A win, I guess. Just not impressed

[Doomsday101]

I think everyone understands that upsets happen. But I’m talking about games that people felt Dallas would have a tough time competing in, much less winning. There appears to be fewer of those now that we are 2 games in.

I never let September fool me. Next 2 games Seahawks and Houston and while they are both at 0-2 I think both are more capable than their record show. Really have little feel on Skins right now, Jacksonville looks better now than last season but will that last? Tampa is playing outstanding with Fitzpatrick but I have seen him on hot streaks and then fade so while he looks like HOF right now who knows what he will look like in Late October and November?

 

[ClintDagger]

I never let September fool me. Next 2 games Seahawks and Houston and while they are both at 0-2 I think both are more capable than their record show. Really have little feel on Skins right now, Jacksonville looks better now than last season but will that last? Tampa is playing outstanding with Fitzpatrick but I have seen him on hot streaks and then fade so while he looks like HOF right now who knows what he will look like in Late October and November?

I don’t think anyone is arguing that these games are gimmes. But they look less daunting now than they did in August. They look less daunting when a team opens up 0-2 vs 2-0. You can say don’t let September fool you, but there’s a reason recent history says 90%+ of 0-2 teams miss the playoffs. Those 2 games usually say a lot about the caliber team you’re facing. Not always, but usually. At the end of the day you still have to play the game and see where the chips fall.

In other words, would you rather play a 16 game schedule of teams that opened up 0-2 or 2-0? Which set do you think you’re more likely to end up with a better record against? Odds can be deceiving, but usually they are a good predictor.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don’t think anyone is arguing that these games are gimmes. But they look less daunting now than they did in August. They look less daunting when a team opens up 0-2 vs 2-0. You can say don’t let September fool you, but there’s a reason recent history says 90%+ of 0-2 teams miss the playoffs. Those 2 games usually say a lot about the caliber team you’re facing. Not always, but usually. At the end of the day you still have to play the game and see where the chips fall.

In other words, would you rather play a 16 game schedule of teams that opened up 0-2 or 2-0? Which set do you think you’re more likely to end up with a better record against? Odds can be deceiving, but usually they are a good predictor.

Let me just say there is not a team on the schedule that I feel the Cowboys have no chance of winning even before the 1st game. On the other side there is not a game I see as a walk in the park. It is an interesting question you ask would I rather face an 0-2 team or a 2-0? Frankly the 0-2 team scares me a bit more because they know their backs are against the wall and will come out with everything they got to save their season. 2-0 team you go in knowing full well that this team is playing good. If you asked me what would I rather face a team 1-8 vs 8-1 then I would say the 8-1 team because most of the 1-8 teams know they are done and have little to fight for.

 

[JustChip]

as far as the missed tackles, I think it was more Barkley making them miss than them actually using bad form.

He's got that spin move down cold. I'm not sure that'll work forever - it certainly has so far.

 

[Ranching]

Wins are wins and all that, I know. Sitting atop the division is a good place to be.

But where does this thing really go from here? A couple of winnable games coming, and then the gauntlet begins. A bunch of high-octane offenses and/or good defenses await Dallas soon. A 3-1 start could offer fool's gold for a crash and burn.

This offense has to find itself, somehow, someway. I really don't know what to call, but they have to figure out something.

Unfortunately, last night looks to be about the best this offense can do against a reasonable or better defense. That. Whatever that is, which looks painfully frustrating. That game was begging for an easy 20-point cakewalk victory. It was just laying there to be had like a wounded duck.

The simple truth is, if not for a huge play in the first five minutes of the game, that game very well might have been lost. This offense has a very low ceiling, almost as low as the Giants'.

This will be the approach from every opponent until further notice. Just stack the box and play one-on-one against the wideouts. Occasionally, they'll get beat like BW Webb did, but most of the time, they'll be defending Zeke and quick slants. There's no real big-play threat to worry about.

Yes, I understand that will beat some teams. I'd say about half of them. So 8-8, 7-9....that's where this is.

The Giants are putrid. Their offensive line is a train wreck, and Eli is antsy as can be because of it. Barkley has to gain every yard all by himself. He's special, but he's not that special. Beckham is relegated to hitch routes and quick slants because there's no time for anything else. The Giants made a colossal mistake in drafting Barkely because as soon as they get their offensive line together, they'll be looking for a quarterback. That's a dumpster fire.

I can EASILY see the Giants at 0-7, so they may have a second shot at drafting a QB soon.

Meanwhile, this passing game in Dallas is just nauseating to watch. Dink, dink, dink, punt. The Cowboys were last in the NFL in 20-plus-yard plays going in, and that's probably still true.

Yes, the pass to Tavon Austin was beautiful. He shook Webb to the ground, then ran under a great ball. The first couple of drives were nice. But as soon as the script plays dried up, so did the offense. There is nowhere for Zeke to run. Even with Frederick, trying to run through 8-man fronts is tough to do with consistent success.

After that Austin beauty on the second pass of the game, it was 15 for 24 for 94 yards thereafter. Bleh.

Zeke added 78 yards rushing. So much for that run at 2,000 yards.

Looks like it's going to be the Beasley/Thompson/Austin show for the most part. Slot receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Quick, short throws. It's hard to march the field and score touchdowns with that. Not a single pass down the deep middle of the field. Some nice slant throws, and a couple of outs. Some nice high-school RPO runs. A little bit of Zeke flash every now and then.

And yes, that was enough to beat the Giants. Whoopee.

The defense is really fun to watch. It's exciting to finally see this franchise play some, at times, dominant defense. But that won't hold up against everybody. There are some ferocious offenses down the road that will require Dallas to put up 30 to win. You know, the real teams that will be in the playoffs.

Much needs to change somehow. I don't know what the answer is. I really don't think it's here.

I know how hard wins are to come by in any league, I'm not impressed with your post.

 

[JustChip]

I never let September fool me. Next 2 games Seahawks and Houston and while they are both at 0-2 I think both are more capable than their record show. Really have little feel on Skins right now, Jacksonville looks better now than last season but will that last? Tampa is playing outstanding with Fitzpatrick but I have seen him on hot streaks and then fade so while he looks like HOF right now who knows what he will look like in Late October and November?

All excellent points. I fear Seattle because they're playing their home opener and are going to be in desperation mode. I was very surprised by the 'skins. Obviously, in retrospect Arizona is a dumpster fire so the 'skins opening road domination win doesn't mean much now, but I sure thought they would play far better in the home opener. Jacksonville is obviously a strong contender, but at some point, I've got to believe Bortles will do, well, what Bortles does. Maybe that won't happen.

 

[ClintDagger]

Let me just say there is not a team on the schedule that I feel the Cowboys have no chance of winning even before the 1st game. On the other side there is not a game I see as a walk in the park. It is an interesting question you ask would I rather face an 0-2 team or a 2-0? Frankly the 0-2 team scares me a bit more because they know their backs are against the wall and will come out with everything they got to save their season. 2-0 team you go in knowing full well that this team is playing good. If you asked me what would I rather face a team 1-8 vs 8-1 then I would say the 8-1 team because most of the 1-8 teams know they are done and have little to fight for.

I understand your logic. But on average I’d take my chances against the winless teams (Bills, Raiders, Browns, Steelers, Texans, Giants, Seahawks, Cardinals, Lions), versus the unbeatens (Bucs, GB, Vikes, Rams, Bengals, Broncos, Chiefs, Dolphins). I think the odds that their record is indicative of what you are facing are better than not. That said, there are 0-2 teams like Pittsburgh and Houston that might be more challenging than 2-0 teams like Miami and Cincy. Time will tell on that.

 

[Batman1980]

Miami and Cincy are paper tigers.

 

[IceBowler]

Snacks eats pretty much all interior OLs. Just gotta hope Fredbeard comes back soon, Looney is simply not that good.

Looney is a journeyman OL-man who's made a pretty good living ... he's just not "Fred-Good."

But, then again, no other center in the league is ...

 

[ClintDagger]

Miami and Cincy are paper tigers.

Bengals have a good test this week. Probably won’t learn anything from Miami though.

 

[Doomsday101]

I understand your logic. But on average I’d take my chances against the winless teams (Bills, Raiders, Browns, Steelers, Texans, Giants, Seahawks, Cardinals, Lions), versus the unbeatens (Bucs, GB, Vikes, Rams, Bengals, Broncos, Chiefs, Dolphins). I think the odds that their record is indicative of what you are facing are better than not. That said, there are 0-2 teams like Pittsburgh and Houston that might be more challenging than 2-0 teams like Miami and Cincy. Time will tell on that.

I don't know Saints were 0-2 last season and won the division in a tough division I might add. Right now just not fully sure of the teams will get a better feeling as we move forward. I agree that some of these teams are who we think they are to use Dennis Greens words but there are some teams that have been good and fighting for their lives.

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

It was a given that whether we won by 3 TD’s or by a FG, it wasn’t going to be a worthy win, even when most pundits were saying the Giants were better than the Cowboys just a month ago, and even when prognosticators predicted a win for the Giants leading up to game.

Cliche or not, it was only game 2 and something to build off of.

The rule on extremecowboyszone.com is a win is meaningless but a loss means everything

 

[Batman1980]

The rule on extremecowboyszone.com is a win is meaningless but a loss means everything

Regular season wins mean nothing under Jason Garrett because every season ends the same way - with the Cowboys out before the NFCCG starts.

 

[ClintDagger]

I don't know Saints were 0-2 last season and won the division in a tough division I might add. Right now just not fully sure of the teams will get a better feeling as we move forward. I agree that some of these teams are who we think they are to use Dennis Greens words but there are some teams that have been good and fighting for their lives.

Ok, so the Saints recovered. There were 8 other teams that started off 0-2. All of those including New Orleans went 50-94 on the season with most being the who’s who of the 2018 NFL Draft like the Browns, Giants, Colts, and Jets.

So of the 9 that started 0-2, one made the playoffs and 6 picked in the top 10 of the NFL draft. The point being, statistically you are better off playing an 0-2 team than not. Your “gut” may tell you something else and once in a blue moon it might be right, but the numbers are what they are.

 

[PAPPYDOG]

Wins are wins and all that, I know. Sitting atop the division is a good place to be.

But where does this thing really go from here? A couple of winnable games coming, and then the gauntlet begins. A bunch of high-octane offenses and/or good defenses await Dallas soon. A 3-1 start could offer fool's gold for a crash and burn.

This offense has to find itself, somehow, someway. I really don't know what to call, but they have to figure out something.

Unfortunately, last night looks to be about the best this offense can do against a reasonable or better defense. That. Whatever that is, which looks painfully frustrating. That game was begging for an easy 20-point cakewalk victory. It was just laying there to be had like a wounded duck.

The simple truth is, if not for a huge play in the first five minutes of the game, that game very well might have been lost. This offense has a very low ceiling, almost as low as the Giants'.

This will be the approach from every opponent until further notice. Just stack the box and play one-on-one against the wideouts. Occasionally, they'll get beat like BW Webb did, but most of the time, they'll be defending Zeke and quick slants. There's no real big-play threat to worry about.

Yes, I understand that will beat some teams. I'd say about half of them. So 8-8, 7-9....that's where this is.

The Giants are putrid. Their offensive line is a train wreck, and Eli is antsy as can be because of it. Barkley has to gain every yard all by himself. He's special, but he's not that special. Beckham is relegated to hitch routes and quick slants because there's no time for anything else. The Giants made a colossal mistake in drafting Barkely because as soon as they get their offensive line together, they'll be looking for a quarterback. That's a dumpster fire.

I can EASILY see the Giants at 0-7, so they may have a second shot at drafting a QB soon.

Meanwhile, this passing game in Dallas is just nauseating to watch. Dink, dink, dink, punt. The Cowboys were last in the NFL in 20-plus-yard plays going in, and that's probably still true.

Yes, the pass to Tavon Austin was beautiful. He shook Webb to the ground, then ran under a great ball. The first couple of drives were nice. But as soon as the script plays dried up, so did the offense. There is nowhere for Zeke to run. Even with Frederick, trying to run through 8-man fronts is tough to do with consistent success.

After that Austin beauty on the second pass of the game, it was 15 for 24 for 94 yards thereafter. Bleh.

Zeke added 78 yards rushing. So much for that run at 2,000 yards.

Looks like it's going to be the Beasley/Thompson/Austin show for the most part. Slot receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Quick, short throws. It's hard to march the field and score touchdowns with that. Not a single pass down the deep middle of the field. Some nice slant throws, and a couple of outs. Some nice high-school RPO runs. A little bit of Zeke flash every now and then.

And yes, that was enough to beat the Giants. Whoopee.

The defense is really fun to watch. It's exciting to finally see this franchise play some, at times, dominant defense. But that won't hold up against everybody. There are some ferocious offenses down the road that will require Dallas to put up 30 to win. You know, the real teams that will be in the playoffs.

Much needs to change somehow. I don't know what the answer is. I really don't think it's here.

Good post for the intelligentfootball fan a delight! Now for those who think we have the Ravens 2000 defense on board that will save the day think your jumping the gun.....very early esp against 2 weak off-lines.....
Anyway we are now dreaming that a inept QB with a college type offense and Ravens 2000 Type defense will lead us to the promise land....dream on folks and throw your mud but without a qualified Franchise QB the odds are against us.............BIG TIME!

P.S. The Giants looked horrid....

 

[big dog cowboy]

This team is 1-1 on pace for 8-8.

So if the Cowboys had lost and gone to 0-2, does that put them on pace for 0-16?

 

[Diehardblues]

Wins are wins and all that, I know. Sitting atop the division is a good place to be.

But where does this thing really go from here? A couple of winnable games coming, and then the gauntlet begins. A bunch of high-octane offenses and/or good defenses await Dallas soon. A 3-1 start could offer fool's gold for a crash and burn.

This offense has to find itself, somehow, someway. I really don't know what to call, but they have to figure out something.

Unfortunately, last night looks to be about the best this offense can do against a reasonable or better defense. That. Whatever that is, which looks painfully frustrating. That game was begging for an easy 20-point cakewalk victory. It was just laying there to be had like a wounded duck.

The simple truth is, if not for a huge play in the first five minutes of the game, that game very well might have been lost. This offense has a very low ceiling, almost as low as the Giants'.

This will be the approach from every opponent until further notice. Just stack the box and play one-on-one against the wideouts. Occasionally, they'll get beat like BW Webb did, but most of the time, they'll be defending Zeke and quick slants. There's no real big-play threat to worry about.

Yes, I understand that will beat some teams. I'd say about half of them. So 8-8, 7-9....that's where this is.

The Giants are putrid. Their offensive line is a train wreck, and Eli is antsy as can be because of it. Barkley has to gain every yard all by himself. He's special, but he's not that special. Beckham is relegated to hitch routes and quick slants because there's no time for anything else. The Giants made a colossal mistake in drafting Barkely because as soon as they get their offensive line together, they'll be looking for a quarterback. That's a dumpster fire.

I can EASILY see the Giants at 0-7, so they may have a second shot at drafting a QB soon.

Meanwhile, this passing game in Dallas is just nauseating to watch. Dink, dink, dink, punt. The Cowboys were last in the NFL in 20-plus-yard plays going in, and that's probably still true.

Yes, the pass to Tavon Austin was beautiful. He shook Webb to the ground, then ran under a great ball. The first couple of drives were nice. But as soon as the script plays dried up, so did the offense. There is nowhere for Zeke to run. Even with Frederick, trying to run through 8-man fronts is tough to do with consistent success.

After that Austin beauty on the second pass of the game, it was 15 for 24 for 94 yards thereafter. Bleh.

Zeke added 78 yards rushing. So much for that run at 2,000 yards.

Looks like it's going to be the Beasley/Thompson/Austin show for the most part. Slot receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Quick, short throws. It's hard to march the field and score touchdowns with that. Not a single pass down the deep middle of the field. Some nice slant throws, and a couple of outs. Some nice high-school RPO runs. A little bit of Zeke flash every now and then.

And yes, that was enough to beat the Giants. Whoopee.

The defense is really fun to watch. It's exciting to finally see this franchise play some, at times, dominant defense. But that won't hold up against everybody. There are some ferocious offenses down the road that will require Dallas to put up 30 to win. You know, the real teams that will be in the playoffs.

Much needs to change somehow. I don't know what the answer is. I really don't think it's here.

Fair assessment .

I kept thinking the overthrow to Gathers might come back to haunt us. Giants offense with Eli is pitiful. Time for them to move on. All those weapons and can’t get the ball out. Barkley with like 14 receptions I think. Unheard of for a RB.

Against better teams we still lose Monday nite. And that’s with a much improved defense . Averaging 13 points a game translates to less than .500 team.

The biggest stat IMO we were only team in NFL after Week 1 without an offensive play over 20 yards. Of course the bomb to Austin prevented us from continuing that futility trend . One we were near bottom of league last year as well.

We’re too easy of an offense to defend when our best option to open it up is a running QB.

We’re just lucky our schedule at least early on is softening up. Lions and Texans look awful too. I still see 3-3 after Jags as best scenario.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ok, so the Saints recovered. There were 8 other teams that started off 0-2. All of those including New Orleans went 50-94 on the season with most being the who’s who of the 2018 NFL Draft like the Browns, Giants, Colts, and Jets.

So of the 9 that started 0-2, one made the playoffs and 6 picked in the top 10 of the NFL draft. The point being, statistically you are better off playing an 0-2 team than not. Your “gut” may tell you something else and once in a blue moon it might be right, but the numbers are what they are.

The teams we are about to face tell me something. They have some good talent on those teams and have shot themselves in the foot but I don't expect them to continue to do so. Not scared of them Cowboys can win these games but they will have to bring their best because Seahawks is going to roll over for us.

 

[Diehardblues]

So if the Cowboys had lost and gone to 0-2, does that put them on pace for 0-16?

Defintely not. I’d say 0-2 would have put us on pace for like 4 -12 or 5-11.

We’re good enough to beat average to below average teams and it looks like we might have more on our schedule than we thought.

I defintely think 8 or 9 wins is possible. Based on Sun nights performance I can pencil in at least 5 or 6.

 

[Diehardblues]

The teams we are about to face tell me something. They have some good talent on those teams and have shot themselves in the foot but I don't expect them to continue to do so. Not scared of them Cowboys can win these games but they will have to bring their best because Seahawks is going to roll over for us.

We will be facing a desperate team Sunday trying to avoid 0-3 and basically their playoff hopes over.

Only 3 teams in NFL history have come back from 0-3 to make the playoffs.