Cowboys defeat Dolphins, go to 2-0 on season

by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on Sep 16, 2007 6:45 PM CDT in News

The Dallas Cowboys traveled to hot and humid Miami to take on the Dolphins in a game that started slow, but ended in rush for the Cowboys. Dallas relied on five turnovers from its defense, some fancy footwork from Tony Romo and hard-running from Marion Barber to close out the Dolphins 37-20. Marion Barber had two rushing TD’s and 89 yards to lead the Cowboys and finished the scoring with a 40-yard TD run. Tony Romo was 14 of 29 for 186 yards and 2 TD’s, a little less than his dynamic game in week one but good enough to help Dallas go to 2-0 with a win on the road. Romo showed some of his Favre-like characteristics by flipping a short TD pass to Tony Curtis while in the grasp of Joey Porter. Terrell Owens also had a TD to go with his 97 yards receiving.

But the big story for Dallas was the resurgence of a defense and the redemption of a secondary. They came up with five turnovers to snuff out any hope of Miami winning the game. Anthony Henry had two INT’s and safeties Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams each got one for a secondary that had a lot to prove. Jay Ratliff recovered a fumble and helped anchor a run defense that only gave up 61 yards for the game. They weren’t perfect, they gave up too many easy catches and the defensive front seven again failed to create sustained pressure on QB Trent Green. But turnovers are the kind of big plays that can cover for other mistakes and for two weeks now the Cowboys have weathered not having Terence Newman or Greg Ellis available.

The game wasn’t as pretty as last week’s but the Cowboys went on the road and hung up 37 points a week after putting up 45 points. The Cowboys offense gets better as the game goes along and in the second half of both games put the victories in the bank. Also, credit a huge punt return by Patrick Crayton that was the spark that got things going for Dallas in the second half. All things considered, the Cowboys have to be happy with their 2-0 record after two weeks.

Box score.

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Comments

Hey Grizz...what do you think of this one?

Marion the Barbarion

mercurymadness

by Armando on Sep 16, 2007 6:53 PM CDT 0 recs

he has a name

PREDATOR!!!

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 7:00 PM CDT up 0 recs

Quote:

--Conan the Barbarion: "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!"

--Predator: "Sssssqqqqkkk...kkrrssssk."

You decide.

mercurymadness

by Armando on Sep 16, 2007 7:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

that's what I'm talkin about

2-0. Feels great. 37 points and five turnovers (4 int). Can't complain about that.

Almost makes me forget the Razorbacks lost last night.

by Nelson on Sep 16, 2007 6:54 PM CDT 0 recs

good work up

on the game grizz. I didn't get to see the game due to being in an out of market area. I hate living in South Jersey!!!!

But anyways, another good game. Defense appears to be a little better this week. My question is how was the pressure from Ware and Spencer? I would like to see a sack from them sometime soon? PLEASE!!!!

Penalties are killing us!!! This is something that we need to address soon!

What's the word on Crayton? I heard something about a finger or hand injury or something?

by textaz03 on Sep 16, 2007 6:56 PM CDT 0 recs

Romo's qb rating was 92

thats obviously better than average. He was very efficient and made some great throws, runs and scrambles.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 16, 2007 7:15 PM CDT 0 recs

Romo

Another big day for the Cowboys offense. Tony Romo looks like he is having a lot of fun out there and I think it is rubbing off on the rest of the offense.

by Mitchell239 on Sep 16, 2007 8:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

NBC Football

Goodell gave them an interview, and Costas asked him about the difference between the Wilson and Belichick penalties. He didn't say much, just that Wilson broke the law and it's an automatic 4 game suspension, and he gave him an extra game because he's a coach.

by Parl on Sep 16, 2007 7:16 PM CDT 0 recs

what a

crock of bleep!!!!

by textaz03 on Sep 16, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

Goodel did state

that the situation that Costas mention about the Wilson incident about getting HGH for persoanl reasons as a result of diabetes isn't how it happened, I found that interesting and that Costas didn't follow up on what Goodell said.

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 7:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

So speeding is an automatic 4 games?

Breaking the law is a very large bucket. Goodell can't say that is not how it is (personal use) and then say nothing more. If he has evidence that a player was benefited then why isn't that player suspended?

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 8:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

Harrison was suspended for four games

Goodell said that Coaches have a higher standard and thats why Wilson got five games, I just didn't get his explanation for Belichicks non suspension who after he got the league memmo to not do it, still done it anyway.

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 8:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

Again - Driving naked through

a fast food window and being arrested is no games suspended (against the law nearly everywhere) if you coach for Detroit but not if you coach for Dallas. My BS meter is still pegged. And I agree that Belichick needed a more severe penalty.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 10:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Barber

I'm becoming more and more of a Barber fan each week.

This guy is a good football player. He helps us win these games. I wish he would get a haircut, but I guess you cant have everything.

by CowboyBlog on Sep 16, 2007 7:20 PM CDT 0 recs

If he got a haircut

he WOuldn't be known as the PREDATOR!!!!

I hope they find away to keep his helmet or head attached

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 7:22 PM CDT up 0 recs

I

don't want to beat a dead horse, but after watching Barber today we know why he is the best RB on the team. And whoever thinks he doesn't have speed is smoking something. Barber will continue to steal carries from JJ and he will be phased out of the offense. JJ is another step closer from becoming a former Cowboy.

by Cowboys81 on Sep 16, 2007 8:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think Barber was best today

but I think you are nuts to think JJ will be phased out of the offense. Thompson is not ready to be better and MB3 and JJ provide each other with rest and opportunity. This team needs a pass rush and a cornerback far more than it needs another rusher.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 8:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

JJ will

not be phased out completely, but he will see significantly less playing time like he did today. Barber was in nearly the whole second half and the team responded.

JJ is done as a Cowboy fellows after the season like it or not

by Cowboys81 on Sep 16, 2007 8:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

phased ou!!!

if it ain't broke, no need to fix it!!

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 8:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Even though Deke is wrong about Romo

I agree that we shouldn't mess with our RB situation. MB3 running style isn't condusive to getting 20-25 carries a game.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 16, 2007 8:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

Says who??

by Cowboys81 on Sep 16, 2007 9:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

its common sense

any back who runs like MB3, can never hold up for a 16 game season averaging 20-25 carries a game. He'll either get hurt, or worn down.

The reason he's been really good when he does get carries is because he's always fresh.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 16, 2007 9:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Wrong

Terry, Steven Jackson has that same style and it's not bothering him.

So your saying that JJ can? He hasn't so far.

You guys really have to get off the JJ bandwagon because MB3 has shown that he is the better RB the last two weeks. He does everything that much better than JJ it's not even debatable. If everyone in the media see's this than we as fans should whether we like it or not.

by Cowboys81 on Sep 16, 2007 9:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not the same

Jackson 6-2 231 lbs

Barber 6-0 221 lbs

Jackson is built to carry the entire load 25 to 30 carries. Barber might break down under that much stress over the course of the season.

I agree Barber is better than Julius, but I still like the 1,2 punch they provide. It is clearly working so why tinker too much with it.

by APerfectStar on Sep 16, 2007 11:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

If Steven Jackson was 6 feet

he would be 224.5 pounds. 6 feet 221 pounds is pretty good build for a running back. Heck D Mac is 6-2 210.

Burt-D

by Burt D on Sep 16, 2007 11:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

How do you figure that?

If Jackson was 6 ft...blah blah blah..that might be the craziest thing you've ever posted.

by APerfectStar on Sep 16, 2007 11:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

Calculated weight per inch and subtracted

2 inches of weight. Its not exact but it gives you a general idea of what his weight would be.

Burt-D

by Burt D on Sep 16, 2007 11:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

LOL

You're reaching, but it did make me laugh.

by APerfectStar on Sep 17, 2007 12:00 AM CDT up 0 recs

Come on guys

Barber isn't built to withstand 20-25 carries for 16 games? I think I remember people doubting Emmitt because of his size when he came out of college.

Give me a break, what more can Barber do to prove that he should be the starting back? We actually have a running game when he's playing, and then we're able to throw the ball because the D has to respect the rush. What happens when JJ comes back in the game? He's been blocking well, but that's about it.

JJ won't be in Dallas next year, and our pick from Cleveland will be used on a CB or WR.

by ChrisRichey on Sep 17, 2007 12:37 AM CDT up 0 recs

We aren't taking a WR

with the top ten pick from Cleveland. That would be a huge waste.

by APerfectStar on Sep 17, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

Jackson and Barber

are built the same and have the same running style. Just take a look how Jackson runs. The only differce is Jackson is 10 pounds heavier and 2 inches taller, which if anything would make him less of a RB who can carry the load according to some on this board. There is no perfect size, or stlye that makes a RB more suited to be a full time starter than another.

The fact remains..Barber is best RB on this team.

The fact is Barber has not given anyone to think otherwise he can't be a 20-25 per game RB.

by Cowboys81 on Sep 17, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

No they aren't

2 inches and 10 lbs is a big difference. And even Jackson has had some injuries. Why do people want to risk Barber getting hurt. That's all you're doing by giving him 25 carries a game.

by APerfectStar on Sep 17, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Belichick

will run up the score.

by Longhorn on Sep 16, 2007 7:29 PM CDT 0 recs

Did anyone notice

After MB3's second TD -- the 40-something yd run -- the camera showed Joey Porter sitting quietly on the sidelines.

I hope every opponent talks smack against us before each and every game.

First, Brandon Jacobs.

Then, Joey Porter.

Two loudmouths... on the losing end of two games!!!

Heh, heh -- Take That!

"Look up. Get up. But don't ever give up." -- Michael Irvin, NFL Hall of Fame Induction Speech 2007

by kcbrett5 on Sep 16, 2007 7:33 PM CDT 0 recs

Porter is extremely overrated ahole

and this game proved it as he did nothing as ususal.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 16, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not true Terry

He pulled off Barbers helmet while he was being tackled by 3 Dolphins, and got slapped with a 15 yd personal foul. That's definitely something LOL!

by APerfectStar on Sep 16, 2007 11:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

The Cowboys defense

gave up 348 yards today. The turnovers were the difference in the game but the yardage is troubling. Can we please have a game where the opponent doesn't collect there top yardage for the year?

And there didn't seem to be real pressure on Green. With his history we wanted to get into his head and mostly failed.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 8:06 PM CDT 0 recs

agreed

and miami isn't particularly good. and neither is new york. turnovers are nice but I'd hardly count on this defense to provide consistent turnovers. they just aren't that good. even henry had a very up and down game.

although, corners can only do so much. they dont' get beat a whole lot which is a plus. the main problem is absolutely not pressure on the qb.

by ab03 on Sep 16, 2007 8:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

you'll see it next week

as Chicago has no offense. They only beat KC by 10 today, who is one of the worse teams in the league.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 16, 2007 8:30 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yep

Wait until we play teams like New England. We'll be giving up 600 yards a game!

by Philosopher on Sep 16, 2007 8:11 PM CDT 0 recs

We are winning and still

getting better. This defense with Newman and Ellis can be much much better. In the meantime young guys have to step up and improve.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 8:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

Miami plays Cleveland in about four weeks.

I'm going to need some medication to root for Miami.

Texas slang in a Big Apple minute, by a friendly OED consultant. http://www.barrypopik.com

by barrypopik on Sep 16, 2007 8:37 PM CDT 0 recs

Anone watching NE?

They are scary. If the Colts don't beat them, I can see them going 16-0.

by Philosopher on Sep 16, 2007 8:42 PM CDT 0 recs

deadly offense and defense

you can mark that game as of now as a loss for us

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 8:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yep

Without a ton of luck or an injury to Brady, we will lose that game.

by Philosopher on Sep 16, 2007 8:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

What was down for McBriar?

He averaged only 43.5 gross while Fields averaged 49 gross. McBriar's long was 49 while Fields had a 53. I realize the high humidity has an effect but the comparison suggests Matt was not on his game.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 8:43 PM CDT 0 recs

field position

if you're kicking from inside the oposition fifty yard line, you cant boom the punts and get the gross and net yardage, you're trying to place the ball inside the twenty, you cant read too much into punters stats

by Deke on Sep 16, 2007 8:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

Good point

I looked at the game book and every punt was inside the 20. Makes me feel better.

by lee3022 on Sep 16, 2007 10:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

Wade looked Annoyed

Didn't Wade look annoyed that the Dolphins were trying to score at the end after he made it a point to not run up the score by kicking an easy field goal?

by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 16, 2007 10:22 PM CDT 0 recs

I thought it was cheap

I wished Green would've thrown another INT that could've been taken back for a TD.

by APerfectStar on Sep 16, 2007 11:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

When Dallas plays New England.

Dallas will be coming off a road Monday night game (Buffalo)--always tough. New England will be coming off an easy victory over Cleveland.

However, the game is being played in Dallas. You never know. I'm looking forward to it. Then again, I looked forward to New Orleans coming to Dallas last year.

We did beat then-undefeated Indy at home last season, in their Super Bowl year.

Texas slang in a Big Apple minute, by a friendly OED consultant. http://www.barrypopik.com

by barrypopik on Sep 16, 2007 11:08 PM CDT 0 recs