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Daryl Johnston: Barring injuries, Dallas Cowboys good enough to win NFC East - DMN
Even after the loss to the Chiefs, Daryl Johnston is still upbeat about the Cowboys.
"I think they can be good, but they can’t get hurt. They can’t lose games to starters; they don’t have the depth, and that’s what happened to them last year…. I don’t see why there’s a reason why they can’t be in a position to win the NFC East at the end of the season."
MOOOOOOOOOOOSE!
Hatcher not expecting more of same old story: 'We're a totally different team' - Carlos Mendez, Star-Telegram
Hatcher is not down on the Cowboys defense, even after Sunday's game.
"Not at all," he said. "I’m very confident in our team this year. We’re a totally different team. Like I told them all early in the week, this is the best team I’ve ever been on, man. I’ve been here eight years. This is the best team I’ve been on."
"I’m not worried about last year or rolls or whatever," he said. "One-and-one and then you go downhill? That will not happen. We’re going to fight to the end, and we’re going to be contenders when this is all said and done."
Anthony Spencer's knee holds up well - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Despite practicing only twice since July, Spencer played 34 snaps on Sunday, recording two tackles and a hurry. Best of all, he says his knee held up well.
Anthony Spencer says his left knee is ‘pretty sore’ after playing in his first game - Brandon George, DMN
Spencer, who said he needs a game or two to get up to full speed, also said he expected his knee to be sore after the game, and it was.
"It’s pretty sore, as expected," Spencer said Monday. "I can walk and move around. I did a little elliptical work, a little conditioning."
Lack Of Takeaways Sticking In Mind Of Cowboys’ Defenders - Rowan Kavner, DallasCowboys.com
Will Allen critically reflects on the defense's inability to create turnovers when they had the opportunity.
"Me and Bruce Carter both had opportunities to turn the game around, to get the offense an extra possession or two," he said. "We didn’t do that."
"Not creating the turnovers, not getting the takeaways, that’s what’s painful about (the loss). If we get one at a crucial moment, that’s the game for us."
"If we get takeaways, it doesn’t even matter at the end of the game," Allen said.
Dez Bryant vows not to let potentially game-changing drop happen again - Star-Telegram
If only Bryant had caught that pass. But he didn't, and he knows it cost the Cowboys.
"I knew I had it and I took my eyes off of it," a frustrated Bryant said. "I did something I shouldn't have done. I know what I can do. Everybody else knows what I can do. I won't ever make a mistake like that again."
Brian Waters on 2013 debut: ‘I didn’t feel like I had too many issues’ - Rainer Sabin, DMN
After an 18-month absence from organized football, Waters played 18 snaps at right guard on Sunday over four series.
"It was exciting to play the game," Waters said. "Obviously disappointed with the outcome. But definitely one of those things that was exciting was being out there in those pads again. Definitely fun."
"I didn’t really feel like I had too many issues. I felt pretty good."
Orlando Scandrick says he ‘played well’ on day he did double duty as CB - Rainer Sabin, DMN
Scandrick switched back and forth between the slot and the outside position, depending on whether Claiborne was in the game.
"I looked at it as a great opportunity," Scandrick said of his dual role. "It was something I wanted and I got it. I think I played well out there."
Give that man a cigar: Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware gets two sacks - David Moore, DMN
Rod Marinelli put a cigar in Ware's locker with a note that read "Close, but no cigar" after Ware didn't get a sack versus the Giants. Moore suggests that all of that will now be taken down after Ware got two sacks against the Chiefs.
Bad move. If one cigar gets you two sacks, Marinelli should now put two cigars in the locker.
Scout’s Eye: Evaluating Waters; Callahan’s Play-calling & More - Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com
Broaddus reviews Brain Waters' performance, has some thoughts about the ground game and special teams, and makes a plea for giving Caesar Rayford some playing time.
"Where the coaches might have to make a call is what to do with Caesar Rayford. Jerome Long has been active the last two weeks but there should be a consideration to try and get Rayford a game or two to see where he is at. I understand how the coaches want to use players that they have confidence in and know the scheme but there is something to Rayford’s game and potentially I believe that he has the ability to be what we have seen from George Selvie or maybe even better. "
Jason Garrett Should Have Punted - Advanced NFL Stats
Matt Meiselmann comes down hard on Garrett's decision to kick a field goal on 4th and 10 from the Chiefs 35 with 3:50 to play in the 4th quarter and Dallas trailing Kansas City 17-13.
Based on the 4th down calculator, the Cowboys chose the worst of the three options, and it wasn’t even close. Based on this chart, Dallas had a 25% chance of winning if they tried to convert the 4th down, a 36% chance of winning if they punted, and an 18% chance of winning by attempting a field goal.
St. Louis Rams show early knack for comebacks - ESPN
Of the 51 points the Rams have scored through two weeks, 38 have come in the second half and 28 of those have come in the fourth quarter.
Stop Jared Cook, stop the Rams? - Turf Show Times
Ryan Van Bibber explains that the St. Louis Rams offense couldn't get much going until it was too late, thanks in part to a quiet afternoon from the Rams tight end Jared Cook.
Upon Further Review: Rams Week 2 - NFC West Blog - ESPN
ESPN's Nick Wagoner looks at four hot issues from the St. Louis Rams' 31-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.