Controversey
Needless to say that this has been a week that as a Cowboy fan I want to easily forget. Too much drama! First, Jerry Jones, as reported by the media, questions Barber's desire to play against the Steelers. Next, T.O., Patrick Crayton, and Roy Williams go into Garrett's office to complain about Romo's preference to throw to Witten over the rest of the receivers. Obviously, the Cowboys needed to gel and focus on the Giants this week, the Ravens next week, and the Eagles 2 weeks from this weekend. The Cowboys didn't need this scandals and controversies after losing the 1st game of the gauntlet.
Jerry Jones has often been misquoted by the media and I believe that this is what happened when Barber's intestinal fortitude was questioned. I also believe that T.O. might have a legitimate complain even though he has dropped some passes and quit on the route when Romo threw his 1st interception against the Steelers. Given Romo should have never thrown that ball because there were 3 Steelers surrounding T.O. and T.O. should have at least traded roles and become a defensive player by at least trying to break-up the interception. There are a couple of reasons that T.O. might be right because Roy Williams should have his receiving numbers begin to increase since Romo's return and they haven't. Also, there hasn't been an even distribution of passes being thrown to all receivers. With all that talent that the Cowboys have on offense, one would figure that defenses would have to choose their poison and this is not happening. Like Jones being misquoted, I also believe that this is being blown out of proportion becuase T.O. constantly ignores Ed Werder, who is an onsite reporter for ESPN during his press conferences. I also see Romo constantly giving too many instructions in the huddle. Either they don't know what they are doing which is a lack of prepartion or Romo is doing the playground thing by make it up at the last second. Well on to the game analysis against the Giants and more on this issue.
Defense Keys to Winning
The defense needs to repeat the performance they had against the Giants or close to it. Since they last met when the G-men had their way, the Cowboys D has been keeping teams out of the endzone by only allowing 3 touchdowns and might be considered the heart and soul of the team. The defense has also averaged 5 sacks and 10 quarterback knockdowns which has helped the secondary from being burned more often. This is especially true, since the secondary is defense's achilles heel. The Giants are the number 1 rushing team in the league, so the defense needs to step-up again in order to put pressure on Eli Manning and make him make the mistakes that Romo is prone to do.
Offense Keys to Winning
The offense must continue to run the ball like they did against the Steelers and most importantly, be able to make the tough yards on short yardage. Obviously, Romo needs to cut down his turnovers. I have read comments on this website that Romo is an exciting player, who makes a lot of spectacular plays. I would rather see him throw between 175 and 230 yards, have 0 and 1 turnover, and win the game. In other words substance over style. I also remember a TD that was posted on this site that was comparing Romo's stats from this year to last year's and the one thing that needs to be mentioned is that timing of his turnovers are terrible because this causes the Cowboys to lose any momentum that they might have built.
Special Teams Keys to Winning
The Cowboys need to do a better job of returning kicks and punts in order to establish momentum for the offense and continue to cover kickoffs and do the same for the defense. The punt coverage needs to be aware of what is happening when the weather changes which will make punts/kicks longer or shorter. Against the Steelers there was a run back that set-up the first score and the punt that the Cowboys cover guy hit the ball with his foot which led to a turnover. The return man did yell for everybody to get out of the way and I even heard it from the comfort of my sofa. Need to have the heads in the ball game and the coaches must be aware of the elements.
Coaching Keys to Winning
Garrett needs to close that open door policy and have the offense execute the play he calls. Make sure that he and Romo do a better job of spreading the wealth around with all that talent. Phillips needs to continue to unleash the defense on any offense they face and make sure that every player has his head in the ball game. This is also discipline.
One more thing, when I was coaching one of my favorite tactics that I used wasn't during the game, but the days or weeks leading up to the game. I used to tell the coaches from the opposing team to take it easy on us because we had some tough injuries or that we lost players to grades and then, beat the living tar out of the them. In other words we played opposum. The reason that I mention this is because of all the controversey that happened this week and how Romo just acts that whatever T.O. says to the media doesn't bother him could mean that they are doing the same. Could they be using the media to lure the Giants into thinking that all is not well in Valley Ranch? If it is and the Giants don't come out and play hard, than it is a stroke of genius by the Cowboys coaching staff. Or is it just wishful thinking on my part? We'll find out same Cowboy blog, same time, same site.
DeLeah Caro
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Comments (21) Add A Comment
I don't know, TP - I'm not sure if I like the tone of your opening section. Making excuses for T.O. when he is doing exactly what he did in San Fran and in Philly?
If you ask me, he gets to a decent amount considering that he normally draws the most coverage - and the most talented corners.
As for keys to victory, I completely agree with you about the special teams focus. Field position is going to be crucial in these games. One field goal could be the difference.
I also agree about Garrett having to step up and fully take charge of the offense. That is one of the keys to re-establishing discipline.
YODA
Total Comments (16908)
^^^
he gets thrown* to a decent amount
YODA
Total Comments (16908)
It's going to be even tougher for the Cowboys to win this one after this week. The FWST is reporting that T.O. and J.W. had to be separated today after a heated exchange. Lots of bad blood on this team that has now boiled over. They'd better get off to a real fast start if they even want to have a chance to stay in it.
FWTX
Total Comments (197)
Romo needs to quit targeting Witten when he's covered. Jerry Jones pays a lot of cash for T. Owens and R. Williams, Romo needs to use these weapons more. This is going to be a tough game but I'm glad its in Dallas.
Hank Hill
Arlen, TX
Total Comments (7639)
Well I believe that Dallas is going to win by a slight margin.
However T.O. will not get a TD. Roy will be useless yet again and Witten will be the hero.
The True Joker
Total Comments (11609)
TO was justified for once in crying after the last game. On the two most critical plays, he threw to Witten w/o success.
I picked the Boys to win this week, but it took me to cross my fingers behind my back ;)
Great blog as always T-Pack.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
Total Comments (16281)
Jacobs is out, Hixon has a bad ankle and just began practicing Thursday, Robbins is doubtful. The Cowboy defense is playing its best football of the year right now.
The Giants have only six sacks in the last five games and four of those were against the Redskins. The Cowboys are favored, and should be. I think they will win. If they cannot win this game at home, then they will not go to the play offs...
50yearfan
Total Comments (8738)
Well TP as usual a great blog. I believe we will win out and make the playoffs but we really need to sort out the "problems" our offense is having in regards to who is getting the ball, and as for Marion the Barbarian i believe Jones was misquoted as well because Barbers toughness isnt even an issue!
BEAST!
Leander , TX
Total Comments (1283)
TP, good on ya for having the patience to carve out this blog. I get so mad I start to rant after 3 minutes........
THis is interesting: Could they be using the media to lure the Giants into thinking that all is not well in Valley Ranch? If it is and the Giants don't come out and play hard, than it is a stroke of genius by the Cowboys coaching staff. Or is it just wishful thinking on my part?
If it is true it probably came from the players, not the unimaginative staff.
+40yrCowboyFan
Total Comments (3714)
50,
these injuries from the Giants are huge IMHO regarding the outcome. If Dallas can avoid the 3-n-out, turnovers for the opening 15 then they will get on the Giants and will win the game. The Giants are really hurt right now.
+40yrCowboyFan
Total Comments (3714)
No crap..Ive wondered this all year..well since Roy came, **** is going through the play calls? Some bad bad calls this last game, amoung others..very very frustrating.
LOVERnottaFIGHTER
Total Comments (6515)
TURNOVERS ARE THE KEY, PLEASE COWBOYS PLEASE! Or should I say Romo please? Protect that ball and be freaking smart!
( im acting like romo reads this, pfft)
LOVERnottaFIGHTER
Total Comments (6515)
Yea its done if Giants win...I dont know what it is, but I just am not feeling this...drama tends to make a team not all there...and we all know the Cowboys seem to flock to drama, but Ill put my game day jersey on, crack open a beer and watch my boys play!
LOVERnottaFIGHTER
Total Comments (6515)
Its pathetic really...Im pissed about them not getting Roy involved more...while I do think they should throw to Witten just as much, Dallas has so many weapons but there locked away.
LOVERnottaFIGHTER
Total Comments (6515)
I have the feeling that sometimes they do read this stuff. Not that we are intelllects, but what are they going to do with their extra time? If they are not at a strip club? Something?
Total Package
El Paso, TX
Total Comments (1083)
I feel that T.O is more upset about the better quality of passes that are not thrown to him and not when he is double covered. If he is double covered or has the best corner than Roy, Patrick, and Jason should have field days?
Total Package
El Paso, TX
Total Comments (1083)
Well i wish he would read it. To many interceptions.
5 turnovers by Dallas against the Steelers, and a terrible last 7 minutes of the game.
Hopefully that chit dont happen in these last 3 very important games.
cowboyfan bored
The Sticks, MT
Total Comments (6379)
shoot themselves in the leg
make it rain
drive drunk
snort cocaine
cowboyfan bored
The Sticks, MT
Total Comments (6379)
Sometimes it is tough to be a Cowboy fan lol. But we all will stay faithful till the bitter end lol
I wonder how the team will be run when Stephen Jones takes it over from his Dad?
cowboyfan bored
The Sticks, MT
Total Comments (6379)
and when will the drama end.
Joe Dew
Idaho Falls , ID
Total Comments (8095)
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