I really cant think of a more disappointing loss than what we saw last night. Maybe the Niners loss in the NFC Championship game after the 94 season, perhaps the surprise loss to NYG last January. I was just blindsided by how poorly we played in this huge game. I wasnt shocked when we lost to Pittsburgh two weeks ago, but I am shocked we lost to the Ravens at home.
1) There's plenty of blame to go around. Ultimately though two guys deserve the majority of the blame, Hamlin and Romo. Hamlin had the worst game I've ever seen a safety have and continued his absolutely horrible play that started back in TC. Romo threw two more mind boggling, boneheaded picks that cost us dearly. Missed wide open guys, threw to the wrong guys. Got totally outplayed on our homefield by a rookie from Delaware. Was he rushed some, yeah he was. Was that a surprise? No. We rushed their guy too and sacked him 5 times in one half, did he throw a bunch of stupid picks? The plays where he screwed up the most were plays he had little to no pressure on him. The first pick it appeared Witten was wide open 15-20 yds downfield right in his line of sight. Not sure what the hell he was thinking on the 2nd. Missed Miles Austin badly on a gimmee TD, not sure what happened on that long one to Owens when he was open. Looked like he either wasnt expecting the ball or was thinking it would come more towards the inside.
2) Tashard Choice is a real keeper. Sure he did botch that option pitch and had a couple of problems in blitz protection, but otherwise he was outstanding. Somebody is probably going to call this offseason and offer something really good to get this kid, and hopefully Jones just hangs up.
3) I came away pretty impressed with Joe Flacco. I also came away thinking if we had swapped QB's before the game, we'd have won. They've got a good future with him at QB.
4) DeMarcus Ware, what can you say. Only had the one sack but it was huge and we got our first TD because of him. Had a potential game saving forced fumble ruined by that loser Hamlin. On most plays the Ravens had two tackles blocking him, on some plays they had 3 guys dedicated to him. He's the best defensive player in the league by far and should hands down be DPOY whether we go to the playoffs or not.
5) Hats off to Kevin Burnett too (hey Deion, its not BAR-nett), he had another really solid game and should definitely be given strong consideration for a contract extension. Should probably replace Zach Thomas permanently at ILB next yr.
I wouldn't mind a Thomas for Ray Lewis swap.,
6) Bruce Read cant be fired soon enough.
7) I am still amazed at all the bad hops we get on fumbles, and really amazed we cant get more interceptions with all the pressure we get on the QB.
8) Jason Witten is the ultimate warrior, what an effort last night. I bet he isnt more than 60-70%, and he's still getting open, making great catches and taking huge hits.
9) While we still have a decent shot at the playoffs, this is not a team that is going to have any success once (if) they get there. Too many mistakes, too many guys not giving 100%, too many guys unprepared, too many penalties and a turnover prone QB.
10) I think Anthony Henry, Zach Thomas and Cory Proctor have played their last games at Texas Stadium. Either Canty or Spears (hopefully not both) will be gone via free agency. Ken Hamlin should be gone but probably wont be. The one guy we could lose but I hope we dont is Miles Austin. He has a a ton of ability and I bet somebody will pay him really good money to come in and start. He's going to be a good player. Wont be surprised if Miami signs him as Parcells supposedly loved this guy. Some will probably call me out for this, but I'd rather lose Owens at this point than Austin. That obviously wont happen because of Jerry, but Austin could help us win for years whereas Owens probably has one decent yr left.
11) If Norv Turner gets fired in San Diego, Jones should think long and hard about bringing him here. Norv could do wonders for Romo, who has regressed this yr and IMO does a poor job preparing himself during the weeks for these games. Turner is also a master play caller and does a great job of setting up plays. Garrett is deservedly getting alot of criticism now but I dont believe its all his fault, but he needs another yr or two of grooming. Ironically it was Norv who said during the interview process last yr that Garrett wasnt ready to be a fulltime playcalling offensive coordinator. Guess he may have known something.
12) Bradie James didnt even make the THIRD alternate for the probowl. Unbelievable. Somehow Hamlin, who was God-awful all yr was a second alternate. We had nobody chosen as a first alternate.
13) Looking back, Jones has gotta be thinking he just threw a ton of money away this yr and got no ROI. Hamlin was horrendous, Barber was average at best. Adams had an average yr. All those guys got elite player money. Barber is arguably only the 3rd best RB on the team.
14) Awful way to send that great stadium off. The players should be ashamed of themselves, but many dont seem to be. Our QB had that "oh well, it happens" attitude again after the game. Seems others followed in line with that.
15) I think Atlanta and Tampa may very well both lose today, but I think we'll get blown out next week in Philly if Philly wins today and is playing for a playoff spot. If we cant win at home, set up the way we were last night we definitely arnt winning in Philly either.
Disappointing season, no other way to put it. Even with all the injuries there's not much excuse to be 9-6 and probably home for the playoffs with this kind of talent.
