ESPN Broaddus: Scout's Eye: Cowboys-Colts review

[WoodysGirl]

Dec 7
10:16
AM CT

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By Bryan Broaddus

Coming off the disappointing Thanksgiving loss, Jason Garrett continued to preach to all those that would listen about finding a way to handle adversity.
In studying the Colts, injuries had taken a toll in several key areas, except for quarterback Peyton Manning.

Despite lacking a running game and a playmaking tight end and having some banged-up wide receivers, Manning still presented a challenge to a Dallas defense that was making the transformation from Wade Phillips' blitzing, man-coverage style to Paul Pasqualoni's zone coverage and assignment-first scheme.

When the Colts did try and run the ball on Sunday, Cowboys linebackers Bradie James, Sean Lee and Anthony Spencer were in position to make plays.

To the naked eye, it would have appeared that DeMarcus Ware had a quiet game against the Colts because he didn’t have any sacks. Coming into this game, the Colts were first in the NFL in protecting Manning. There had been some games this season where he had taken hits in the pocket, but not many sacks.

In the secondary, we all saw the huge game that Reggie Wayne had against this Cowboys secondary and mainly Jenkins.

On offense, Garrett did a nice job of making the Colts have to defend the entire field with his play-calling. He took advantage of the Colts’ lighter front seven by using misdirection to get them moving, then bringing the ball on the edge with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

The offensive line did a much better job of combo blocking, securing the down linemen then getting a blocker up on the linebackers. This allowed the backs to find the hole without having to deal with a defender in their face immediately.
There are those that feel that the fumble recovery of Cowboys rookie Lonyae Miller on the kickoff return was the key point in the game. There is no doubt that it was huge, but I want to point out three other plays that might have been just as an important.


Read more Broaddus: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowbo...s-colts-review

[speedkilz88]

So Gurode warned the refs two times prior on that leverage penalty and finally got the call the third time on that one fg.

[AdamJT13]

Originally Posted by speedkilz88

So Gurode warned the refs two times prior on that leverage penalty and finally got the call the third time on that one fg.

Gurode did something smart!

[Hoofbite]

I didn't know the whole leverage rule.

I knew you couldn't boost off a teammate but I didn't think that was the case with the other team.

Anyhow, worked out real nice.

[HoosierCowboy]

and it only took the refs 3 times and 2 assists from AG to make the call!

[casmith07]

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

To the naked eye myopic fan, it would have appeared that DeMarcus Ware had a quiet game against the Colts because he didn’t have any sacks.

Fixed it for Broaddus.

[Yakuza Rich]

Originally Posted by AdamJT13

Gurode did something smart!

Maybe he's the smart one and the refs are dumb.





YR

[BrAinPaiNt]

Originally Posted by AdamJT13

Gurode did something smart!

Maybe he had Kosier make the call.

[CCBoy]

The officiating crew was noted for having called the fewest penalties in the NFL as a group. It was well into the game before the Cowboys got the first flag thrown.

[Illini88228]

I love braoddus's columns. Content rather than agenda driven. They're the complete opposite of most of the local media crap (Taylor, JFE, Galloway, etc.).

[arglebargle]

Originally Posted by AdamJT13

Gurode did something smart!

Parcells always said that Gurode wasn't dumb. Said something to the effect that he was smart, but he just didn't process information very fast. He gets bonus points on this one, certainly!

[theogt]

Originally Posted by Braoddus

On the touchdown catch that Wayne had, it looked like Jenkins was expecting from the inside from Ball. Jenkins is playing outside technique as Wayne heads inside on the route. Ball is late reacting, giving up the play.

How many TDs could this guy be responsible for in a season? Double digits?

(Hamlin gave up 1 last season, 3 in the previous season.)

[jobberone]

Good read as usual.

[dwarecwby311]

Originally Posted by Bryan Broaddus

Ware was a handful for tackles Ryan Diem and Charlie Johnson, who coming into the game I thought played soft on the edge. Ware was able to take advantage of some opportunities with his rush that affected Manning in the pocket by using a spin move on Johnson. Ware at times was held but still managed to fight through and get pressure. He also ran down a screen and was able to play off blocks to help in the running game along with the other linebackers.

this is getting ridiculous.. how are officials not seeing the blatant holding?? this has been going on for the past few games and i'm sure it's not just happening to Ware

[cowboyed]

Originally Posted by arglebargle

Parcells always said that Gurode wasn't dumb. Said something to the effect that he was smart, but he just didn't process information very fast. He gets bonus points on this one, certainly!

Maybe that is why he delays his snaps. I know he doesn't have an agile mind to direct the line and assist the qb reading the defense. But I have to give him credit for persisting with the refs. Maybe Jason told him he needs to be more of a captain on that line.