Defense is way too talented to look that bad...

[Idgit]

No one care about their defense the fact remains they where with out their two starting WR and made us look silly.

I care about what happened to the Eagles defense. It's a great example of what can happen to a good defense when they play a great offense in an emotionally charged heavy-weight fight of a game. And they didn't fare as well as ours did.

I don't think Philly made our defense look silly at all, but I'm curious which of their two missing WRs are going to start in front of Desean Jackson when they return?

At some point, you're going to have to acknowledge that other teams can have good offenses, too. If you can't consistently pressure their QBs, they'll complete passes on you. Good defenses will have games where they give up points, but they stop teams when they have to make plays to win the game. Great defenses stop everybody. This isn't a great defense.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

I care about what happened to the Eagles defense. It's a great example of what can happen to a good defense when they play a great offense in an emotionally charged heavy-weight fight of a game. And they didn't fare as well as ours did.

I don't think Philly made our defense look silly at all, but I'm curious which of their two missing WRs are going to start in front of Desean Jackson when they return?

At some point, you're going to have to acknowledge that other teams can have good offenses, too. If you can't consistently pressure their QBs, they'll complete passes on you. Good defenses will have games where they give up points, but they stop teams when they have to make plays to win the game. Great defenses stop everybody. This isn't a great defense.

Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis will considering they where the #1 and #2 before injury. I think they would rather have Jackson in the slot wouldn't you??? I still question their offense however time will only tell.

 

[kramskoi]

The Eagles and Andy Reid used max protection and sent 2 or 3 receivers out to run deep routes during the first half. The DeSean Jackson play reflected that strategy. The Eagles used a tight formation to disguise their true motive on the play. It was max protection and both outside linebackers were chipped. Pacman passed Jackson off in zone, and Jackson ran right at Roy. That has to fall on the Dallas coaches for letting the Eagles get this matchup. When you play heavy zone and let your corners pass very fast receivers off to safeties, things can happen. The Eagles simply caught Dallas on that play. It was a good formation and play design by the Eagles. However, that should have been Dallas' ball, because the officials blew the call.

However, Wade Phillips and the defensive coaches made the adjustments at halftime, and the defense helped win that game in the second half. Phillips out coached Reid in the second half after adjusting to what the Eagles were doing in the first half. If you don't think so, just look at the stats in the second half. The Eagles were limited to 123 yards of total offense and just 7 points.

The Eagles were handed 14 points. They were given a gift TD on the fumble. That was a zero play, zero yard drive. Was that the defense's fault? Then, they had the interception and the bogus PI call against Henry. An offensive pass interference call right there would have knocked the Eagles out of field goal range and put them deep behind the chains. The bottom line, the Eagles' score total was inflated.

Other stats that say the Defense wasn't "terrible" in this game:

The Eagles were only 5/12 on 3rd down (41%). They didn't make enough of them.

The Eagles had 78 net rushing yards. 23-78 yards 3.4 YPC

The Eagles gained 5.3 Yards Per Play. Dallas gained 7.6 YPP.

The Eagles ran 64 plays . Dallas ran 54. The Eagles ran 10 more plays than Dallas did and were still outgained and outscored.

The Cowboys had 4 sacks (-22 yards), and two of them were when it counted the most in the fourth quarter. Dallas got pressure on McNabb. He was harrassed all night but avoided a handful of sacks. Plus, the Eagles gameplan was to use max protection and attack the zone coverage by running 2 or 3 receivers deep. You have to tip your hat to McNabb for being elusive. The guy is 240 lbs. Other quarterbacks would have gone down on several plays, including Aaron Rodgers.

The Eagles had zero sacks, and Romo was well protected.

The Eagles had 281 Gross Yards Passing. 6.3 Yards Per Pass.

Dallas had 10.4 Yards Per Pass and more yards passing.

Lito Sheppard was beat deep on the long TD to Owens. He went for that double move, too , but wasn't called out for it.

Brian Dawkins was roasted by Jason Witten. T.O. beat him on a slant T.O., too.

Brian Westbrook had 24 touches and 103 yards. That is 4.3 Yards Per Touch. Dallas did a good job on him. Westbrook scored a TD when three Dallas defenders where being held right in front of the official, and he scored after the terrible call on Henry. Plus, he had another short TD after Jackson's gaff that should have given Dallas the ball, but the rule prevented it.

Redzone Defense:

The Eagles scored 3 TDs on 5 redzone trips.

Dallas scored 3 TDs on 3 redzone trips.


Finally, Doomsday had to win some shootouts. The 90s Super Bowl teams had to win some shootouts. I think there is some over reacting on the board as a whole.

Everyone says Pacman is "rusty". Cleveland targeted him 6 times and completed 2 passes for 20 yards. That is 3.3 YPA. I don't have the numbers, but the Eagles didn't do very well against him, either. It took a zone and a passoff in zone that allowed them to get on the safety deep. You can't blame A. Jones on a good play design by the Eagles. The guy is learning a completely new scheme, and he is playing well. He came close to picking one off again. It is only a matter of time.

I've got Newman being tageted two times for 20 yards on his 32 plays. McNabb threw directily at him 2 times and completed both of them. (1 for 8 on a shallow cross and 1 for 12 on a dig route that was bobbled and caught after a big hit by Watkins.) Newman will only get stronger as he settles back in.


It was the almighty Eagles' defense that was outcoached by Jason Garrett, especially in the second half.

The Cowboys' defense came through and outplayed the Eagles' offense in the second half.

Dallas' second half adjustments (coaching) has a key to this game.

good observations...the McNabb-Westbrook tandem is healthy and confident again and that spells trouble for the Cowboys...in the end, Dallas had more gas but were lucky to survive the wrong side of both the turnover and penalty differential...this game reminded me of the "penalty" game against the Giants at the Meadowlands last year...too much bad blood between the Cowboys and their division foes...these guys REALLY don't like each other!

...after parsing the data and making a realistic assessment we have to acknowledge that, YES, there is major room for improvement in the secondary...McNabb is a unique QB with an elusive ability that requires extreme discipline and excellent tackling on the part of an opposing defense, especially with the playmaking ability of Westbrook...McNabb was responsible for the extension of many plays that kept the Eagles in the game...a seven point second-half did them in and we have to credit the defense which came through when it mattered...Romo's gaffes set the stage for the theatrics that followed but they found a way to win in spite of this...maybe 34-23 or 27-23 without points off turnovers...

...like Jones said, they just have to digest the game film and learn what the can in preparation for Green Bay...once Newman and Jones work their way back to good form the defense should acquire a stingier demeanor...lets just hope that Watkins can play solidly in Williams absence...

 

[Rack]

I will say the fumble in the endzone and thats about it. You can't pick and choose when you want to acknowledge points scored by the other team. Bottom line they put up way to many points.

Oh well, since you don't acknowledge it, I guess.... oh wait, no I still don't give a crap about your opinion.


I think you've more than proved what your level of football knowledge is... or isn't rather.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

Oh well, since you don't acknowledge it, I guess.... oh wait, no I still don't give a crap about your opinion.


I think you've more than proved what your level of football knowledge is... or isn't rather.

If you don't care for my opinion then why even respond ???? You sound silly right now like that TD doesn't count because there was a bogus penalty or call its a TD you can't write it off no matter how much you want to try.....your theory reminds me of girls who don't consider past dudes they had sex with because they don't like them anymore......rather silly IMO.

 

[28 Joker]

good observations...the McNabb-Westbrook tandem is healthy and confident again and that spells trouble for the Cowboys...in the end, Dallas had more gas but were lucky to survive the wrong side of both the turnover and penalty differential...this game reminded me of the "penalty" game against the Giants at the Meadowlands last year...too much bad blood between the Cowboys and their division foes...these guys REALLY don't like each other!

...after parsing the data and making a realistic assessment we have to acknowledge that, YES, there is major room for improvement in the secondary...McNabb is a unique QB with an elusive ability that requires extreme discipline and excellent tackling on the part of an opposing defense, especially with the playmaking ability of Westbrook...McNabb was responsible for the extension of many plays that kept the Eagles in the game...a seven point second-half did them in and we have to credit the defense which came through when it mattered...Romo's gaffes set the stage for the theatrics that followed but they found a way to win in spite of this...maybe 34-23 or 27-23 without points off turnovers...

...like Jones said, they just have to digest the game film and learn what the can in preparation for Green Bay...once Newman and Jones work their way back to good form the defense should acquire a stingier demeanor...lets just hope that Watkins can play solidly in Williams absence...

We agree on some aspects. However...

I don't think the Cowboys fear anyone. If it's bad news for anyone, it is bad news for the Giants and Commanders. As far as penalties go, yes Dallas had some, but the Eagles got away with three obvious non calls. First, Ratliff was held around the waste on one play where he had penetration and McNabb completed a pass for a 1st down. No call. Ware had his facemask held and pulled after he busted through on a loop inside. No call. Jenkins and Newman were held on a Westbrook TD. No call. The Eagles didn't have one holding call in the game when I saw several holds by their receivers and offensive line. I think the Eagles are lucky that that most of the calls or non calls favored them.

Plus, Romo outplayed McNabb in the second half, and he made the clutch throws to help win the game. Plus, Westbrook was held in check in the game.

Dallas' pass defense is structured to not give up the big play. It is a bend but don't break style of pass defense. The zones are set up to prevent the big play while the pass rush forces the QB into mistakes as he attempts to drive the field. Dallas had pressure. It was hard to get it on every single play during the game, especially when they max protect and the QB can buy some time with his legs. McNabb completed some thows in the first half (the 21 yarder to Jackson in zone for example) where he had way too much time to throw. Even the anouncers said that you can't cover them all day.

Dallas made adjustments at half time after they knew what the Eagles were doing, and they stuck on the receivers, even when McNabb had way too much time.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

We agree on some aspects. However...

I don't think the Cowboys fear anyone. If it's bad news for anyone, it is bad news for the Giants and Commanders. As far as penalties go, yes Dallas had some, but the Eagles got away with three obvious non calls. First, Ratliff was held around the waste on one play where he had penetration and McNabb completed a pass for a 1st down. No call. Ware had his facemask held and pulled after he busted through on a loop inside. No call. Jenkins and Newman were held on a Westbrook TD. No call. The Eagles didn't have one holding call in the game when I saw several holds by their receivers and offensive line. I think the Eagles are lucky that that most of the calls or non calls favored them.

Plus, Romo outplayed McNabb in the second half, and he made the clutch throws to help win the game. Plus, Westbrook was held in check in the game.

Dallas' pass defense is structured to not give up the big play. It is a bend but don't break style of pass defense. The zones are set up to prevent the big play while the pass rush forces the QB into mistakes as he attempts to drive the field. Dallas had pressure. It was hard to get it on every single play during the game, especially when they max protect and the QB can buy some time with his legs. McNabb completed some thows in the first half (the 21 yarder to Jackson in zone for example) where he had way too much time to throw. Even the anouncers said that you can't cover them all day.

Dallas made adjustments at half time after they knew what the Eagles were doing, and they stuck on the receivers, even when McNabb had way too much time.

I don't think its luck I think its been a trend. That penalties tend to go the way of the team that we are playing against.

 

[28 Joker]

The ball Avant caught on his back after getting drilled was another crossing route, not a dig like I stated earlier. Avant made an obtuse cut or move at the end of the route, that for some reason, I called a dig. My mistake. I just caught it.

 

[28 Joker]

I don't think its luck I think its been a trend. That penalties tend to go the way of the team that we are playing against.

Remember the Bears game last year on Sunday night. Remember how one sided the game was called against Dallas.

I think we will see the same thing, but I'm holding out hope that the poor officiating on Monday night will make the league buckle down for this game.

 

[Deep_South]

The D beat down Chunky Soup and he had nothing left when crunch time came.

As the year goes on, Pac will get better and better and we will be able to do more man coverage with him and hopefully Newman 100%.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I don't know what the answer is, however, the question is there.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

here is the bottom line...I think we slightly overrate the talent on this team...we have TWO....that's it....TWO pass rushers on this team...and that is from the LBer position. We have ONE....that's it....ONE...Pro Bowl CB.....perhaps the coaches are playing like this because the talent on this team is not as ALL WORLD as US FANS think it is.

But if I a am Jerry Jones....this would upset me. He did not open his wallet and dole out money and 1st round picks without input from coaches/scouts....I am assuming he asked the coaches/scouts who to re-sign or what free agents would help.....so after spending 1st round pick after 1st round pick after 1st round pick on defense....after extending Ratliff, Roy, Bradie James, Newman, and Hamlin...after bringing in Henry, Zach Thomas, Tank Johnson, Pac Man...and he still needs to figure out what he is going to do with Canty (who wants BIG) money.....WHAT ELSE IS JERRY TO DO?

Wade either needs to figure out how to use these guys....OR.....these guys are NOT who we thought they were!

 

[zrinkill]

Still in college =)

That explains a lot.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

Remember the Bears game last year on Sunday night. Remember how one sided the game was called against Dallas.

I think we will see the same thing, but I'm holding out hope that the poor officiating on Monday night will make the league buckle down for this game.

Yeah man its mind boggling

That explains a lot.

does it now????

 

[xtreme_2k]

Yeah man its mind boggling



does it now????

So you are smart enough to go to college...good for you, but here's a little bit of a clue, it does not make you a football expert. At least in term of thinking you know more than the coaches that are getting paid a lot of money to do their job and bring the Cowboys to a 2-0 record thus far. If you like to share your opinion that is fine, just don't make it sound like your opinion is a fact and the magic pill in making this team not open to errors and near to perfection.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

So you are smart enough to go to college...good for you, but here's a little bit of a clue, it does not make you a football expert. At least in term of thinking you know more than the coaches that are getting paid a lot of money to do their job and bring the Cowboys to a 2-0 record thus far. If you like to share your opinion that is fine, just don't make it sound like your opinion is a fact and the magic pill in making this team not open to errors and near to perfection.

Ah man TO run straight.... Witten do an out .... toss barber left toss barber right..... Defense play this crap zone.... Ware blitz..... then Ellis... then both yall blitz.....now zach blitz..... stunt left stunt right weak blitz strong blitz..... nice scheme phillips

 

[landryscorner]

I remember Kevin Smith and Deion just manhandliing receivers back in the day, dam I miss those days, and woody bringing the wood in the middle, I believe we have the talent to press receivers, if the cowboy coaches are afraid of us getting burned why worry its happening anyways

 

[Fletch]

I think it was a division game ..... stuff like that happens in a division game.

BAM! zrinkill is on the money! This is definitely a divisional game. When you play a team every season, two games out of the year, they know your tendencies, you know their's.

Plus, the Eagles have an outstanding RB who can lineup anywhere on offense and make you pay. And Westbrook delivered. But the Cowboys made the stops that count at the very end of the game. The NFC East is going to be a shootout the entire year.

We do have a talented defense, but it has only been game two in the 2008 season. The Cowboys will begin to come together defensively as the season goes along. I expect the defense to be better against the Packers.

 

[xtreme_2k]

BAM! zrinkill is on the money! This is definitely a divisional game. When you play a team every season, two games out of the year, they know your tendencies, you know their's.

Plus, the Eagles have an outstanding RB who can lineup anywhere on offense and make you pay. And Westbrook delivered. But the Cowboys made the stops that count at the very end of the game. The NFC East is going to be a shootout the entire year.

We do have a talented defense, but it has only been game two in the 2008 season. The Cowboys will begin to come together defensively as the season goes along. I expect the defense to be better against the Packers.

It seems some fans...cough...DaBoys4Life...cough...miss this point. He seems to think he has the answer to what ails the Cowboys.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

here is the bottom line...I think we slightly overrate the talent on this team...we have TWO....that's it....TWO pass rushers on this team...and that is from the LBer position. We have ONE....that's it....ONE...Pro Bowl CB.....perhaps the coaches are playing like this because the talent on this team is not as ALL WORLD as US FANS think it is.!

People do overrate the individual players on this defense, or at least some do. We have a DPOY candidate in Ware. We have one of the better corners in Newman. We now have a HOF-type ILB who is past his prime in Zach. The rest are just pretty good players.

Especially up front, we don't have the dominating monsters like people seem to think we have. Tank is a good player who got a lot of headlines because of his legal troubles, but he was never a great player. Canty is very solid, but not an Albert Haynesworth type. Spears is just pretty good. Ratliff is a great effort guy who is getting better all the time, but not a Jamaal Williams in his prime or Vince Wilfork type NT.

Point being that we're pretty talented, sure. But some people talk as if we have 11 hall of famers on this defense, and we don't.