CCBoy
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Are you ready to R.U.M.B.L.E....?
The Cowboys are returning home, with an exact 8-4 record that was theirs when such players as TO, Pacman Jones, and 'Tank' Johnson were integral parts of a team hitting it's 'stride' month. Tony Romo was just getting a feel back in his throwing hand, after stints with a splint and tossing the pigskin. TO was all but worn out and worn by high and low side coverages by all incoming defenses.
Dallas has a 5-1 record in their new facility. It has accomplished wins against: Carolina 21-7; Atlanta 31-21; Seattle 38-17; Washington 7-6; Oakland 24-7.
The San Diego Chargers come into Dallas, with a 9-3 record. They have a 5-1 record on the road. They have losses against: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Denver. They snuck in a 21-20 win over the Giants right in the middle of the Giant 'slumping'. They just eeked by a very 'challenged' Cleveland with a win this past week.
On the whole, a very similar outward picture to that of the Cowboys...
'What we can say is that heading into Week 12, Dallas has gained more yards than San Diego, but that the Chargers have scored more points. We know the two teams have very similar defensive numbers—so much so that the Chargers are ranked 13th in the NFL and the Cowboys 14th.
It is also clear that San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has better statistics than those of Tony Romo, but only slightly. And although LaDainian Tomlinson has scored eight rushing touchdowns for the Chargers, his overall figures are not what they have been in the past and certainly are not superior to those of the Dallas tandem of Marion Barber and Felix Jones.
Even the number of penalties called on the two teams is exactly the same.
So it appears there will be two evenly matched clubs dueling when these teams meet for just the ninth time in a span of 37 years.
San Diego had a losing record going into the final week of the 2008 season, somehow won its division with an 8-8 mark and was promptly eliminated from the playoffs by eventual-champion Pittsburgh. The so-so effort from the Chargers last year could be traced in part to the fact they were next-to-last in pass defense.
This year, they rank eighth against the pass. They have 28 sacks (tied with the Cowboys) and give up less than 200 yards in the air per game.
Their young secondary, which includes rookie safety Kevin Ellison, has rounded into form. Finding holes in that secondary will be one of the key factors for Dallas against the Chargers. And even though it appears Tomlinson will come up short of 1,000 yards this season, he can still be a force.
There is also this. San Diego is a plus-eight when it comes to turnovers, tied for fifth best in the NFL. Dallas is an unimpressive minus-three.
It is the only really big difference in the teams' numbers and suggests San Diego has had more big plays than Dallas. In games between opponents that look so similar, a big play here or there usually determines the winner.'* (taken from Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine)
Next, we have the head coaches butting next...and if ONLY this were a real WWF match, I'd go with the non-challenging big 'Sumi-wrestler' Wade Phillips against the red-faced pencilie Norv Turner.
Norv Turner went into San Diego, after being bounced around the league as a 'losing' head coach. Very few questioned his abilities as an offensive coordinator, and his people chosen, are starting to come to the front in production.
From that changing period for San Diego, Wade Phillips constructed their dominant defense, which following Wade's departure, has slumped considerably as to diminance.
Looking back at the period of transition for both the Cowboys, who gained the San Diego's defensive coordinator in Wade, and the start of Norv Turner as their Head Coach....
The Cowboys and the Chargers have met only eight times in the history of the two teams ... This is just the third time the Chargers are the visitors ... The last time the clubs met was in the 2005 season opener when the Cowboys traveled west and defeated San Diego 28-24 behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Veteran receiver Keenan McCardell burned Dallas for nine receptions, 123 yards and two touchdowns but it wasn't enough for the Chargers ... San Diego's head coach at that time was veteran Marty Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer guided the Chargers to a 9-7 mark in 2005 then went 14-2 in 2006, but was still let go when the team lost in the first round of the playoffs to New England.
So Turner has risen to the point of respectability as a head coach, and Wade still awaits that final step...winning INTO the playoffs.
'The Chargers must be heading into December encouraged after a 5-0 record in November. Entering December, the Chargers have a perfect 9-0 mark under current head coach Norv Turner, the former Dallas offensive coordinator.' *(Star)
Although both, Turner and Phillips, have intimate knowledge of aspects of the other's team, here, Phillips instilled, drafted, and developed their present defense less more recent tweekings of it. He therefore has more recent and pertinent ability to pick those aspects apart and apply game changes during the progression of a game between them.
To say that when San Diego played Cleveland this past week, that they were playing a very 'offensively challenged' offense, could be a gross understatement. Yet, that Cleveland team put up thirty points on that San Diego team.
Following San Diego,the Cowboys' next opponent is New Orleans, who has beat Dallas in their past five outings...so Wade's focus should be razor sharp in his preparations and relaying projections to his team. Zero room for gross neligence or error creeping into the picture for him.
In their last outing, against the Giants, Tony Romo and his receiving group put up 390+ yards on a very game New York team. It included three touchdown passes and no interceptions being thrown as well.
This is the start of a realistic indicator coming into this Sunday's game.
The Cowboy passing game has now risen to:
Roy Williams: 32 catches, 504 yards, 6 TD
Miles Austin: 52 catches, 928 Yards, 9 TD
...and to think that Tony Romo had a 112 QB rating his first game in December also.
In a six game run, Miles Austin is now tied for fourth as to total touchdowns by receivers. That, when added to the now growing presence of Roy Williams, could be a passing edge slightly better than that of San Diego's offense. Tight ends are approximately equal, but when someone throws in Patrick Crayton, then the edge moves slightly in favor of the Cowboys.
Next, the Chargers have a sure future Hall of Famer in the presence of Ladainian Tomlinson.
'For seven years running, LaDainian Tomlinson, affectionately referred to as "LT" by his fans, has lugged well over 300 carries per season as the premier running back in the NFL. Over that period he put up Hall of Fame numbers. Then at the end of last season, the toll of the workload began to show. Tomlinson's production was the lowest of his career with 1,110 yards rushing on 292 carries. Add in his 11 touchdowns and it was still a very productive effort for an NFL running back. Yet, this season's numbers indicate the former Texas Christian University star is on the downside of his brilliant career. Through 11 games he had just 497 yards rushing on 148 attempts. At that pace, he would end up with career lows of 882 yards and 260 carries.'*(Star)
Even when one adds Darren Sproles to the running back picture, it still doesn't quite equal to what Dallas has with it's trio of runners. Both Marion Barber and Felix Jones should begin hitting stride as to productions. I wouldn't at all call what has been produced by the Cowboys up to the present, as shabby for any team's running department. Despite his fumble at a very untimely point this past game, that thumb injury is slowly disappearing into the past for Marion. As to Jones, he still possesses a very high relationship of production each and every time that he touches the ball. Now that his brace has come off, one can probably and realisticly predict that his 'magical' play production will return as well. This greatly enhances the Cowboy picture in it's offensive projection.
Here is what the Cowboys bring to the plate:
Rushing Statistics
Player Att Yds Yds/Att Long TD
Marion Barber 152 669 4.4 35 4
Felix Jones 67 427 6.4 56 2
Tashard Choice 60 333 5.6 66 3
...and even this could be improving right now, as the 'black 'n blue' December heats up as well.
Then there quickly comes to mind, the problems that seem to be emerging around special team's play for Dallas.
Now, taking a quick look at San Diego...
Cowboys P Mat McBriar vs. Chargers PR Darren Sproles
In a game between two division-leading contenders, special teams could play a critical part in the outcome. McBriar has one of the league's strongest legs and is having another outstanding season. Through 11 games and 53 kicks, McBriar's 44.2 average yards per kick were slightly off his career average of 44.9, but his 40.5 net average would qualify as a career best. Although still dangerous—Sproles has already returned a punt for a touchdown this season, a 77-yard score in a loss to division rival Denver—he is not having his best year returning punts. His average is less than nine yards and the touchdown against the Broncos is his lone return of better than 20 yards. He has also fumbled three punts, which matches his total from his first four years combined. Each time McBriar is called upon to end a possession, it could be a big play for either team. *(Star)
Add to this, the fact that Tony Romo could be holding for Folk, and things could just be coming back in focus for this quality unit that has had bits and pieces needing some adjustment. Romo and his touch around Folk, may just bring this and other special team's focus under direction of the fine Special Team's coach now walking the sidelines for Dallas.
At least in Dallas, and a wall to wall coverage of each and every call, one wouldn't expect the refereeing crew to consistently call unfair rulings involving the home team...think?
But in my view, the one big advantage of Dallas, arriving at the very same point that it was in last year...is this. They now have the advantage of having nothing to lose, having already gone through the stress and learning that comes with yearning for success. This team changed it's character over the off season. Taken out of the equal records, are players such as TO, Tank, and Pacman. In their place were substituted Miles Austin, Keith Brooking, and fully functional Mike Jenkins.
They are coming back to their own home. They have some pride to prove out. As the whole Wade Phillips, Tony Romo, Roy Williams... ad infinitim, has brought something that doesn't jump out and kick you off the curb. They have gained a determination and unity.
To us oldschool fans, that is translated - fighting spirit!
In reality, it's the Cowboys who are doing the fighting for Phillips, which was apparent Tuesday night during a taping of Keith Brooking's weekly local television show.
Brooking, who previously played under Phillips in Atlanta and is in his first season with the Cowboys, responded passionately to one of a couple reporters who, in the wake of their loss at New York, had been critical of Phillips' handling of the team and their track record toward the end of seasons.
Specifically, Brooking took exception to the assertion that the players aren't winners.
"I'm there every day during practice. You're in the locker room for 35 minutes a day, maybe," Brooking chided the reporter. "You're on the practice field when we stretch, OK? You're not there every day. You don't see what goes on in every practice, the sacrifice that we make, the accountability that Wade Phillips holds us to every day.
"I'll go to fight for that man until I hang my cleats up and I'm done playing football. Because I have the utmost respect for him, and everything that I've seen from my teammates, everything that I've heard, they feel the same way."
Now, Brookings has become a tandem with none other than Bradie James right in the middle of the Dallas D. *(Star)
'After five straight weeks of holding opponents to fewer than 20 points, the Cowboys' defense has emerged as a club strength. The group is a large part of the reason Dallas won six of its last seven games and sat atop the NFC East with an 8-3 record following Thanksgiving.
Two crucial components to that defensive unit who have shined all season are veteran middle inside linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking. The duo were by far the club's top two tacklers, while also providing valuable leadership and serving as respected mentors to the squad's contingent of young 'backers.
As a 12-year NFLer who spent his entire career in Atlanta before signing with Dallas as a free agent last February, Brooking has adjusted well to the Cowboys' scheme and has fit in perfectly with James, a seventh-year man who also serves as defensive captain.
While the five-time Pro Bowler Brooking was familiar with coach Wade Phillips' aggressive 3-4 system from 2002-03, when Phillips was the Falcons' defensive coordinator, the seamless way he's blended in has been remarkable. He and James developed impressive chemistry quickly and have continued to gradually feel more and more comfortable lining up next to each other.
"It's gone well," Brooking says of his assimilation into the Dallas defense. "I think defensively, we're starting to progress, we're getting better and better every week. I think it's showing when you turn the film on; it's showing in our stats." *(Star)
The Dallas defense now boasts Anthony Spencer, Marcus Spears, Jay Ratliff, Igor Olshansky, DeMarcus Ware...with Bradie James and Keither Brooking directly behind their middle. I say that sways the defensive advantage to Dallas.
Both Dallas and San Diego have lost starting quality offensive tackles to injury this season, but for this game, it appears that San Diego's All Pro center will either be gone, or at best, greatly hindered by injury.
No, I think an unchecked and little FORESEEN factor WILL be coming to the new Dallas stadium for this very game....and it's called Pride. This team's fur is ruffled and it's going to show, starting this very game.
And when that announcer for this 'cage match' comes to center ring and asks: Are you ready to Rumble? There will be a unified and as well as powerful response by the Cowboys!
The Cowboys are returning home, with an exact 8-4 record that was theirs when such players as TO, Pacman Jones, and 'Tank' Johnson were integral parts of a team hitting it's 'stride' month. Tony Romo was just getting a feel back in his throwing hand, after stints with a splint and tossing the pigskin. TO was all but worn out and worn by high and low side coverages by all incoming defenses.
Dallas has a 5-1 record in their new facility. It has accomplished wins against: Carolina 21-7; Atlanta 31-21; Seattle 38-17; Washington 7-6; Oakland 24-7.
The San Diego Chargers come into Dallas, with a 9-3 record. They have a 5-1 record on the road. They have losses against: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Denver. They snuck in a 21-20 win over the Giants right in the middle of the Giant 'slumping'. They just eeked by a very 'challenged' Cleveland with a win this past week.
On the whole, a very similar outward picture to that of the Cowboys...
'What we can say is that heading into Week 12, Dallas has gained more yards than San Diego, but that the Chargers have scored more points. We know the two teams have very similar defensive numbers—so much so that the Chargers are ranked 13th in the NFL and the Cowboys 14th.
It is also clear that San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has better statistics than those of Tony Romo, but only slightly. And although LaDainian Tomlinson has scored eight rushing touchdowns for the Chargers, his overall figures are not what they have been in the past and certainly are not superior to those of the Dallas tandem of Marion Barber and Felix Jones.
Even the number of penalties called on the two teams is exactly the same.
So it appears there will be two evenly matched clubs dueling when these teams meet for just the ninth time in a span of 37 years.
San Diego had a losing record going into the final week of the 2008 season, somehow won its division with an 8-8 mark and was promptly eliminated from the playoffs by eventual-champion Pittsburgh. The so-so effort from the Chargers last year could be traced in part to the fact they were next-to-last in pass defense.
This year, they rank eighth against the pass. They have 28 sacks (tied with the Cowboys) and give up less than 200 yards in the air per game.
Their young secondary, which includes rookie safety Kevin Ellison, has rounded into form. Finding holes in that secondary will be one of the key factors for Dallas against the Chargers. And even though it appears Tomlinson will come up short of 1,000 yards this season, he can still be a force.
There is also this. San Diego is a plus-eight when it comes to turnovers, tied for fifth best in the NFL. Dallas is an unimpressive minus-three.
It is the only really big difference in the teams' numbers and suggests San Diego has had more big plays than Dallas. In games between opponents that look so similar, a big play here or there usually determines the winner.'* (taken from Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine)
Next, we have the head coaches butting next...and if ONLY this were a real WWF match, I'd go with the non-challenging big 'Sumi-wrestler' Wade Phillips against the red-faced pencilie Norv Turner.
Norv Turner went into San Diego, after being bounced around the league as a 'losing' head coach. Very few questioned his abilities as an offensive coordinator, and his people chosen, are starting to come to the front in production.
From that changing period for San Diego, Wade Phillips constructed their dominant defense, which following Wade's departure, has slumped considerably as to diminance.
Looking back at the period of transition for both the Cowboys, who gained the San Diego's defensive coordinator in Wade, and the start of Norv Turner as their Head Coach....
The Cowboys and the Chargers have met only eight times in the history of the two teams ... This is just the third time the Chargers are the visitors ... The last time the clubs met was in the 2005 season opener when the Cowboys traveled west and defeated San Diego 28-24 behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Veteran receiver Keenan McCardell burned Dallas for nine receptions, 123 yards and two touchdowns but it wasn't enough for the Chargers ... San Diego's head coach at that time was veteran Marty Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer guided the Chargers to a 9-7 mark in 2005 then went 14-2 in 2006, but was still let go when the team lost in the first round of the playoffs to New England.
So Turner has risen to the point of respectability as a head coach, and Wade still awaits that final step...winning INTO the playoffs.
'The Chargers must be heading into December encouraged after a 5-0 record in November. Entering December, the Chargers have a perfect 9-0 mark under current head coach Norv Turner, the former Dallas offensive coordinator.' *(Star)
Although both, Turner and Phillips, have intimate knowledge of aspects of the other's team, here, Phillips instilled, drafted, and developed their present defense less more recent tweekings of it. He therefore has more recent and pertinent ability to pick those aspects apart and apply game changes during the progression of a game between them.
To say that when San Diego played Cleveland this past week, that they were playing a very 'offensively challenged' offense, could be a gross understatement. Yet, that Cleveland team put up thirty points on that San Diego team.
Following San Diego,the Cowboys' next opponent is New Orleans, who has beat Dallas in their past five outings...so Wade's focus should be razor sharp in his preparations and relaying projections to his team. Zero room for gross neligence or error creeping into the picture for him.
In their last outing, against the Giants, Tony Romo and his receiving group put up 390+ yards on a very game New York team. It included three touchdown passes and no interceptions being thrown as well.
This is the start of a realistic indicator coming into this Sunday's game.
The Cowboy passing game has now risen to:
Roy Williams: 32 catches, 504 yards, 6 TD
Miles Austin: 52 catches, 928 Yards, 9 TD
...and to think that Tony Romo had a 112 QB rating his first game in December also.
In a six game run, Miles Austin is now tied for fourth as to total touchdowns by receivers. That, when added to the now growing presence of Roy Williams, could be a passing edge slightly better than that of San Diego's offense. Tight ends are approximately equal, but when someone throws in Patrick Crayton, then the edge moves slightly in favor of the Cowboys.
Next, the Chargers have a sure future Hall of Famer in the presence of Ladainian Tomlinson.
'For seven years running, LaDainian Tomlinson, affectionately referred to as "LT" by his fans, has lugged well over 300 carries per season as the premier running back in the NFL. Over that period he put up Hall of Fame numbers. Then at the end of last season, the toll of the workload began to show. Tomlinson's production was the lowest of his career with 1,110 yards rushing on 292 carries. Add in his 11 touchdowns and it was still a very productive effort for an NFL running back. Yet, this season's numbers indicate the former Texas Christian University star is on the downside of his brilliant career. Through 11 games he had just 497 yards rushing on 148 attempts. At that pace, he would end up with career lows of 882 yards and 260 carries.'*(Star)
Even when one adds Darren Sproles to the running back picture, it still doesn't quite equal to what Dallas has with it's trio of runners. Both Marion Barber and Felix Jones should begin hitting stride as to productions. I wouldn't at all call what has been produced by the Cowboys up to the present, as shabby for any team's running department. Despite his fumble at a very untimely point this past game, that thumb injury is slowly disappearing into the past for Marion. As to Jones, he still possesses a very high relationship of production each and every time that he touches the ball. Now that his brace has come off, one can probably and realisticly predict that his 'magical' play production will return as well. This greatly enhances the Cowboy picture in it's offensive projection.
Here is what the Cowboys bring to the plate:
Rushing Statistics
Player Att Yds Yds/Att Long TD
Marion Barber 152 669 4.4 35 4
Felix Jones 67 427 6.4 56 2
Tashard Choice 60 333 5.6 66 3
...and even this could be improving right now, as the 'black 'n blue' December heats up as well.
Then there quickly comes to mind, the problems that seem to be emerging around special team's play for Dallas.
Now, taking a quick look at San Diego...
Cowboys P Mat McBriar vs. Chargers PR Darren Sproles
In a game between two division-leading contenders, special teams could play a critical part in the outcome. McBriar has one of the league's strongest legs and is having another outstanding season. Through 11 games and 53 kicks, McBriar's 44.2 average yards per kick were slightly off his career average of 44.9, but his 40.5 net average would qualify as a career best. Although still dangerous—Sproles has already returned a punt for a touchdown this season, a 77-yard score in a loss to division rival Denver—he is not having his best year returning punts. His average is less than nine yards and the touchdown against the Broncos is his lone return of better than 20 yards. He has also fumbled three punts, which matches his total from his first four years combined. Each time McBriar is called upon to end a possession, it could be a big play for either team. *(Star)
Add to this, the fact that Tony Romo could be holding for Folk, and things could just be coming back in focus for this quality unit that has had bits and pieces needing some adjustment. Romo and his touch around Folk, may just bring this and other special team's focus under direction of the fine Special Team's coach now walking the sidelines for Dallas.
At least in Dallas, and a wall to wall coverage of each and every call, one wouldn't expect the refereeing crew to consistently call unfair rulings involving the home team...think?
But in my view, the one big advantage of Dallas, arriving at the very same point that it was in last year...is this. They now have the advantage of having nothing to lose, having already gone through the stress and learning that comes with yearning for success. This team changed it's character over the off season. Taken out of the equal records, are players such as TO, Tank, and Pacman. In their place were substituted Miles Austin, Keith Brooking, and fully functional Mike Jenkins.
They are coming back to their own home. They have some pride to prove out. As the whole Wade Phillips, Tony Romo, Roy Williams... ad infinitim, has brought something that doesn't jump out and kick you off the curb. They have gained a determination and unity.
To us oldschool fans, that is translated - fighting spirit!
In reality, it's the Cowboys who are doing the fighting for Phillips, which was apparent Tuesday night during a taping of Keith Brooking's weekly local television show.
Brooking, who previously played under Phillips in Atlanta and is in his first season with the Cowboys, responded passionately to one of a couple reporters who, in the wake of their loss at New York, had been critical of Phillips' handling of the team and their track record toward the end of seasons.
Specifically, Brooking took exception to the assertion that the players aren't winners.
"I'm there every day during practice. You're in the locker room for 35 minutes a day, maybe," Brooking chided the reporter. "You're on the practice field when we stretch, OK? You're not there every day. You don't see what goes on in every practice, the sacrifice that we make, the accountability that Wade Phillips holds us to every day.
"I'll go to fight for that man until I hang my cleats up and I'm done playing football. Because I have the utmost respect for him, and everything that I've seen from my teammates, everything that I've heard, they feel the same way."
Now, Brookings has become a tandem with none other than Bradie James right in the middle of the Dallas D. *(Star)
'After five straight weeks of holding opponents to fewer than 20 points, the Cowboys' defense has emerged as a club strength. The group is a large part of the reason Dallas won six of its last seven games and sat atop the NFC East with an 8-3 record following Thanksgiving.
Two crucial components to that defensive unit who have shined all season are veteran middle inside linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking. The duo were by far the club's top two tacklers, while also providing valuable leadership and serving as respected mentors to the squad's contingent of young 'backers.
As a 12-year NFLer who spent his entire career in Atlanta before signing with Dallas as a free agent last February, Brooking has adjusted well to the Cowboys' scheme and has fit in perfectly with James, a seventh-year man who also serves as defensive captain.
While the five-time Pro Bowler Brooking was familiar with coach Wade Phillips' aggressive 3-4 system from 2002-03, when Phillips was the Falcons' defensive coordinator, the seamless way he's blended in has been remarkable. He and James developed impressive chemistry quickly and have continued to gradually feel more and more comfortable lining up next to each other.
"It's gone well," Brooking says of his assimilation into the Dallas defense. "I think defensively, we're starting to progress, we're getting better and better every week. I think it's showing when you turn the film on; it's showing in our stats." *(Star)
The Dallas defense now boasts Anthony Spencer, Marcus Spears, Jay Ratliff, Igor Olshansky, DeMarcus Ware...with Bradie James and Keither Brooking directly behind their middle. I say that sways the defensive advantage to Dallas.
Both Dallas and San Diego have lost starting quality offensive tackles to injury this season, but for this game, it appears that San Diego's All Pro center will either be gone, or at best, greatly hindered by injury.
No, I think an unchecked and little FORESEEN factor WILL be coming to the new Dallas stadium for this very game....and it's called Pride. This team's fur is ruffled and it's going to show, starting this very game.
And when that announcer for this 'cage match' comes to center ring and asks: Are you ready to Rumble? There will be a unified and as well as powerful response by the Cowboys!
