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Official Dallas Cowboys In Season Thread (2 Viewers)

From what I've gathered the Cowboys want to come out throwing early and often in this one, taking advantage of the Saints depleted CB situation. (This from a couple of sources, not my own intuition.)They'll want to get yards in chunks, while making every effort in taking out the crowd early. Getting off to a fast start will be key in putting the Saints in a position of playing from behind.Ya, I know, when is the last time the Cowboys were even able to score a TD on their opening drive?But still, that will be their approach. It's all or nothing and very near do or die.As for Folk, he's kicking.As for Ware, until I hear differently I'm expecting him to not only play but start.As many know, Ed Werder's credibility doesn't hold water in my eyes. I've learned better over the years.ETA: I also expect to see an Ogletree sighting tonight.4-wides with Bennett out. Gonna spread it out and see what happens.
I like it. Let's open it up get some speed on the field & have a shootout!! Disclaimer: I am starting Romo over Schaub in semifinals! lol
:goodposting:
 
From what I've gathered the Cowboys want to come out throwing early and often in this one, taking advantage of the Saints depleted CB situation. (This from a couple of sources, not my own intuition.)

They'll want to get yards in chunks, while making every effort in taking out the crowd early.

Getting off to a fast start will be key in putting the Saints in a position of playing from behind.

Ya, I know, when is the last time the Cowboys were even able to score a TD on their opening drive?

But still, that will be their approach. It's all or nothing and very near do or die.

As for Folk, he's kicking.

As for Ware, until I hear differently I'm expecting him to not only play but start.

As many know, Ed Werder's credibility doesn't hold water in my eyes. I've learned better over the years.

ETA: I also expect to see an Ogletree sighting tonight.

4-wides with Bennett out. Gonna spread it out and see what happens.
this sounds like a recipe for a 4 pick Romo outing.
I think those days are over. Romo currently ranks near the top of the league in fewest Ints., and 3 of those came against the Giants back in September.He's made monumental strides since then with his maturity and decision making. He just has to keep track of Sharper and he should be fine.
oh i hear ya. Romo has not been the problem. but i'm not liking the "gameplan", personally. Garrett seems to abandon the run too soon as it is. if they're saying they're gonna throw, and throw some more, i just dont like the sound of it. sounds desperate. i like the idea of establishing the run and keeping Drew Brees off the field.
Hear ya as well. If it were at home that would be a far better approach, but from all accounts this Saints crowd is pumped (and well juiced up) and it's tough to silence a crowd with the running game.
 
They've still got Lance Moore and Reggie Bush in the short passing game and Meachem, Colston, and Henderson outside not to mention Dave Thomas, Pierre Thomas, and whoever their FB is these days that we never cover at the GL.

 
They've still got Lance Moore and Reggie Bush in the short passing game and Meachem, Colston, and Henderson outside not to mention Dave Thomas, Pierre Thomas, and whoever their FB is these days that we never cover at the GL.
They'll be coming regardless.
 
I think the problem is Buehler isn't the answer either. They'll have a new PK to team with Buehler next week. Not sure who but they'll have someone. Nice team win.

 
folk is cut. they are lucky it didnt come down to a FG. Buehler missed 3 of 4 in practice last week from 30 yards so hes not much different but they need to take that chance. cant be any worse.

 
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Great win this week, but Washington has become a very tough out. Just saying. They need to get over this win about as soon as they get on the plane.

Ware is defending Folk?

 
Romo and Ware played well against the Saints. Big positives there.

At 9-5 and the rest of the conference looking mediocre the Cowboys are set up pretty well. A win against the Redskins next week would all but assure them a playoff spot.

 
Well, Dallas, once again, proved that they can hang with the elite teams. But aren't good enough to throw away 10 points and still win. A recurring theme over the last couple of years.Call me crazy, but I think we have a darn good chance to beat the Saints. For whatever reason, I think they pull it together. The Saints have barely been scraping by the last few weeks. They have all the pressure of the undefeated season and whatnot. That said, I could also see Dallas getting blown out. Especially if Payton finds a way to repeatedly get Bush isolated in space on our ILBs.Imagine the complete reversal of outlook if Dallas somehow wins that game. Suddenly, they would be back in control of the division. As dark as things look now, there are many bright spots. This team still controls its own playoff destiny. How many teams in the NFL can still say that?
I guess I'm not crazy.But lets hope Dallas doesnt let this go to their head and waste this opportunity. 8 days to rest and get ready for the Skins. Gonna be a wild ride to the finish!
 
Well, Dallas, once again, proved that they can hang with the elite teams. But aren't good enough to throw away 10 points and still win. A recurring theme over the last couple of years.Call me crazy, but I think we have a darn good chance to beat the Saints. For whatever reason, I think they pull it together. The Saints have barely been scraping by the last few weeks. They have all the pressure of the undefeated season and whatnot. That said, I could also see Dallas getting blown out. Especially if Payton finds a way to repeatedly get Bush isolated in space on our ILBs.Imagine the complete reversal of outlook if Dallas somehow wins that game. Suddenly, they would be back in control of the division. As dark as things look now, there are many bright spots. This team still controls its own playoff destiny. How many teams in the NFL can still say that?
I guess I'm not crazy.But lets hope Dallas doesnt let this go to their head and waste this opportunity. 8 days to rest and get ready for the Skins. Gonna be a wild ride to the finish!
Wild ride is correct. Let's add to the point that the Cowboys will have 8 days and the Skins will be coming off a Monday night game against a Giants team that will be giving everything they have. This win will do wonders for the Cowboys confidence. We do lots of complaining about many things and some of it deservedly so. But let's give credit to the coaching staff as well, the Cowboys played a great game on the road and that is a credit to the guys who are in charge of the team. Nice win Wade Phillips and nice game call Garett, defensively they applied just enough pressure to keep Brees uneasy and the play calling was not predictable and attacked the Saints. I loved the 4th and 4 call up 14-0. My Dad called me during that timeout saying "they better punt this ball." I was like no way, I love the fact they know 14-0 isn't safe against a team like NO, keep the pedal to the medal. Whether they deserved the pass interference call on that play, who knows, but I loved the idea they weren't going to punt that darn thing from the NO. 40 on 4th and 4 because they were afraid to give the Saints the ball at the 40 when it takes Drew Brees one 20 yard pass to get it there anyway from the 20.
 
From what I've gathered the Cowboys want to come out throwing early and often in this one, taking advantage of the Saints depleted CB situation. (This from a couple of sources, not my own intuition.)They'll want to get yards in chunks, while making every effort in taking out the crowd early. Getting off to a fast start will be key in putting the Saints in a position of playing from behind.Ya, I know, when is the last time the Cowboys were even able to score a TD on their opening drive?But still, that will be their approach. It's all or nothing and very near do or die.As for Folk, he's kicking.As for Ware, until I hear differently I'm expecting him to not only play but start.As many know, Ed Werder's credibility doesn't hold water in my eyes. I've learned better over the years.ETA: I also expect to see an Ogletree sighting tonight.4-wides with Bennett out. Gonna spread it out and see what happens.
I like it. Let's open it up get some speed on the field & have a shootout!! Disclaimer: I am starting Romo over Schaub in semifinals! lol
Nice game Romo. I could have used one more TD though. My opponent is good. I was hoping for 30 and got 24. 28 may have done it. I hope its better than Schaub.Nice win as a team. Let's hope it brings them together & take us all the way.
 
Elam has to be the answer. He has ties to Wade in a small way right?
Anyone is worth looking at but he looked horrible in Atlanta this year. I saw a few kicks that were wide left by about 20 yards, I never saw him look so bad. I don't know if there was a reason for that, like a hurt "something" so it's worth looking into knowing who he is but they need to definately make sure he can kick straight too.
 
typically incisive breakdown by vela...

* this thread needs a new sub-title... :goodposting:

the saints are a consensus top two team... did they have an off night, or did the cowboys make them have an off night? the cowboys need to be more consistent (especially the defense and run game). but when they play like this, they can hang with any team. if they can finish strong and with consistency, why can't they run the table and get the 800 lb. gorilla off their back?

agree nick "stoinkadoink" folk HAS to go.

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2009/12/19/...icate#storyjump

Vincible! The Cowboys Excommunicate the Saints, 24-17

by Rafael Vela on Dec 19, 2009 11:42 PM CST 115 comments

The Cowboys maintained all weeks that they believed in themselves. That they remained optimistic about their game against New Orleans and their season.

They showed the Cowboys fan base why,casting the Saints from their perfect cloud, 24-17 in the Superdome Saturday night. Dallas scored early, racing to a 14-0 lead after two possessions, while the defense stymied the nitroglycerin Saints office. The front held the 3- point-per-game Saints to three points through three quarters, then withstood two late Saints touchdown drives.

The team also overcame the bleeding ulcer that is its kicking game. Nick Folk missed a gimme, a 23 yarder from the middle of the field (three yards longer than an extra point) by clanging it off the right upright. The miss resembled the Saints-Redskins game, where Shaun Suisham missed a similar kick, letting the Saints rally and win in overtime.

The Cowboys rush prevented another comeback, as Anthony Spencer and Demarcus Ware flattened Drew Brees on the final two Saints snaps. Spencer stripped the ball from Brees, but New Orleans earned a brief reprieve when replays showed Brees arm was moving forward as Spencer hammered it.

Ware ended the drama on the following play when he blew past the Saints left tackle to force his second fumble of the game. He made a similar play to end the first half, helping Dallas gain a late 2nd quarter field goal for a 17-3 halftime lead. Jay Ratliff snatched up this ball with six seconds left, capping a powerful defensive performance which went 60 minutes, a welcome advance over incomplete earlier ones.

Notes:

-- Jason Garrett won the tendency game over Gregg Williams. Four early examples:

1. He hit New Orleans with an early bomb when they were playing with a single safety deep. Miles Austin abused rookie Malcolm Jenkins with a stop and go route, and Darren Sharper was way too slow to close on a well-thrown Romo pass.

2. Earlier in that drive, Dallas went to a Packers formation (an inverted diamond with two FBs and one I back. The Saints countered with a 3-3 front, expecting a pass. Dallas ran Felix Jones behind the two lead blockers for 11 yards.

3. Dallas was ready for a Saints corner blitz on its second TD drive. Austin ran a quick stop in front of the rotating Sharper and ran through an arm tackle for 26 yards.

4. The Cowboys had an answer for their short yardage bugaboos, running out of power I formation, where Jason Witten flexed into the tackle/guard gap and Marion Barber ran behind him and Deon Anderson for a touchdown and a later first down.

-- Anthony Spencer's hand usage continues to improve, and his sack totals are rising as a consequence. He sacked Brees on consecutive plays early in the 3rd to snuff out the Saints first attempt to counter the Cowboys 75 yard TD drive, which opened the 3rd quarter.

New Orleans had returned the kickoff 67 yards to the Dallas 36. On 3rd-and-10, Spencer blew past the Saints' left tackle and dropped Brees. The play was nullified by a penalty against Orlando Scandrick. Spencer simply sacked Brees on the next play, coming around the right end this time. The second sack kept the Saints out field goal range and led to a punt.

Spencer and Demarcus Ware both terrorized the Saints tackles, meaning the Cowboys could call fewer blitzes and keep extra players in coverage.

-- Dallas tried midget mini-wedges on kickoff returns tonight. Joe DeCamillis switched from using offensive linemen to using receivers, tight ends and fullbacks. Felix Jones had two long returns to the Saints 40.

-- Sean Payton will have to answer questions that he bailed on his running game this week. Reggie Bush ripped off a 29 yarder early, but the Cowboys held Pierre Thomas to 20 yards on six carries. The Saints ran ten times for 28 yards aside from Bush's big gainer.

-- I'm jumping Aaron's story to award a game ball to Wade Phillips. His defense held the Chargers to 20 points last week and held New Orleans 19 points under their season average. I wrote at the beginning of December that this team would go as far as the defense took it. They can go pretty far with more performances like tonight's.

-- Nick Folk raised his head early again. That's all I'll say or probably need to say about him.

-- In games like this you learn who your mates are. Who you want in your foxhole. I want Kevin Ogletree in mine. I want John Phillips in mine. Shoot, I'm making space for Bobby Carpenter, who played his heart out covering seam routes and crosses by the Saints' receivers.

On the other hand, we probably saw the beginning of the cycle. Ogletree gained more reps in the last three quarters. Miles Austin made money catches early and late. And Roy Williams played like a guy who is planning his Rose Bowl itinerary between snaps. He made two key drops, one which would have squeezed another two minutes out of the 4th quarter clock when the Cowboys were trying to maintain momentum. Kevin Ogletree's increases snaps should get Roy Willie's attention. If they don't, nothing will.

-- Another 100 rating game for the quarterback. Tony Romo posted a 104 tonight, following two 112s. He's playing moneyball this December and got a lot more company tonight.

-- The running balance is sliding towards 50/50. Marion Barber got 17 carries tonight and Felix Jones earned a career high 14. I would welcome continued increases in Jones' workload.

-- Victor Butler got the early down snaps at outside linebacker. He didn't embarrass himself.

-- Butler had lots of rookie company. John Phillips, Kevin Ogletree and David Buehler also contributed to the win. Buehler got some reps as a wedge blocker.

-- Who says Miles Austin isn't a big time receiver? His first catch went 49 yards for a touchdown. His last was a critical, winding 32 yard romp through the heart of New Orleans' secondary late in the 4th. He finished with 7 catches for 139 yards.

-- The Saints offense revved its engine, but does the team as a whole scare you? It has suspect pass blocking tackles and its defensive secondary is beatable.

-- Speaking of suspect tackle play, Flozell Adams continues his slow decline. Will Smith blew past him several times. Adams is willing to take flags to keep Tony Romo healthy, but he's not the same guy we saw dominate in '07. He no longer has the feet to take the corner away from good edge rushers. Dallas usually leaves him alone, but the coaches gave him lots of tight end and back help tonight.

-- The Cowboys kept their destiny in their hands and upset Christmas fans for Giants and Falcons fans alike. Thanks, Santa Wade.

 
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Nice win for sure. I told my wife before the game "Watch we'll beat the Saints, only to lose to the Redskins".

I hope I'm only half right.

 
-- In games like this you learn who your mates are. Who you want in your foxhole. I want Kevin Ogletree in mine. I want John Phillips in mine. Shoot, I'm making space for Bobby Carpenter, who played his heart out covering seam routes and crosses by the Saints' receivers.

On the other hand, we probably saw the beginning of the cycle. Ogletree gained more reps in the last three quarters. Miles Austin made money catches early and late. And Roy Williams played like a guy who is planning his Rose Bowl itinerary between snaps. He made two key drops, one which would have squeezed another two minutes out of the 4th quarter clock when the Cowboys were trying to maintain momentum. Kevin Ogletree's increases snaps should get Roy Willie's attention. If they don't, nothing will.
Good stuff throughout that entire write-up, but I especially like to see that Vela sees the same thing in Ogletree as I do. A big part of the very near future.Kid's gonna be aces.

ETA: From Nov. 26th-

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&p=11167073

"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 the outside with Felix and Choice in the backfield and Romo at QB.

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

 
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Loved the game from Romo, and especially his scramble runs for first downs.

Converting those 3rd downs was huge. They finished going 8 for 15 on 3rd downs.

Romo hit nine different receivers.

The Cowboys had 15 plays of 10 or more yards, and 6 plays that went for 20 or more.

It seems everybody but Roy Williams contributed on offense. Even rookie TE John Phillips had a big game.

 
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-- The running balance is sliding towards 50/50. Marion Barber got 17 carries tonight and Felix Jones earned a career high 14. I would welcome continued increases in Jones' workload.
Amazing what happens when Jones gets involved in the game in more than a really tiny role. He had 15 touches last night, converted some key first downs, and set up a nice TD (which they should have let him try to run in on the next play). And while his YPC dropped, he looked a heck of a lot better than Barber still.I do have to say I was incredibly UNIMPRESSED with the OL last night. Horrible run blocking, below average pass blocking. It will be a problem if they don't patch it up.Oh and one amazing fact - for all you doubters - Jones DID NOT GET HURT. I almost think Garrett ran him that much hoping he would get hurt so Garrett would be proven correct. Maybe it's just my hate for Garrett speaking. But hopefully now they'll move the split more to 50-50. Imagine that, putting your best running back on the field more helps you win, it opens up the passing game (play action worked very well), and they won!!
 
-- The running balance is sliding towards 50/50. Marion Barber got 17 carries tonight and Felix Jones earned a career high 14. I would welcome continued increases in Jones' workload.
Amazing what happens when Jones gets involved in the game in more than a really tiny role. He had 15 touches last night, converted some key first downs, and set up a nice TD (which they should have let him try to run in on the next play). And while his YPC dropped, he looked a heck of a lot better than Barber still.I do have to say I was incredibly UNIMPRESSED with the OL last night. Horrible run blocking, below average pass blocking. It will be a problem if they don't patch it up.Oh and one amazing fact - for all you doubters - Jones DID NOT GET HURT. I almost think Garrett ran him that much hoping he would get hurt so Garrett would be proven correct. Maybe it's just my hate for Garrett speaking. But hopefully now they'll move the split more to 50-50. Imagine that, putting your best running back on the field more helps you win, it opens up the passing game (play action worked very well), and they won!!
Switz are you really doing an I told you so on a 14-58yard game? I mean I am a Jones fan and think he is good and needs to have a big part of the game but last night Jones didn't do anything as a runner that Choice couldn't have done. I also love Barber but they can utilize him better as well. Edited to add that and if any running back should be pissed at how he is being used it is Choice, not Jones.Choice needs to be the starter, Jones the 2nd and Flex and Barber needs to be goaline, and closer of halves.
 
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Loved the game from Romo, and especially his scramble runs for first downs.Converting those 3rd downs was huge. They finished going 8 for 15 on 3rd downs.Romo hit nine different receivers.The Cowboys had 15 plays of 10 or more yards, and 6 plays that went for 20 or more.It seems everybody but Roy Williams contributed on offense. Even rookie TE John Phillips had a big game.
I wouldn't say that he didnt' contribute...He did have one much needed catch early and he let Ogletree come in and make those 2 big catches for us.
 
Winning out gives us the division, obviously.

Winning out and an Arizona loss (at Detroit, St. Louis, Green Bay) gives us the #3 seed.

 
Short list of available kickers.

Jason Elam (with ties to both DeCamillis and Wade)

Shaun Suisham (began his NFL career here)

Mike Nugent (was money at Ohio State but has been very mediocre in the NFL. Former 1st rd. pick of the Jets)

Nick Novak (typical journeyman kicker)

 
Well let's hope for a Giants loss or a Philly loss or both. A Philly loss guarantees that week 17 we are playing for the division title. A Giant loss and all we have to do is win 1 game to get into the wild card.

We saw last night what we all knew this team could do. Let's see if they can do it on a consistent basis the rest of the way. Great win last night and now all the pressure is back on the Giants and Eagles to win. I was on these boards last night for the whole game and when the Saints pulled to within 7 all the little useless creatures came out and started with the the Saints are going to win and the Cowboys are chokers and such. Well you can crawl back under rocks. This is not the Romo from the last couple of seasons. He has learned from his mistakes and really is ready to take the next step and the players believe in him and it really shows.

Come on Cowboys it is right in front of you take it.

 
You guys crack me up a week ago you were all calling for Wade to be fired and some even wanted Dallas to lose out. All Wade has done is hold the Chargers to their lowest scoring output of the season and hold the Saints (#1 offense) to thier lowest scoring output of the season and a after a signature win over the Saints your all back on board. Im telling you right now the coaching staff is inplace for Dallas to succeed.

 
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You guys crack me up a week ago you were all calling for Wade to be fired and some even wanted Dallas to lose out. All Wade has done is hold the Chargers to their lowest scoring output of the season and hold the Saints (#1 offense) to thier lowest scoring output of the season and a after a signature win over the Saints your all back on board. Im telling you right now the coaching staff is inplace for Dallas to succeed.
HEY WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND WADE MUST WIN A PLAYOFF GAME THIS YEAR OR HE IS GONE. GREAT WIN BUT LETS SEE IF THEY CAN DO THIS ON A CONSISTENT BASIS IF NOT THE AXE WILL FALL.SORRY FOR THE CAPS
 
You guys crack me up a week ago you were all calling for Wade to be fired and some even wanted Dallas to lose out. All Wade has done is hold the Chargers to their lowest scoring output of the season and hold the Saints (#1 offense) to thier lowest scoring output of the season and a after a signature win over the Saints your all back on board. Im telling you right now the coaching staff is inplace for Dallas to succeed.
I still want Wade to be fired. Of course, I never wanted the Cowboys to lose out either. Wade is a great DC, but doesn't have the aura/personality of the type of discipline hardnosed coach that I want for the Cowboys.Wade still needs to go. It's too bad that he wouldn't slide to DC. That would be great.
 
You guys crack me up a week ago you were all calling for Wade to be fired and some even wanted Dallas to lose out. All Wade has done is hold the Chargers to their lowest scoring output of the season and hold the Saints (#1 offense) to thier lowest scoring output of the season and a after a signature win over the Saints your all back on board. Im telling you right now the coaching staff is inplace for Dallas to succeed.
I still want Wade to be fired. Of course, I never wanted the Cowboys to lose out either. Wade is a great DC, but doesn't have the aura/personality of the type of discipline hardnosed coach that I want for the Cowboys.Wade still needs to go. It's too bad that he wouldn't slide to DC. That would be great.
:mellow:
 
So how does Dallas approach Austin in the off-season? LTC?
I'm assuming you're referring to a long-term contract (LTC).I would have to think that that would be their first preference. However, if an agreement can't be reached they will simply place the franchise tag on him.I can't even remember the last time they used it, or if they've ever used it for that matter, but this would be a very likely move given the circumstances.
 
So how does Dallas approach Austin in the off-season? LTC?
I'm assuming you're referring to a long-term contract (LTC).I would have to think that that would be their first preference. However, if an agreement can't be reached they will simply place the franchise tag on him.I can't even remember the last time they used it, or if they've ever used it for that matter, but this would be a very likely move given the circumstances.
Good point and that is only if there is a new collective bargaining agreement. If the NFL and Players union don't reach an agreement then Austin is only an RFA and there is no cap so Dallas holds all of the cards. They probably get a LTC in that scenario if Austin's agent is reasonable.Edited to add.On Wade.I will say that I have never been on the fire Wade bandwagon. He is a good coach and a good person. He gets too much flack in my opinion. He is loyal to his players and I guess if that is a flaw then he has it. He coaches his players and gives them time. He has been in the league forever so he knows change is not always the best answer.Garrett has made me unhappy but he is young and has the chance to grow. I have always been of the opinion to wait until the season is over and weigh our options then.
 
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So Folk hasn't been cut yet?

I'm actually pretty shocked.

And that's good to hear re: Austin. I forgot about the Franchise tag. Good call there.

 
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