Official Dallas Cowboys In Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[Andy Herron]

The Cowboys make too many mistakes and incurr far too many penalties to put together long drives built around the running game.

Until they become more disciplined, it's not going to happen. And until that happens, we won't see the balance we desire either. When asked about this offense lacking an identity, Jason Garrett simply replied "we don't want to have an identity." And in so many words went on to add that "once you gain an identity, it becomes easier for a defense to gameplan against you."

Personally, I think they're still trying to find themselves just a bit on offense. The defense is obviously coming together.

Barber and Felix obviously looked healthier yesterday. After Romo took the knee to the back they began to rely far more on the running game. Tony was hurting, no question. All the more reason his throws were coming out high. The season is a grind, a lot of which is working thru injuries and playing hurt. It was a physical game. We saw a few Redskins get carted off, and today Witten, Brooking, and Jenkins joined Romo in a limited capacity of team walkthroughs.

In the words of Herm Edwards, "we play to win the game." Well, we won, and we're moving on to Oakland. Bottom line. Unless you're the Colts or Saints, it's a week-to-week thing in the NFL. It was all the Giants and Eagles could do in their own matchups Sunday to keep pace with Dallas. The Super Bowl Champion Steelers dropped one in Kansas City in OT. Hm, our OT win in KC a month or so ago doesn't feel so bad now, does it?

If we're so bad, why is the rest of the NFC East worse?

Team record division home conference

Dallas 7-3 2-1 4-1 6-2

Philadelphia 6-4 2-1 3-2 5-2

N.Y.Giants 6-4 2-1 3-2 4-3

Be happy with the win. We live to fight another day, and that day comes Thursday.

 

[Routilla]

Eat #### Raiders!!!

 

[Maroney=Sped]

Anyone else think Garrett called the game that way to make it seem like Dallas can't win by running?

Yeah that's it.

Read an article this morning insinuating that, just curious if people really believed that.

Nothing gets you beat like averaging 5 yards a carry.

Especially when you only run 52% of the time with that average. That was stupid play-calling with that kind of running.

 

[Mustang Man]

ugly game. Romo is throwing everything high, and Roy cant catch a cold. our D is pretty solid, but the skins beat themselves today, basically. a wins a win in the NFL. 7-3 first in the NFC East. lets hope for a good Turkey Day!

Never apologize for a win. As Cowboys fans we have apologized for losses late in games in recent history lets not start apologizing for wins when we get the job done late in games. Cowboys defense is off the charts. We can go far if they play the way they have been playing. The offense WILL come around.

 

[Mustang Man]

Anyone else think Garrett called the game that way to make it seem like Dallas can't win by running?

I don't know but this team is Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. There is no call for 7 points agains the suckage that is the Redskins. The meddler definately factored into this one.

The suckage that is the Redskins was #4 in defense going into this week. Not to mention you can throw the records out the window when these 2 teams play each other. It is always close and a lot of the time there is an upset in these contests. For the simple reason that which ever team is worse in any given year it is that teams super bowl. Believe it.

 

[cobalt_27]

ugly game. Romo is throwing everything high, and Roy cant catch a cold. our D is pretty solid, but the skins beat themselves today, basically.

a wins a win in the NFL. 7-3 first in the NFC East. lets hope for a good Turkey Day!

Never apologize for a win. As Cowboys fans we have apologized for losses late in games in recent history lets not start apologizing for wins when we get the job done late in games. Cowboys defense is off the charts. We can go far if they play the way they have been playing. The offense WILL come around.

You're clinically insane, right?

 

[Mustang Man]

ugly game. Romo is throwing everything high, and Roy cant catch a cold. our D is pretty solid, but the skins beat themselves today, basically.

a wins a win in the NFL. 7-3 first in the NFC East. lets hope for a good Turkey Day!

Never apologize for a win. As Cowboys fans we have apologized for losses late in games in recent history lets not start apologizing for wins when we get the job done late in games. Cowboys defense is off the charts. We can go far if they play the way they have been playing. The offense WILL come around.

You're clinically insane, right?

NO, just saying the defense is playing as good as anyone and when the offense turns itself around and I believe it will, they can beat anyone. I mean time will tell but sh it man they are 7-3 in first place and 3rd in the NFC and people are like how can anyone think Dallas can go anywhere. AMAZING , SIMPLY AMAZING. I mean look around the league what team is dominating every week. NONE, Saints, Colts have came close to losing many week so far against some not so good teams. If me thinking a 7-3 team in a year there is no clear cut dominant team has a chance to do something then I guess I am insane.

 

[Ariakis]

Living in KC and watching all Chiefs games I can say the Chiefs did in OT what the Cowboys did to them and what the Steelers didn't do. Around mid-season many horrible teams start to figure it out and pride takes over enough to atleast be competitive. That's why you see teams like the Raiders, Titans, Browns, Chiefs, etc occasionally rise up and smite a better team. I am fairly worried about the game on Thursday as their QB is a bit more competent and their defense (like the Redskins) really is decent.

The other thing that is blatantly obvious is that Chris Chambers is a vastly better receiver right now than Roy Williams. Teams are rolling coverage to Austin and Roy simply isn't scaring anyone. He should be running shorter routes and letting Witten run longer routes more often. The team needs more play-action and less shotgun formations.

 

[Routilla]

I mean look around the league, what team is dominating every week. NONE! Saints, Colts have came close to losing many weeks so far against some not so good teams. If me thinking a 7-3 team in a year there is no clear cut dominant team has a chance to do something then I guess I am insane.

No Sir, you are brilliant. I feel the same way. It doesn't matter how you play but whether you win or lose in this league. Win and you move forward towards an opportunity; lose and you swirl around the drain before disappearing into 2010.

 

[Manster]

Living in KC and watching all Chiefs games I can say the Chiefs did in OT what the Cowboys did to them and what the Steelers didn't do. Around mid-season many horrible teams start to figure it out and pride takes over enough to atleast be competitive. That's why you see teams like the Raiders, Titans, Browns, Chiefs, etc occasionally rise up and smite a better team. I am fairly worried about the game on Thursday as their QB is a bit more competent and their defense (like the Redskins) really is decent.

The other thing that is blatantly obvious is that Chris Chambers is a vastly better receiver right now than Roy Williams. Teams are rolling coverage to Austin and Roy simply isn't scaring anyone. He should be running shorter routes and letting Witten run longer routes more often. The team needs more play-action and less shotgun formations.

i agree with this statement very much. and i'll add, sometimes teams that have nothing to lose are dangerous. the Raiders really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by beating the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.NOW, if the offense plays like they can, this should be a fairly decisive win for the 'Boys.

Roy Williams needs to step up. not every target has been spot on, but a lot of the incompletions are balls that are catchable.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I mean look around the league what team is dominating every week. NONE, Saints, Colts have came close to losing many week so far against some not so good teams. If me thinking a 7-3 team in a year there is no clear cut dominant team has a chance to do something then I guess I am insane.

Yet they found a way to win. They DIDN'T lose. That's what makes winners, winners. Honestly, right now, Dallas isn't playing anywhere close to the level of the Pats, Colts, Vikings or Saints. Can they? I'm sure Dallas fans would like to think so. The potential is there. But unrealized potential isn't worth doodily-squat. At some point, you have to put up or shut up. How many years can you keep riding the potential train before you realize maybe something isn't right? Or maybe you aren't as good as you think you are? I don't know. But I have to believe waiting for Phillips to actually produce a winner is getting old.

 

[Ridgelake]

Living in KC and watching all Chiefs games I can say the Chiefs did in OT what the Cowboys did to them and what the Steelers didn't do. Around mid-season many horrible teams start to figure it out and pride takes over enough to atleast be competitive. That's why you see teams like the Raiders, Titans, Browns, Chiefs, etc occasionally rise up and smite a better team. I am fairly worried about the game on Thursday as their QB is a bit more competent and their defense (like the Redskins) really is decent.The other thing that is blatantly obvious is that Chris Chambers is a vastly better receiver right now than Roy Williams. Teams are rolling coverage to Austin and Roy simply isn't scaring anyone. He should be running shorter routes and letting Witten run longer routes more often. The team needs more play-action and less shotgun formations.

I'm agreeing with just about everything you said! I usually disagree with much of what you say, but wow! Tis the season of miracles! Or close to it anyway.

 

[plymkr]

Wanted to get this back on the first page (from page three)

Witten and a foot injury is not good. He was already moving a little slow...and w/Columbo out could hurt our running game. Does anyone have any insider news on how bad his injury is?

 

[Bankerguy]

By JEFF CAPLAN 

jcaplan@star-telegram.com

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten will be a game-time decision Thursday because of a sprained foot he suffered in the second quarter Sunday against Washington.

Witten, who finished out the game, was limited in Tuesday’s no-pads workout.

"We’re a little bit worried about him being able to play," coach Wade Phillips said.

The Cowboys significantly utilize the two tight-end formation with Witten and Martellus Bennett. Rookie tight end John Phillips also has seen action as a blocker.

Wade Phillips said if Witten can’t play, it won’t affect the offense’s ability to stick with the formation. Of course, John Phillips isn’t the sure-handed Witten, who leads the team with 54 receptions.

Witten hasn’t missed a game since 2003, his rookie season.

"It’s a situation where if it’s not well enough, he could hurt it more," Wade Phillips said. "That’s a concern."

Linebacker Keith Brooking (ankle), kicker David Buehler (toe) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (elbow, head) all participated in the full workout. Quarterback Tony Romo (back) was limited, but is expected to play.

 

[Bankerguy]

By Calvin Watkins

IRVING -- Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said quarterback Tony Romo (back) is feeling better and his chances of playing Thursday vs. the Raiders are good.

But tight end Jason Witten (sprained left foot) continues to worry the team. Witten will try and practice today at Valley Ranch, but he's still a game-time decision for the Cowboys.

"I think Tony's fine and again, Witten, we'll have to see tomorrow," Phillips said before Wednesday's practice. "He's getting therapy and as many treatments as you can get and we'll see how he feels. He's gone though both practices some, a limited amount and he moved around. We'll pick up the pace a little bit."

If Witten is unable to play, second-year tight end Martellus Bennett gets the start. Bennett is the future at tight end because he's younger and is more athletic than Witten. However, Bennett's inconsistent play has held him back some.

"We've worked Martellus like he's going to play and going to start, so we want him to have that mindset, no matter what," Phillips said. "If it were to be the case, then he'll be ready that way."

 

[Andy Herron]

Wanted to get this back on the first page (from page three) Witten and a foot injury is not good. He was already moving a little slow...and w/Columbo out could hurt our running game. Does anyone have any insider news on how bad his injury is?

Witten's injury is more than the team would prefer to let on. Give Witten his due having played thru a broken jaw and broken ribs in his youthful past, but there is more at stake here. As much as I admire Witten for his toughness, as I'm sure the team and organization does, I'm sensing he'll be held out of this one regardless of his wishes. I wouldn't be shocked if he plays, but I'd be very surprised. Bennett and Phillips are capable to provide the two tight end set demands in this offense for the time being, and this offense does have other options. It's also time for some of those other options to rediscover themselves. It's a prime time for that to transpire. They need Wiitten to get right for the Giants game that follows. He's not good physically, and playing tomorrow won't make it better. I'd plan on Witten sitting this one out.

 

[Routilla]

Wanted to get this back on the first page (from page three) Witten and a foot injury is not good. He was already moving a little slow...and w/Columbo out could hurt our running game. Does anyone have any insider news on how bad his injury is?

Witten's injury is more than the team would prefer to let on. Give Witten his due having played thru a broken jaw and broken ribs in his youthful past, but there is more at stake here. As much as I admire Witten for his toughness, as I'm sure the team and organization does, I'm sensing he'll be held out of this one regardless of his wishes. I wouldn't be shocked if he plays, but I'd be very surprised. Bennett and Phillips are capable to provide the two tight end set demands in this offense for the time being, and this offense does have other options. It's also time for some of those other options to rediscover themselves. It's a prime time for that to transpire. They need Wiitten to get right for the Giants game that follows. He's not good physically, and playing tomorrow won't make it better. I'd plan on Witten sitting this one out.

I hope you're right Andy. I agree that we need Witten completely healthy for the next 3 games after OAK. Bottom line, if we can't beat them at home on Thanksgiving w/out him then it will not matter going forward. Plus, Bennett is capable of making some big plays himself. Rest Witten for the next 10 days, please.

 

[Andy Herron]

I'll tell ya what I wanna see is more Ogletree.

He is our up-and-comer. Believe me.

The more we can find opportunities for him from here on out, the more he will benefit us in the playoffs.

I can assure you. When this thing finally falls into place, we'll have Austin and Ogletree on this outside with Felix and Choice in the backfield and Romo at QB.

That's when this thing will reach it's peak.

 

[Andy Herron]

Commercial featuring Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo debuts Today

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – During Thursday's game between the Cowboys and Raiders, Starter will unveil a commercial featuring quarterback Tony Romo and a "Never stop" slogan.

"For me it's about your goals," Romo said. "It's easy for me to pinpoint it on football and how it's important to never stop trying to improve but that statement can be made about life as well. You can never stop trying to improve, and if people do that then your life will have a way of turning out the way it's supposed to."

The apparel is available exclusively at Walmart. Romo will be featured in print, online and outdoor billboards as well as the commercial.

"The whole idea is to relate to everybody," Romo said. "They've done a great job with the product and it's affordable and that means a lot to me. It's something that can withstand the wear and tear and it's cool."

The commercial, which was shot in the off-season, shows Romo breaking tackles while having his football equipment torn off. He crosses the goal line wearing Starter workout gear.

"I had a lot of fun doing that," Romo said. "All the people associated with Starter made it real easy for me."

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I think Starter has the right guy for this. Romo takes alot of heat at times but he never stops trying. You have to give him that.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

The Raiders are one of two teams the Cowboys have never beaten in Dallas. The other one is the Ravens.

 

[Maroney=Sped]

Commercial featuring Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo debuts Today

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – During Thursday's game between the Cowboys and Raiders, Starter will unveil a commercial featuring quarterback Tony Romo and a "Never stop" slogan.

"For me it's about your goals," Romo said. "It's easy for me to pinpoint it on football and how it's important to never stop trying to improve but that statement can be made about life as well. You can never stop trying to improve, and if people do that then your life will have a way of turning out the way it's supposed to."

The apparel is available exclusively at Walmart. Romo will be featured in print, online and outdoor billboards as well as the commercial.

"The whole idea is to relate to everybody," Romo said. "They've done a great job with the product and it's affordable and that means a lot to me. It's something that can withstand the wear and tear and it's cool."

The commercial, which was shot in the off-season, shows Romo breaking tackles while having his football equipment torn off. He crosses the goal line wearing Starter workout gear.

"I had a lot of fun doing that," Romo said. "All the people associated with Starter made it real easy for me."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think Starter has the right guy for this. Romo takes alot of heat at times but he never stops trying. You have to give him that.

Any word on whether he plans to wear all the clothing backwards?

 

[Mustang Man]

Commercial featuring Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo debuts Today

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – During Thursday's game between the Cowboys and Raiders, Starter will unveil a commercial featuring quarterback Tony Romo and a "Never stop" slogan.

"For me it's about your goals," Romo said. "It's easy for me to pinpoint it on football and how it's important to never stop trying to improve but that statement can be made about life as well. You can never stop trying to improve, and if people do that then your life will have a way of turning out the way it's supposed to."

The apparel is available exclusively at Walmart. Romo will be featured in print, online and outdoor billboards as well as the commercial.

"The whole idea is to relate to everybody," Romo said. "They've done a great job with the product and it's affordable and that means a lot to me. It's something that can withstand the wear and tear and it's cool."

The commercial, which was shot in the off-season, shows Romo breaking tackles while having his football equipment torn off. He crosses the goal line wearing Starter workout gear.

"I had a lot of fun doing that," Romo said. "All the people associated with Starter made it real easy for me."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think Starter has the right guy for this. Romo takes alot of heat at times but he never stops trying. You have to give him that.

I will be looking for it thanks. They have the right guy!

 

[Bankerguy]

Wanted to get this back on the first page (from page three) Witten and a foot injury is not good. He was already moving a little slow...and w/Columbo out could hurt our running game. Does anyone have any insider news on how bad his injury is?

Witten's injury is more than the team would prefer to let on. Give Witten his due having played thru a broken jaw and broken ribs in his youthful past, but there is more at stake here. As much as I admire Witten for his toughness, as I'm sure the team and organization does, I'm sensing he'll be held out of this one regardless of his wishes. I wouldn't be shocked if he plays, but I'd be very surprised. Bennett and Phillips are capable to provide the two tight end set demands in this offense for the time being, and this offense does have other options. It's also time for some of those other options to rediscover themselves. It's a prime time for that to transpire. They need Wiitten to get right for the Giants game that follows. He's not good physically, and playing tomorrow won't make it better. I'd plan on Witten sitting this one out.

He's playing.

 

[Maroney=Sped]

Wanted to get this back on the first page (from page three) Witten and a foot injury is not good. He was already moving a little slow...and w/Columbo out could hurt our running game. Does anyone have any insider news on how bad his injury is?

Witten's injury is more than the team would prefer to let on. Give Witten his due having played thru a broken jaw and broken ribs in his youthful past, but there is more at stake here. As much as I admire Witten for his toughness, as I'm sure the team and organization does, I'm sensing he'll be held out of this one regardless of his wishes. I wouldn't be shocked if he plays, but I'd be very surprised. Bennett and Phillips are capable to provide the two tight end set demands in this offense for the time being, and this offense does have other options. It's also time for some of those other options to rediscover themselves. It's a prime time for that to transpire. They need Wiitten to get right for the Giants game that follows. He's not good physically, and playing tomorrow won't make it better. I'd plan on Witten sitting this one out.

He's playing.

:fingeronthepulse:

 

[simmonjm]

Commercial featuring Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo debuts Today

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News

tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – During Thursday's game between the Cowboys and Raiders, Starter will unveil a commercial featuring quarterback Tony Romo and a "Never stop" slogan.

"For me it's about your goals," Romo said. "It's easy for me to pinpoint it on football and how it's important to never stop trying to improve but that statement can be made about life as well. You can never stop trying to improve, and if people do that then your life will have a way of turning out the way it's supposed to."

The apparel is available exclusively at Walmart. Romo will be featured in print, online and outdoor billboards as well as the commercial.

"The whole idea is to relate to everybody," Romo said. "They've done a great job with the product and it's affordable and that means a lot to me. It's something that can withstand the wear and tear and it's cool."

The commercial, which was shot in the off-season, shows Romo breaking tackles while having his football equipment torn off. He crosses the goal line wearing Starter workout gear.

"I had a lot of fun doing that," Romo said. "All the people associated with Starter made it real easy for me."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think Starter has the right guy for this. Romo takes alot of heat at times but he never stops trying. You have to give him that.

Any word on whether he plans to wear all the clothing backwards?

"Tony Romo make you jump jump"

 

[jkruppe]

I won't pretend to have a clue about the psyche of this team, but the last near-miss where we looked as bad as we did against Washington and somehow eek'ed out a win was the KC game in OT. From that over-the-top TD celebration we went on quite a roll for a few games. Let's hope that debacle last week can inspire similar results.

 

[Andy Herron]

Jason Witten passed his pre-game workout and will start.

Here are the inactives: Safety Ken Hamlin (foot), cornerback Cletis Gordon, linebacker Jason Williams, guard Montrae Holland, center Duke Preston, tackle Marc Colombo (ankle) and linebacker Curtis Johnson.

For the Raiders: Linebacker David Nixon, linebacker Slade Norris, tackle Khalif Barnes, tackle Erik Pears, wide receiver Javon Walker, wide receiver Nick Miller, wide receiver Todd Watkins.

The Raiders have one lineup change. Sam Williams will start at outside linebacker over Thomas Howard.

The roof and end zone doors are open today. It's sunny and 62 degrees.

 

[Ariakis]

It's almost as if JG listened. More deep routes for Witten instead of the deep junk helped free up the offense. They still need to really work on penalties as that kept the team off schedule often enough to stay pass happy at times. The defense was solid but not spectacular yet again. Go Broncos!

 

[Mustang Man]

HAPPY FREAKEN THANKSGIVING

A DALLAS WIN AND A GIANTS LOSS!!!

 

[Ariakis]

What a nice Thanksgiving! Going to be tough to root for the Deadskins on Sunday but if they pull off the upset we'd have a 2 game cushion.

 

[gnarboots11]

Giants r terrible. To think this division was supposed to be tough, it looks pretty aweful.

 

[plymkr]

Except they're (Giants) not as bad as they looked, and now they will come home rest for 10 days and try and take it out on us...kind of like Green Bay. They're backs are against the wall now so we better be ready.

 

[cowboysin07]

This last stretch of games is going to be brutal. Would love to of won the Giants and Broncos games now.

 

[Andy Herron]

Todd Archer reporting this morning that Witten was in a walking boot after the game yesterday, but it's strickly precautionary at this point.

From here on out he suspects they will limit his work in practice. It's a ligament injury in his foot, and they will want to be very careful with him.

Witten said it was sore but thought he came thru it better than he expected. The extra time off should certainly benefit him, as well as everybody else.

The Cowboys are off til Monday.

 

[Reacher]

This last stretch of games is going to be brutal. Would love to of won the Giants and Broncos games now.

It would be nice to be 9-2 right now for sure but I will take 8-3. Felix finally looks 100% and Barber is close but you can tell that his thumb is keeping him from delivering his brutal stiff arm punch. We have 10 games to get ready for the Giants. Witten and Romo should be at or close to 100% by then. If we go in there and beat them then we are good to go. Jenkins and Scandrick have really improved after that first game and now they have some good tape to study to get ready for the Giant WRs. I don't see Boss getting open on Sensabaugh. The Giant running game is looking pretty weak right now so they are going to have to throw it to beat us. Romo has come a long way from that first game so they won't get to luck into a bunch of gimmes. The Chargers are playing well right now but we should be able to handle them at home. Rivers is good but we should be able to put him on his back. You know that Ware is going to be up for a game opposite Merriman. Also the Chargers should still be on a little win streak so they should be due a let down game.Barring injury New Orleans comes at the perfect time. We have 23 days to get our offense ready with some solid tests in between. The good news is that we have 2 games afterwards to either regroup if we lose or get our heads out of the clouds if we win. Washington should be good for regrouping and Philly should be good for getting our heads ready for the playoffs.If we can't win at least 2 out of the next 5 then we don't need to be in the playoffs anyway.

 

[Manster]

This last stretch of games is going to be brutal. Would love to of won the Giants and Broncos games now.

It would be nice to be 9-2 right now for sure but I will take 8-3. Felix finally looks 100% and Barber is close but you can tell that his thumb is keeping him from delivering his brutal stiff arm punch. We have 10 games to get ready for the Giants. Witten and Romo should be at or close to 100% by then. If we go in there and beat them then we are good to go. Jenkins and Scandrick have really improved after that first game and now they have some good tape to study to get ready for the Giant WRs. I don't see Boss getting open on Sensabaugh. The Giant running game is looking pretty weak right now so they are going to have to throw it to beat us. Romo has come a long way from that first game so they won't get to luck into a bunch of gimmes. The Chargers are playing well right now but we should be able to handle them at home. Rivers is good but we should be able to put him on his back. You know that Ware is going to be up for a game opposite Merriman. Also the Chargers should still be on a little win streak so they should be due a let down game.Barring injury New Orleans comes at the perfect time. We have 23 days to get our offense ready with some solid tests in between. The good news is that we have 2 games afterwards to either regroup if we lose or get our heads out of the clouds if we win. Washington should be good for regrouping and Philly should be good for getting our heads ready for the playoffs.If we can't win at least 2 out of the next 5 then we don't need to be in the playoffs anyway.

im glad we have some tough games comin up. the Chargers and Saints will be good measuring sticks. if we want to get anywhere in the postseason, we gotta go in surging.

 

[Andy Herron]

I see this whole December swoon thing coming to an end this year. This is a different team, playing as a team. No distractions, no agendas, just a focus on winning. For the most part, this team is also pretty healthy. Far healthier than this time last year to be sure. They have also demonstrated they are finding ways to win as opposed to finding ways to lose.

For those starters who have been out recently (Columbo, Hamlin), we've seen some good play from Free and Ball as substitutes. How long has it been since we've seen a backup OL perform up to snuff? More impressively, how long has it been since we've seen a backup safety perform well. Crap, we've struggled for years just to find two capable starters to begin with! This is good stuff and we need to appreciate that.

I also think we should welcome this final stretch of our schedule. Nothing better to bring a higher level of play from this team if they have any hopes of performing well in the playoffs if they do indeed get there. This is what we want. Turn it up a notch. Let's see what they really have. I, for one, want to see how good this team can really be. I would have to think the team does too. This stretch run brings a level of competition that should help answer a lot of questions for everybody.

It seemed through mini-camps and training camp there weren't many who expected so much from this team, but here we are at the turning point (Thanksgiving) at 8-3 and leading the NFC East. Suffice it to say more than most expected. I see further success coming in December.

 

[Manster]

8-3, our D is the reason. and right now the Cowboys defensive MVP is Keith Brooking.

 

[Ariakis]

It's kind of early to look ahead but where do we rate the team's primary needs are for next season?

QB - Romo still scares me but like it or not he's the man plus we have McGee on the PS.

RB - Set here for a long time. Whether the team eventually trades Choice or MB3 remains to be seen. Choice would start for atleast 10 other teams in this league perhaps more.

WR - If Roy is Alvin Harper and Austin is Michael Irvin with Witten as Novacek and our RB trio as Emmitt then we should be fine. I wouldn't be offended to see another young WR drafted high and displace Roy to WR3 but perhaps Olgetree can improve.

FB - Anderson is fine. Mix and match is fine.

TE - We are 3 deep and set for a very long time as young as Witten is.

LT - We need an heir if not an immediate replacement for Flo. He has been better lately.

LG - Kosier/Holland - Could use another mid round OG to groom but we should be fine for another year or two here.

C - Gurode/Procter - I remember predicting the Gurode draft pick on this board and he's already 31 wow. Same age as Kosier. Procter is a passable reserve but it's time for a C/OG draft pick if not two.

RG - Big Davis - Is he the weak spot in the OL? He isn't good enough for OT and perhaps a position to upgrade making the entire interior OL candidates for draft picks to groom. Is Brewster an OG or an OT? I doubt he's a C but he could be the future at RG, LG, or possibly RT or even LT.

RT - Colombo/Free/McQuistan - Another 31 year old OL. We should be fine but like the rest of the OL it's time to make grooming replacements a priority. Free and Brewster will factor in next season but that leaves 2-3 more to accumulate.

K - Folk/Buehler - Can we afford two roster spots indefinitely? Can Buehler eventually kick FG's? We know that Folk isn't the answer on kickoffs. Otherwise both are young and we'll have them forever.

PN - McBriar is a difference maker until he declines. He's only 30.

CB - Jenkins emerged and we needed him to badly. Newman is 31 so it's time to look for a replacement which really isn't Scandrick we've found out. That replacement can be the CB4 until Newman is either let go or moved to FS.

S - This was an emphasis this year and at this point not a priority unless a PBA stud falls to us in the draft.

LB - Again, this position was heavily drafted this season although in a 3-4 you can never have too many although it may not be a position of extreme need depending how long Brooking can go and if our incumbents can continue to perform. Still, it would be tough to pass up a stud LB if one falls to us. I would say OLB is more set than ILB atleast for starters.

DE - Both starters are young. A PBA draft pick can't be overlooked but not a priority.

NT - I'd like to see a true NT brought in to groom but so far so good with the rotating DE's.

So my prediction:

Round 1 - OT/CB

Round 2 - OT/CB

Round 3 - LB/OG

Round 4 - LB/OG

Round 5 - PBA

 

[Bankerguy]

OT, WR, C, Safety, LB, CB

 

[BigDave]

I see this whole December swoon thing coming to an end this year. I see further success coming in December.

This is the first time in many many years I feel confident going to the Meadowlands.The Giants are reeling. It would have been 6 losses in a row except for the coin toss win versus ATL. They are really searching for many things:- a defensive line to get the pressure they're used to applying on opponents. - a running game again! Bradshaw is hurt and Jacobs is not getting it done like last year- Smith and Manningham are no Plaxico. They don't scare the crap out of us like Plaxico did in the past. - Eli is struggling trying to take it all on his shoulders. Cowboys:Healthy RB'sBetter play out of our WR'sRomo has a little swagger back.Witten - tough SOB and Romo's safety valve Defense is really imposing their will on other teams. I like our chances very much in NJ next week. A win at the Giants could propel the Boys into a very nice start in Dec.

 

[Andy Herron]

It's kind of early to look ahead but where do we rate the team's primary needs are for next season?

First of all, if Free continues to play well as this season plays out, I'd fully expect him to overtake Flozell at LT next season.He'll be our next cornerstone over there.

As for Romo, c'mon man, you can't be serious. He's a 4th-year (starting) QB just starting to find himself and about to enter his prime.

This is "his" team now, and there are better days ahead I can assure you. He's a playmaker, which is what every team covets.

As for the secondary, they've made huge strides here with now three capable starters on the corners not counting the versatile Alan Ball.

At safety we still have "Mike" Hamlin waiting in the wings once they decide to move past "Ken" Hamlin or Sensabaugh. We're set here for a little while, but if a decent CB falls in the late rounds it never hurts to take him. You can't have too many good corners.

Linebacker is a tough call at this point. We still have Jason and Brandon Williams waiting in the wings and can't really gauge what they may bring in the next year or two. However, in limited play, both Victor Butler and Steve Octavien have looked very promising. I don't see a pressing need here, especially with Spencer coming around.

As for the defensive line, I'd say the frontline starters are getting it done and the rotation hasn't really exposed anything critical. Siavii at the nose and Bowen and Hatcher on the ends have provided the necessary performances.

Moving to the offensive side of the ball, I'd say we're set at running back and quarterback, as well as tight end. But what about the wide receivers? I posed this question a page or two ago and didn't get any responses. What do we do with Sam Hurd? Forget about Roy, Jerry's not going to give up on him. Austin and Crayton are obviously entrenched, and Ogletree is an up-and-comer I can assure you. But what to do with Hurd? Same question as I posed before, do we tender him again or simply release him? He's been around and does know the offense, but I say tender him low and take the draft pick. Would anybody bite on that? Maybe, maybe not. I think it's worth a shot though. In any case, no pressing needs at the offensive skill positions. Maybe they go ahead and draft a WR in the middle rounds just to send a signal to Roy Williams.

But let's look at the offensive line. I think we'll be fine on the outside with the aforementioned Free on the left and Columbo on the right. It's the interior we want to look at. Gurode is a Pro Bowler but a reliable backup would be nice. Davis may be showing signs of eroding at guard and Kosier may not be far behind. This is a spot they could fortify themselves. The interior offensive line. They did have their sights set on C/G Max Unger in this past draft.

That leaves us with special teams, which was addressed in-depth with this past draft. Nothing to gain there.

I'd say for the most part, the Cowboys will enter the 2010 draft in a position to draft the best player available in any given round, minus the fifth of which we don't currently have a pick.

 

[Andy Herron]

I like our chances very much in NJ next week. A win at the Giants could propel the Boys into a very nice start in Dec.

I do too.Not only that, but handing the Giants a loss could very well put them on the verge of playoff elimination. I'm sure the Cowboys realize that.

This is where they have a golden opportunity to show some muscle, not to mention the revenge factor.

You can bet that the Cowboys secondary looks at this game as a chance to redeem themselves as well. They'll be hitting!

 

[Ariakis]

Do you think Free can really be a LT? Where do you see Brewster? He was picked very early over others we thought would be better and is still listed as a tackle. As I mentioned, Gurode, Kosier, and Columbo are all 31 leaving Davis and Flo as the first to replace.

 

[Reacher]

Do you think Free can really be a LT? Where do you see Brewster? He was picked very early over others we thought would be better and is still listed as a tackle. As I mentioned, Gurode, Kosier, and Columbo are all 31 leaving Davis and Flo as the first to replace.

I know that you were probably addressing this to Andy but..Free's natural position is LT. He is a finess player. Brewster's natural position is at guard but he did play some tackle in college. I think that Brewster is going to be really good. He played well in college and showed some great dedication by losing about 100 lbs and reshaping his body. He is going to get a year to keep transfroming his body into that of an NFL guard. The kid has a great attitude and is a hard worker. He got his injury this season while he was putting extra time in the gym.

 

[Andy Herron]

Do you think Free can really be a LT? Where do you see Brewster? He was picked very early over others we thought would be better and is still listed as a tackle. As I mentioned, Gurode, Kosier, and Columbo are all 31 leaving Davis and Flo as the first to replace.

Free "is" a LT. They simply plugged him in to replace Columbo on the right to get him some game experience. They considered doing some reshuffling along the line after losing Columbo but decided against it. Too much loss of chemistry. This is a proving ground for Free in the eyes of the coaches and Free is well aware of it. This is his opportunity to prove himself. There's no telling with Brewster until he can get some extended work done on the field.As for the others, 31 puts them in the prime of their years. Let's not be so quick to replace them just yet. Let's let it play out. In the meantime, I'm sure the search will continue to find capable players to fill in behind them.

 

[Andy Herron]

Do you think Free can really be a LT? Where do you see Brewster? He was picked very early over others we thought would be better and is still listed as a tackle. As I mentioned, Gurode, Kosier, and Columbo are all 31 leaving Davis and Flo as the first to replace.

I know that you were probably addressing this to Andy but..Free's natural position is LT. He is a finess player. Brewster's natural position is at guard but he did play some tackle in college. I think that Brewster is going to be really good. He played well in college and showed some great dedication by losing about 100 lbs and reshaping his body. He is going to get a year to keep transfroming his body into that of an NFL guard. The kid has a great attitude and is a hard worker. He got his injury this season while he was putting extra time in the gym.

In drafting Brewster, the Cowboys viewed him as a swing tackle with the versatility to play guard. Brewster was a 4-year starter at ROT for Ball State, but did play some RG during his freshman year. He's listed as an OT on the Cowboys roster.

 

[Ariakis]

IMO Davis and Flo can be immediately upgraded. The other 3 are probably fine. If that means working in Brewster next year for Davis and Free for Flo perhaps that'll work just fine. They still need to make OL a strong priority to bring in more talent before things turn the way they did in KC.

It's ashame the Redskins couldn't close the deal today against the Eagles giving us a 2 game cushion. That makes this game against the Giants that much more critical.

 

[Reacher]

IMO Davis and Flo can be immediately upgraded. The other 3 are probably fine. If that means working in Brewster next year for Davis and Free for Flo perhaps that'll work just fine. They still need to make OL a strong priority to bring in more talent before things turn the way they did in KC.It's ashame the Redskins couldn't close the deal today against the Eagles giving us a 2 game cushion. That makes this game against the Giants that much more critical.

I think that your short changing Davis a little bit but I agree that we really need to find someone that can play LT a bit better than Flo is right now. He isn't horrible but he is only a little above average at this point in his career.Some info on Brewster from right after we drafted him. Andy is right. I flipped it a bit. Brewster played most of his time at OT in college and played a few games at Guard. Haha and it looks like I added about 65lbs to his weight loss as well. That is how stories go I guess. I must have spent too much time around fishermen as a kid.Selected: Third round, 75th overallSize: 6-4, 325School: Ball StatePOSITIVESA big part of Brewster's value is his versatility. A four-year starter who never missed a game at Ball State, he spent the vast majority of his college career as a right tackle, but he started seven games at right guard as a freshman. He could potentially serve as a backup for every offensive line position other than center this season. He has good quickness, agility and mobility for a man his size, and he possesses the long arms scouts look for in pass protectors. He's a good technician who is intelligent and responds well to coaching. He's considered a high-character player who is more mature than most rookies.NEGATIVESBrewster needs to get to know Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek well. Brewster dropped 35 pounds during his time at Ball State, but his body is still a work in progress. He did 23 bench-press reps at the combine, which put him in the bottom half of offensive linemen. He's vulnerable against powerful bull rushers. He also needs to develop as a run blocker after playing in a spread offense and working out of a two-point stance during his college career. COWBOY FITIf the Cowboys didn't think Brewster would develop into a starter, they wouldn't have drafted him with the 75th overall pick. He worked solely at right tackle during the rookie minicamp and could be Marc Colombo's eventual successor. He'll learn the other tackle and guard spots and could challenge Kyle Kosier at left guard as soon as next season.COWBOYS OL COACH HUDSON HOUCK"What we like about him is that he really enjoys playing football. As simple as that sounds, that's a pretty damn important thing in our business. You better like what you do, and he certainly likes what he does. It's important to him. He's got a lot of questions. He wants to do it right. He's a prideful man. All of those things are intangibles, but it's a good start. Then you look at size, speed, athletic ability, balance and all that. He's got very good balance. He's got very good reach. He's got good enough speed, not a burner. And he's got good weight. Obviously with some of these guys that are bigger coming out, they've got to get themselves in good shape, but we're very happy with the man. ... The chance that he has to play guard or tackle - I don't think we'd put him at center, but it isn't out of the question - but it really gives a guy a better chance to make the football team. But he's got the skills. ... He's got to learn what we do and how we do it. If you know technique and you know assignment, then it frees you to play as hard as you can play. You play golf? As soon as you start thinking about two or three different things, it gets worse. It's the same thing with learning a position. If he knows exactly what to do and he's well prepared, it eliminates any uncertainty that he might have, and therefore he can play at full speed and he thinks at full speed. ...We're starting at one position and then we'll work him around."

 

[Manster]

looks like we might face Carr instead of Eli. :(

this is a BIG NFC East matchup. the G-men beat us in Dallas in a shootout. they have since had some troubles, but this is a division game on the road. by no means is this game a gimme. and to think so would be very ignorant. look at how tough the Skins are playing within the division. and they're in last place.

the 10 day rest came at a very good time. Romo and company can nurse their wounds for a few extra days.

the Cowboys need this game, as the Eagles are breathing down our necks. i was really hopin the Skins were gonna pull that game out.

tough remaining schedule with 3 division games, and Chargers at home, NO on the road. we win the division games we're golden.