The Cowboys finally showed a pulse which brings big news to all of us Cowboy fans. In reality they played with more than a pulse, the Cowboys played with great intensity, smarts, and composure.
The Bucs scored 9 points, but none of those were gimmies. They earned every single point because the Cowboys defense fought on every play. Garcia will probably be the first player to see the trainers because he got hammered all game long. Ware didn't score a sack for the 1st time in 10 games and maybe that was a good thing because he had become a little undiscplined in his technique against the run. Ware did have 2 penalities called against him. One was obvious and the other one was doubtful. Jenkins finally played like a 1st rd. choice in the secondary. The defense finally played up to their potential and kept Dallas in the game, especially in the 1st quarter. The front 7 controlled the line of scrimmage and good things will happen because of that.
The offensive game plan was great and stayed within the limits of what Brad Johnson can do. Even though the timing wasn't there on some throws. Most importantly, he didn't throw an interception. That is solid football due to making great decisions. Just as important OC Garrett stayed with the money man, Marion Barber. Barber was awesome in all facets of the Cowboys offense. The offense only had 1 penalty and that was on #76, Flozell Adams and allowed a couple of sacks. Eric Williams (ole #79) is starting to become a positive influence on the RT, Columbo. Columbo showed aggresssiveness and nastiness that as of late the Cowboys had been lacking on offense. The Cowboys had a key contribution from Roy Williams and I have the feeling that it is only the beginning. Just like the defense, the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and teams that do these on both sides of the ball will win the game.
Special teams finally didn't take a play off! Kickoff coverage didn't allow a return past the 25 and the return team did break the 25 on one of the returns. There still needs improvement on punt coverage. If it wasn't for the new punter that made an awesome open field tackle to prevent TD. Heck, it was the best hit that I've ever seen by a punter or kicker make. Some folks could consider it the spark that woke up the Cowboys. Crayton did a fantastic job on punt return by calling a fair catch on a couple of occasions. However, the Cowboys do need to improve the rush when other teams are attempting a field goal. It is almost like if the Cowboys are willing to give the other team 3 pts no matter how long the field goal attempt is.
Whatever Coach Phillips did this past week, he needs to do it again for the remainder of the season. Because watching the pre-game shows on CBS and FOX there are enough suiters that want his job. Jimmy Johnson and Bill Cowher are both licking at the chops to take his place. The Cowboys need to continue to play smart, intense, and composed and they will continue to play well and win games even without Romo.
Anne V
Ariel Meredith
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College Superfans
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I only seen the first half of this game, because I had to go pick up my son, but, there are several points I beg to differ with you on this. First of all, the offensive game plan was not great, but serviceable. Brad Johnson, altho he didn't throw any picks, he still couldn't connect with many of his receivers either. Too many under or overthrows. He needs to retire in my opinion. They almost lost the game anyway. Too close for comfort.
If this game was "great", "solid", "fantastic", "awesome", then when Romo and company return, I can only imagine the adjectives that will be used when they get back to their old ways of winning games. This game actually sucked, but only because most of the starters are missing, and lost a couple more. They very well could have lost it in the last drive by the Bucs. The defense won this game, not the offense. Just imagine the finish if all of our starters had played...37-9 maybe?
However, with that being said, I am not trying to take away your jubilation from the win. Far from it. But, you should not expect it to be any easier next week. I think they should start Bollinger and see what he can do, but that's unlikely. The Giants are going to be a different story, and they have attitude going for them as well. The Cowboys are going to have to get "attitude" as well. The defense can, but will the offense? Guess we'll see.
Bull_Shirt
Orange, TX
Total Comments (4034)
I was highly impressed with the defense. Now we'll find out just how good our first-round draft pick Mike Jenkins is, with Anthony Henry out now for his usual mid-season injury.
C-Smith
Total Comments (2180)
I will not be as critical of your assessment of te game as Bull_Shirt was, but I will agree with him on some of his points. The offense was anemic and Johnson lethargic! he couldn't make the simplest of throws which will assure we struggle again offensively this week against a better team. But we won and the defense looked "GREAT"! We had some solid play from Scandrick and Jenkins which gives us reason for hope. We surely did not miss Henry! Barber ran the ball (and held onto it) better than he has in a while with the exception of a few "tip-toe" rushes. The offensive play calling was still mediocre and "vanilla"! Hopefully the pass to Roy Williams is only a glimpse of what will be opened up this week. Flozell Adams continues to "kill" us with the stupid penalties and missed blocking assignments. Columbo did improve yesterday and I liked the little display of feistiness when he and the Buc player locked up! I too would like to get a look at Bollinger, if for nothing else to see if he has the mobility to give the receivers an extra minute to get open. Yesterday was a game we should have lost, but didn't because the defense showed up with some manhood! Now if the offense can find some b***s!
Cowboystar
Total Comments (1169)
I live in the DC area and was treated to Skins/Lions; chose to do yard work. Sounds like the defense pushed it up. That's good. 176 yards.... not impressive. Until passing game returns then 8 in the box will make running difficult. Let's cross our fingers for this week vs the Giants.
+40yrCowboyFan
Total Comments (3643)
Got to keep it vannilla. That is why it was great game plan. Nothing fancy. Just keep on doing the same thing that works until the well runs dry. Right now the strength of the Cowboys is the running game. Against the Giants the Cowboys are going to have to pick-up the erotic blitzes.
Total Package
El Paso, TX
Total Comments (1083)
Yeah, those Erotic blitzes can get out of hand pretty quickly.....HA. Glad to see the defense finally step it up and play a complete game. Brad johnson is going to have a rough outing against the giants but as we've never seen bollinger play in this offense there is no telling if he would be any better.
Texas Pike
Total Comments (1)
Their offense showed a very faint pulse. Only getting thirteen points at home is nothing to be optimistic or excited about.
However, your D played spectacularly and showed me something I didnt think you had the ability to do: shut down a decent offense and a solid running game for 4 quarters at a time.
Dont expect to beat the Giants on the road though with either Brad Johnson or Brooks Bollinger. Its not going to happen. Just assume a loss next Sunday and get back to business after the bye with T-Rom.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
Total Comments (16281)
Don't need Johnson or Bollinger as long as the O-line and Barber do their thing. Running game can cure a any offensive problem by opening up play action. The Cowboys are going to have to take their chances with downfield throws and this will help the running game even more. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys' 1st play is a face or a deep post that will loosen up the Giants defense.
Total Package
El Paso, TX
Total Comments (1083)
The defense look great, Wade Phillips did a good job this week. The offense still looks bad but only one more game until Romo gets back.
Hank Hill
Arlen, TX
Total Comments (7639)
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