Colts Take Class To New Low, Bench Manning

Imagine for moment that you’re the head coach of an NFL football team, that you have a great quarterback, wide receivers, running backs, defense, offense, you name it, and that you’ve won 14 games straight to start the season – is there any good reason to accept your first loss and ruin your chance at a perfect season?

That’s the question of the decade it seems. The Patriots faced it a couple of years ago and chose to not only play their starters all year, but even when they had a 10 or 20 point lead in the fourth quarter, they didn’t even reduce the pressure. No, they just kept going and scoring and driving that pigskin down the throats of every opponent.

The Colts though? They decided to take a break. Now as I’ve seen mentioned on blogs all over, they chose to save their stars from injuries in the second half of the game so they’d have the best chance possible to win the Super Bowl.

That makes sense, a lot of it too. A Super Bowl win is the epitome of what these guys play for. It’s not about money or fame or stats – it’s about winning the whole show, the Lombardi trophy, the prestige and pride of meeting every challenge and walking away with a smile and a W all year long.

But isn’t winning football games the idea? I mean is there not a whole league, two conferences, eight divisions, billion dollar stadiums, millions of jerseys and merchandise, and millions paid each year for player salaries around the core idea that these teams should win football games? Maybe I missed something.

Continue reading →

Cowboys Still Fighting For Something Big

So I hear there’s a bit of a situation as we head into the final week of the regular season. Apparently there are still quite a few things left for the Cowboys to play for. The scenarios go on forever really, but the playoff picture has a lot of clarity, surprisingly, in the NFC.

Cowboys Austin Miles scores winning touchdown The Cowboys host the Eagles next Sunday and while they have already made the playoffs, both teams, there is still the small matter of who takes the NFC East Championship to contend for. Because the Cowboys defeated the Eagles in the first meeting this year, they own the head-to-head tie breaker. If the Cowboys win they’d be tied at 11 wins with the Eagles, but we’d take the NFC East title.

But that’s not all we’re playing for though. There is an outside chance that we could get a first round bye if we get some help from around the conference. It shakes out like this:

If the Vikings and Cardinals lose next week, and the Vikings lose tonight, then the winner of next weeks Cowboys-Eagles game will take the number two seed in the NFC behind the Saints.

It’s a long shot, but considering that if it doesn’t happen that way we’ll have to face the Eagles two weeks in a row, it’s something to hope for. There’s also home field advantage to play for.

Aside from that though, the NFC has been locked up already. Here are the NFC teams in the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints
Minnesota Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles
Green Bay Packers
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys

Let’s hope for some luck this week and next so that the Cardinals and Vikings don’t win another game.

Cowboys Fall Short With Barber Again

After pitching a shutout at FedEx Field on Sunday night, what could we really have to complain about? These Cowboys secured a playoff spot, even if only a wildcard, they continued to play with some dominance in December, and they have a shot at winning the division next week in Arlington against Philly, if not a first round bye depending on how the Vikings and Cardinals play next week.

It’s a wonderful life, right?

Never mind Roy Williams dropping another pass. Or that spectacular drop sending the ball flying into the hands of a defender for the pick. He did catch a touchdown pass, so he’s vindicated, right? Right?

How about the repeated attempts to gain a single yard with Barber on the ground, we can just ignore that since the team won and got in the postseason, right?

See this is the problem with winning a game, even if certain major flaws were highlighted during this game, and they were, because they got the W nobody will say anything about it, and likely won’t do anything about it.

Barber Hangs Head Against Skins I get into this argument often with a fellow Cowboys fan – is Marion Barber worth what we put up for him? I think Barber is a great running back and all, but if we (ahem … Jason Garrett) continue to use him wrong, we’ll suffer as a team in the long run. That score very easily should have been 28-0 if not for the two stalls thanks to Barber running right into a wall that he, nor anyone else, could penetrate.

But hey, at least this way we got some confidence in Shaun Suisham. He wouldn’t have attempted a single field goal if not for one of those Barber stalls.

I mean I was sitting there watching them come to the line repeating quickly out loud “don’t run Barber.” And low and behold, it didn’t work. They ran Barber and failed to get the yards needed. That’s a problem.

Jason Garrett has been doing this since he got here though. First he was so stuck on Terrell Owens and getting him the ball, and now he’s stuck on making Barber into something that’s he’s not – a feature back. Continue reading →

Daily Dose

Hey guys welcome to today’s Daily Dose of Cowboys news. Last night was a night for the ages, as the Cowboys shut out the Washington Redskins to the tune of 17-0. It wasn’t a brilliant performance by the boys as dropped balls by Roy Williams still covered the field, but Tony Romo continued his impressive play with another solid performance despite an interception that I’m not entirely sure was his fault. Here’s a look at the game highlights.

Top Performers:

Tony Romo- 25/38 286 yards 1 TD 1 Int

Jason Witten- 6 Rec 117 yards

Miles Austin- 9 Rec 92 yards

Terence Newman- 1 Int

Jay Ratliff- 2 Sacks

Bradie James- 12 tackles

Around the League:

New Orleans continued it’s drought by dropping a game in overtime to the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Peyton Manning becomes the fourth player to pass for over 50,000 yards.

Randy Moss and Tom Brady helped the Pats clinch the AFC East

The Helpful Giants, Help Cowboys secure playoffs by losing to Carolina in an ugly fashion.

Daily Dose: Fantasy and Predictions edition

It’s week 16. This means you’re probably setting your fantasy championship rosters, hoping for a big win so that you rub into your friends face the massive whooping you left on them this year as you tote your leagues ridiculous trophy. If you’re having some questions about your roster heres some updates for you.

If you have Stephen Jackson as a running back you can expect him to put up double digit points as he’ll play today despite his injury

Peyton Manning Expects to play today, but don’t expect him to play the whole game. If you need a big game I’d look elsewhere if it’s a possibility.

Keep on eye on WR Devin Thomas, he’s questionable tonight against Dallas.

Jeremy Shockey is Inactive today according to the NFL Network.

Jerome Harrison put up big numbers last week for the Browns and will face a weak Raiders D today… Start Him!

Lastly if you need a big play tight end, Skins TE Fred Davis has been impressive with TD’s in his last 4 games

DeAngelo Williams from Carolina is Inactive, while fellow back Jonathan Stewart is active

Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, and Derrick Ward will play today.

Games we’ve got our eye on:

Carolina @ New York Giants- Matt Moore has looked good and in sync with Steve Smith as of lately, compare that to Giants starting DB’s Webster and Ross being out today you can expect a good show.

Prediction: Carolina 24 Giants 21

Seattle @ Green Bay- Green bay looked horrid last week against Pittsburgh, allowing over 500 passing yards. However, I don’t expect Seattle to look that good.

Prediction: GB 24 Sea 10

Denver @ Philly- This is a game that is of many X-Factors. Denver needs a win and Brian Dawkins is coming home. Sorry if I’m against all the experts but I’m going Denver’s way. All they have to do shut down DeSean Jackson.

Prediction Den 27 Phi 17

Week 16 Nation News

Hey guys as we prepare for a Playoff push and a road game in D.C. here’s some news around the league you should be interested in…

Matt Mosley Talks about Albert Haynesworth sounding off after being sent home from practice earlier this week

Reuben Frank of the Burlington County Times reminds us of a legend returning home.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post pin points the key to the Giants “D” re-emerging

James Joyner reminds us that the Cowboys and Skins will be battling for the 100^th time on Sunday night

The Dallas Cowboys Can’t take the skins lightly,says Jan Hubbard

Dallas @ The Skins: Keys to the Game

For all you doubters out there, fair weather fans, “Romo-Haters”, and Wade burners… It’s time to say I told you so. 180 Days before today I was calling all you fair weather fans pathetic, calling that the Cowboys will make the playoffs. Last Saturday night, the Cowboys showed us that they have the potential and talent to beat any team in the league with the handling of the NFL’s underfeated New Orleans Saints. Not even a week released from the most difficult challenge of the season, and we already face a new challenge, a must win challenge.

On Sunday night the Dallas Cowboys head to Washington D.C. to play the Washington Redskins in a divisional “must-win”. Despite the Cowboys being able to push away the December slump, it doesn’t make this battle any less difficult. It also doesn’t ease the spirit of Tony Romo who has played brilliantly this month in particular. The Redskins are a team who love to spoil, and though they didn’t do that against New York last week, they have the potential and they are to be watched. Luckily the Cowboys head into this game fully aware of the urgency needed and healthier then they were last week when they dismantled the Saints.

So without further ado, we’ll look at this weeks “Keys to the Game”:

1) Avoid the Trap: The first thing the Cowboys must do to leave D.C. with a “W” is to not under prepare by looking ahead to the eagles and expecting this to be an easy win. The narrow 7-6 victory earlier this season should be a reminder this is no walk in the park.

2) Balance the Attack: Washington must be kept unaware defensively. That means Jason Garrett needs to give a healthy dose of our dominating running game along with the steady big plays by Romo and the receivers.

3) Stop the Run: We need to force Jason Campbell to win this game on his own, if we can stop any running game influence on our defensive gameplan , it would benefit us greatly.

4) Dial Up DeMarcus: It seemed as though DeMarcus Ware was back in full force Saturday despite a breath taking neck injury. It’ll once again be up to Ware to help pressure the quarterback and keep Campbell uncomfortable.

Prediction:

As the Cowboys head to D.C. things will be tough but as long as they keep focused they should win this one.

Dallas 20 Washington 13

Can The Cowboys Top The Redskins This Time?

The Cowboys are going to DC and the timing is something to remark about.

First off, they last played a Saturday night game, while the Skins played Monday night. Now normally I’d say that the Redskins would be at a disadvantage for having only six days while our ‘Boys get eight between games, but the Redskins didn’t seem to play hard enough against the Gnats to worry about being worn out. But either way, the extra day of rest/practice should bode well for the Cowboys so late in the season.

Secondly, the Cowboys just signed kicker Shaun Suisham, who was waived by the Redskins a couple of weeks ago. This will be his third stint with the team.

And finally, the Cowboys seem to be getting healthier about now. Martellus Bennett has been cleared to practice, though with John Phillips playing as well as he did Marty B will be splitting reps even more so. Marc Colombo has also been cleared to practice, though he likely won’t be available until mid-January, and that’s only if the Cowboys make the playoffs. Barber and Jones both seem to be as recovered as they’ve been all year, though that’s not to say that they are playing at their peaks.

The Cowboys have been fortunate to have Tony Romo playing at his best over the last three games. I know that includes two losses, but those losses had to with the running game, play calling, defense, and special teams – not the passing game.

But I want to know, what do you guys think will happen this coming Monday night? Will the Redskins show heart with nothing to lose for the season aside from their jobs? Or will the Cowboys roll in and continue their dominant play on their way to the real challenge against Philly?

One thing is for sure, since the Eagles and Giants won in week 15 the playoff picture has gotten much tighter. By week 17 it could very well be a repeat of last years Cowboys finale. It could be a win-and-you’re-in, lose-and-you’re-out situation, not only for the Cowboys, but depending on the outcome of week 16 it could be that type of a deal for the Eagles and Cowboys. So use the poll up top and let me know what’s the perspective, will the Cowboys beat the Redskins?

Saints Crushed, Redskins Playing For Pride

What a game, eh? I’ve only been watching the Cowboys since the 91 season, since I was seven years old, but that Cowboys-Saints game was the most exciting game I’ve ever watched.

My nerves were going haywire at kickoff wondering just how the ‘Boys would do, and low and behold, they go out and start running a muck. When is the last time any of us have ever seen a Cowboys team play so methodically and dominating? I’ve never seen it. It wasn’t just luck folks, nor was it just a fluke – these Dallas Cowboys played to win and showed what happens when they live up to their potential and talent.

Now shall we go with why that hurts so much to see? I mean we could, these guy have that talent every week and it took until this, this game in which nobody believed they had a chance in hell of winning for them to do it, but I’d rather not as that could quite easily go on for days here.

Instead let’s talk about Mr. Folk.

Talk about a bittersweet feeling seeing him cut. I used to see him as one of the leagues best kickers and I honestly think he’ll be that once again, but it won’t be this year and it very likely won’t be in a Cowboys jersey.

Simple math tells me that, whether he believes it or not, hip surgery was the doom of his season. Maybe it doesn’t hurt him, but it sure as hell cut into his prep time during the preseason. Call me crazy but I find it hard to believe a guy who had as much success as he did his first two years would need that much preparation, but clearly he does.

Moving forward, though, we’ve brought in former Redskins and Cowboys kick Shaun Suisham – a name I never really intended to be mentioning again on this website. Was he horrible? No. Was he as bad as Folk has been this year? No. I mean he was cut from the Skins roster having kicked 18 of 21 field goals – Folk kicked 18 of 28 I believe.

But he did miss a field goal that was almost identical to the proverbial final straw in Folk’s Dallas run. A fourth quarter 23-yard field goal in a tied game against the Saints for the win. Let’s just hope he doesn’t have any confidence to shake off or we might as well have kept Folk.

Overall it was a masterful win. Game balls could easily go to Mike Jenkins for his outstanding coverage of the Saints top guy, including an interception that looked like something out of the movies, DeMarcus Ware and his similarly happy ending-ish sack and forced fumble to put the game away when we needed it most, and Tony Romo for his amazing ability to keep the plays going without making stupid decisions. Those are my game balls.

Of course it’s hard to escape the fact that even while the game announcers for the NFL Network kept saying how perfect the Cowboys played and how perfect Romo played, Romo made two mistakes that almost turned out very bad for him. Thankfully both of those ill-thrown passes were dropped instead of intercepted.

Actually, that makes four games in a row now that Romo has not thrown an interception. Is it just me or is that a big deal? I mean this gunslinger isn’t supposed to make heads up plays; he’s a bad decision maker, right? Wrong! He’s only thrown an interception in five games this year, that’s nine games that he didn’t.

Unfortunately for the Romo haters of the world, we didn’t win or lose games based on his interceptions or that might be a troubling statistic. Of the nine pick-less games he’s had this year; we’ve lost two of them. Let us be reminded once more that this is a team sport, and no one guy determines our fate on gameday.

So now we head into Washington D.C. for week 16 to face off against the Redskins, and anyone who doesn’t think this could be a huge game isn’t paying attention. The Skins were virtually crushed by the Giants last night in a very lopsided 45-12 score. The Skins just couldn’t do anything right the whole game. But at the same time, this is the team that came within a single missed 23-yard field goal of beating the Saints a few weeks ago, and now we have the kicker who missed that one.

They have nothing left to play for, unless you consider a job worth playing for. With a new GM on staff spending the rest of this season evaluating his moves for the coming off season, every red and yellow/gold jersey in Washington is up for grabs depending on how they play now. This is also a heated rivalry, the Redskins and Cowboys, that has been long standing and the Giants-Redskins beef pales in comparison. Some of you may have seen their attempt to get a TD before the half, using that old swing gate formation twice! They are desperate for a win; let’s just hope the cards don’t fall their way.

Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: December 2009