LRob.
2) Murray: He was money as a runner and a receiver. On the second TD drive he had the presence of mind to look back to Tony as he got into the flat while Romo was rolling out, and turned a simple check down into a big 17 yard gain. His running on the clock killing sequence of the game winning drive was textbook, as he never ran out of bounds, yet gained yardage.
3) Laurent Robinson: Made up for costing Romo his second INT of the game by making two huge TD catches. His second one, much like the TD he caught against the Skins involved him running the length of the endzone to follow Romo as he rolled left. These two have some ESP in such a short period of time.
4) Dez Bryant: Didn’t score a TD, but that punt return set up that game winning drive.
5) Witten: clutch receptions on the second half TD drive.
6) Dan Bailey: enough said.
Lame Balls:
1) Kick and Punt Returners not named Dez Bryant: It seemed like every return put the Cowboys behind the 20 yard line; the guys didn’t no when to down it, when to faircatch, and when to return it. This team needs to find an explosive full time returner that can flip the field position for the offense, and be a threat to take it to the house.
2) The Secondary: proving to be a bunch of jags. I’m sorry, but we need a shut down corner, and playmaking safety this offseason. Newman and company are a bunch of JAGs who can’t consistently be relied upon. Mike Jenkins comkng back from injury should only make this unit slightly better. However, I’ve seen this act before, even if this team makes the playoffs, it will be this team’s undoing.
3) Frank Walker for getting that late hit on Fasano as he went out of bounds. Yes, the late hit on Witten should have been called. But that doesn’t excuse Walker from playing like a moron there. Why do it? What are you hoping to accomplish? The play was over the moment Fasano took a step to the boundary.
3) The Secondary (again): making Matt Moore and Rex Grossman look like Pro Bowl QBs. I can’t wait to watch Kevin Kolb or John Skelton pick this unit apart in person next week.
4) The officials: Not making the proper call and flaggin the Dolphins player for his late hit on Witten out of bounds. That should’ve put the Cowboys 15 yards closer to the endzone. Calling Elam for that BS pass interference call on 3rd down. How is it defensive pass interference when the receiver extends his arms to move the DB out of the way beyond the 5 yard zone? And regardless, none of the Miami receivers should be getting the Michael Irvin treatment.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Nov 26, 2011 5:44 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I think they will make the playoffs, but I don't want to jinx it by being presumptuous
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Nov 26, 2011 1:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Tongue saver
Presumptuousness, even “jinxing”, wasn’t my point. Biting it wasn’t about forestalling such things, but more about saving a friend from having regrets. Call it regret reduction.
Thanks to a friend for recently reminding me of a certain wisdom when it comes to such things. Shame I’m not much good at following advice, even when wise.
Cry 'Havoc!'
I think it was on Miami"s last drive or second last
Brady James got a dead football, jumped up and spiked it. The officials let it go.
by cowboy north on Nov 26, 2011 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
omg yeah, i saw that. Idiot
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
great writing as usual, Tom
disagree with your conclusion. Romo, Murray, Bailey and Spencer would all make good choices. (as you said)
However, not everyone played well enough to warrant a team game ball. In addition to Rohpuri’s Lame balls add the DL to it. Yes they had flashes, but overall I wasn’t impressed.
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
Great Analysis, Thanks
This team is learning how to win; this intangible has been missing in Cowboy land for a long time. I think being clutch is habit forming, as is the opposite.
Rec’d. Great writing, as usual.
Ill say this one more time (this week)
Why is Romo holding? No one sees a problem in it? I remember yelling about it in the 2006 regular season. Starting QBs shouldn’t be on ST for a million reasons. We really going to roll with this until its a problem and then scramble to find a solution?
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
the reason Romo is Holding is because McBriar
has the foot issue….and Stephen McGee(the person that would on most teams be the holder) either sucks at it or is so inexperienced that the Team doesn’t trust him….
but that is JMHO
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Nov 26, 2011 7:02 AM CST up reply actions
I understand why he had to hold
but its been weeks now, there is no way its that hard to hold. Bailey did find on the transition. No one sees it as a problem that our starting QB is holding?
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
I honestly don't
I like to think that it forces the Opposing team to “hold back” in case of a fake Field Goal, thus not rushing as hard, thus minimizing the chance of a block
but that is just me
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Nov 26, 2011 7:11 AM CST up reply actions
That is similar to the RW blocks well or DB tackles well haha
There is less than a 1% chance of a fake regardless, sigh.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
What's wrong with it?
Not saying I disagree with you, I just don’t know what the possible negatives are.
He is our starting QB, he shouldn't have to worry about ST.
What if he gets banged up in a game, we really want someone tired and hurting holding fgs?
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
I can't see it
It’s so easy, it’s not much too worry about, even if he was tired and hurt. I just don’t see enough to worry about here IMO.
Don't forget that McGee has only been active the past two games.
Before that, it should have been Kitna, but they apparently didn’t trust him either.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
TFL is not the same as a sack
Sacks usually happen in later downs when the situation is more serious. TFL can happen on first down and consist of a one yard loss.
wrong thread
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player and 2012's Superbowl MVP
"No one gives us the right, we take it." L. ~SPN
dude we already went through this
A TFL = a sack if down and distance is ~equal:
a 4 yard sack= a 4 yard TFL
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Nov 26, 2011 7:09 AM CST up reply actions
btw, I missed the discussion on the other thread
and I don’t want to make a big deal of this. But can anyone confirm that TFL is usually later downs? I’ve noticed lots of first-down sacks, and I’ve noticed lots of TFL on 3d and short (when it is clearly killing the drive). Of course, one could always claim that the sack is bigger because it prevents the big pass play—but one could also claim that the receiver would have dropped the ball anyway!
I understand that some people (cough, cough, FiTaT) have been lobbying non-stop for valuing passing plays higher than running plays, on offense and defense. While there is reason for this (we sure got gashed for long passes yesterday), I think it causes us to undervalue some of the Cowboys’ strengths. Think about what it would be like if opposing O’s could just convert on 3d and short by running it at us—something that a “JAG” like Spencer is better at stopping than almost anybody else in the league. Think about what it would be like if, in addition to those long passing plays, opponents could break long runs on—something we’ve stopped better than most of the league.
None of this is in the spirit of argumentation (I’m a FiTaT convert), but let’s remember to be thankful for what we do have here.
TFL
1st and 15 at MIA 45 M.Moore pass short right to C.Clay to MIA 44 for -1 yards (A.Spencer). Pass complete in the flat.
2nd and 9 at MIA 29 (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Moore pass short left to R.Bush to MIA 24 for -5 yards (A.Spencer).
avg loss: 3 yds
SACKS
2nd and 11 at MIA 23 M.Moore sacked at MIA 16 for -7 yards (K.Coleman).
2nd and 9 at MIA 28 M.Moore sacked at MIA 28 for 0 yards (S.Lee).
3rd and 11 at DAL 37 (Shotgun) M.Moore FUMBLES (Aborted) at DAL 42, and recovers at DAL 46. M.Moore sacked at DAL 47 for -10 yards (O.Scandrick).
3rd and 7 at DAL 21 (Shotgun) M.Moore sacked at DAL 29 for -8 yards (V.Butler).
avg loss: 6 yds
just my opinion: TFL and sacks are not basically the same thing.
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Nov 26, 2011 8:41 AM CST reply actions
Nice way to give Thanks, Tom
But disagree with your comment that Garrett is farther along than Ryan. Just for starters it’s an unfair comparison as Jason has been running the offense for MORE than a few years and it’s Ryan’s first seasn with his group. Second, Ryan has had his group in the top 10 and even 5 almost from the start of the season and Garret is ONLY OF LATE getting his group up to speed (with the exception of the Grand Wizard, T. Romo). Even on Thursday his offense was guilty of how many pre-snap penalties? 5-6?. Also, Garrett’s playcalling has been suspect (as has Ryan’s – Philly) to the point of ridiculous (Detroit) and only at the 11 game mark has he seemed to have unlocked the mysteries of late game playcalling. Garrett has also had the benefit of a “Murray Infusion” the likes of which Herr Ryan has not had.
Who is doing a better job with his group? Ryan. Philly is his only real miscalculation. Garrett is still learning how to play with a lead.
" Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. "
Samuel Beckett
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
Funny, I kinda thought I said pretty much the same thing about their various experiences.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
But somehow we reached an opposite conclusion.
“RR is not as far along as JG…”.
" Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. "
Samuel Beckett
"There is no cause for concern" Jerry Jones
I think Garrett drafted Murray
we all thought he was nuts
I'm thankful for...
the front 3 of our 3-4 D. Obviously since the emergence of DeMarco Murray we’ve won 5 of 6 and the coaching of Skip Peete, Hudson Houck and company should be given thanks but I like our front 3. That was a weakness last year and a healthy Marcus Spears, Ratliff, Coleman, Hatcher and Brent. I like it, Leon Lett being added to the coaching staff, I like it.
We can talk all day about how effective our LBs are especially now that we don’t really have a weakness at ILB especially the way we are using Church, Brooking and James. But I really see a huge improvement with our pass rush. Last year is was just taking us way too long to get pressure.
This team is getting better every game and the Rob Ryan system is still new, the OL is still new, these things take time and with a 7-4 record it has paid off despite the fact that we are really in a transition year.
Who’s got it better than us??
Ah, but some Ravens did a very Poe-ish job on those guys on the West Coast.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Watched a portion
Watched a quarter and a half of that game and thought my god I feel bad for Alex Smith. That defense was just stifling.
RexP
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