CCBoy
08-19-2012, 01:36 AM
Offense Better, Defense Stays Rolling In Second Exhibition
Posted 9 minutes ago
Josh Ellis
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-JoshEllis/Offense-Better-Defense-Stays-Rolling-In-Second-Exhibition/cba00617-5ffa-4e81-a23b-f1c2dd1d1c49
SAN DIEGO – That was a little more like it. Or, at least more like what the Cowboys would want to see in a game where the starters check out in the second quarter.
Yes, the final scoreboard showed a 28-20 Chargers win, but the Cowboys will come away pleased, for the most part. For a second time in five days, the starting defense did its thing, pitching two more shutout quarters following the goose egg at Oakland on Monday night. Just as importantly, a Cowboys offense that was futile in the preseason opener was actually able to move the ball this time.
Tony Romo’s group managed only three points – equaling the 60-minute output against the Raiders – but functioned far better on the whole, controlling the ball and driving for 102 yards on 20 plays, all in the first quarter.
“I thought some of the young guys stepped up and played pretty good tonight,” Romo said. “I think our offense is continuing to get better and better each week, and I like the direction we are heading, but we have to eliminate the mistakes.”
After a hot start by DeMarco Murray, who gained 30 yards on five quick touches, the opening drive fizzled. But the Cowboys’ defense got the ball back following a quick three-and-out, and Romo completed passes to Kevin Ogletree and Cole Beasley for first downs. The unit also got a couple solid gains from Jamize Olawale, the third running back in the game.
Still, three penalties on the offensive line handicapped the possession, and the Cowboys were forced to settle for a Dan Bailey field goal after marching only 39 yards on 12 plays over more than seven minutes...
Posted 9 minutes ago
Josh Ellis
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-JoshEllis/Offense-Better-Defense-Stays-Rolling-In-Second-Exhibition/cba00617-5ffa-4e81-a23b-f1c2dd1d1c49
SAN DIEGO – That was a little more like it. Or, at least more like what the Cowboys would want to see in a game where the starters check out in the second quarter.
Yes, the final scoreboard showed a 28-20 Chargers win, but the Cowboys will come away pleased, for the most part. For a second time in five days, the starting defense did its thing, pitching two more shutout quarters following the goose egg at Oakland on Monday night. Just as importantly, a Cowboys offense that was futile in the preseason opener was actually able to move the ball this time.
Tony Romo’s group managed only three points – equaling the 60-minute output against the Raiders – but functioned far better on the whole, controlling the ball and driving for 102 yards on 20 plays, all in the first quarter.
“I thought some of the young guys stepped up and played pretty good tonight,” Romo said. “I think our offense is continuing to get better and better each week, and I like the direction we are heading, but we have to eliminate the mistakes.”
After a hot start by DeMarco Murray, who gained 30 yards on five quick touches, the opening drive fizzled. But the Cowboys’ defense got the ball back following a quick three-and-out, and Romo completed passes to Kevin Ogletree and Cole Beasley for first downs. The unit also got a couple solid gains from Jamize Olawale, the third running back in the game.
Still, three penalties on the offensive line handicapped the possession, and the Cowboys were forced to settle for a Dan Bailey field goal after marching only 39 yards on 12 plays over more than seven minutes...