Am I missing something here (post game thoughts) ?

[JBS]

All I keep hearing-from just about everyone is how ugly of a win that was last night.

Both teams look like crap
Both teams deserve to lose

Originally it was from fans of other teams-so I chalked this up to them not knowing the finer points of the cowboys, which I will touch on in a bit.

Now, I'm seeing it from some of our own fans - so I am starting to question myself. I mean everybody can't be wrong - and I'm the only one thats right.

I said it after the game, maybe out of pure emotion but I still kind of believe it. That was the MOST impressive cowboys win I have seen...IN AGES.

Take into consideration what we were working with. I mean was it not clear to anyone else that offensively we weren't even at half strength? I mean seriously? Our QB clearly was not himself..not knocking Romo at all, give the situation he was amazing. But he wasn't 100% out there. Dez Bryant, I mean the guy probably played half of the snaps offensively and he was playing at half speed. When you throw a bunch of schmucks out there who Romo does not trust - and rightfully so, what on earth do people expect? KO was horrific, Robinson probably knows a total of 10 plays, and Bennett is just Bennett.

Now, for the most part Witten was himself. Sure, he is dinged up too but when the defense ONLY has to stop Witten it really is not that hard. When people make comments like the cowboys won't win like this vs the lions or the cowboys better improve or they won't make the playoffs what are they thinking? Are people silly enough to believe this was the real cowboys offense? I mean cmon!

The bottom line is the defense won this game and given the circumstances, they had to. I know one thing, when our offensive weapons get healthy, whenever that is - this team is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams. I have more confidence in our offense right now when healthy than our defense and that's saying a ton considering how highly I think of our D right now.

As I said earlier, most impressive win for me, in a long time.

 

[wconn1979]

All I keep hearing-from just about everyone is how ugly of a win that was last night.

Both teams look like crap
Both teams deserve to lose

Originally it was from fans of other teams-so I chalked this up to them not knowing the finer points of the cowboys, which I will touch on in a bit.

Now, I'm seeing it from some of our own fans - so I am starting to question myself. I mean everybody can't be wrong - and I'm the only one thats right.

I said it after the game, maybe out of pure emotion but I still kind of believe it. That was the MOST impressive cowboys win I have seen...IN AGES.

Take into consideration what we were working with. I mean was it not clear to anyone else that offensively we weren't even at half strength? I mean seriously? Our QB clearly was not himself..not knocking Romo at all, give the situation he was amazing. But he wasn't 100% out there. Dez Bryant, I mean the guy probably played half of the snaps offensively and he was playing at half speed. When you throw a bunch of schmucks out there who Romo does not trust - and rightfully so, what on earth do people expect? KO was horrific, Robinson probably knows a total of 10 plays, and Bennett is just Bennett.

Now, for the most part Witten was himself. Sure, he is dinged up too but when the defense ONLY has to stop Witten it really is not that hard. When people make comments like the cowboys won't win like this vs the lions or the cowboys better improve or they won't make the playoffs what are they thinking? Are people silly enough to believe this was the real cowboys offense? I mean cmon!

The bottom line is the defense won this game and given the circumstances, they had to. I know one thing, when our offensive weapons get healthy, whenever that is - this team is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams. I have more confidence in our offense right now when healthy than our defense and that's saying a ton considering how highly I think of our D right now.

As I said earlier, most impressive win for me, in a long time.

Well said!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Just speaking for myself, that was a very ugly win. Of course you want to win every game, especially against the Skins and Eagles. But anyone who watches much NFL football can tell when two mediocre teams play and one is less mediocre than the other. And that's what this looked like to me. Compare this team to, say, a well-oiled machine like the Packers and there's a massive difference.

It's one thing to barely lose to a really good team when you play well but the other team plays just a little bit better. The Jets game was sort of like that, though the fourth quarter meltdown was historic. We've had other games like that the last several years. But repeated missed assignments, blown timeouts, terrible snaps, fumbles, red zone incompetence, and general confusion? That's what's disappointing.

It's a lot like that KC win we pulled out when Miles went nuts. Sure, it was better to win than to lose, but the truth is that we played down to the level of a bad team for most of that game, and that's disappointing.

And like you said, maybe it's me, but how can this be the most impressive win in ages? Shutting up Skins fans and Deangelo Hall getting repeatedly torched is always a good thing, but no way was this more satisfying than reaming a very good Eagles team to win the East and then doing the same a week later to win a playoff game.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Depends on which side of the ball you want to look on. Offense was a trainwreck, but I thought the defense played amazingly well in all facets of the game. Run defense, pass defense, red zone defense, pass rush, 3rd down defense, coming up with critical turnovers, game winning final drive defense (which can never be taken for granted around here).

Special teams as well. Game changing FG block. Coverage units were great. McBriar had some major field position changing punts. Bailey going 6 for 6 and apparently ending the 2 year long nightmare at place kicker. If we could just get a little more out of the return game, I would say they were flawless as well.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Depends on which side of the ball you want to look on. Offense was a trainwreck, but I thought the defense played amazingly well in all facets of the game. Run defense, pass defense, red zone defense, pass rush, 3rd down defense, coming up with critical turnovers, game winning final drive defense (which can never be taken for granted around here).

Oh, definitely. Defense was great. And I love defense more than anything. But if we're going to go anywhere, the other side of the ball can't look so sloppy and disorganized. Romo can't bail us out every week and the ball won't bounce right for us all the time like it did last night.

 

[Established1971]

All I keep hearing-from just about everyone is how ugly of a win that was last night.

Both teams look like crap
Both teams deserve to lose

Originally it was from fans of other teams-so I chalked this up to them not knowing the finer points of the cowboys, which I will touch on in a bit.

Now, I'm seeing it from some of our own fans - so I am starting to question myself. I mean everybody can't be wrong - and I'm the only one thats right.

I said it after the game, maybe out of pure emotion but I still kind of believe it. That was the MOST impressive cowboys win I have seen...IN AGES.

Take into consideration what we were working with. I mean was it not clear to anyone else that offensively we weren't even at half strength? I mean seriously? Our QB clearly was not himself..not knocking Romo at all, give the situation he was amazing. But he wasn't 100% out there. Dez Bryant, I mean the guy probably played half of the snaps offensively and he was playing at half speed. When you throw a bunch of schmucks out there who Romo does not trust - and rightfully so, what on earth do people expect? KO was horrific, Robinson probably knows a total of 10 plays, and Bennett is just Bennett.

Now, for the most part Witten was himself. Sure, he is dinged up too but when the defense ONLY has to stop Witten it really is not that hard. When people make comments like the cowboys won't win like this vs the lions or the cowboys better improve or they won't make the playoffs what are they thinking? Are people silly enough to believe this was the real cowboys offense? I mean cmon!

The bottom line is the defense won this game and given the circumstances, they had to. I know one thing, when our offensive weapons get healthy, whenever that is - this team is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams. I have more confidence in our offense right now when healthy than our defense and that's saying a ton considering how highly I think of our D right now.

As I said earlier, most impressive win for me, in a long time.

the whole condescending premise of your post is to debate the words ugly vs impressive as if they are mutually exclusive. why cant something be ugly and impressive?

 

[JBS]

the whole condescending premise of your post is to debate the words ugly vs impressive as if they are mutually exclusive. why cant something be ugly and impressive?

This is what I am trying to say..of course the actual offensive play was ugly..what on earth do people expect given our situation? but to suggest that this team has major issues going forward is silly to me. Does anyone really think that was the real Cowboys offense? You have to be able to put 2 and 2 together...given the situation, it was impressive..more importantly, given the situation of this team, injuries and all - with all of these players (Romo, Dez, Felix, and Austin) all expected to be healthy relatively quickly, this team should be looked at as a contender. It is dumbfounding to me that people look at this team like we are some chumps.

Edit** If my post came across condescending I apologize..I am just a little upset with the perception of this team..both in house and on the outside..I could not be happier with how things look in the grand scheme of things..

 

[Doomsday101]

I think the game showed something I wanted to see from this team. A desire to win. These guys had ample opportunity to hang their heads and lay down but they continue to fight and pulled out a game vs an NFC East rival.

Many mistakes were made but they overcame the mistakes. Defense did a great job of saving the day but there have been occasions where the offense had to carry the weight. These guys went out as a team and won, not pretty but not every win will be pretty.

 

[JD_KaPow]

This is what I am trying to say..of course the actual offensive play was ugly..what on earth do people expect given our situation? but to suggest that this team has major issues going forward is silly to me. Does anyone really think that was the real Cowboys offense?

Depth is a major issue. Depth is one of the key things that separates contenders from also-rans. What was ugly last night was just how many of the guys this team depends on to provide depth just aren't up to the task. The "real Cowboys offense" includes, for example, the #3 wideout, and he's pitiful. The #2 tight end just hasn't come around. The #2 RB is an embarrassment. There are depth problems all over this team, problems that will take at least another off-season to resolve.

Could we get really lucky and have all our starters healthy at the end of the season? Sure. But it's not very likely.

 

[Bleu Star]

All I keep hearing-from just about everyone is how ugly of a win that was last night.

Both teams look like crap
Both teams deserve to lose

Originally it was from fans of other teams-so I chalked this up to them not knowing the finer points of the cowboys, which I will touch on in a bit.

Now, I'm seeing it from some of our own fans - so I am starting to question myself. I mean everybody can't be wrong - and I'm the only one thats right.

I said it after the game, maybe out of pure emotion but I still kind of believe it. That was the MOST impressive cowboys win I have seen...IN AGES.

Take into consideration what we were working with. I mean was it not clear to anyone else that offensively we weren't even at half strength? I mean seriously? Our QB clearly was not himself..not knocking Romo at all, give the situation he was amazing. But he wasn't 100% out there. Dez Bryant, I mean the guy probably played half of the snaps offensively and he was playing at half speed. When you throw a bunch of schmucks out there who Romo does not trust - and rightfully so, what on earth do people expect? KO was horrific, Robinson probably knows a total of 10 plays, and Bennett is just Bennett.

Now, for the most part Witten was himself. Sure, he is dinged up too but when the defense ONLY has to stop Witten it really is not that hard. When people make comments like the cowboys won't win like this vs the lions or the cowboys better improve or they won't make the playoffs what are they thinking? Are people silly enough to believe this was the real cowboys offense? I mean cmon!

The bottom line is the defense won this game and given the circumstances, they had to. I know one thing, when our offensive weapons get healthy, whenever that is - this team is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams. I have more confidence in our offense right now when healthy than our defense and that's saying a ton considering how highly I think of our D right now.

As I said earlier, most impressive win for me, in a long time.

You and I are squarely on the same page. A W is a W no matter how you slice it. There will be butt ugly wins and beautifully orchestrated masterpieces. This win was one of the most impressive gutty displays that I have witnessed in a very long time from all three phases.

 

[JBS]

Depth is a major issue. Depth is one of the key things that separates contenders from also-rans. What was ugly last night was just how many of the guys this team depends on to provide depth just aren't up to the task. The "real Cowboys offense" includes, for example, the #3 wideout, and he's pitiful. The #2 tight end just hasn't come around. The #2 RB is an embarrassment. There are depth problems all over this team, problems that will take at least another off-season to resolve.

Could we get really lucky and have all our starters healthy at the end of the season? Sure. But it's not very likely.

good post..very solid reasoning..

there is the other side of the coin to though..maybe KO is only suited to play the slot? I dont know for certain..but maybe he just isnt comfortable yet on the outside...not making excuses for him..because honestly, we dont need a productive #3 WR..the Pats #3 WR had, i believe 13 catches last season..We have Dez, Witten, and Austin when healthy..that is more than enough ammo..but can they all stay healthy is the question..you are correct about that

 

[baj1dallas]

I think the game showed something I wanted to see from this team. A desire to win. These guys had ample opportunity to hang their heads and lay down but they continue to fight and pulled out a game vs an NFC East rival.

Many mistakes were made but they overcame the mistakes. Defense did a great job of saving the day but there have been occasions where the offense had to carry the weight. These guys went out as a team and won, not pretty but not every win will be pretty.

It was a great impressive effort by Romo and the defense but they had to overcome the very poor effort from the offensive line and there's no way you expect to win every week if the line play doesn't improve.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I'll take ugly W's all day long, all year long. I don't care if it's ugly or pretty as long as it comes out a W.

 

[Doomsday101]

It was a great impressive effort by Romo and the defense but they had to overcome the very poor effort from the offensive line and there's no way you expect to win every week if the line play doesn't improve.

I agree your not going to play that way every week and win games but there will be games that teams will struggle and you find a way to pull out the W.

Romo and Garrett were quick to say there were a lot of mistakes and these have to be corrected so I don't see them hiding their heads in the sand. In the meantime Garrett words still hold true and that is good play or bad play you move on to the next one and you keep playing hard.

In the recent years a game like this would just snowball out of control and we would lose, lastnight the guys kept fighting

To me this was an ugly win but I also think how we won it will prove to be an improtant win

 

[Idgit]

I really, really enjoyed the game. Romo, Felix and the defense played great. We were playing with a severe handicap on offense and got it done. It was a really uneven game because of the mental errors from Costa and Ogletree, and I was disappointed in both players, but it was still a great win in tough circumstances.

 

[shockandroll]

I agree your not going to play that way every week and win games but there will be games that teams will struggle and you find a way to pull out the W.

Romo and Garrett were quick to say there were a lot of mistakes and these have to be corrected so I don't see them hiding their heads in the sand. In the meantime Garrett words still hold true and that is good play or bad play you move on to the next one and you keep playing hard.

In the recent years a game like this would just snowball out of control and we would lose, lastnight the guys kept fighting

To me this was an ugly win but I also think how we won it will prove to be an important win

My favorite quote was Spencer telling Ware he was going to cause a fumble and he wanted Ware to fall on it before the last series. Ware responded, cool, if I force one I want you to fall on it then.

There are many times this defense would have given up a score for the tie or the win in this situation. To see them want to go win the game, not hold them to a punt or FG, but get the ball back and actually win is huge to me.

There are a lot of games Romo is blamed for loosing that went just like last night, except the defense gave up the lead and put Romo back on the field again as time was running out.

It's great to have a defense that wants to win the game and not put it on Romo.

 

[tecolote]

Depth is a major issue. Depth is one of the key things that separates contenders from also-rans. What was ugly last night was just how many of the guys this team depends on to provide depth just aren't up to the task. The "real Cowboys offense" includes, for example, the #3 wideout, and he's pitiful. The #2 tight end just hasn't come around. The #2 RB is an embarrassment. There are depth problems all over this team, problems that will take at least another off-season to resolve.

Could we get really lucky and have all our starters healthy at the end of the season? Sure. But it's not very likely.

I get what you are saying but you never expect your top 5 players on offense to be injured.

Take Green Bay, imagine if Rodgers played with a broken rib, Jennings out, Nelson at half speed, Starks with a separated shoulder and Finley witn bruised ribs against a good defense. I don't think they would be as good.

We had no business winning yesterday, it was pure will and great defense.

A beautiful ugly win.

 

[Stautner]

No way around it - this was an ugly win. Yes, we had people hurt, but that doesn't mean the backups shouldn't know where to be and what to do. Romo didn't play well early on either, almost throwing picks several times. Again, yes he was hurt, but that doesn't make what he did pretty.

All that said, I'm cool with winning the game ugly. Every week is different, and every game is different, and sometimes you look great winning, but sometimes you have to be able to win without looking great. We found a way to win, and that's big.

 

[WV Cowboy]

I think the game showed something I wanted to see from this team. A desire to win. These guys had ample opportunity to hang their heads and lay down but they continue to fight and pulled out a game vs an NFC East rival.

Many mistakes were made but they overcame the mistakes. Defense did a great job of saving the day but there have been occasions where the offense had to carry the weight. These guys went out as a team and won, not pretty but not every win will be pretty.

It is no more complicated than this.

After each game it is either a W or an L.

Anything else, .. we can work on it in practice for the next game.

 

[cowboys2233]

with all of these players (Romo, Dez, Felix, and Austin) all expected to be healthy relatively quickly, this team should be looked at as a contender. It is dumbfounding to me that people look at this team like we are some chumps.

Agreed. If and when this team gets completely healthy, we are going to be a team to be reckoned with. If we are essentially healthy heading into New England after our bye week (a distinct possibility), we're winning that game.