SPORTSDAY

Posted by J.R. @ 10:14 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Was it just me, or even barring the bad throws and such, did our offense seem really vanilla this week compared to weeks 1-4. Like you mentioned on not moving around Owens, we didn't really toy around with much.

Posted by Bob @ 10:17 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I hope Rudy can show similar creativity in the play calling for running downs. Lets see J. Jones get an opportunity in space rather than just running into Kosier's back.

Posted by Jrs2300 @ 10:18 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

WHERE'S THE DAMN SLANTS... WHERE'S THE SLANTS..

They need to take advantage of the Corners Agressiveness during the game.. Examples

1. On that Quick hit pass.. Fake it.. and have Owens run deep...
2. On those fake Reverse plays to him... after he passes Romo.. Romo needs to throw him a Pass out of that... He would be in full speed.

3. What happened to those Crossing Routes we saw vs. Chicago's Defense.. Throw more of those..

4. Why aren't we using the Hitch Sideline Routes that everyone in the league is using vs. Reeves..

5. Use him in the Slot Much more... and out of the Backfield much more... How will Samuels follow him out of that formation ??

BUT THE BIGGEST KEYS TO THE GAME DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH T.O..

It's Throwing MUCH MUCH more to JONES and BARBER out of the backfield... get Jones away from the Crowded O-line and D-line and into space to use his speed.. And we all know what Barber can do..

USE THE SLANTS DAMMIT.... This is a Bill Walsh needed game

Posted by Christopher K @ 10:19 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

T.O. wasn't thrown a single crossing route last week? After seening T.O. cut up the Bears def. with numerous crossing routes thrown his way, why did Garret stray away from what works? Also, do you think we will see any new wrinkles in Garret's gameplan this week against the Pats?

Posted by evilinc @ 10:36 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Reviewed highlights on NFL.com (NFL network) and while it's not a great angle as it's network feed, one thing I noticed, particularly on at least two of the interceptions, is that Tony was forcing the ball downfield rather than taking a shorter, easier, and open throw.

For instance, on the interception (4th of the 1st half) that was intended for Hurd, there were at least 4 defenders in the area. There wasn't a chance in hell the ball could be completed. But Crayton had run an out below Hurd and was open for a first down, albeit a play of only 7-10 yards (one of the defenders of Hurd had been covering Crayton and dropped back into the area when Romo released the pass--the defender did not appear to be in position to stop a completion to Crayton, but likely would have made the tackle).

On the int in the endzone (#5), again, there was a receiver running a crossing route that appeared open underneath and Romo simply didn't throw it to him.

Belichek will work to take away Witten and T.O. By definition, that means other receivers will be open. Take advantage. That's what we did when everyone was concentrating on TO and Witten ate em up. While the downfield passing game is great, there's nothing wrong with a checkdown and both Jones and Barber have the ability to make the experience unpleasant as they are both good in space.

In other words, there's no need to force it to TO.

Posted by Habib @ 10:37 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I agree with JR and CK the game plan was very conservative.I think the coaches expected an easy game and the Bills players gave an outstanding effort.It happens a lot in NFL, the Cowboys were sleep walking with a big game comeing up.Look out Patzies you are headed into eye of tornado and I hope you do not take the beating that you are going to get too personaly.Cowboys 59 Patsiez 3

Posted by Carl L @ 10:41 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Everyone needs to slow down and take a deep breath. Remember that Garrett and Romo are both relatively unexperienced. They are both still learning. So, based on this I would tab the Buffalo game as an anomaly. If the Cowboys lose this Sunday, don't go looking for the nearest cliff. This team will get better as the year progresses. By week 17, the Cowboys will be primed and ready. The playoffs are all that matter anyway. Who in the NFC can beat us in the playoffs? Nobody at the moment...

Posted by Mark @ 10:42 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Hey, I have an idea,

Use the SLANTS! I am surprised no one has thought of that. It is a winner! :)

Posted by Carl L @ 10:48 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I think worth noting that Romo looks for Witten to bail him out of trouble too often. Teams are starting to pick up on this and you can see the results from Monday night. At least three of Romo's picks were passes intended for Witten. Don't get me wrong, Witten is a great TE but if Romo doesn't go through his progessions properly teams will continue to stick to Witten's side. Also, we need to run Fasano out on some routes and leave Witten in to block sometimes to keep the defense from assuming Witten will be the receiving TE every time.

Posted by cro @ 10:50 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I think it's a combo of looking ahead and not adjusting, both traits that were not in evidence the first 4 weeks. Garrett probably thought they they could keep TO on the outside all night because of the Bills D rank and all of their injuries. When the Bills showed they were up for the game, Garrett didn't adjust and move TO around. This was the first indication of Garrett's inexperience that we've seen. Thankfully we got the win and he learned at the same time. I expect he will apply the lesson this week.

Posted by GoldenStateCowboysFan @ 10:54 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I would guess that the Boys stripped down their playbook for this game. The less film that Belicheat sees the better game planning the boys can do. Why would you go all out on an inferior team just so one of the top teams in the NFL can scout you for the next game. I remember when Peyton was having that record breaking year they were still chucking the ball at the end of the year and one of the announcers said that for every pass that Peyton makes it's more film for opposing defensive coordinators to evaluate. They lost to the Pats that year in the playoffs and Peyton looked horrible in that game. Unfortunately in the Bills game it almost backfired on the Boys to strip down the offense, but the good thing is that the defense was stripped down and they nearly shut the Bills out offensively. The Bills were able to score a TD on the Pats. I have a pitcher of Beer riding on the Cowboys on a straight up victory.. Screw the spread!

Posted by Dubie @ 10:56 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Unless they redefined the rule, I still say that was that pass interference on the 2 point conversion. As for the O, we fell too much in love with the pass, you still need to run the ball every now and then, even if not sucessful, to keep the defense honest.

Posted by chris graham @ 10:57 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

you all forgot moss was not the only cowboy killa. it was t.o. who dance on the star from mid field 2 the endzone.he was the guy we hated 2 play the most.hes still the better wr ,what did moss look like last year without brady.

Posted by Carl L @ 11:02 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

GoldenStateCowboysFan,

Great point. I can see that for sure. Belichek is a film freak. Less film = More success for Cowboys' O. But, I also think that there is already enough film from this season to gameplan the Cowboys. So, Garrett could have been wasting his time. It doesn't matter now. The W is already in our pocket.

Posted by chris graham @ 11:08 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

also,played n the superbowl w/a broken ankle w/ 122yds.game winning td against the packers n the playoffs.most receptions n 1 game(a record).4th alltime wr n tds alltime.trashed the 2 teams cowboy fans hate most(49ers and eagles).outdanced ray lewis w/his on dance.p.s. got my popcorn.

Posted by 3dogmary @ 11:09 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I would guess that the Boys stripped down their playbook for this game. The less film that Belicheat sees the better game planning the boys can do. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Please, the Pats are going to watch one week of film then go out and play. Let's face it, the Cowboys thought the game was going to be a cakewalk, Buffalo played hard. If Buffalo didn't make so many stupid calls on Offense the boys would have lost by at least 3. The AFC is TOUGH. This is going to be a very good game... Can't wait to be there!! GO PATRIOTS

Posted by 3dogmary @ 11:10 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I would guess that the Boys stripped down their playbook for this game. The less film that Belicheat sees the better game planning the boys can do. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Please, the Pats are going to watch one week of film then go out and play. Let's face it, the Cowboys thought the game was going to be a cakewalk, Buffalo played hard. If Buffalo didn't make so many stupid calls on Offense the boys would have lost by at least 3. The AFC is TOUGH. This is going to be a very good game... Can't wait to be there!! GO PATRIOTS

Posted by Robert @ 11:11 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

GREAT receives make those plays.

Yes he opens up the O, but no, he is no longer elite.

Nice player but a better decoy at this point in his career.

Posted by Larry @ 11:15 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Cowboy fans, please look at the big picture here.

This is a non-conference, non-division game. To that extent it is much less important then the following game with Minnesota.

IF the boys do lose, and beat Minnesota, they will go into the bye 6-1 with a 3-0 conference record and a 1-0 division record.

The cowboys will continue to get better throughout the season with Henry and Terry Glenn coming back, Tank coming in, and the all the players and assistant coaches getting use to new offensive and defensive systems.

By the playoffs they will be a better team then the patriots or the colts, and head and shoulders over any team in the NFC, but Sunday, the Patriots will be the best team on the field and the boys will lose. Don't jump off the ledge when that happens.

Posted by jrs2300 @ 11:16 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

GOLDENSTATE FAN.. I am a Goldenstate fan also by the way...

But T.O. was right.. they can still do what they want to do.. and not let the defense dictate..

They need to use there slants if Corners play 8 yds off.. haven't seen a SLANT all season. and that was the MAJOR AIKMAN TO IRVIN PLAY.

Julius Jones can't run amongst a group of lineman.. so get him on pass plays and let him use his speed .

Get Barber carries early.. that will have Rodney Harrison drop down in the box.. Thus helping Deep plays on Play Action.. Harrison doesn't need to drop down if Julius is in the backfield right ??

Throw more to Hurd.. He's 6'2 Agile and Lanky.. that will beat Ellis 5'9" Hobbs.

Use more Sideline out routes ..

Hitch and Go... Hitch and Go to Owens..

How is Less = More ? OPEN UP THE PLAYBOOK.. FLEA FLICKER TIME !!!

Posted by raff hollister @ 11:23 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I want to remind everybody that in that Bazarr game Monday night, another strange item is this:

If T.O. had caught that 2-point conversion, the game would have only been tied, which means the Bills might well have come back and won in overtime. Really Bazarr night.

Posted by Larry @ 11:27 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Jrs2300,

Agree totally about Jones. Any chance the boys would have to do first quarter damage would involve MBIII in the game instead of Jones.

Julius just doesn't have it, pure and simple.
He is a below average back on an above average offense. He will be gone after this year with his 3.5 yard average. What a huge handicap he is to Romo and the entire offense.

Looking forward to a Darren McFadden/Marion Barber combo next year and the pressure will be off Romo's passing game.

Posted by Frank C. @ 11:30 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I wrote this in the blog during the game on Monday. Where was all the motiong for TO, where was TO out of the backfield, where were the crossing routes. They did the same thing against the Rams, all of these were absent. I think I counted TO in motion 2 times in the Bills game. I know you don't want to show some stuff to future opponents, but when you're struggling, and you know this stuff works, just do it. First sign of Garrett's inexperience calling plays. I'm confident he will learn from it.

Posted by Keito @ 11:37 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I think the Cowboys tried to keep the offense simple since the Bills are "So Bad" defensively. I am sure the coaches will bring out the full playbook against New england as they did with the Bears.

Posted by JV @ 11:44 AM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Tony Romo looks to score downfield on every pass play. When have you seen this guy throw the ball away to the sidelines? Never.

With that said, how about a play or 2 with both Jones and Barber in the backfield with Jones providing the safe throw underneath? You could have a zone read type of play like they do in college. Fake the draw to Barber or Jones and screen pass. Get creative!

We've heard comments from the Cowboys about how little we've seen of the playbook. Maybe they were waiting for this game against the Pats to put these plays in.

Posted by Lee @ 12:12 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I think it's a interesting theory that Garrett gameplanned extra-conservative for the Bills knowing they were the 32nd-ranked Defense and he figured they could go through the motions, still win, and not give the Pats any tips on what to expect. Of course, I also think it's way too simplistic to think they planned it that way.

After it was obvious the Cowboys had their hands full with the Bills (funny how bad teams always seem to pull it together for Dallas, but lay down for everyone else), I would have expected Garrett to make the proper adjustments, but it just never seemed like the O was in rhythm until the final drive of the game. Just my impression anyway, but I'm no Jaworski so what do I know?

Posted by Jrs2300 @ 12:20 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Lee you are exactly right... But I guess the plan was the game was still so close so just keep the BIG PLAYBOOK CLOSED..

The game never got so far out of hand that they needed to open up the good plays..

I think we all agree now that Garrett plain and simple did the MADDEN 97 PLAYS.. on Purpose..

Posted by Charles - ATL @ 12:21 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Tim...appreciative of the breakdown. Seems accurate except for the 2nd part of #7 and your analysis of the 2-point conversion.

#7...it was a bad pass...simple as that. TO was very open, no one has even come close to saying TO ran a bad route, and Romo was misfiring all night.

How could you say he didn't attempt to catch the ball at it's "highest point..." when TO saw that the ball was slightly underthrown and knew he had to jump up over the DB and try to corral it before the DB could cause problems. It hit him the gut because he had jumped that high. The only way he catches it at the highest point is if the pass is high over his head. If he extends his hands--which I doubt he could've done anyway with the DB all over him....it probably gets knocked away more cleanly.

As many have indicated, I too believe that the game plan will be different with x-ing routes, dump-offs, reverses, flea-flickers, slants, and a very overall creative but plan set on long drives and keeping the ball from Brady. We'll take our shots, but we won't be able to go up and down the field with consistent big-gainers like we have in earlier games

Posted by patsfan @ 12:37 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Dallas has had an easy schedule and come sunday they will find out what it is to play a real team, one who has an offense and a defense. Buffalo should have won that game...Dallas got lucky!!

Posted by Charles - ATL @ 12:59 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Patfan...do we need to remind you of:

1)Tuck rule...should not have even been in that SuperBowl

2)you should not have been in the 2006 AFC chanpionship game if San Diego's DB simply falls down after intercepting the ball

3)the legend of Brady gets delayed if Bledsoe runs oout of bounds like a normal QB

4)you probably lose in the SB if the Panthers kicker doesn't mishit the Kickoff...they had all the momentum

AND YOU CALL US LUCKY??? GET REAL! YOU MAY WIN THIS WEEK, BECAUSE YOUR TEAM IS REALLY GOOD. BUT DON'T BE SURPRISED IF YOU GET PUNCHED IN THE MOUTH BY US AND YOU'RE DOWN IN SEVERAL ROUNDS EITHER! WILL SEE YOU PUNKS WHEN IT REALLY COUNTS...

Posted by patsfan @ 1:29 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

There were alot of IFs there....lets add a few more...

IF Romo hadnt thrown so many picks he might have looked great.

IF T.O. had been thrown to more he might have had a chance to make a few more completions.

IF Dallas actually played a decent team early in the year would they still be 5 - 0

IF this was the 90s and you still had Aikman you might have a chance...a slight one.

NE will give Romo a quick class on proper falling ...wouldnt want to see your QB get injured.

We look forward to a great game and a 6 - 0 record going into Miami. Dont get me wrong...Dallas is a great NFC team, but not ready to take on the NE or Indy who bring the game to a whole different level. Who knows you might make it to the SB...and I hope we do too.

Posted by Carl L @ 1:39 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

I'm sorry. I thought this was a Cowboys' blog. I guess Patriot fans have nothing better to do. Well, the Cowboys were the first franchise to win 3 out of 4 Super Bowls. So, the Patriot fans are just feeling a little threatened by America's Team. You morons can take your clam chowder loving aces back to the Patriots' blogs. Cowboys' fans would like to discuss our team, not your cheating Patriots.

Posted by drsteve @ 1:49 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

patsfan..

By my count, your team's opponents have won only one more game than ours. But, in my opinion, that one more win is skewed by the fact that one of your opponents (Cincinnati) has had a bye week, and none of ours have.

Dallas Cowboys opponents: 6-19
New England Patriots opponents: 7-17

That makes you so much better than us?

Riight.

Posted by Brandon @ 1:51 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Carl L, I have to take serious issue with your post. Dallas is the ONLY team to win 3 out of 4 Super Bowls, without cheating that is.

Posted by samie @ 1:51 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

As someone who is neither a Cowboy or Patriot fan, do Cowboy fans ask themselves just how good these Cowboys really are? They haven't played anybody and then we saw what happened Monday night. I've seen them play a few time this year and when I have watched them play I couldn't tell whether I was seeing a real good Cowboys team or a terrible opponent. Probably a combination of the two. Sunday will the be the ultimate litmus test. I would be surprise to see the Cowboys hanging with the Patriots for a full 60 minutes. I'm sure Cowboy fans feel different. But that's why they are FANS.

Posted by Wendy M @ 1:55 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

If I see one more interview or front page coverage of T zero, I'm going to puke.

He is so over rated.

Funny, when I watch a Cowboy game, I see lots of players that deserve kudos, it's the ones who make 50 yds plus field goals to win a game,the ones that catch balls to score a touch down,the ones that make blocks for a runner to gain yards....Geesh Enough of T zero....

Posted by Mike @ 1:58 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Well, wouldn't this depend on the quality of the chance? I think I saw 4 balls thrown his way that had no chance of being caught. If those are a part of his recorded "chances" then this argument is worthless.

Posted by samie @ 2:15 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

samie,

Every fan base has a few people that disregard every other team. These fans are people that have completely blind allegiance. That is not uncommon.

I know that a lot of Cowboys' fans that frequently visit this blog are not those kinds of fans. U can read, can't you? There are a boatload of concerns and questions about the Cowboys' abilities listed above.

Oh, about the Cowboys playing weak opponents, you need to look at the cumulative record of the Patriots' opponents too before you bring up that subject.

Cowboys' opponents are a combined 6-19

Patriots' opponents are a combined 7-16.

Ooooh, what a huge difference! Give me a break.

Posted by Carl L @ 2:19 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

samie,

Every fan base has a few people that disregard every other team. These fans are people that have a blind allegiance. That is not uncommon in any sport.

I know that a lot of Cowboys' fans that frequently visit this blog are not those kinds of fans. U can read, can't you? There are a boatload of concerns and questions about the Cowboys' abilities listed above.

Oh, about the Cowboys playing weak opponents, you need to look at the cumulative record of the Patriots' opponents too, before you bring up that subject.

Cowboys' opponents are a combined 6-19

Patriots' opponents are a combined 7-16

Ooooh, what a huge difference! Give me a break.

Posted by Lee @ 2:34 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Larry has it exactly right. We (the fans) and the media are placing way too much emphasis on this game. It's a non-conference game and even if the Cowboys lose (and they likely will, let's face it), it's not the end of the world, and they are still in pretty darn good shape assuming they come away with their pride and confidence still intact, and there are no major injuries. Next week's game w/ the Vikings is actually way more important, especially the upcoming match w/ the Eagles. I want to beat them more than anyone on the schedule. But I can already see what's going to happen. The Cowboys will lose Sunday, and even if it's a close game, the sports media will pounce and declare them frauds. Our only hope is that the players and coaches, themselves, don't drink that koolaid (and that means you, T.O.).

Posted by patsfan @ 3:03 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Dont get me wrong...I am not slighting the Cowboys in the least, its just that when you look at stats:

PF PA TD
Patriots 182 65 23
Cowboys 176 96 21

The Pats D will hold Dallas other than that its close...The Dallas D line is good but not good enough to hold off the weapons at Bradys disposal.

Posted by Carl L @ 3:18 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Honestly, I think both the Patriots' and the Cowboys' offenses are overrated. At the same time, both defenses are often overlooked. That will not be the case this weekend. I'd say the winning score's over/under will be 25. Everyone who thinks this will be a walk-over will be shocked on Sunday. The Cowboys will have a tough time winning this game, I will admit. But it ain't going to be easy for New England either.

Posted by BoyFan @ 4:03 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

SHUT UP ABOUT T.O. WHY NOW THAT HE ISN'T TALKING, EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT HIM!!

PERCENTAGES SAY THAT HALF THE STORIES ON THIS BLOG HAVE HIS NAME IN IT...AND THEY AREN'T NEWSWORTHY!!!

PERCENTAGES SAY THROWING 5 INTERCEPTIONS EQUALS A LOSS...OOPS!!!!!!

Posted by Robert @ 5:55 PM Thu, Oct 11, 2007

Patsfan,

I live in the Northeast and I would trade a Cowboy loss to see Brady have both his knees snapped like twigs.

I am so beyond sick of the franchise hype. You are a dirty team (Harrrison and Wilfork). You have a sleazy POS HC and even sleazier Owner. You won three SB versus mediocre NFC teams by 9 points. Last year you lost two playoff games.

So whatever, you beey*tches are the flavor of the month. Like Chicago and the Saints last year.

Your team is very old and by the time game 16 comes -- everyone will see it.

Posted by mmartin @ 4:51 AM Fri, Oct 12, 2007

"Thx, fer this statistics. Exactly what I noticed is that T.O. is really doin very well. Most 'so-called' drops haven't been that @ all.
I mean Not sure y all the T.O haters can't see this."

"Go Cowboys!!!"