Cowboys random articles
by Dave Halprin on Oct 2, 2007 11:14 AM CDT
in News
43 comments
I’m working on the film review for later toady. Here’s some stuff to keep you busy. Todd Archer tackles the overconfidence issue.
Safety Ken Hamlin: "We're definitely coming together a little bit. But at the same time, we can't rely on what happened the week before to carry on to the next week. We have to put it behind us and get ready for [Buffalo]."
Quarterback Tony Romo: "We're trying to win every week. We're not thinking about the win streak. The thing is, we're only looking ahead to going against the Bills."
Oh yeah, we’re playing the Bills this week, not the Patriots. Here’s the classic example of the trap game. On the road, on Monday night, against a team that isn’t playing good football, all the while the Patriots are just over the horizon. Don’t eat the cheese!
But if there is one "negative" issue I'd want to have with the Cowboys, it would be overconfidence, because that means you’re winning. I’ll take that everyday of the week and twice on Sundays. It got me thinking though, what is everybody’s number one issue that could cause the Cowboys to lose a game. Let’s discard the possibility of Anthony Henry not playing against the Patriots, that’s too easy.
For me, it’s the slow starts on offense. Someone is going to take advantage of that and make us play from behind. We haven’t really had to come back in any games, for the most part they’ve been played even until the Cowboys offense finally cranks up and starts rolling. So that’s my issue. What’s yours?
Frank Luksa tells you all you want to know about Romo’s Run and puts it in Cowboys historical perspective.
I wrote last week about how the Cowboys chose between Norv Turner and Wade Phillips for the head coaching job this offseason and how the Cowboys made the right choice. Here’s another look at that situation.
Dante Hall took it to the house one week after we stifled Devin Hester. What gives? I think some of it had to do with missing special teams ace Keith Davis. He could be back for the Bills game.
Safety and special teams captain Keith Davis is improving and could return for Monday's game at Buffalo. The Cowboys face another explosive punt returner in Roscoe Parrish.
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And Archer talks about Ellis' impact
This is a great look at Ellis' effectiveness in the Rams' game.
Essentially Ellis participated in a total of 14 plays and:
Ellis managed to make a major impact despite participating in a grand total of 14 plays -- 10 third downs, two second-and-longs, a first-and-goal and a second-and-goal.
The results weren't pretty for the Rams with Ellis, who had 1.5 sacks and two hurries, lined up at left defensive end. Those 14 plays netted 29 yards and a turnover.
Don't stop here if you want to see everything that happened on each snap he played.
Bottom line, it's got to make you hopeful for this defense when he's able to participate in more plays.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ellis
Sorry, just to clarify then - he lined up at DE only and not at OLB, is that correct? Any chance of that continuing with him at DE and keeping Spencer in at OLB?
by Scoobay on Oct 2, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's playing DE in nickel situations only
so that would essentially be the OLB spot in a 3-4.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Issue
I think if something is going to make the boys lose a game, it is a very good opponent. I love this team, but they are not unbeatable. If the Pats beat us, oh well. They are a very good team. And, might I add, that I think it will be a shoot out, not a blow out either way.
Furthermore, because I didn't mention it last week, big props to the special teams unit for OWNING Hester the way they did. That has been my favorite part of the season thus far.
by boyzRbakInTown on Oct 2, 2007 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Slow start
I agree with Grizz. A slow start against a team with a good offense could be a killer. Our secondary, with an uproven corner, a gimpy corner, and a corner who will be out, cannot be trusted. A good offense can easily go up 14 points on us while our Offense is still trying to get the feel of things. And if that team has a good defense as well, we would be in real trouble.
by Philosopher on Oct 2, 2007 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pats offense is not more explosive than ours
I have looked at their box scores over the previous weeks. The pats have had only one game where they exploded in the 1st half (the SD game) they had 28 pts, but the D of SD has been shown to be nowhere near as good as last year. If you take each quarter and average what the pats have done it reads out like this:
1st qtr avg 8 pts (7, 14, 3, 10 div by 4 games)
2nd qtr avg 9 pts (7, 14, 10, 7 div by 4 games)
3rd qtr avg 10 pts (14, 7, 14, 7 div by 4 games)
4th qtr avg 8 pts (10, 7, 7, 10 div by 4 games)
That is a pretty steady amount of offense (4 games in). The cowboys look like this after 4 games.
1st qtr avg 1.5 pts (0, 3, 0, 3 div by 4 games)
2nd qtr avg 9 pts (14, 7, 3, 14 div by 4 games)
3rd qtr avg 15 pts (14, 10, 14, 21 div by 4 games)
4th qtr avg 11 pts (14, 17, 17, 0 div by 4 games)
The numbers show that dallas has very little in the 1st quarter and the pats may try to strike quickly to force the boys to fight an up hill battle. The dallas d will be challenged and the pats will focus on trying to exploit our secondary. The past games do not reflect how the pats will attack dallas. It’s like the Tuna said if you cannot put up points against the boys you will not be able to win the game. I think if dallas can keep the pats from jumping out early then they should be at an advantage to win the game.
Also dallas 4th qtr avg was hurt by the fact that they did not pile on a dead rams team.
by cowboy78 on Oct 2, 2007 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
These BOLD numbers are what counts
This is the breakdown from the Pats/Cincy game last night, each week is the same thing, the bold stats are the key. Its not about Quarterback ratings, If the Patriots get up on you early, its over, if you watched the game last night, in the second half, they slowing kill you with long point scoring time sustaining drives. We cant afford to start slowly against the Patriots.
New England Patriots (4-0-0)
TOTAL FIRST DOWNS 25
By Rushing 10
By Passing 13
By Penalty 2
THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY 7/12 - 58%
FOURTH DOWN EFFICIENCY 1/1 - 100%
TOTAL NET YARDS 404
Total Rushing/Passing Plays (includes Sacks) 66
Average Gain per Offensive Play 6.1
NET YARDS RUSHING 173
Total Rushing Plays 34
Average Gain per Rushing Play 5.1
Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards) 0-0
NET YARDS PASSING 231
Times Sacked (Number-Yards) 0 - 0
Gross Yards Passing 231
PASS COMP-ATT-INT 25 - 32 - 1
Average Gain per Passing Play (includes Sacks) 7.2
KICKOFFS (Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks) 7 - 3 - 1
PUNTS (Number-Average) 1 - 38.0
Blocked 0
Net Punting Average 38.0
FGs BLOCKED - PATs BLOCKED 0 - 0
TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE (excludes Kickoffs) 17
Punt Returns (Number-Yards) 2 - 16
Kickoff Returns (Number-Yards) 4 - 103
Interception Returns (Number-Yards) 2 - 1
PENALTIES (Number-Yards) 3 - 20
FUMBLES (Number-Lost) 0 - 0
TOUCHDOWNS 4
Rushing 1
Passing 3
Interceptions 0
Kickoff Returns 0
EXTRA POINTS (Made-Attempted) 4 - 4
Kicking (Made-Attempted) 4 - 4
Two Point Conversions (Made-Attempted) 0 - 0
FIELD GOALS (Made-Attempted) 2 - 2
RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 4/6 - 66%
GOAL TO GO EFFICIENCY 1/1 - 100%
SAFETIES 0
FINAL SCORE 34
TIME OF POSSESSION 37:24
by Deke on Oct 2, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They get Harrison and Seymour back
which will make their defense better.
by Philosopher on Oct 2, 2007 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't Seymour on the PUP?
And don't those players have to sit out the first six games? If so, he will miss the Dallas game.
by kindablue on Oct 2, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seymore is on the PUP
Here is the story on NFL.com. The PUP requires a wait of 6 weeks which depending on the team's bye week might be 5 or 6 games. New England's bye is later (looks like week 10) so 6 weeks is 6 games.
by lee3022 on Oct 2, 2007 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Issue
Is still the secondary (with or without Henry & Newman). I am as jacked as anybody with the Cowboys start to the season and have visions of the post season dancing in my head....BUT....Brady, Moss and Belichik will expose the Cowboys D for what it is.
We have never been able to handle the big, physical receivers. Our wins have come against some of the worst QB play you will see in the NFL this season (with the exception of Eli, who hung 35 on us).
With that said, I think it will ultimately be a good thing for us to see how we really stack up, and will give Wade an opportunity to earn his paycheck.
by d woodson on Oct 2, 2007 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the slow starts don't bother me at all
so long as our defense isn't giving up huge play after huge play in the 1st qtr and I don't think that will happen with our defense getting better each game, especially now that Ellis and Newman are coming back. Everyone is talking about how the Pats will score on us quickly, but keep in mind the defenses they faced aren't any better than ones we've faced. They're good, but not unstoppable.
I basically have 2 issues with the team at this time.
- Special teams play has to improve, more particular, our coverage units. We got up for Hester and contained him, but we made Dante Hall look better than he is, as well as some other returners we've faced so far. Parcells used to preach about hidden yards and our coverage teams have been killing our defense so far.
- Dropped passes. Last season this problem was pretty much religated to T.O., but against the Rams, Witten dropped some passes, as well Crayton in the Bears game. We have to do a better job of catching balls. Romo is definitely better than a 59% passer and the drops are killing that percentage as well as our drives.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm worried about our secondary
and for good reason, Cincy's THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY 0/7 - 0% against the Patriots.
Our defense was allowing over a 50% third down conversion rate against three of the four teams we've played that are, and I think we can all agree were offensively challenged(Miami,Rams Bears), that is a telling sign about our defense. The Rams were at a 25% third down efficiency rate, but with out half of their offensive line, no starting running back and a Quarterack with two broken ribs, they really couldn't test our secondary.
Brady is throwing at an average of an UNREAL 79% completion rate each of the first four games, against our secondary that's averaging 50% third down efficiency rate against sub par offenses, thats a scary proposition for our defense with Brady at the helm. If we start slow and get down by 10 or 17, I really think it will be a tough uphill climb, hoepfully Dallas will start fast Monday night against the bills and start a trend of getting it going early. I'm sure the Patriots will use the shadow spy against Romo to try to keep him in the pocket and not allow him to get outside to make plays, I think the Patriots will spread the field with three and four recievers and isolate Roy and attack him All night.We better get pressure on Brady early and often or it could get ugly.
by Deke on Oct 2, 2007 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your scenario plays out
we'll probably witness another shootout like the Giants game, with both teams scoring 70 -80 points.
I agree that our secondary is our achilles heel and Brady will try to exploit that as much as possible, and probably will have success.
However, if the Pats plan on putting a spy on Romo and keeping him in the pocket, he'll slice up their secondary just as bad if not worse than what Brady will do to ours. The Pats achilles heel is their secondary as well, especially in the middle of the field where Witten should do a lot of damage. Also, neither Hobbs nor Samuel will come close to covering T.O.
Keep in mind that the Pats had a 24 point lead on the Colts last season in the AFC Championship game, so to say the game will be over if the Pats take a huge lead isn't necessarily true.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a great discussion
even if we're doing what we don't want the team to do... look past the Bills.
I'm not sure about the spy. It's an interesting idea, but that's usually for QBs who run for yardage. I would guess they'll run more delayed blitzes shooting for the spot Romo moves to. That was the only success I've seen this season against Romo - bringing the blitzes in waves. The Bears did that well, the Rams tried it but with less success.
I too am concerned about third downs, but Ellis coming back could change the trend Deke points out; because he's not only an excellent pass rusher, but he's disciplined about keeping containment and stopping the run.
I saw a lot of missed opportunities on the part of the Bengals last night.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did too and Romo is playing much better than
Palmer right now.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two problems I saw with Palmer
first, he's Aikman mobile, meaning better than Bledsoem, but not real nifty. Second, he, his line and his receivers all look out of synch. And not just against the Pats. I saw it in two other games.
It reminds me more of Brees. You know the guys have the talent and ability, but there are so many problems, that they are starting to press and making mistakes in the process.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Pats don't
Scare me!
They haven't really played that great of opponents yet either.Hell, the bungles gave up 51 to the browns but only 34 to the pats.
Our defense has improved every game.and I don't think anyone would equate the pats defense with that of the bears,and we did pretty well against them!
Our offense,at least in the second half is like a basketball team on a fast break! we score at will! our defense only needs a few key stops and we'll take them!
by TrueBlue24 on Oct 2, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really see this as a TRAP game
The Bills, like any team in this league, are capable of putting together a decent game. They're coming off a victory over in-state rival Jets, at 1-3 it's a playoff game for them, they're at home on MNF, the Cowboys are running out of reasons to say "we can still improve our game" ... and NE is the main topic of discussion - both on this board/thread and in the media.
What worries me most is going from 4-0 to 4-2, and suddenly in a dog-fight with the hated Redskins.
Specific worries:
Obviously the secondary.
THE GOOD: There has not been much talk of Hamlin, which is a good thing. He was a great off-season acquisition, making this secondary MUCH better. In addition, Reeves has improved steadily.
THE WORRIES: Reeves has only started to be tested. Newman and Henry are less than 100 %... and Roy hasn't suddenly changed his coverage ability.
CONCLUSION: Our best coverage remains a good pass-rush. Luckily - and FINALLY - it looks like this part of the team is starting to come together. Credit Wade a little here, folks.
My other worry is the O-Line.
THE GOOD: This is a MUCH-improved unit... dare I mention the Pettiti days?
THE WORRIES: The reason we are slow to start is because we have been trying to establish a running game, but the O-Line simply has not been getting it done. Rarely do you see 1st-half holes open up for JJ or MB3 to burst into the secondary. Pass coverage has not been much better - if not for Romo's elusiveness, we might be ALL OVER this line for not providing better protection. I still worry that a good defense will expose us. Penalties reduced in the last game, but have been drive-killers.
CONCLUSION: Romo saves this unit, allowing the pass to set up the run in the second half. It will be interesting to see how the O responds when the pressure is on in the 4th quarter...
And I am expecting that to be the case Monday Night...
by DalaiLuke on Oct 2, 2007 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
All good points
On the early running, most of what I've read and seen indicates that teams are intentionally taking away the run. That was especially true for the Rams game, where they used run blitzing to keep Jones and Barber contained. It took a while for the Cowboys to adjust and receivers to stop dropping firs down catches and then things rolled a little.
But this game is just as worrying as any other because as you said, any given Sunday. Or umm Monday.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last night's game was interesting
at the beginning. When the bengals got some pressure on Brady, he made bad throws and an interception. We need to do this and simultaneously get over our slow starts because if we can get a big turnover early and go into halftime with a lead, that will be huge for the confidence of our young team. Even if we lose to the Pats, if we can play them close and make them sweat, that will be more than any other team so far and be a huge building block going forward. But I agree with the postings so far, we need a fast start, NO DROPS and near perfect special teams play. The Pats are too good to give them any advantages.
by Billito on Oct 2, 2007 1:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not talking about em... not talking about em...
not talking about em...
not talking about em...
Bills, Bills, Bills, Bills, Bills.
by DalaiLuke on Oct 2, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the Bills would normally be a trap game, but...
their offense has really sucked this season, with Marshawn Lynch being the only good player they have on that side of the ball.
Lee Evans can hurt you, but neither JP Losman nor Trent Edwards exactly instill fear in my heart.
The Cowboys will probably look past the Bills somewhat making it a semi close game, but the Bills simply don't have enough offense to hurt us and there is no way their defense will hold our offense to under 24 points, not going to happen.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I admit that I agree with you...
should I knock on wood or something?
Bill's injuries, weak offense, amazing Boys = a W in my rational mind... but for the reasons listed earlier, I think we need to be sure to take care of business.
Cowboys are capable of shining on MNF just as easily as the Bills are capable of coming to play.
In my "rut-roh scenario" game: the Bills get a couple of lucky breaks (a Cowboy DB slips on an out pattern, we fumble a snap at the goal-line... etc.) and the Bills have the lead late in the third quarter - forcing our guys to prove their mettle.
Of course, I wouldn't mind 42-0 and Romo doing something else that makes the SC top 10 of the week.
by DalaiLuke on Oct 2, 2007 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turnovers are the key
We can beat the Pats if we make them turn the ball over, plain and simple. This team is putting its opponents away by forcing turnovers at the worst possible time for the opposition. The Pats are very, very good at not giving the ball away, and we have to get major pressure on Brady and, to borrow a very trite expression, "hit them in the mouth." The Boys have to play very efficiently on offense, protect the ball, and hit Brady on defense. Much easier said than done, but I am amazed at how everyone treats NE as unbeatable. The Bengals had plenty of chances to score last night and have a horrendous defense (they gave up FIFTY to cleveland). They will play in Dallas, and we won a very similar game against an undefeated Colts team last year. It is the toughest game on the schedule, but still winnable (and by the way, it's also one of NE's 2 toughest games this year, at DAL and at IND).
But for now, Buffalo is the main concern. Hopefully the team is studying all the way back to Texas after that game and getting ready to put an emphatic notice out to the rest of the league.
by grapejoos on Oct 2, 2007 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am very concerned about Henry
and his ankle sprain. We can beat the Bills without him. We cannot beat the Patriots without him. However, losing to an AFC team isn't that important (unless it is in the Super Bowl!) I would rather rest Henry the next couple of weeks and have him ready to go in November against the Eagles, Skins, Giants, and Packers then get him back on the field too early and risk that ankle being injured even worse.
Frankly, I don't think we can beat the Patriots even with Henry. So rest him. There are much more important games are ahead of us division and conference-wise then the next couple ones.
by Philosopher on Oct 2, 2007 2:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we can beat the Pats with or without Henry
Our defense is going to give up plays to NE no matter who we have back there, the key to that game will be Romo and company keeping up with Brady step for step which I think he is more than capable.
I see the game coming down to a last second FG, hopefully Folk nailing one at the buzzer.
by Terry on Oct 2, 2007 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pats
The pats are good. But I don't see a team that is invincible. Their opponents are a combined 4-12 while ours are 3-13. Just because the "sportscasters" that won't shut up during Monday night football think the pats have already beaten everybody doesn't mean the Cowboys can't beat them in Dallas. Brady might be unstoppable when he has time, but he is only average when he is getting knocked around and has to move out of the pocket. The Bengals were doing pretty well (albeit briefly) until they got down to 2 linebackers. Then they couldn't get pressure and Brady had time and ripped them apart.
by bluewolf021 on Oct 2, 2007 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BEWARE
... rookie QB Trent Edwards. He is MUCH more skilled than his predecessor, who, though he's on injury leave, will likely never start for the Bills again. Edwards was awesome in his first start, and since he outperformed Losman in preseason as well, I think the torch has passed in BUF.
I fancy myself as something of a draft buff, and I can tell you Edwards is the real deal. I saw plenty of film on him from Stanford, and he's a very intelligent and accurate passer. If he had a better supporting cast, or if his team won more games, I think he could have contended for a Top 10 pick.
He'll still make rookie mistakes, and let's hope so, but I have a feeling Buffalo's offense will be much less anemic under Edwards than it was under Tulane's Finest.
by no1cowboysfan on Oct 2, 2007 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Edawrds looks good
but there are almost zero rookies who can carry a relatively poor team. You can have a caretaker, learn-as-you-go season like Roethlesberger had on a really solid veteran team, but asking him to carry them is a bit much.
That's not to say the Buffalo game is a gimme, but I believe it's the Cowboys to lose.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think so too...
I'm just trying to stay even-keeled. It's very hard at this point not to go running down Main Street naked draped in a Cowboys banner. I'm pumped for this season.
by no1cowboysfan on Oct 2, 2007 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bills injuries continue to mount
The cowboys should put this game away by halftime, hopefully they'll get out to a quick start, The bills injury list continues to grow,
by Deke on Oct 2, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And most of their injuries
are in the LB and DB areas, which re exactly where you don't want to be weak against the Cowboys' offense.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillips 3-4
Phillips aggressive and motion defense feasts on rookie QBs. Kid will be confused and getting helped up all night.
by bluewolf021 on Oct 2, 2007 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I would hope
although if the Bills have a true strength, it's their offensive line. They've been playing pretty well.
by dunkman on Oct 2, 2007 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most definitely
You are correct. This is the Cowboys game to lose. And we won't. Perhaps I am wrong, but I have zero worries about this game. The only thing I worry about is someone else getting hurt.
by Philosopher on Oct 2, 2007 2:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Semi-Random Historical Fact
Dallas hasn't won in Buffalo since 1971, and even then it was a nail biting 49-37 shootout. The last two times we went to Buffalo, in 1984 and 1996, we were favored both times, and lost.
Now, this team should take care of business against the Bills, but if anyone wanted a stray fact to latch on to to, keep them level-headed, there you have it.
by kindablue on Oct 2, 2007 4:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My Biggest Worry Is
Pass rush. Getting Ellis back will help, and both Canty and Spears played good Sunday. And Spencer is coming right along. And Ware is starting to remind me of Lawrence Taylor.
But still. We need a consistent push from our line, and the OLBs to get into the backfield. If we get that, we can beat any team with our secondary.
Brady is a very fussy QB. He doesn't like to get touched, much less hit. Knock him around a little (like Denver always seems to do), and see what a brilliant pin-point passer he is. He also fumbles a lot. Give him time, though, and it he will kill you.
by kindablue on Oct 2, 2007 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree with you Grizz
I am equally concerned about the slow start as well. If a team starts scoring first, then I that puts the pressure on us to keep up. Could we do it? Probably, but I don't want to have to come from behind or have a shoot out throughout the game.
I would love for us to score in the first quarter and put the pressure on the other team. Let them keep up with us and put them behind.
I just hope the defense keeps improving and keeps getting more pressure. The let down on the punt team against the Rams does concern me, I don't know if it was just Davis missing from the line up or what. Looked like the whole coverage team just was standing around while Dante Hall ran around them, in my opinion.
Let's get to work on these for Buffalo.
It will be a short week before the Pats, hopefully we can handle the quick turn around.
by DaveTroll on Oct 2, 2007 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In a nutshell
Tom Brady (or should that be in a condom?).
by lee3022 on Oct 2, 2007 7:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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