In every game The Dallas Cowboys have played this year, they have had more turnovers than their opponents have had. Not a very comforting thought even though they've been getting away with it (up until yesterday at least).
Even though their turnovers were down yesterday (only 1) the Redskins didn't turn the ball over a single time.
Offense:
I've mentioned in the past that Defenses playing against the Dallas Offense usually have to pick 2 of the following 3 options, and can't do all 3:
1 - Pay attention to T.O.
2 - Don't give Witten anything in the middle of the field.
3 - Rush Romo
The Redskins had a very unique strategy and chose to go with options 1 and 2. They didn't focus on the pass rush that much. Turns out, it worked. Romo wasn't sacked but often times had to settle with trying to squeeze something into the tight coverage. The Washington safeties did a good job of keeping the play in front of them.
Credit does need to be given to the Redskins secondary. I haven't seen a team do this good of a job taming T.O. Period. He pretty much wasn't a factor until the second half (after all of our short passes forced them to change their coverage.
T.O. ended with 7 catches for 71 yards and a TD. Again, most of that was in the second half. Witten had 7 catches for 90 yards and a TD. Patrick Crayton had his best game since Week 1 against Cleveland, catching 7 passes for 87 yards. Miles Austin had the other TD.
All in all, Romo passed for 300 yards, 3 TDs and an INT. He completed 28 of his 47 pass attempts.
It might be worth mentioning that T.O. dropped a pass late that possibly would have given Dallas a win. For being such a star receiver (and having the ego to go with it) he sure does drop a lot of passes
Now, let's talk about our run game. I might be biased when I say this, but I believe that Jason Garrett is one of the 3 best offensive coordinators in the game. But I really question his use (or lack therof) of Marion Barber and the run game. It's understandable late in the game, when we needed a lot of yards fast due to the Redskins 7 minute clock eating drive.
But for Marion Barber to only get 8 chances in the entire game is inexcusable. It almost makes too much sense, "Hey, the Redskin corners and safeties are really tight on Witten and T.O, let's run the ball to get them out of their rhythm." But no. 8 attempts. Felix had no attempts. Marion had 8. Garrett was calling plays like we were down 3 touchdowns. No wonder the Redskins knew exactly how to play defense against us, they only had to worry about the pass.
Washington knew exactly what to do. Still, we scored 24 points, and 24 points is enough to win many ballgames. Romo's INT/game is getting frustrating as it was the difference in this game.
Defense:
Terence Newman is getting paid a lot of money to be a bigtime defender in the Dallas secondary. I'm about ready for him to step it up and start doing that. I counted 4 times where Newman was nowhere near where he needed to be. Santana Moss owned him. 4 times Moss shook him and caught a bomb with Newman 10 yards away from Moss. When Newman was drafted Dallas was looking for a big time corner with speed (The Deon Sanders of this decade). Like Sanders, Dallas was wanting someone quarterbacks would fear throwing at.
Jason Campbell was not afraid to throw at Newman. I wouldn't be either. He needs to step up his game, especially at that salary.
But I don't think that was near as costly as our run defense. The Redskins offensive line owned the Dallas front 7. How many times have you seen a running back run directly at Ware and Canty? Not many, normally that side is the no run zone. Not yesterday. Clinton Portis ran the ball 21 times for 121 yards. Although I don't have the numbers, I would guess that most of those attempts were to the left, right towards Ware and Canty, and eventually past them. The Washington fatties completely pushed us backwards all night long.
Coincidentally, Ware and Canty had the only sacks of the game.
Closing Comments:
I've probably made it sound like we were completely dominated. While some of the stats lean heavily in Washington's favor, the game was never out of reach. Dallas made some mistakes and didn't execute. One dropped pass could have won the game. We came about as close as you can come to recovering our own onside kick. He had it but lost it.
It was close. We have some things to work on, particularly on defense. I guess this loss is best summed up by saying, "Well...That's life in the NFC East for ya"
It's difficult to say how much this loss will end up hurting us. True, the Redskins beat us, but last year we beat the Giants twice in the regular season, but it was the playoff game between the two that seemed to matter more. But a regular season lost must be noted. After all, last year the only NFC East team not in the playoffs (The Eagles) went 8-8.
To coin what Parcells would always say, "you are what your record is" and we are 3-1.
That's a .750 win percentage and I'd take that for any of my teams in any sport at any level.
But there is always room for improvement, which we must to do be a Super Bowl threat.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Youth Ministry: The Armchair Profession
We are all familiar with the term "armchair quarterback". On Saturdays and Sundays we sit in our chairs with popcorn in our laps and drinks by our side criticizing every move the quarterback of our team makes.
"No! What did you throw to the tight end for? Your slot was open 15 yards down field?"
"Way to go, that intentional grounding was just what we needed to make sure the other team has good field position."
or one that I am familiar with this season...
"Crompton!!!! You're supposed to throw the ball at the ORANGE jerseys!!!!"
Let's face it, we are really good at criticizing others: quarterbacks, coaches, politicians, actors, war generals, parents, the list goes on for miles.
But when it gets down to it, we can criticize the quarterbacks all we want, but they are the ones out on the field. If I was a quarterback hearing criticism towards me from a fan, my number one response would most likely be, "Well, would you like to try scanning the field, analyzing the coverage, and hitting the receiver of choice all while a 325 LB. beast is charging towards you (something we don't have when we are screaming at our so called incompetent quarterbacks).
There's something to be said about one who is in the trenches struggling, verses one who is not doing a thing while criticizing.
Take my job for example (for the record, I'm not asking for a pity party. I just have a need to express what is on my heart). Everybody seems to think they can do it. My response: So come help!
One of the most popular questions I am asked is, "What do you do all day?" Thus, every time I'm seen on facebook (facebook tells you if you are currently logged in, a teen messages me and says "So this is what you do all day!" I often have people insinuating that I don't do much at all. About 4 hours before VBS began, I was told "I'm glad it's VBS week. It must be tough for you though, Chris. This is one of the 4 weeks in the year you have to work."
Understand, both of the above examples were said to me in joking manners, and weren't meant to be hurtful. I'm close friends with the people that joked that I only work 4 weeks a year and the teen I talked to on facebook is a very active and loyal part of our youth group (by the way...should I have asked what she was doing on facebook while at school?). I know both of those examples were said to me in playful, harmless manners, but I think (fear?) that that stereotype for youth ministers is all too common.
But let's go to a not so joking comment. How about another question that is quite common for me to hear: "So, like, what are your office hours?"
This is a very unique question to answer. I'm not really required to serve a set amount of time in my office. I do spend a lot of time in it, preparing lessons, making phone calls, organizing events, etc. But I also spend a lot of time making visits (sometimes as late as 10:00 at night) and running errands (if I need to get something for an illustration in class). Nonetheless, I need to answer this question as briefly as possible.
My usual response is, "While I'm not required to spend a set amount of time in my office, on average I'm there from about 9:00 - 3:30, maybe 4."
And now we're off.
"NINE O'CLOCK TO THREE THIRTY! Can I apply? Is there an opening? Man that must be nice!"
Of course, I didn't mention that sometimes I'm in the office for a lot longer, slammed with extra duties. I didn't mention the visits. I didn't mention the misc confrontations I need to make if I need to "straighten a kid out". I didn't mention that I'm on call if a teen is rushed to the emergency room at 4:00 a.m. (yes, that has happened).
I could mention it, but no. I don't want to ruin their rant of envy (if that's even what it is). So I continue to listen.
"Wow, how cool it would be to have a job where you are only in the office for 5 hours and then you get to go play video games with teenagers. Man your job must be so easy."
OK, now I think we need to stop here. Do I play video games with teens? Yes. Am I only in the office for 5 hours. On some days, yes. But let's look at a fact and compare it to a common misconception.
Fact - The average youth minister tenure at a church is 18 months.
OK, so if being a Youth Minister is so easy, then why does the average youth minister only last 18 months? Is it because he is bored? Guess again. Is it because he needs to make more money? OK, well that might be part of it. But maybe, just maybe it isn't that easy. Maybe it goes a lot deeper than what most people see on the surface.
I'm trying hard. I've made a ton of mistakes since I've been here. I imagine that plenty more will follow. But to all of those armchair youth ministers who let me know when they disagree with my discipline strategy, or whatever other mistake, come join me in the trenches! It's harder than it looks.
It's almost ironic. People whisper among each other, "I could be a better minister than this person". But aren't we all ministers? You are a minister. I am a minister. Ministry is not about me. I'm not doing this so that people will look at me and say, "Wow, that person is cool." I want others to see Jesus, not me. Take me out of the picture, I won't mind. It's what John the Baptist did. He came and simply pointed men towards Christ.
Ministry is messy. It can be an absolute island sometimes. I'd love to expand on details on the political problems that occur when ministering to close to 40 different teenagers and parents, but this isn't the place, nor is it really important. Just believe me. It's tough.
"No! What did you throw to the tight end for? Your slot was open 15 yards down field?"
"Way to go, that intentional grounding was just what we needed to make sure the other team has good field position."
or one that I am familiar with this season...
"Crompton!!!! You're supposed to throw the ball at the ORANGE jerseys!!!!"
Let's face it, we are really good at criticizing others: quarterbacks, coaches, politicians, actors, war generals, parents, the list goes on for miles.
But when it gets down to it, we can criticize the quarterbacks all we want, but they are the ones out on the field. If I was a quarterback hearing criticism towards me from a fan, my number one response would most likely be, "Well, would you like to try scanning the field, analyzing the coverage, and hitting the receiver of choice all while a 325 LB. beast is charging towards you (something we don't have when we are screaming at our so called incompetent quarterbacks).
There's something to be said about one who is in the trenches struggling, verses one who is not doing a thing while criticizing.
Take my job for example (for the record, I'm not asking for a pity party. I just have a need to express what is on my heart). Everybody seems to think they can do it. My response: So come help!
One of the most popular questions I am asked is, "What do you do all day?" Thus, every time I'm seen on facebook (facebook tells you if you are currently logged in, a teen messages me and says "So this is what you do all day!" I often have people insinuating that I don't do much at all. About 4 hours before VBS began, I was told "I'm glad it's VBS week. It must be tough for you though, Chris. This is one of the 4 weeks in the year you have to work."
Understand, both of the above examples were said to me in joking manners, and weren't meant to be hurtful. I'm close friends with the people that joked that I only work 4 weeks a year and the teen I talked to on facebook is a very active and loyal part of our youth group (by the way...should I have asked what she was doing on facebook while at school?). I know both of those examples were said to me in playful, harmless manners, but I think (fear?) that that stereotype for youth ministers is all too common.
But let's go to a not so joking comment. How about another question that is quite common for me to hear: "So, like, what are your office hours?"
This is a very unique question to answer. I'm not really required to serve a set amount of time in my office. I do spend a lot of time in it, preparing lessons, making phone calls, organizing events, etc. But I also spend a lot of time making visits (sometimes as late as 10:00 at night) and running errands (if I need to get something for an illustration in class). Nonetheless, I need to answer this question as briefly as possible.
My usual response is, "While I'm not required to spend a set amount of time in my office, on average I'm there from about 9:00 - 3:30, maybe 4."
And now we're off.
"NINE O'CLOCK TO THREE THIRTY! Can I apply? Is there an opening? Man that must be nice!"
Of course, I didn't mention that sometimes I'm in the office for a lot longer, slammed with extra duties. I didn't mention the visits. I didn't mention the misc confrontations I need to make if I need to "straighten a kid out". I didn't mention that I'm on call if a teen is rushed to the emergency room at 4:00 a.m. (yes, that has happened).
I could mention it, but no. I don't want to ruin their rant of envy (if that's even what it is). So I continue to listen.
"Wow, how cool it would be to have a job where you are only in the office for 5 hours and then you get to go play video games with teenagers. Man your job must be so easy."
OK, now I think we need to stop here. Do I play video games with teens? Yes. Am I only in the office for 5 hours. On some days, yes. But let's look at a fact and compare it to a common misconception.
Fact - The average youth minister tenure at a church is 18 months.
OK, so if being a Youth Minister is so easy, then why does the average youth minister only last 18 months? Is it because he is bored? Guess again. Is it because he needs to make more money? OK, well that might be part of it. But maybe, just maybe it isn't that easy. Maybe it goes a lot deeper than what most people see on the surface.
I'm trying hard. I've made a ton of mistakes since I've been here. I imagine that plenty more will follow. But to all of those armchair youth ministers who let me know when they disagree with my discipline strategy, or whatever other mistake, come join me in the trenches! It's harder than it looks.
It's almost ironic. People whisper among each other, "I could be a better minister than this person". But aren't we all ministers? You are a minister. I am a minister. Ministry is not about me. I'm not doing this so that people will look at me and say, "Wow, that person is cool." I want others to see Jesus, not me. Take me out of the picture, I won't mind. It's what John the Baptist did. He came and simply pointed men towards Christ.
Ministry is messy. It can be an absolute island sometimes. I'd love to expand on details on the political problems that occur when ministering to close to 40 different teenagers and parents, but this isn't the place, nor is it really important. Just believe me. It's tough.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Week 3 Analysis: 3-0
I'm really enjoying Sunday part of the 2008 football season. As for the Saturday part, I'm practically ready for the season to end.
The Cowboys are playing well, meanwhile the University of Tennessee is playing like a bunch of "volunteers" (Hey Coach! Can I try football? Let me play! let me play!)
That's another post, though. Let's get to Dallas' game against the Pack attack at Lambeau.
Offense:
Back in his home state, Tony Romo began the game with a bit of a struggle, throwing a pick. Although I have no numbers to back this statement up, I feel like Tony Romo might be amongst the best in the league at recovering from a mistake. He did it last week after fumbling in the end zone against the Eagles. He did it yesterday after throwing a pick, he begins the next drive ready to prove that that wasn't his best.
Romo ends up throwing for 260 yards, going 17 for 30. With 1 TD and 1 INT. Not really outstanding numbers, but Romo seemed to be able to connect when it mattered most (3rd down conversions).
The reception king of the game, as usual, is Jason Witten with 7 catches. Miles Austin had only 2 receptions but went a total of 112 yards. The Packers had T.O. doubled all night, sticking Woodson on him from the first snap to the last. It's a choice defenses have to make. You have to pick 2 of the 3: Double T.O., Double Witten, or have a good pass rush. Yesterday the Pack attack sacrificed rushing the QB. Green Bay dropped their safeties back and Dallas took what the Packers' secondary gave them. It wasn't until late in the game when we started going over the top(a la Miles Austin), but that was when the Packers began changing their schemes a little bit because of the damage MB3 had done.
Speaking of Marion the Barbarian, he rushed 28 times for 146 yards and a TD. Also, Marion lost the first fumble of his career. Felix Jones wasn't bad on the ground either, going 6 for 76 yards and a TD, giving him a TD in each of his first 3 games.
Another first of this game, was Romo's very first intentional grounding penalty, twice! Romo had never been flagged for that in his career, until yesterday. Other than that, penalties weren't horrible. This was the first game I can remember in a long time when our opponent had more penalty yardage than we did (68 to our 54).
Defense:
This was a very good defensive game for us. The entire game, the Pack attack had two devestating passing plays (one to Jennings, one to Driver). One was a mental mistake from Adam Jones (I still don't know if I'm allowed to call him Pacman?) and another was a missed tackle from A. Henry. Other than that our defense wasn't giving much of anything. The longest run we gave up was 9 yards. Grant was held to 54 yards on 13 attempts. Jennings did catch 8 passes for 115 yards, but other than the already mentioned 26 yarder, it was just a few year and a few there.
We got to the quarterback 5 times. That makes it a total of 9 times between yesterday's gamed and last week's game, meaning we got to the quarterback 9 times against the NFC's two best offenses besides our own. The pass rush was what Wade was known for when he was with San Diego and it's nice to see that his system is working with the big D as well.
Solid execution on both sides of the ball yesterday. We'll need the same next week when we are back home against the Redskins. Life in the NFC East is crazy, with over half of your games being rivalry games.
Week 3 game ball - Marion Barber
The Cowboys are playing well, meanwhile the University of Tennessee is playing like a bunch of "volunteers" (Hey Coach! Can I try football? Let me play! let me play!)
That's another post, though. Let's get to Dallas' game against the Pack attack at Lambeau.
Offense:
Back in his home state, Tony Romo began the game with a bit of a struggle, throwing a pick. Although I have no numbers to back this statement up, I feel like Tony Romo might be amongst the best in the league at recovering from a mistake. He did it last week after fumbling in the end zone against the Eagles. He did it yesterday after throwing a pick, he begins the next drive ready to prove that that wasn't his best.
Romo ends up throwing for 260 yards, going 17 for 30. With 1 TD and 1 INT. Not really outstanding numbers, but Romo seemed to be able to connect when it mattered most (3rd down conversions).
The reception king of the game, as usual, is Jason Witten with 7 catches. Miles Austin had only 2 receptions but went a total of 112 yards. The Packers had T.O. doubled all night, sticking Woodson on him from the first snap to the last. It's a choice defenses have to make. You have to pick 2 of the 3: Double T.O., Double Witten, or have a good pass rush. Yesterday the Pack attack sacrificed rushing the QB. Green Bay dropped their safeties back and Dallas took what the Packers' secondary gave them. It wasn't until late in the game when we started going over the top(a la Miles Austin), but that was when the Packers began changing their schemes a little bit because of the damage MB3 had done.
Speaking of Marion the Barbarian, he rushed 28 times for 146 yards and a TD. Also, Marion lost the first fumble of his career. Felix Jones wasn't bad on the ground either, going 6 for 76 yards and a TD, giving him a TD in each of his first 3 games.
Another first of this game, was Romo's very first intentional grounding penalty, twice! Romo had never been flagged for that in his career, until yesterday. Other than that, penalties weren't horrible. This was the first game I can remember in a long time when our opponent had more penalty yardage than we did (68 to our 54).
Defense:
This was a very good defensive game for us. The entire game, the Pack attack had two devestating passing plays (one to Jennings, one to Driver). One was a mental mistake from Adam Jones (I still don't know if I'm allowed to call him Pacman?) and another was a missed tackle from A. Henry. Other than that our defense wasn't giving much of anything. The longest run we gave up was 9 yards. Grant was held to 54 yards on 13 attempts. Jennings did catch 8 passes for 115 yards, but other than the already mentioned 26 yarder, it was just a few year and a few there.
We got to the quarterback 5 times. That makes it a total of 9 times between yesterday's gamed and last week's game, meaning we got to the quarterback 9 times against the NFC's two best offenses besides our own. The pass rush was what Wade was known for when he was with San Diego and it's nice to see that his system is working with the big D as well.
Solid execution on both sides of the ball yesterday. We'll need the same next week when we are back home against the Redskins. Life in the NFC East is crazy, with over half of your games being rivalry games.
Week 3 game ball - Marion Barber
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Week 2 Analysis: 2-0
Before I begin with my analysis of last nights game, I would like to say, WOW! When I turn on a football game and watch two of the top teams play each other, that is the type of game I'm wanting. If you missed this game, you truly missed a beauty. It had it all, lead changes galore, costly turnovers, and yes, even stupidity, a la DeSean Jackson
Offense:
On our first first drive, it appeared as if the unique Eagles' blitzing scheme was going to make it a long night for Romo and the O-line after. After facing a 3rd and long, Romo converted. Then on the very next sequence, third an long again. This time, it was a 72 yard bomb to T.O. (I'll be saying his name this year because it's been awhile since T.O. has been an idiot. I reserve the right to switch back to Parcell's "the player" at any time I wish, although T.O will determine that by his actions and mouth).
After another Eagle field goal, Felix Jones took the Kick off return 98 yards into the end zone.
The second quarter was when a lot of the drama happened. Romo fumbled in the end zone (was it three times on the same play?)for an Eagled TD. This was a costly turnover that gave the Eagles the lead.
But on the next drive, Romo drove down the field for yet another T.O. TD pass.
After that drive, was one of those unforgettable moments of laughter when the Eagles hooked up with a long pass with DeSean Jackson, but Jackson decided to start his end zone celebration one yard too early, but more on that when we discuss the defensive side of the ball.
Both teams then kicked a field goal which brought us to halftime.
In the second half, Dallas realized that they have a running back, so they figured they might as well give it to him a few times. Marion the Barbarian responded. In the second half he had a 1 yd rushing TD and a 17 yd TD reception. Add in a couple more Folk Field goals and Dallas limiting Philly to one TD in the second half, and Dallas rode the Marion the Barbarian to a victory as he wound down the clock in the 4th.
Witten led the team in receptions and yardage, with 7 for 110 yards. T.O. had 3 for 89, two of those three were TDs.
MB3 rushed 18 times for 63 and had 1 TD. Nearly all of his damage was done in the second half, particularly the 4th quarter.
[Lack of] Defense:
Well, the other team scored 37 points. So...how do you think our D was? Exactly.
It might be worth mentioning that T. Newman only played in the nickel package. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% next week. Still, it's difficult to say how much he would have helped.
In the first half, there really isn't much to write about. Neither team had much of a defense whatsoever (the exception, of course, was the Asante Samuel INT). It's almost like both teams were just running through their plays like they do in practice without a defense.
The defense on the DeSean Jackson play was interesting. Pacman (am I not supposed to call him that anymore?) Jones was burnt by Jackson, but as we already know, Jackson decided to throw the ball behind him at the 1 yard line. I'm not really sure if I should be upset with Pacman for not jumping on that ball. When you think about it at first, you think, "Well yeah, of course he should have jumped on it. Then it would be Dallas ball and Jackson would have looked like a moron." But at the same time, if you think about it long enough, the refs blew the whistle and signaled a touchdown, would jumping on the ball do any good? I know a lot of fans are upset that he didn't jump on it, but I think I'm going to give Pacman the benefit of the doubt. Not because I'm a Cowboy fan or because I think Pacman is a great guy (ha!), but because rarely do you see somebody like Jackson do such a stupid thing. That was absolutely ridiculous and he's lucky that they ended up with a TD on the next play.
In the second half, our defense improved greatly.
Burnett and Watkins ended the game as the team leaders in tackling, with 6 each. Ellis had 2 sacks, Ware and Ratliff each had one.
Other comments:
Penalties, ouch! 10 penalties for 108 yards. Penalties was this team's achilles heel last week in the Cleveland game and penalties was this team's achilles all throughout last year. Although this team has been more successful under Wade (thus far) than it was under Parcells, Parcells was much better about keeping the penalties under control. I know that everybody expects Dallas to go deep into the playoffs, but it's going to be tough to win in the playoffs if we are giving the other team a free 100 yards.
Everyone talked about the unique blitzing scheme that Philly uses to confuse the offensive line. True, Philly does a lot of fake blitzing and are usually quite successful at getting to the QB. But the O-line gave a very encouraging performance. Romo wasn't sacked the entire game.
The ESPN camera crew loves looking at Jerry Jones.
That's it! Next week we have a tough one against Green Bay.
Offense:
On our first first drive, it appeared as if the unique Eagles' blitzing scheme was going to make it a long night for Romo and the O-line after. After facing a 3rd and long, Romo converted. Then on the very next sequence, third an long again. This time, it was a 72 yard bomb to T.O. (I'll be saying his name this year because it's been awhile since T.O. has been an idiot. I reserve the right to switch back to Parcell's "the player" at any time I wish, although T.O will determine that by his actions and mouth).
After another Eagle field goal, Felix Jones took the Kick off return 98 yards into the end zone.
The second quarter was when a lot of the drama happened. Romo fumbled in the end zone (was it three times on the same play?)for an Eagled TD. This was a costly turnover that gave the Eagles the lead.
But on the next drive, Romo drove down the field for yet another T.O. TD pass.
After that drive, was one of those unforgettable moments of laughter when the Eagles hooked up with a long pass with DeSean Jackson, but Jackson decided to start his end zone celebration one yard too early, but more on that when we discuss the defensive side of the ball.
Both teams then kicked a field goal which brought us to halftime.
In the second half, Dallas realized that they have a running back, so they figured they might as well give it to him a few times. Marion the Barbarian responded. In the second half he had a 1 yd rushing TD and a 17 yd TD reception. Add in a couple more Folk Field goals and Dallas limiting Philly to one TD in the second half, and Dallas rode the Marion the Barbarian to a victory as he wound down the clock in the 4th.
Witten led the team in receptions and yardage, with 7 for 110 yards. T.O. had 3 for 89, two of those three were TDs.
MB3 rushed 18 times for 63 and had 1 TD. Nearly all of his damage was done in the second half, particularly the 4th quarter.
[Lack of] Defense:
Well, the other team scored 37 points. So...how do you think our D was? Exactly.
It might be worth mentioning that T. Newman only played in the nickel package. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% next week. Still, it's difficult to say how much he would have helped.
In the first half, there really isn't much to write about. Neither team had much of a defense whatsoever (the exception, of course, was the Asante Samuel INT). It's almost like both teams were just running through their plays like they do in practice without a defense.
The defense on the DeSean Jackson play was interesting. Pacman (am I not supposed to call him that anymore?) Jones was burnt by Jackson, but as we already know, Jackson decided to throw the ball behind him at the 1 yard line. I'm not really sure if I should be upset with Pacman for not jumping on that ball. When you think about it at first, you think, "Well yeah, of course he should have jumped on it. Then it would be Dallas ball and Jackson would have looked like a moron." But at the same time, if you think about it long enough, the refs blew the whistle and signaled a touchdown, would jumping on the ball do any good? I know a lot of fans are upset that he didn't jump on it, but I think I'm going to give Pacman the benefit of the doubt. Not because I'm a Cowboy fan or because I think Pacman is a great guy (ha!), but because rarely do you see somebody like Jackson do such a stupid thing. That was absolutely ridiculous and he's lucky that they ended up with a TD on the next play.
In the second half, our defense improved greatly.
Burnett and Watkins ended the game as the team leaders in tackling, with 6 each. Ellis had 2 sacks, Ware and Ratliff each had one.
Other comments:
Penalties, ouch! 10 penalties for 108 yards. Penalties was this team's achilles heel last week in the Cleveland game and penalties was this team's achilles all throughout last year. Although this team has been more successful under Wade (thus far) than it was under Parcells, Parcells was much better about keeping the penalties under control. I know that everybody expects Dallas to go deep into the playoffs, but it's going to be tough to win in the playoffs if we are giving the other team a free 100 yards.
Everyone talked about the unique blitzing scheme that Philly uses to confuse the offensive line. True, Philly does a lot of fake blitzing and are usually quite successful at getting to the QB. But the O-line gave a very encouraging performance. Romo wasn't sacked the entire game.
The ESPN camera crew loves looking at Jerry Jones.
That's it! Next week we have a tough one against Green Bay.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Cowboys coming soon...
Traditionally, on Mondays of football season I do a recap of the Cowboys game. Unfortunately, that will not be happening this week. I'm preaching this Sunday so I have a lot more writing to do this week than I normally do.
I'll very briefly comment on the game: It was good to start out the season with a multiple TD victory over a borderline playoff team, but we still have a lot to improve on if we are to be a threat deep into the postseason.
I know that's not a lot, but it'll have to do for this week.
I'll very briefly comment on the game: It was good to start out the season with a multiple TD victory over a borderline playoff team, but we still have a lot to improve on if we are to be a threat deep into the postseason.
I know that's not a lot, but it'll have to do for this week.
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