Hostile
The Duke
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Don't pinch yourself. It wasn't a dream. Your Dallas Cowboys really did roll into the hardest stadium in the NFL to win on the road and won. In one of the most dominating fashions we can probably imagine. Yeah, there were too many mistakes. We handed Seattle 17 points on a blocked punt, fumbled punt return, and a botched snap. Think about that for a minute. That means our worst Defense "historically" held the defending Super Bowl Champions to two FGs. 6 points! In their house! It wasn't a dream.
I think it is very poetic that our record now stands at 5-1. It was symbolic to me of our 5 rings and Seattle's 1. 5 and 1. Minus the turnovers opening week we might be undefeated. Well, we're not, but everyone is now talking about how good we are. Some of them begrudgingly, and that is fine. The important thing is they're not spewing crap any more.
You can pretty much take all the stuff you have heard ad nauseum about this team and flush it. Remember the predictions from 3-13 all the way up to 8-8? Flush that crap. Remember the assurances that this Defense was going to be worse than last year? Flush that crap. Remember the team efforts to find historical ways to lose? Flush that crap. Remember the worries that Rolando McClain was going to retire at any moment and leave us high and dry? Flush that crap. Remember the mocking ways of so many? Flush that crap. Remember the proclamation that Murray "runs to darkness?" Flush that crap. This wasn't a dream, but that stuff was crap.
Think about this too. Bruce Carter, Josh Brent, Amobi Okoye, DeMarcus Lawrence didn't even play in this game. Translation, this Defense can still get better. That thought boggles the mind if you stop and think about it. How can you play any better than holding the Champions to 2 FGs? You compile more sacks and takeaways. That could still be coming. I know we all hope it is. When I watched the game last night (thank you kilyin) I was amazed by two things from this Defense. First was the aggression. I know they have played with it all season long, but we hear about it from the Legion of Boom. If you ask me which secondary played more physical, I will tell you ours did. if you ask me which front 7 played more physical, I will tell you ours did. The difference was stark. That amazed me. The other thing was that there were very few gaps. One of the plays Seattle got a big gain on should have been a flag for an illegal pick move. One was a nice run by the Beast mode guy who was less beast mode than our guy. For almost the entire rest of the game, there was nowhere for Seattle to go. Nothing to give them hope. I love that.
I really like Russell Wilson. When he was a rookie I said he was the true rookie of the year, not RG3. I stand by that. I think Andrew Luck was the no doubt about it best player from that draft, but I really like Russell Wilson. This kid exudes quiet, professionalism and leadership. He's elusive, shows no fear, and for the most part makes very intelligent plays. We did not have sacks, but anyone who thinks our pass rush didn't make a difference in that game needs a cold shower because they are either drunk or asleep. Time after time they not only kept him contained so he couldn't escape the way we all know he can, but they also made him disrupt what he wanted to do, and left him little or nothing to do but make a hasty throw or get rid of it. It was the best I have seen our pass rush all year.
I have to stop and say at this point that I hope we bring Justin Durant back. As much as I love Bruce Carter and as high as I think his ceiling is, I just don't think he has the leadership qualities Durant has. Oh, and I swear he picked that pass off. I see nothing to indicate that ball hit the ground. I have no idea why we didn't challenge that, unless the team had a view I couldn't see. I'd love to have both Carter and Durant back with Lee coming back, and keeping McClain. Those guys and Hitchens plus Wilber all give me a confidence in our LBs that I haven't seen in quite a while. They hustle to the football, defend passes, make solid tackles, and cut off lanes. I thought Durant was all over the place, and I haven't seen him mentioned much. I respect unheralded leadership by example, and he exemplifies that.
This game was the best I have seen Brandon Carr look in a very long time. Do not get me wrong, I am not down on him. I wasn't down on Claiborne either. However, I have been so high on Scandrick that maybe I just didn't notice. But in this game, Carr made me notice. He flat out played his butt off. He made several timely pass defenses that could have turned the tide to Seattle's favor. His tackling was solid. He left very little room for a receiver to make a play. It wasn't perfect, but if we get that kind of play from him every single week, no one will beat this team unless they mistake themselves to death. He was that good.
The mistakes that stood out of course were on Special Teams. All Punt Returners are going to muff one now and then. For those who have never fielded a punt with guys slathered up to hit the hell out of you let me simply say, it is intimidating. It is really rather easy to take your eyes away for a split second, try and gauge the collision or the running lane, and muff it. I think Harris did exactly that. I'm not excusing it by any means. He has to hang onto the ball. Especially when he signals fair catch. Now, you don't have to worry about the hard hit. yet I still believe he brought his eyes down ever so slightly, too soon and that led to the muff. One other aspect that makes that job hard is that the football being punted gives it an odd wobbled sometimes that is a bit different than a Field Goal because it comes down from so high up there. It's a hard job, we can't have it, and he knows that. I still have more faith in him on Special Teams than anyone we've had in forever. Probably since the days of Bill bates, and Bates was never a return guy. I doubt we get another punt blocked. That was simply a blown assignment.
That brings me to our two biggest mistakes that we can't have. One didn't bite us. Murray fumbled yet again. I wish I knew how to get it corrected. Luckily for us this one flew straight up and he was close enough to the sidelines that it went out of bounds. To his credit, after fumbling he always protects the ball better. I just wish he protected it the same all the time. I don't know if he needs to wear sleeves that help grip the ball better than sweaty skin, or what. I just know he can't keep putting pig on turf. The other mistake did bite us, but the Defense held the bleeding to a minimum. The botched snap to Romo. I do not know who was to blame for Frederick and Romo not being on the same snap count, but regardless of who was more at fault the snap needs to be higher than Tony's knee. these things are fixable.
For the record, I thought Seattle's secondary was every bit as good as advertised for most of the night. I do not think that group is over rated at all. I really don't. I swear a couple of times when I was watching Earl Thomas I thought I saw Darren Woodson down there. Dez got some on Sherman, but Sherman played so tight all night that most of the time Tony had to put his throws to where Dez would have to go get them rather than to him. If Tony had hit Dez the same ways he usually does Sherman was in position to make some plays. I am more impressed than ever with that group. Now having said that, did you notice that Seattle did not load 8 men in the box and dare us to throw on them? The respect the LBs had to give Dez, Witten, T Will and company is all the proof anyone should need that if we have to rely on our passing attack to win a game where Murray and company are flat we'll be okay. In other words, we are incredibly balanced Offensively and teams are going to have to pick their poison.
Williams only had 2 catches, but the were both things of beauty. When he did the toe drag one I swear I rubbed my eyes. I expect catches like that of Dez. If this kid keeps making plays like that he is going to end up a fan favorite very quick. That effort, control, and concentration while his QB was under pressure was freaking awesome. I can't tell you which catch was better between his toe drag and Dez's go up and get it against incredible coverage. I can tell you that I have not seen any better than those two all year from anyone else.
I was thrilled to see Dunabr get touches out of the backfield. He did not disappoint me at all. In fact, he got me jazzed up a whole hell of a lot more than should make my wife comfortable. If we get him on track with those catches the way he was before his injury last year then this Offense is going to make a huge leap up in points scored. Simply put, Dunbar in space like that against a lesser Defense is going to mean all of us up out of our seats a lot. We've kept him bottled up until this game. I am glad he got uncorked and I hope it continues.
Prior to this game no RB had gained over 38 yards on Seattle. Our backup matched that with one run. I was very low on Randle after last year. To put it mildly, I wanted him gone so bad it isn't funny. He has been fine. I'd still love to see Ryan Williams called up and backing up Murray, but I am no longer sure that Randle is going to suck.
What can I say about Murray that I haven't already said? I mean in previous weeks, not about his fumbling. If this guy "runs to darkness" maybe more RBs ought to do it. He isn't possessed of blazing speed like Dunbar. He isn't the punishing bruiser of say a Barber. He's kind of a mixture of the two with better running skills. He's fast enough. He's punishing enough. He's simply driven. I loved what I saw from him last year. He has improved upon that effort a lot. It has been awesome to watch.
We all know a big part of that is the Offensive Line. The single greatest component on our team. On Murray's score do you know what I loved most besides the fact it was the dagger in the 12th man's heart? The Fullback and the OL all joined him in the endzone for the celebration. Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how awesome that is for me to see. Back in our 90's dynasty days Emmitt Smith used to have clauses in his contract that gave bonuses to his Offensive Line based upon his successes. He had one for Moose too. That kind of teamwork and trust and loyalty builds champions. I see in this group the genesis of a champion. Did you see Ron Leary? I mean besides his 2 penalties. He flattened people all night long. Even Parnell came in for an injured Free and pancaked his guy on that score. Then he ran to celebrate with the line and Murray. It was inspiring.
The last thing I feel the need to say is I am now focused on the Giants. It is hard to stop thinking about this game, because it was that great a showing. But we cannot rest on our laurels and expect not to face a fight. This is out first division game. Our biggest threat right now just dismantled them on national TV. They just lost a star player and are pretty beat up. We cannot think that makes them a mark. I want to beat them worse than the Eagles did, but ultimately I don't care how we beat them as long as the record says 6-1 when it is done. I'd like to start thinking about the symbolism of that 6 and this team.
I think it is very poetic that our record now stands at 5-1. It was symbolic to me of our 5 rings and Seattle's 1. 5 and 1. Minus the turnovers opening week we might be undefeated. Well, we're not, but everyone is now talking about how good we are. Some of them begrudgingly, and that is fine. The important thing is they're not spewing crap any more.
You can pretty much take all the stuff you have heard ad nauseum about this team and flush it. Remember the predictions from 3-13 all the way up to 8-8? Flush that crap. Remember the assurances that this Defense was going to be worse than last year? Flush that crap. Remember the team efforts to find historical ways to lose? Flush that crap. Remember the worries that Rolando McClain was going to retire at any moment and leave us high and dry? Flush that crap. Remember the mocking ways of so many? Flush that crap. Remember the proclamation that Murray "runs to darkness?" Flush that crap. This wasn't a dream, but that stuff was crap.
Think about this too. Bruce Carter, Josh Brent, Amobi Okoye, DeMarcus Lawrence didn't even play in this game. Translation, this Defense can still get better. That thought boggles the mind if you stop and think about it. How can you play any better than holding the Champions to 2 FGs? You compile more sacks and takeaways. That could still be coming. I know we all hope it is. When I watched the game last night (thank you kilyin) I was amazed by two things from this Defense. First was the aggression. I know they have played with it all season long, but we hear about it from the Legion of Boom. If you ask me which secondary played more physical, I will tell you ours did. if you ask me which front 7 played more physical, I will tell you ours did. The difference was stark. That amazed me. The other thing was that there were very few gaps. One of the plays Seattle got a big gain on should have been a flag for an illegal pick move. One was a nice run by the Beast mode guy who was less beast mode than our guy. For almost the entire rest of the game, there was nowhere for Seattle to go. Nothing to give them hope. I love that.
I really like Russell Wilson. When he was a rookie I said he was the true rookie of the year, not RG3. I stand by that. I think Andrew Luck was the no doubt about it best player from that draft, but I really like Russell Wilson. This kid exudes quiet, professionalism and leadership. He's elusive, shows no fear, and for the most part makes very intelligent plays. We did not have sacks, but anyone who thinks our pass rush didn't make a difference in that game needs a cold shower because they are either drunk or asleep. Time after time they not only kept him contained so he couldn't escape the way we all know he can, but they also made him disrupt what he wanted to do, and left him little or nothing to do but make a hasty throw or get rid of it. It was the best I have seen our pass rush all year.
I have to stop and say at this point that I hope we bring Justin Durant back. As much as I love Bruce Carter and as high as I think his ceiling is, I just don't think he has the leadership qualities Durant has. Oh, and I swear he picked that pass off. I see nothing to indicate that ball hit the ground. I have no idea why we didn't challenge that, unless the team had a view I couldn't see. I'd love to have both Carter and Durant back with Lee coming back, and keeping McClain. Those guys and Hitchens plus Wilber all give me a confidence in our LBs that I haven't seen in quite a while. They hustle to the football, defend passes, make solid tackles, and cut off lanes. I thought Durant was all over the place, and I haven't seen him mentioned much. I respect unheralded leadership by example, and he exemplifies that.
This game was the best I have seen Brandon Carr look in a very long time. Do not get me wrong, I am not down on him. I wasn't down on Claiborne either. However, I have been so high on Scandrick that maybe I just didn't notice. But in this game, Carr made me notice. He flat out played his butt off. He made several timely pass defenses that could have turned the tide to Seattle's favor. His tackling was solid. He left very little room for a receiver to make a play. It wasn't perfect, but if we get that kind of play from him every single week, no one will beat this team unless they mistake themselves to death. He was that good.
The mistakes that stood out of course were on Special Teams. All Punt Returners are going to muff one now and then. For those who have never fielded a punt with guys slathered up to hit the hell out of you let me simply say, it is intimidating. It is really rather easy to take your eyes away for a split second, try and gauge the collision or the running lane, and muff it. I think Harris did exactly that. I'm not excusing it by any means. He has to hang onto the ball. Especially when he signals fair catch. Now, you don't have to worry about the hard hit. yet I still believe he brought his eyes down ever so slightly, too soon and that led to the muff. One other aspect that makes that job hard is that the football being punted gives it an odd wobbled sometimes that is a bit different than a Field Goal because it comes down from so high up there. It's a hard job, we can't have it, and he knows that. I still have more faith in him on Special Teams than anyone we've had in forever. Probably since the days of Bill bates, and Bates was never a return guy. I doubt we get another punt blocked. That was simply a blown assignment.
That brings me to our two biggest mistakes that we can't have. One didn't bite us. Murray fumbled yet again. I wish I knew how to get it corrected. Luckily for us this one flew straight up and he was close enough to the sidelines that it went out of bounds. To his credit, after fumbling he always protects the ball better. I just wish he protected it the same all the time. I don't know if he needs to wear sleeves that help grip the ball better than sweaty skin, or what. I just know he can't keep putting pig on turf. The other mistake did bite us, but the Defense held the bleeding to a minimum. The botched snap to Romo. I do not know who was to blame for Frederick and Romo not being on the same snap count, but regardless of who was more at fault the snap needs to be higher than Tony's knee. these things are fixable.
For the record, I thought Seattle's secondary was every bit as good as advertised for most of the night. I do not think that group is over rated at all. I really don't. I swear a couple of times when I was watching Earl Thomas I thought I saw Darren Woodson down there. Dez got some on Sherman, but Sherman played so tight all night that most of the time Tony had to put his throws to where Dez would have to go get them rather than to him. If Tony had hit Dez the same ways he usually does Sherman was in position to make some plays. I am more impressed than ever with that group. Now having said that, did you notice that Seattle did not load 8 men in the box and dare us to throw on them? The respect the LBs had to give Dez, Witten, T Will and company is all the proof anyone should need that if we have to rely on our passing attack to win a game where Murray and company are flat we'll be okay. In other words, we are incredibly balanced Offensively and teams are going to have to pick their poison.
Williams only had 2 catches, but the were both things of beauty. When he did the toe drag one I swear I rubbed my eyes. I expect catches like that of Dez. If this kid keeps making plays like that he is going to end up a fan favorite very quick. That effort, control, and concentration while his QB was under pressure was freaking awesome. I can't tell you which catch was better between his toe drag and Dez's go up and get it against incredible coverage. I can tell you that I have not seen any better than those two all year from anyone else.
I was thrilled to see Dunabr get touches out of the backfield. He did not disappoint me at all. In fact, he got me jazzed up a whole hell of a lot more than should make my wife comfortable. If we get him on track with those catches the way he was before his injury last year then this Offense is going to make a huge leap up in points scored. Simply put, Dunbar in space like that against a lesser Defense is going to mean all of us up out of our seats a lot. We've kept him bottled up until this game. I am glad he got uncorked and I hope it continues.
Prior to this game no RB had gained over 38 yards on Seattle. Our backup matched that with one run. I was very low on Randle after last year. To put it mildly, I wanted him gone so bad it isn't funny. He has been fine. I'd still love to see Ryan Williams called up and backing up Murray, but I am no longer sure that Randle is going to suck.
What can I say about Murray that I haven't already said? I mean in previous weeks, not about his fumbling. If this guy "runs to darkness" maybe more RBs ought to do it. He isn't possessed of blazing speed like Dunbar. He isn't the punishing bruiser of say a Barber. He's kind of a mixture of the two with better running skills. He's fast enough. He's punishing enough. He's simply driven. I loved what I saw from him last year. He has improved upon that effort a lot. It has been awesome to watch.
We all know a big part of that is the Offensive Line. The single greatest component on our team. On Murray's score do you know what I loved most besides the fact it was the dagger in the 12th man's heart? The Fullback and the OL all joined him in the endzone for the celebration. Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how awesome that is for me to see. Back in our 90's dynasty days Emmitt Smith used to have clauses in his contract that gave bonuses to his Offensive Line based upon his successes. He had one for Moose too. That kind of teamwork and trust and loyalty builds champions. I see in this group the genesis of a champion. Did you see Ron Leary? I mean besides his 2 penalties. He flattened people all night long. Even Parnell came in for an injured Free and pancaked his guy on that score. Then he ran to celebrate with the line and Murray. It was inspiring.
The last thing I feel the need to say is I am now focused on the Giants. It is hard to stop thinking about this game, because it was that great a showing. But we cannot rest on our laurels and expect not to face a fight. This is out first division game. Our biggest threat right now just dismantled them on national TV. They just lost a star player and are pretty beat up. We cannot think that makes them a mark. I want to beat them worse than the Eagles did, but ultimately I don't care how we beat them as long as the record says 6-1 when it is done. I'd like to start thinking about the symbolism of that 6 and this team.
