Why I Am Not Surprised By Dallas’ Win

After the Dallas Cowboys won the Falcons game, my good friend and fellow NFL fan voice, Dan Parzych, messaged me this: “I must say….that was one impressive victory for your Boys today. I’d say big, BIG statement game.”

This was a big statement game yes, but did it surprise me? No, it did not.

The Dallas Cowboys were under a lot of pressure. They were a 4-2 team that looked like it was hanging on by the skin of their teeth instead of the dominant team that they were in 2007 or the team that looked great at times in 2008.

They were not a bad team, but more of a team that was without focus and had mistakes instead of executions for plays.

They had not even beaten a team that had a won a game. The Buccaneers still haven’t won a game, and the Chiefs and Panthers won games after they lost to Dallas.

So, they were going up against a team that had the reigning NFL Coach of the Year, a hotshot young quarterback who was the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the NFL’s all-time receiving tight end, a running back who led the league in rushing last year, and a receiver who had the most receiving yards last year.

Oh, and they had made playoffs too.

It was not going to be easy. Many thought the Cowboys were, to quote T.I. and Timberlake, “Dead and Gone” and were going downhill from there with a team that had just blown their chances to beat the Giants and were done away with against the Broncos.

Dallas not only won the game, but aside from two drives, they dominated the Falcons on all three parts of the game. They scored 37 points, Tony Romo threw for three touchdowns and 311 yards.

The defense had four sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. The special teams had amazing coverage and scored a 73 yard touchdown on a punt return.

Why am I not surprised though? Why am I, James Williamson, not surprised by what Dallas did to that team?

Because Dallas is capable of doing that to, if not all, most of the teams in the National Football League, and I am as serious as a heart attack when I say that.

I remember thinking to myself, before the game started, “This team is not better than us. The only way they should win is if Dallas becomes a chicken farm and starts laying eggs.”

I have watched this team for three years now. I’ve reviewed the film so many times, I’ve actually had dreams with it playing. If I didn’t know this team, then I’d be an underachieving fan voice to say the least.

These guys are special. I know they are. When they are on, I don’t think any Dallas team can compare to them.

The problem is that they don’t stay on. They are a flickering light bulb that is unreliable and that is what makes them a tough team to watch because the light bulb will fizzle out at the most inopportune time.

Look at the talent level around them.

Please finish this at: http://www.nfltouchdown.com/why-i-am-not-surprised-by-dallas-win/

Cowboys Show Signs of Life, But Will it Last?

Are the Cowboys finally making the turn from NFL’s most dysfunctional into an actual competitive football team? Do things really turn that quickly in the NFL? Does this team actually have a heart and a desire to be the best? It certainly looks that way after what was undoubtedly the best game this team has played since the 20 to 8 victory against the Giants last December.

These are tough questions that frankly we just cannot answer right now. I want so badly like most of you to believe the answer to all of those questions are an emphatic YES, but I just cannot help from having those thoughts of “they will revert back to what they have been this week” and it’s those thoughts that I want erased from my head.

We all want to believe in this team. We all want to believe in Romo. What we all want are the feelings we had in the 90’s (you know the ones). Are we being unfair? This is where things get touchy.

Thanks to Troy Aikman last week during the telecast, he said something that I know I have heard before, but it just had never clicked before. Troy said “This Dallas team has had a lot of high expectations placed upon it without reason.”

Since before Troy departed as the Quarterback of the Cowboys this team has had 1 good season. All of the rest have been average at best, yet every year we say things like “this is our year”. Why have we done that? And I am as guilty as anybody for doing it.

I know your all wondering “where in the hell is this guy going with all of this?” and well where I am going is here. This football team has been rebuilt at least 3 times since Aikman’s departure. New coaches, new players, and so on and so on and during all of that never not one time has anyone said “give them time”.

Now I know you may think I have lost my mind (and while that may be true) but I really feel like some of our displeasure with where this team is or has been, is of our own doing. Notice I did not say all (Jerry receives the credit for most of it) but some.

Is it possible that this team is beginning to make the turn? Sure it is, I think we are seeing the leading edge of this team making the turn. We all got to see some wonderful signs last week that things may be changing.

My son Miller, who is 5 is beginning to really enjoy football and asking questions about it, and even watching some of the games with me. For the first time last week I was actually able to say this “son did you see how he made that tackle” and be showing him a tackle made by a Cowboy player (thanks Mike Jenkins).

The guys on this team are actually becoming a TEAM they are owning up to there mistakes and working to correct them. Many of us have taken shots at Roy Williams for his lack of production, but people, he was the first man to say he sucked, does that not count for something?

Did you all happen to see Romo’s post game conference? Well if you did not Here it is and it is a must see.

Folks he is getting it, he is understanding what he can do and what he cannot do, and better yet how to determine when he can take a chance. He is a gun slinger that is what we love about him, we cannot ask him to turn that portion of him off. What we need is for him to know when to turn it up and when to turn it down.

I am not ready to anoint this team here to stay, but I sure do like what I am seeing.

Now and Later… Cowboys Answering Questions

op71-2915

As the Cowboys were displaying incredible dominance over a playoff caliber NFC team, many questions received answers. You see the Cowboys were a team that were in search of an identity, that needed questionable personnel to set the tone, and it happened.

In the countless disappointing plays we’ve seen so far this season, the blame has been placed on 5 individuals. Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware, Wade Phillips, Roy Williams, and Jason Garrett. Though I’m guilty of some of those accusations, I do believe they answered the call.

Tony Romo regained his old form and elevated his play back to superstar level. He had a near perfect game going 21-29 for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not only that, his improv skill showed like it did earlier in his career, and that’s a good sign. It seems the Cowboys have elevated to the level we expected and Tony is the reason.

Furthermore, you look at Garrett and Phillips. Both under incredible scrutiny. Yet they prepared this team perfectly to destroy a team that many thought would destroy them. The defense played incredibly, and the offense made the most of it’s chances. Given that fact that you can’t coach penalties, I’d say this game was coached perfectly. So as for the talk that we might be looking for a new coach next season… Time will tell, but we just might have the right man for the job.

Roy Williams has been the target for critics since the offseason. I can’t say that I disagree either, however, he still commands respect. He really is more of a possession receiver. It’s his ability that gets Miles Austin open. Not that I don’t think that Miles is #1 quality because he truly is. I just also believe the Williams is as well. Sure he makes mistakes but it happens, nobody’s perfect. All this talk about starting Crayton over him, doesn’t make sense, Crayton doesn’t demand respect, and Roy can’t play the slot.

Lastly, DeMarcus Ware, who just received a contract extension. Has really emerged the last two games. Not just statistically but as the leader of this defense. He is a quiet leader, but his play is the perfect motivater. He leads by example, that’s something we don’t see much of, but expect him to be the guy in Dallas for years to come, being a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks everywhere.

Looking Into the Future:

Its early to think about, but earlier this season people were referring this team to having there window close. So looking further into the window, I’ve noticed just how much youth we have. Some young superstars are in the lineups already and these will be the faces of our franchise to come

RB:

Tashard Choice

Felix Jones

These players wont be let go because they round out a perfect rushing assault.

WR:

Miles Austin

Sam Hurd

Kevin Ogletree

A very young group of recievers here that will be able to impact the game for a long time.

TE:

Martellus Bennett- Years from now when Jason Leaves, Martellus will alow the Cowboys not to miss a beat.

LB:

DeMarcus Ware

Victor Butler

Jason Williams

An athletic group of pass rushers that will torment offenses.

DB:

Orlando Scandrick

Mike Jenkins

Already making noise on Defense, these two will only get better.

Cowboy For Life: Ware Gets Extension

waregroupcheck DeMarcus Ware is the best player on this Dallas Cowboys Defense. Today… He became paid like one. Today, Jerry Jones announced a 6 year $78 million/ $40 million garunteed contract extension for Linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

Last year alone Ware posted 20 sacks, He’s had 57.5 sacks in his career, and will make many more throughout his career, that will be spent with the Dallas Cowboys. Ware brings a lot to this team, he has amazing character and off the field influence, as well as a football machine. Often compared to a Charles Haley type player, Ware has been the staple in this defense, often instilling fear in offenses throughout the league.

Ware was chosen over San Deigo’s Merriman, and you have to believe that they made the right choice. He has 321 tackles throughout his 4 year career and finds himself in position to be break the top 5 in career sacks (141).

“Now you got a bring it home, I’m not going to say what it is, We have to show you” We’re gonna hold you to that DeMarcus…

Keys To Victory In A Must-Win For Dallas Against Atlanta

The Dallas Cowboys have really come off to a slow start this year. If you could cut out some of their mistakes, they would be 5-0 instead of 3-2.

However, we cannot change the past, but we can learn from it.

What did Dallas learn from its past?

First off, they signed Allen Rossum, the 49ers punt and kick returner, to help improve plays on special teams. With Patrick Crayton muffing punts, and Terence Newman being injury-prone, the Cowboys needed a genuine return man to help in that third part of the game.

Helpful additions are only part of the equation. Dallas needs to be able to correct the flaws it makes with self-discipline.

I believe this team has really been the cause of their own failures. They are too talented to be beaten out of playoffs. These guys give games away, and it really is disgusting to watch.

This is one game they cannot give away, especially since their record is 3-2. They need to bump it up to 4-2 against a playoff team like the Atlanta Falcons to make the statement that they aren’t overrated, but actually a good team.

What are the keys needed to beat the Atlanta Falcons in Dallas this Sunday?

First off, this team has to score touchdowns. Too many drives have happened where Dallas settled for a field goal instead of getting a touchdown. These results are due partly to a failed 3rd-down conversion here and there, but what is really muffling the Cowboys’ drives is penalties.

Penalties are like hiccups. They are annoying, unwanted, and mess up the flow of whatever one is doing. The flow in this case being momentum, which I’ve learned is almost half the game.

Dallas has to keep momentum going on every drive without revolvers going off around their feet.

The biggest thing for Dallas is that the run game has to happen this week. Last week, it took over a half to really get the run game going to where it kept a lot of pressure off Tony Romo and confused the defense.

It is much easier to throw passes when the defense doesn’t know if it is going to be a handoff or a pass. Atlanta is ranked 17th against the run, so the Cowboys are certainly capable of running the ball against this team.

For the run game to work, the line has to keep doing what it has been doing. Left guard, Kyle Kosier, who missed the majority of last season, has really helped the line assert its dominance on the line of scrimmage.

However, expect Dallas to feature all three running backs this Sunday, providing Felix Jones does play.

Marion Barber, who was nursing a quad injury in the game against Kansas City, was very sluggish, and when Tashard Choice took over, Dallas got the the help it needed to win the game in overtime.

Felix Jones has been out the past two games due to a knee strain, so the loss of him was equivalent to the Lakers without Kobe Bryant. I’ve spent hours yelling at Lady Luck about how she needs to keep him healthy.

He is the X-factor in the game. He brings that third dimension of offense to this team. He has speed unlike any other running back I’ve seen in the NFL, he has the explosiveness of a gunshot, and he has an eye for the hole that just stuns you.

His first NFL carry was for an 11 yard touchdown run against the Browns. We are talking about someone very special.

If those three running back can execute this Sunday, then I don’t see how Dallas can be beaten. They are, arguably, the best group in the NFL.

Once the running game is established, Dallas should be able to score via air travel.

Want to view the rest? Please go here: http://www.nfltouchdown.com/keys-to-victory-in-a-must-win-for-dallas-against-atlanta/

Perfect Day, Maybe … Perfection Distant Still

As one of my co-writers wrote recently, the Cowboys caught a lucky break by watching all three of their NFC East foes lose while they say comfortably at home during a bye week, but they are still far behind the competition as things stand now.

Overall the Cowboys have yet to show that they deserve to be in the playoffs this year. Their play, while it has had some flare at different points so far this season, hasn’t exactly been something other teams might look at in awe. It’s left me feeling a bit uneasy actually. Normally I’d go to work and talk smack with my manager, who is a Dolphins fan for some ungodly reason, but lately I’ve been a little timid to speak up that this is the year for my beloved ‘Boys.

Next week we invite the Falcons to Cowboys Stadium for a game that really has no initial hope for a blowout in either direction, but it certainly has the potential for one. The Cowboys offense has been hit or miss, while the defense has been mostly miss.

From sacks to coverage and basic tackling, the Cowboys have looked unprepared and unwilling when it comes to wrapping up the ball carrier in the open field. DeMarcus Ware didn’t even get a sack until week 5 … who would have ever predicted that?

The new formation we were told about during camp has been all it was promised to be – simple. It’s called the 12 formation it simply means 1 running back and 2 tight ends. But we’ve yet to really see any opportunities for Martellus Bennett and Jason Witten’s production has been down as well, though he has been just as clutch as we’ve come to love him for being.

Even Roy Williams hasn’t been as bad as many thought he would be, though we can’t really praise him either. Against Kansas City, a team we should have beaten quite easily, we struggled at times in every area. In fact it really had to come down to an overtime victory because we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities earlier in the game to wrap it up for a decided victory. The end fit our performance.

But the only bright spot in that game was Miles Austin and his breakout performance, but it still had enough flaws to keep it from being anything more than a good game on his part.

He dropped easily catchable touchdown passes again and again.

His speed was nice, and his ability to stay on his feet after the first hit was nice as well, but his hands need work. Maybe it was jitters since his hands seemed to get better the more plays he made.

But who’s to really know if his great game was the result of hard work and talent or just the lackluster ability of the Chiefs defense to contain him – only time will tell.

As we invite the Falcons home to Cowboys Stadium this coming weekend it’s an obvious concern that these Cowboys will once again be inconsistent. Should a game between these two teams really be as close and hard fought as I expect it will be?

I mean this game could be a blowout, and either team could be the one blown out. It has every bit of that potential and it worries me, as it should you.

But at this point in the year, six weeks down, these Cowboys should be doing better than just 3-2, a mere score away from being 2-3. They have the talent, the skill and experience to be a 5-0 team right now, but have failed to stay consistent and passionate and have made far too many mistakes. The penalties are obviously something that hasn’t changed over these last few years, and ole Flozell is still leading them all in that category, but there is no reason that this team should be so undisciplined.

I’m worried about Sunday, this one and the next and every one after that if this team doesn’t get on track right away.

The Perfect Day: NFC East Struggles, While Cowboys Relax

Hey guys, just some quick hits I wanted to deliver to you after a seemingly perfect bye week. The Cowboys obviously didn’t get to play this week to improve there chances of making the post season, but the NFC East did a good job helping them anyway. We’ll look at each team and give a real quick synopsis of what happened.

New York Giants- The Giants had the terrible task of trying to tame the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. Here is the deal, the Giants haven’t played any talented teams yet, except for the maybe the Cowboys who they needed many mistakes and a late field goal to save them from defeat. Obviously they lost today, 48-27. Thanks in large part to the dominating Drew Brees who went 23-30 for 369 yards and 4 touchdowns. It was more the story of the Giants Defense that didn’t even show up. Bree’s saw minimal pressure and the secondary was awful. The Giants fall to 5-1 on the season with Arizona and Philadelphia up next.

Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are truly the shocker here, losing to the lowly Oakland Raiders. The Eagles defense didn’t even show up, so as they are soul searching, I’ll talk about the poor performance from the Eagles who couldn’t get anything together. I bet fans come up begging for the benching of McNabb and for him to be replaced by Kolb or Vick. Even though that benching would do nothing, Eagles fans don’t see it that way. They fall to 3-2 and have to face 3 straight NFC East games with Washington, New York, and Dallas on deck.

Washington Redskins- The Redskins accomplished what the Cowboys couldn’t last week, and that was being defeated by Kansas City. It was an ugly game, and that’s to be expected by the Skins these days. Things look to get worse for them, Campbell got benched and Jim Zorn is probably on his way out. Stay tuned. They are 2-4 and have Philadelphia and a Bye coming up.

All-in-all it was a good day for the Cowboys who got to relax this Sunday. Lets just hope that their preparations are good enough to defeat Atlanta coming up on Sunday, and send the Cowboys into good position in the NFC East. That’s all for tonight guys, hope you enjoyed your football.

Jones Endorses Wade, but what if?…

Cowher Comeback Football

It might be something the Cowboys needed, or it might’ve just been some assurance. Nonetheless, on this bye week, Jerry Jones thought it necessary to display his trust and confidence in Coach Wade Phillips.

“Under No Circumstances would I make a change, We’ve got a chance to get a lot of things done and we’ve got a lot of football left to play, and we’ve got some people that can not only play it but can coach it” Jones said on 105.3 the fan.

Jones then proceeded to talk about the similarities between Wade now and Tom Coughlin a few years ago. In a lot of ways Jones did the right thing by endorsing Wade Phillips again, which should shut down any speculation about a mid-season change. However, I can’t help but wonder… What about next season?

Now I’m not saying that Wade isn’t the right guy. I actually like what he does, and if you know anything about me, I’m an optimist by all accounts. It’s just tantalizing-trying to predict what happens next season, that is. If Wade doesn’t make it to the Playoffs and win a game this season, you can probably expect something to happen. So the million dollar question would be… Who?

Mike Shanahan- The old Denver Bronco’s lead man, was recently fired. He has been linked to the Cowboys before, and this could be again. He has been known for fierce production of running backs, and could truly help our offense scheming. He has a record of 146-98 with 2 Superbowl Championships, that’s not too shabby.

Bill Cowher- Bill “The Chin” Cowher, is a hard nose coach who left the Pittsburgh Steelers. His coaching reputation is incredible, known for being a hard coach, whose produced good offenses and even better defenses, his style of coaching would turn the Cowboys upside down. With the hardcore manner of doing things, he would instill discipline and accept nothing less then perfection, He could be a perfect fit here in Dallas. His career record is 149-90 and 1 NFL Championship.

2002756313

Jon Gruden- Jon Gruden once worked for Al Davis, need I say more? He has a no bull crap attitude, and demands a lot from his team. He can be a great guy, or a tough guy, it depends on what you make him. His leadership is unmatched, and he is also known as a defensive coach. He could come in and fit great with the Cowboys Organization. His Career record is 176-95.

Todd Bowles- A former Dallas Cowboys Secondary Coach, Todd has been breed by Bill Parcells. A lot of experts expect him to make a transition this season to Head Coach, and Jerry will at least keep his eyes on him.

Mike Holmgren- Known as a quarterback machine, Holmgren has turned teams into winners consistently. He was the lead man for Green bay and Seattle turning them both into consistent contenders. His philosophy holds more towards the offense, helping the evolution of quarterbacks such as Steve Young, Brett Farve, and Matt Hasselbeck. If Holmgren comes back, expect the Cowboys to take a hard look at him, he could provide the Cowboys with the solid head coach we’ve lacked. Career Record- 161-111.

These are some of the available coaches that should catch your eye and make you excited about the possibility of a coaching change. I like Wade a coach though, but predict that if the Cowboys can’t make something big happen he’ll be gone. Especially since after 2010 these coaches could find employment elsewhere, and leave Jerry looking into unsure territories. My prediction? If Wade can turn things around he might find himself being claimed on the teams 4th year option. If he doesn’t, expect Gruden, Holmgren, and Shanahan to enter in the mix if their available

Youth of the Nation: Austin and Choice Emerge

81705323TH853_PKR_CBY Incase you’ve been stuck in a box, Miles Austin set a Dallas Cowboys franchise record by managing 250 receiving yards inSundays overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs. As if that’s not enough, it seems that Austin is set to become the newest starter of the Dallas Cowboys.

Wade Phillips all but confirmed it, according to Nick Eatmans latestet article entitled “Time for a Promotion?” Phillips said “He’s going to play. I mean, he played 58 plays in this game and I’m saying he’s going to play 50-something plays in the next game too,” Phillips said. “We’re going to get him on the field. A guy has a game like that and shows that he can do the things we thought he could do.”

Austin however, has had a problem with consistency, but I doubt that’s anything experience can’t fix. The question might be: Who will he replace, Crayton or Roy? The answer is simple, Roy can’t play the slot. He’s not fast enough or versatile enough, and Crayton has produced well in the slot. Plus, You don’t give up all you gave up for Roy just to sit him, sorry guys.

That being said the Cowboys will finally have a good balance in the receiving corp. Roy is a bit of a possession receiver, and Miles can stretch the field. His ability will either get others open or produce big plays. You can expect 1 monster play from him a game I think, combine that with 1 from Felix Jones, and 1 good td from Romo and the other 2 backs (Choice, and Barber) I’m guessing that should produce at least 21 points a week, if utilized correctly. Not to shabby.

Time to Make a Choice?

I think Tashard Choice has more then proven himself. He just needs more touches. Everytime he’s given a chance he’s productive enough to impress. Sunday was no different with a 36 yard touchdown run that sparked the offense and kept the game from getting out of reach.

His production means that he has earned his way into the rotation. It’s about having your best players out on the field during the game. Its really something that has to be felt out, not something that definite rotation can help, but you bet Choice has become our third legitimate weapon in the running game, the problem is just getting them all work. That’s not a bad problem to have.

Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: October 2009