Cowboys Top Vikings: Offense Clicking, Defense Not So Much, Turnovers Seal Win
by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 28, 2011 5:11 AM CDT
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PrintGerald Sensabaugh dominated the highlight reel with a blocked field goal attempt and an interception that helped the Cowboys to a 23-17 win over the Minneapolis Vikings last night.
"It was just a great play by Sensabaugh," Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell said of the blocked 47-yard field goal attempt. "The last thing you ever want to hear is the double thump of you kicking the ball and it getting hit right away. For a kicker there isn’t a worse sound in the world." Alan Ball scooped up the loose ball and ran it in for a touchdown, putting the Cowboys ahead 10-7 early in the second quarter.
Sensabaugh also stopped a long second quarter Vikings drive that had started at the Minnesota 14-yard line, by intercepting a pass at the Dallas 19. Jason Hatcher had batted the ball in the air at the line of scrimmage and Sensabaugh made a diving catch of the ball.
On the ensuing drive, Felix Jones made like a battering ram and punched the ball in from five yards for a touchdown that increased the Cowboys lead to 17-7. Jones rushed five times for 20 yards and a TD.
Tony Romo completed 75% of his passes last night (15 of 20) for 141 yards, compiled a 94 passer rating and was sacked only once. Of note, Romo was playing behind a new offensive line with three rookies starting and an average age of 24.8 against the Vikings first team unit. Last season, the average age of the offensive line was 30.8 years.
Jason Witten was particularly pleased with Romo's line calls:
"He did a great job of getting us in the right play with the run-pass kills. That’s a good feeling. It felt like that was the Tony Romo we’re used to seeing with the energy he brings and the tempo. It’s hard to do on the road in the preseason but I thought he was really good with a couple of drives we had."
Romo was 5-for-7 on passes to Dez Bryant, completed every throw to Witten (4), Felix Jones (3) and Jesse Holley (2), but had a little trouble connecting with Kevin Ogletree (1-for-4).
Rookie Dan Bailey, was perfect on two field goal attempts, a 37-yarder in the first quarter and a 40-yarder in the fourth. Shayne Graham hit his sole attempt from 38 yards in the third quarter.
The Vikings scored on a 49-yard touchdown toss from Donovan McNabb in the first quarter to Bernard Berrian, a field goal in the second quarter and a 10-yard run by QB Joe Webb in the third quarter.
Some voices on the game below.
In spurts Jason Garrett liked what he saw - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Jason Garrett was not beaming about everything the Cowboys did, but saw positive signs that his team is getting "it."
"I thought it was a good night for a lot of different reasons," Garrett said. "The principle being for our football team to continue to understand how you win in the National Football League. When you make a big play in the kicking game, like we did obviously blocking the field goal and running it back for a touchdown, that’s a huge play. Then certainly getting a couple of turnovers and taking care of the football, obviously you’ve got a good chance in the ballgame."
"We’ll look at the tape and see how they did but they seemed to do a good job at critical moments of a drive either taking the ball away or keeping them out of the end zone," Garrett said.
Garretty says Cowboys played good 'situational football' - Carlos Mendez - Cowboys Corner
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett liked the way his team responded to "situational football" in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Vikings.
"That play at the end of the game was a good example," Garrett said. "They catch the ball inbounds, we tackle them, the clock runs out. Understanding the situation, handling it the right way."
"When you make a big play in the kicking game like we did – obviously blocking a field goal and running it back for a touchdown is a huge play, and then when you create a couple of turnovers and you take care of the football – you have a good chance of winning ballgames," Garrett said. "So I think that was a good thing for us, to understand as a team."
Dallas Cowboys are still working things out on defense - Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
With the clock ticking, the Cowboys are still working things out on defense. Watkins notes that the Cowboys allowed 442 yards against the Vikings, but that Jerry Jones didn't seem overly concerned about his defense not being ready for the season opener.
"At this time, no I'm not," he said. "I'm very calm and I'm just not worried about it. I know ultimately what they're trying to do and we all do. No matter what the defense is, we need turnovers, and we got a couple of them."
Jerry Jones, Romo praise undrafted rookie center Kevin Kowalski - SportsDayDFW
Jerry Jones said he was pleased with the play of undrafted rookie free agent center Kevin Kowalski, and Romo said he was proud of Kowalski's effort:
"He did play very well," Jones said. "We were sensitive about having him step in there and play the whole game at center with Felix [Jones] and Tony [Romo] and a lot of your top guys back there. We wanted them blocked as good as he could do it and I think he did a very good job."
"He did a great job. He stepped in and played well," Romo said of Kowalski. "I was proud of his effort."
Kowalski performs well in the spotlight - Cowboys Corner
Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Kevin Kowalski found out only a few hours before the game Saturday night that he would be starting, but the Cowboys were pleased with his performance.
"He did play very well," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He gave a good account of himself. I don’t even need to look at the tape to know he did play well. We had a lot of those young players do some very good things. I particularly like how confident Tony was out there. Those exchanges are important, and it was flawless. ...We were sensitive about having him step in there and play the whole game at center, with Felix [Jones] and Tony and all of the top guys back there. We want them blocked as good as you could do it. I think he did a good job."
"It was a little bit [different], obviously," Romo said. "We got acquainted before the game, with snaps and things of that nature and talking about certain things. Obviously, you like [the snap] sometimes a little bit different [than other quarterbacks]. But it worked out well tonight. I thought he played well. ...We’ll see when we watch the tape. I’m sure he’s got a couple of plays he wants back. I thought Kevin did a good job."
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Our defense is just not very good.
Our offense is gonna have to score alot of points 4 us to win games.
Go Cowboyz!!!!!!
Dez is gonna beast this year!!
Melooooooo!!!!
http://twitter.com/#!/Vic_Williams007
by VicTor W on Aug 28, 2011 5:23 AM CDT via iPhone app reply actions
do we know what we have on defense?
I think Brent is unseeding Ratliff at nose, if he does is it a rotation or does Ratliff move to DE
Both starting corners are out,
Hatcher and Spears our two best run stoppers have not been on the field together,
Rob ryns schemes are about game planing, how much game planning have we done?
Still a of of questions to be answered,
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm like you
There’s concern, but I’d be more worried if we were seeing the same things next year. Still a lot of moving parts right now.
by WestTxHornFan on Aug 28, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I am very very very concerned about Jay Ratliff and nobody is talking about it
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Our d is okay
just need our coners although scandrick was worth the money
The safties are bizzy gettin be tryin 2 help these back up cbs
and come that 1 bomb was a pick elam will be working on
his depth preseption and timing all year after that
Sense showed BIG play ability
MARIO BUTLER WILL BE A STARTER ON SOMEONES TEAM ONE DAY HE HAS
EXCELLENT ON THE BALL SKILLS FOR A CORNER HE IS REALLY SOMETHING
TO WATCH IMO….ANY BODY ELSE LIKE HIM
I WAS BORN AND RAISED A COWBOYS FAN IN WASHINGTON,DC...
Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on M. Butler, too
and Josh Thomas. They both look good at times, maybe moreso Butler.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Butler should make the team
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Who would be left out?
It is a #’s game. You would have to either cut a starter, Ball or Thomas for him to make it.
I know
I didnt say he would make the team I said he SHOULD, hes looked really good
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
But another Gurode type move(s) could surprise us
People have speculated about Newman, maybe there will be others too. Who knows what could happen to open a roster spot.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 28, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
"No matter what the defense is, we need turnovers, and we got a couple of them.""
I remember Parcells talking about the Eagles defense back when they were really good, He said they took a lot of risk but got a lot of turnovers and big plays, It was by design they gave up yards and got turnovers because they were taking risk to get them, He alos said Terry Glenn made that defense hard to execute,,,
Is that what we are, high risk – high reward
YES AND I LOVE IT THATS HOW THIS RYAN COACHES
he sees that he doesnt have the best player in every spot so he figured we’ll give up big plays any way so why not capitalize on that and the greed of the other teams i hope every team tries too take the top off our D do u think Elam will miss it now after that DEBOKKLE
I WAS BORN AND RAISED A COWBOYS FAN IN WASHINGTON,DC...
yes, that's exacctly what it is.
Some games it’ll work and be exciting.
If they can get leads in games it should work most of the time.
Against weak teams it should be OK.
But against good teams, and to really go anywhere, it takes a little bit of luck.
When it goes good, it’l be fun. But when it doesn’t work, oh boy, even the more optimistic like you will be yelling at the TV! It could get really ugly some games. That long TD pass won’t be the only time we see that.
3 seconds. Those blitzers have 3 seconds to get in there. If not, the secondary and the flat are exposed.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
“But against good teams, and to really go anywhere, it takes a little bit of luck.
When it goes good, it’l be fun. But when it doesn’t work, oh boy"
We’re probably an 8-8 team right now with a good-to-great offense and a bad-to-awful defense. The questions that the season rests on are “is our offense better than our defense is bad?” and “how lucky will we be with turnovers?”
by niceville56 on Aug 28, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
yes, that's exacctly what it is.
Some games it’ll work and be exciting.
If they can get leads in games it should work most of the time.
Against weak teams it should be OK.
But against good teams, and to really go anywhere, it takes a little bit of luck.
When it goes good, it’l be fun. But when it doesn’t work, oh boy, even the more optimistic like you will be yelling at the TV! It could get really ugly some games. That long TD pass won’t be the only time we see that.
3 seconds. Those blitzers have 3 seconds to get in there. If not, the secondary and the flat are exposed.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
DEZ IS A FREAK OF NATURE LOL I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT
I WAS BORN AND RAISED A COWBOYS FAN IN WASHINGTON,DC...
ok, just do it without caps pls. ty
before there was law, there were the Cowboys!!!
Wasn't hapy with the Sensabaugh FA re-signing
But he’s had a good PS. Now if anyone else on the D can, it would be welcome.
DAL needs Miles Austin to get and stay healthy, otherwise Dez is going to be doubled all day. Bennett’ s dreaded high ankle sprain is serious – he’s critical part of our most popular Offensive sets.
Curious choice by JJ in his handling of Gurode, why make the attempt to renegotiate public?
Wine - the way classy people get wasted
WE ARE AMEICAS TEAM WE GET FIRST PICK AT ALL THE FA's AND RFA's ALOT OF GUYS WANNA BE BOYS
and since we had all that time 2 see tha most talented guys in any training camp we realized
that maybe we dont need him// ON THE OTHER IM A LIL PISSED KNOW THE GUY PERSONALL MY GRAMS AND HIS MOMS ARE BFFs
I WAS BORN AND RAISED A COWBOYS FAN IN WASHINGTON,DC...
Like Nnamdi huh?
Jerry said he wanted to be a Cowboy, it must be true. Same with Bowen?
Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange
by bigbluethruandthru on Aug 28, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
to allow teams to know he is on the trading block without offically saying iy
by lostar2009 on Aug 28, 2011 6:40 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Re: Gurode
It suggests to me that there is no renegotiation. They will either trade him or cut him.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Sitting him tonight not only showed that the Boys were serious, publicly.
But it also allowed them to see how a UDFA C did. If he did well, which he did, than the Cowboys have that much more leverage. Add in the side benefit of getting to see how well Kowalski played with the 1st team he also got a lot of valuable snaps against the Vikings top D guys. And all in a preseason game where it wouldn’t “count” if he couldn’t hack it.
Now they know that they can have Costa as the starter and if anything happens to Costa they believe Kowalski can step in and it won’t be a total disaster.
Plus the news got out that Gurode is available and another team might call Jerry in the am with a offer.
A lot more testing to go,...
But if we can remake the O-Line in one season that will be amazing.
Won’t necessarily all happen this season, you would want at least Kosier in there to give them that bit of veteran savvy.
Continuity is a big thing for O-Lines so I don’t thing we can expect great things this season – but these guys would potentially be together for 5 or more years. This could be huge for teams success in the future.
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
I was surprised by Holley's ability to make the tough grabs
Two key 3rd down grabs. Could he be the slot guy or possession receiver who can work underneath and take advantage of holes in 3-wide sets? After tonight, I won’t write him off again.
be nice to see him do well
special teams may keep him on the team and give him more opportunities
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
Agreed
Holley made some tough grabs tonight, had good showing, now may make team
by carolinacowboy on Aug 28, 2011 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Is it just me...
…or does every decent run by Choice get called back for holding.
He hasn’t had the best of luck during his career so far.
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
I feel sorry for the guy. By all accounts coming out of college he was a leader
Last year I have no idea why Barber was getting so many carries (well, I guess there “millions” of reasons).
If he gets cut/traded for these unproven young guys, I’ll be bummed, but also I hope he goes on to be a starter and get 1000 yards for someone. He’s done nothing but perform every time he’s asked.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Choice is overrated IMO
He’s an average back; and as you know, average backs are a dime a dozen. They’ve seen him for three years and know what his ceiling is. I’d rather them take their chances with Tanner who’s been running hard and deserves it more than him. We just can’t take the chance of letting Tanner become a number 1 back for another team while we’re stuck with nothing better than an average, dime a dozen backup in Choice.
Overrated? Please..
Apparently u haven’t payed attention the last 3 yrs. The guy does nothing but produce when his number is called, he has great vision despite his lack of top notch speed. I’m with Larry on this if he’s traded to a team in the right system you’ll see how good he can be with regular opportunities.
by DarkKnight88 on Aug 28, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Did anyone else think it was foolish not to play Gurode?
Jerry was essentially trusting Romo’s life to a UDFA who never once took a snap with the Franchise in training camp.
I’ll love my Cowboys to the grave but will never be a JJ fan.
Who said it was JJ choice?
Does that sound like JJ at all? This is the guy who had Barber and RW in front of Felix and Austin.. this sounds like JG and in JG I Trust. I love it!
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
I know!
Romo was playing behind a new offensive line with three rookies starting and an average age of 24.8 against the Vikings first team unit. Last season, the average age of the offensive line was 30.8 years.
This storyline will go unnoticed until Dallas is like 7-0 and the top Offense in the league
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
The 2007 Patriots wouldn't go 7-0 with this defense
Our defense looks like it will be lifting up it’s skirt and giving up 30 points a game. Love what the offense is doing, and the way Garrett is rebuilding the line. But the reality is: this team is a year away. They have to learn Ryan’s scheme, and frankly, they need to clear some of their cap issues and bring in some actual talent. While we have been trimming all the veteran deadwood on offense, this is essentially the same group that was the worst in Cowboys history last year. Coaching can only do so much. This is a players league. Dallas will be fun to watch this year. But if we go 10-6 with a bunch of 30-27 games……we should probably be happy. Just getting sick of watching teams march up and down the field on us. We even made washed up McNabb look good. He’s probably playing air guitar right now.
by bewareofdware on Aug 28, 2011 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Other than the one bomb
Where a mistimed int. The D came up huge twice. Int by sensi and the stop at the end of the half. What do you want? They kept the first team vikings offense to 7 pts
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
The Vikings Running Game
shredded the D run defense in the first quarter and into the second quarter. AP had 10 carries at 6 plus per pop in this short time frame. Had they gone for it on fourth and short when Sensy blocked the field goal, things likely would have unfolded differently. I am not down on the d yet but my gosh, they couuld not man up in the trenches against the Vikings oline and run game.
and where did all those yards get them?
1 TD. We only know what happened. And that was a perfect time for a pick, a stop at the end of the half(spencer lead sack) and if you want to count the block FG.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
in a full game against the chargers and vikings they have given up
2 touchdowns, that being the starters without the starting corners or both starting DE on the field
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Having watched them all preseason
I can only think that this team’s philosophy is Bend Don’t Break.
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
The 2 aren't mutually exclusive
A bend don’t break defense can cause turnovers. In fact, the odds of a turnover go up the longer it takes an offense to move down the field.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 28, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Bill Parcells was a mix
Wade Phillips was bend dont break but somehow mangaed to get lots of sacks everywhere he’s been,
Rob and Rex come from the school send one more than they can block
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions
30 pts in 9 possessions
at least that’s what star-telegram said. for starting defense, that is.
by bewareofdware on Aug 28, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Quote from Jerry, read between the lines
“He’s certainly a player that’s done some outstanding things for the Cowboys in his career but has had really exciting competition this camp and is still having it, so we’re going to go back and have a business talk,” Jones said. “There’s certainly no discipline involved here. It’s just a cap thing. We need to look at it from the standpoint of where he is, what we pay him, what we’re going to be doing in the future.”
Normal talk
“He’s certainly a player that’s done some outstanding things for the Cowboys in his career but( the “but” is key,his career hee is done) has had really exciting competition this camp and is still having it, ( Costa has beaten Gurode for the starting spot) so we’re going to go back and have a business talk," ( we have an offer and would like to know if your agent would like to see if he can get a better offer) Jones said. “There’s certainly no discipline involved here. It’s just a cap thing. We need to look at it from the standpoint of where he is,( a square peg) what we pay him, what we’re going to be doing in the future.”( we now have a round hole)
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:09 AM CDT up reply actions
OCC a suggestion
I don’t know if you want to embed them or just link them but I think providing the highlights at the end of the post or something would be great.
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
Every one keeps wondering about center yet
Kosier, Nagy, Arkin, and Costa can all play the position,
Depth Chart...
Good win Cowboys. Overall what I have stated before still stands. JG needs to determine the depth chart for the long haul. 1 more preseason game & then on to NY 9/11 Primetime. JG must get his house in order. This game showed Dez Bryant making plays & being a threat while Austin wasn’t even on the field. Both together & Witten working the middle. Ogletree & Romo need to get thier timing down. All in all…just get the depth chart in order.
That pass to ogletree where he didn't get his foot down was a thing of beauty
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, if he'd only run his route a yard further inside
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
I thought he wasn’t totally aware where he was and had time to tap his toes had he been aware.
by WestTxHornFan on Aug 28, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you see the way Ball celebrated his TD
He dropped the ball in the endzone and jogged over to the sidelines. That has JG all over it too.
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
I noticed that too
I just got done watching the Eagles long snapper give the Micheal Irvin first down,, am I the only one who thinds thats funny
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Perhaps, or perhaps it's a change of culture thing
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
Let's see a pro-bowl Center who is 33
3rd/4th round draft pick or a back-up D-Lineman sound about right?
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
I know the Titans would kill for a center,
I said trade him for Griffin the FS, who had a pick last night,
This coaching staff early on was not happy with Griffin, not sure they would trade him now
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions
wouldnt that be counter productive?
Get younger plan for the future long term plan? Pick or an up and comer thats all I want
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
Griffin is not old,
I’m not sure I follow, Griffin is a really good cover safety that last year because Hope really sucked was asked to play close to the line negating his true strength, pass coverage skills,
Hope is even worse tha Roy Williams the safety was, The titanlet there DL coach go to philly because he was a stop the runner on your way to the QB scheme, Tennesse got some beef on the DT and are changing scheems to a more bend dont break, Griffin is thier square peg , Gurode is our round hole if you now what I mean?
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully they can restructure the deal
I don’t want to see him go. Costa seems like he’s going to be OK, but injuries sometimes linger and Gurode is a steady vet that I don’t think we can let go just because of money.
The 12th commandment: "Know which side of the bread thy butter is on and keep thy knowledge close to thee."
I do too
Gurode has come along way since playing guard years ago, would love to see him stay
by carolinacowboy on Aug 28, 2011 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I've been saying the red headed genius would take a page out of Jimmy Johnsons book,
someone has to play the sacrificial lamb, I thought it was going to be Newman, It now appears to be Gurode, this just makes to much sense to me yet many see it very different,
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions
better year too early than too late
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
by thebigham on Aug 28, 2011 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
We all get emotionally attached because we're Cowboy fans
Gurode has been here a long time and been a good player. I like him. But if he has been beaten out and keeping him would mean cutting one of the young guys everyone is excited about because of roster numbers, I hope he’s traded. The defense has plenty of positions of need.
by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 28, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The first thing that came to mind when Garrett first mentioned it was trade.
When you’ve made a deal to trade a player, you don’t put him on the field. They took him to Minnesota, which means they intended to play him on Saturday. A last minute deal for a trade would mean you don’t dress him. I think he has been traded.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
He also said this would be addressed on Sunday
you don’t rework a deal in one day.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
And they didn't tell Kowalski that he was the starter till a couple hours before game time.
So it was semi last minute.
Jerry Jones offered him one piece of advice: Don’t get Tony Romo hurt.
Read more: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/cowboys/2011/08/kowalski-performs-well-in-the-spotlight.html#ixzz1WKcy13Q5
Best advice on the planet
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
I too liked the way he played..........
Would have been better if that one play was a pick though!
Victor Butler.......
Thought he had another solid game, definitely noticed him on the field during the second half, kid has no quit!
That sack was a thing of beauty
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
I get tired of our guys laying QB's on pillows,
Butler leaves a mark,
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
I was just about to say that in my post below.
Butler is one of the few guys on this defense, along with Scandrick, and perhaps Spears, that lay the wood.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Nice quote from Scandrick
On Adrian Peterson’s big runs:
"I don’t care if it was Barry Sanders. Yeah, he is a great running back, but I still have to make that play," Scandrick said.
No excuses… very good.
Spencer might be next to feel the youth movement.
But I think we can find roles for Spencer and Butler. Spencer did have a sack last night. Perhaps Ryan’s schemes can put him in a position that Wade’s couldn’t.
Didn’t really see anything out of Brooking either. He’s a Wade guy who has been injured in a culture of change under Garrett, with a great young player ready to take the position. I just don’t think Brooking makes the team. If he’s there in week one they have to pay the whole year’s salary.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
On Spencer
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2011/08/ware-and-spencer-different-roles.html
not what your expecting him to be.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 28, 2011 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Good point.
My thing is if we’re going to have run-stuffing DE’s that are not that great at pressure, then your OLB’s have to get the pressure. Enter Butler. I just think Butler is a better fit for our current personnel. But Raf makes a great point about Butler not being able to hold up at 246 in that role. (Raf is a walking talking good point at all times.) Nothing really against Spencer, he has been pretty stellar against the run his entire tenure. Plus, Ryan likes to bring pressure from the ILB spot. It’ll be cool to see when this defense is finally in place and clicking.
Also, on the dime where McCray replaces Lee as a hybrid lb/s, I think that’s a role made in heaven for Carter.
Who are you? And how did you get in here?
I'm a locksmith..and..I'm a locksmith. -- Frank Drebin.
Brooking stays...
He is still a decent IMLB, not great…but he tackles well and is more stout against the run…Lee is a nickel MLB, IMO
I disagree, but we'll see
Lee made some nice saving tackles
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
Injuries
As far as I’m aware there’s no one out there on the market we want, so Jerry might as well spend the extra money to keep our three ILBs. You always want depth at every position, so it would seem foolish to cut Brooking to save money when we’re already under the cap.
Finally, Brooking is definitely the RKG so until his skills completely diminish we’ll keep him.
by niceville56 on Aug 28, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
First action for Murray
He looked good. Quick n even a little powerful. Felix , Choice and Tanner showed out as well. Dez n Romo are hooking up nicely, Holley looked like a WR. Butler is in for a breakout, he just has that motor. Sense looks ready for redemption! Hatcher is a breath of fresh air from an otherwise disappointing DL.
Kowalski looked decent
but you could see the drop-off. Romo had just a bit more pressure and a little less time. I think the positive comments are more a negotiating tactic than a grading of KK. But nice to know that he was not a disaster.
The defense is still giving up plays but to my eyes the secondary looks like they are at lest in the right place, they just haven’t always finished the play, where last year they were not even in position to make a play. I think the run defense is concerning, but I’m hopeful they’ll improve as they get more familiar with their responsibilities.
Don't believe everything you think.
It looked like a test to me.
Can he work with the 1st team O and Romo survive. AKA can we afford to let Gurode go and be ok if something happens to Costa.
Absolutely
but you can’t help but think they wanted to demonstrate to Gurode that Costa’s injury didn’t have them over a barrel. I think they want Gurode to stay as a back-up making back-up money. I doubt he’ll take it, but we’ll see.
Don't believe everything you think.
Yeah, I read that afterwards
that also sounds like a likely scenario.
Don't believe everything you think.
I think Minny's Dline is pretty good also.
I mean the guy was a UDFA who found out hours before the game he was starting. Personally I think he did amazing considering.
MacGruber!
a picture is worth a thousand words...
on the Mothership last night, the article about Gurode showed a picture of him on the sidelines in a t-shirt, with his fat gut hanging over his belt. He looked pissed off. Garrett was next to him, looking forward, ignoring him.
is newman next?
I am surprised he hasn’t been approached to restructure his contract, he seems to be in the same boat as Gurode.
some quick thoughts
The first team o-line looked above average. I know things will change come 9/11 and moving forward. The stunts and blitz packages will become more exotic. We shall see how a young line who has very limited playing time together handles it. I would much rather go to battle with youngsters then the vets they had last year. Seeing how a rookie mistake in the G-men game ended Romo’s season I wonder if he feels the same?
Romo looked sharp. For not seeing many snaps Kitna looked good as well.
I love the way Dez uses his body.
Holley really impressed me.
Tanner, Choice, Jones, and Murray looked good. I hope they find a way to keep 4 backs. Or Tanner makes the PS.
Could Tanner maybe play some FB?
I was just thinking why do I always remember Marty B for the plays he does not make..and there he is laying face down on the field.. I am guessing he will miss at least half the season. Other then TO Cowboy players never seem to heal quickly.
None of the Cowboys kickers excite me. Jeff Reid was available this off season.
I hope I am wrong but I get the feeling by week 4-5 I will read several posts here along this vain. "The Cowboys cannot get pressure on the QB rushing only four and Ryan can not run his style of attacking defense because the corners and safety’s cannot cover anyone. The Cowboys have a real issue on defense. LOFT. They are going to have to win shoot outs
"Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be grateful. Conceit is self-given; be careful." John Wooden
Victor Butler is the shizness
by The Boatman on Aug 28, 2011 11:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
by week 4 or 5?
You can hear all that right now!
The writing is on the wall for this D.
It’s going to be a wild ride.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
When Bruce Carter is healthy...
we may see that changing of the guard in the middle of our defense like our offensive line
by bewareofdware on Aug 28, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
James is fine for another year imo
Brooking is awful. He’s got to go. Igor too obv
Wow, do you realize where that would leave our MLBing crew?
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
Seriously
Who is going to play ILB if Brooking and James are both gone. You gonna start Lee and an injured Bruce Carter?
by niceville56 on Aug 28, 2011 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
please dont say that
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I just want to say
while I agree that our “D” may not be the greatest, I think we will see alot of this…
Offense Clicking, Defense Not So Much, Turnovers Seal Win
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
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 28, 2011 10:07 AM CDT reply actions
I can't tell you how many times I've heard that term this offseason
Andy's Kolb was really bad so Andy hatched a plan, when his Kolb said play me now, Andy shouted no and ran. Andy tricked his mean old Kolb and traded him to the Cardinals, The Cardinals didn't know Kolb sucked, because Andy never told them
lol !
i love your self-deprecating and self-aware sense of humor!
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Alex Barron was playing QB too
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Aug 28, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Alex Barron beat us
Don’t know, don’t care. People that criticize can kiss my ass. I don’t give a shit
-Kobe Bryant
You want to make history you have to do historic things- Kobe Bryant
reply fail
Don’t know, don’t care. People that criticize can kiss my ass. I don’t give a shit
-Kobe Bryant
You want to make history you have to do historic things- Kobe Bryant
I’ll just point this out again.
Wade’s going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 in Houston, and Houston has already ‘learned’ the D.
Ask yourself why that is?
You know what Kenny Powers says? Fundamentals are the crutch of the talentless.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Aug 28, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions
Wade's D Is Simple
Everyone here says that Wade ran the same plays over an over again, whereas we all know that Rob’s D is based upon complex movements, disguising coverages, and changing player positioning before the snap. Which one do you think would be harder to learn?
Also, Wade’s always been a good D coordinator, just a terrible head coach.
by niceville56 on Aug 28, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
oh yeah?
So we should see them rank in the top 10 of the league then according to your theory?
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
on one hand you’ve got Houston fans gushing about how great their D looks.
on the other hand you’ve got Dallas fans saying ‘just wait until mid season once they learn Ryan’s scheme’.
anyway, I never said Houston would be top 10. I do think the Houston D will be better than the Dallas D.
You know what Kenny Powers says? Fundamentals are the crutch of the talentless.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Aug 28, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
idk
Mario Williams looks suspect at OLB
they have good talent, always have and then they had a defensive draft so I thought they killed that draft
starting disruptive DE, check, Watt
pass rushing OLB, check, The Fake Clay Matthews
good cornerback, check, my boy Harris
another good cornerback, check, my boy Roc Carmichael
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
and they signed Joseph
and they have a former #1 pick in Jackson, signed a solid safety in Manning
got Cushing, Ryans, Williams,
thats a lot of talent
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
idk?
you’re saying Houston will be top 10? They could be. I wouldn’t bet on it though.
that would be a huge jump.
You know what Kenny Powers says? Fundamentals are the crutch of the talentless.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Aug 28, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
idk about top 10, but im just sayig they have a ton of talent
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions
WEll Fan considering that Wade basically runs a 4-3
I am not surprised that Houston has picked it up
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
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 28, 2011 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
We have some dumb players on our squad
I don’t think we’ll win the SB this year but we’re doing a good job retooling under Garret thus far
by somebodyquiet on Aug 28, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
if we have a defensive oriented draft like that next year, we are set
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 28, 2011 12:46 PM CDT reply actions
And Maybe
. . . Dallas can steal a proto type NT to anchor the middle once and shore up the run defense.
if they built a d-line like detroit or denver the d would be set
wouldnt need pro-bowlers at every other position to look good as a unit
The realist keepin it real amongst the surrealists
R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"
by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 on Aug 28, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Need a true NT to play 3-4
Jerry and Rob Ryan might think the D will be okay running a 3-4 w/ an undersized NT, but I don’t think the rest of the league agrees. Neither do I. Last year teams would double Ratliff and often he was pushed around like a rag-doll, I don’t expect that will change this year. They need a big ol’ double-wide load at NT…hmm, Ryan must go 3 bills easy, wonder if he can clog the middle…
I wouldn't even say our offense is clicking
Doesn’t Romo have just 1 touchdown this entire preseason?
Football Fever has begun.
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