Even more thoughts on the game

[dbair1967]

we all have em...

1) for those who may have missed, the GROZ leader (me) ate his crow in a couple other threads...that was a good defensive plan and performance yesterday against an outstanding offensive team...they bent some but made alot of big plays and hit/bothered the QB alot more than in most games...I hope they continue the same type of play in coming weeks

2) almost everyone is in agreement here, but Romo does indeed appear to be the real deal...if there is a weakness in his game I havent seen it in his 4 starts...his VAST improvement in throwing accuracy since when we signed him as a RFA is amazing...the guy went from having a scattershot arm to being very very accurate, and not only "accurate" in terms of hitting open receivers but hitting them on the run so they can rack up yards after catch...he has great touch...a decent enough arm...his decision making for the most part is excellent...he has a quick release and he has good feet to move around...not only does he move well but he throws on the run well...for a guy who was a 1-AA guy and went undrafted, his development as an NFL player is just amazing

3) Romo assuredly wont win it, but I bet if he continues his excellent play and we make the playoffs he will get some votes for MVP...like I said he wotn win, but he will get a few votes...he probably wont make the probowl either unless its as an injury replacement (maybe McNabb will get voted in by the fans) but what other NFC QB's are more deserving than him? Long way to go and a huge month of December, but right now he is playing better than any QB in the NFC

4) people need to quit complaining about our RB situation...its great, be happy about it...Jones is te starter and gets most of the carries for a reason, but Barber is one of the top #2 RB's in the league and is an exceptional short yardage/goalline back...

5) speaking of Jones, he now has over 800 yds rushing and in addition has caught 6 passes for 111 yds...4 of the 6 catches have been for over 15yds, and 3 of them have been over 22yds...combined Jones & Barber have over 1200 yds rushing, 12 rushing tds, another 250+ yds in receving and more important, only ONE fumble in over300 touches

6) Vanderjact is a major concern...if the ball is on the right hash he is almost a lock to miss the FG...I'm not a kicking coach, but there has to be something mechanical with him going on because every kick seems to drift right, even his PAT's

7) Kevin Burnett is going to be a really good player for us for a long time...he is pretty good now, but with another offseason to get a little bigger/stronger and his knee further away from the ACL injury (remember, he still isnt even full yr away in his recovery) he is going to be really good...he is pretty good in coverage and very active overall

8) nobody has noticed (prob because he got hurt and missed a number of games) but Larry Allen is playing very well for SF...I think he's started the past 3 games, and I doubt its a coincidence that Frank Gore has had two HUGE games running the ball in the past two weeks..I watched a little of last weeks game and turned over for a few plays yesterday, and there was Allen making some big blocks and even getting out into space and into the second level of defenders to spring Gore for a couple of bigger runs

9) something is seriously wrong if Terrance Newman doesnt make the probowl and be 1st or 2nd team on some all-pro teams

10) we better take care of Tampa and make quick work of them...I know they won yesterday but they are a lousy football team...this will be a good gauge IMO to see if we are really making progress here...Thursday doesnt have to be a blowout, but we should be in firm control of this game and win comfortably...there is absolutely no excuse to lose and they need to get out to a nice lead because Vanderjact cannot be counted on to win it for us if the game is close late...I think Romo should play well again because Kiffin's defense is very similar to Dungy's, and he'll be seeing it twice now in 5 days

David

 

[CoCo]

I've been wondering whether Allen was back yet and how he was looking. I have zero regrets. If he's playing well in space, and even getting to the 2nd level, bully for him. I was tired of waiting to see it in Dallas again and I don't believe 06 would have been any different if he'd stayed here. Maybe the move has allowed him to turn the clock back for whatever reason. Good for him.

Loved him when he produced here but we had exhausted all Larry Allen options in Dallas.

 

[joseephuss]

Joey T was on Dan Patrick earlier today and said that Romo and Drew Brees should be the NFC pro bowl representatives at QB. He kind of paused and then added Bulger as the third guy.

 

[CoCo]

Joey T was on Dan Patrick earlier today and said that Romo and Drew Brees should be the NFC pro bowl representatives at QB. He kind of paused and then added Bulger as the third guy.

Well that's fine but I still believe that Romo merits some consideration. :laugh2:

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Good read David.

The only think I disagree with is that Romo's inaccuracy in his first training camp were greatly exaggerated by a couple of people.

The fact this kid was a 62.5% passer in his senior season. He's always had accuracy, he didn't "suddenly" become accurate. I'm guessing first training camp nerves and such had a bearing towards his accuracy issues that first year with the Cowboys. Regardless they seen enough from the kid to keep him on the roster. If he was that inaccurate he would have never made it to year 2.

 

[dbair1967]

Joey T was on Dan Patrick earlier today and said that Romo and Drew Brees should be the NFC pro bowl representatives at QB. He kind of paused and then added Bulger as the third guy.

Brees is obvious, I shouldnt have left him off...he is having a tremendous year in Payton's system

over 500 yds yesterday too

David

 

[JPM]

Good read David.

The only think I disagree with is that Romo's inaccuracy in his first training camp were greatly exaggerated by a couple of people.

The fact this kid was a 62.5% passer in his senior season. He's always had accuracy, he didn't "suddenly" become accurate. I'm guessing first training camp nerves and such had a bearing towards his accuracy issues that first year with the Cowboys. Regardless they seen enough from the kid to keep him on the roster. If he was that inaccurate he would have never made it to year 2.

Didn't they "fiddle" with his deliery too. He came across to low when he was a rook. I'm guessing that has also helped his accuracy as well.

 

[ravidubey]

we all have em...

1) for those who may have missed, the GROZ leader (me) ate his crow in a couple other threads...that was a good defensive plan and performance yesterday against an outstanding offensive team...they bent some but made alot of big plays and hit/bothered the QB alot more than in most games...I hope they continue the same type of play in coming weeks
David

I'm still keeping my plate warm in an oven. I don't believe they will continue to play aggressively and will revert the the same style of defense that makes every game close, gives hope to weak offenses, and refuses to take over and win games.

 

[joseephuss]

I'm still keeping my plate warm in an oven. I don't believe they will continue to play aggressively and will revert the the same style of defense that makes every game close, gives hope to weak offenses, and refuses to take over and win games.

I see a lot of complaints of the defense based on the Eagles and Giants game this year. Neither of those teams were weak offensively at the time the games were played. The Cowboys offense played poor in both those games and put the defense in bad positions.

 

[wxcpo]

This was definitely the most impressive victory in the Parcel's era. Defense was the key to the victory as they forced four turnovers, including two interceptions, one returned for a Cowboys touchdown, and a fumble from Peyton Manning. They were also able to force a fumble from the normally sure handed Marvin Harrison. Tony Romo continues to show a poise and ability in the pocket of someone with years more experience. I think he could be benefiting in much the same manner that Phillip Rivers of San Diego is and that comes from being able to sit on the bench and observe for the last couple of season's. He made some rollouts and eluded some tacklers (i.e. Dwight Freeney) that would have had a career day had Drew Bledsoe still been quarterbacking this team. I was glad to see Terry Glenn be more involved in the offensive game plan yesterday. He had sort of become the forgotten man in the last 4 games as Owens and Whitten had taken on larger roles. We need all these guys involved if we are to have a complete and balanced attack.

Thursday's game should be one that we are easily favored to win and should win. At this point there are only 6 teams in the NFC with a winning record. Philly at 5-5 IMO is pretty much an after thought with the injury to McNabb. New Orleans at 6-4 is starting to come back to reality after their early season success, I think them and Atlanta (5-5) end up swapping positions before the season's over. San Francisco (5-5) is playing pretty good ball right now, but they aren't a legitimate playoff team quite yet. The way I see it, barring a complete collapse in the last 6 games, Dallas should be a lock for the playoffs. The NFC is wide open so I give us just as good of a shot as the so called top teams in Chicago and Seattle.

 

[Crown Royal]

Good read David.

The only think I disagree with is that Romo's inaccuracy in his first training camp were greatly exaggerated by a couple of people.

The fact this kid was a 62.5% passer in his senior season. He's always had accuracy, he didn't "suddenly" become accurate. I'm guessing first training camp nerves and such had a bearing towards his accuracy issues that first year with the Cowboys. Regardless they seen enough from the kid to keep him on the roster. If he was that inaccurate he would have never made it to year 2.

I was at the second TC for he and Parcells. Whether you believe me or not, I don't care, but I will state this - Romo was not as good that offseason as either Vinny OR Henson. That's why he was 3rd QB.

Now don't get me wrong - I pulled some of my notes a week ago or so - Romo and Henson were both raw, and both showed things.

But I really, really believe it when Parcells says that Vinny really helped Romo out. IDK what he saw that year, but Romo would have been destroyed as the starter that year. Romo's education here has been amazing. Gotta give it to the coaches for the patience with the guy.

 

[dfense]

I've been wondering whether Allen was back yet and how he was looking. I have zero regrets. If he's playing well in space, and even getting to the 2nd level, bully for him. I was tired of waiting to see it in Dallas again and I don't believe 06 would have been any different if he'd stayed here. Maybe the move has allowed him to turn the clock back for whatever reason. Good for him.

Loved him when he produced here but we had exhausted all Larry Allen options in Dallas.

I just read a few weeks ago a reporter who said after watching Larry that he thought Allen's legs were shot.

 

[Crown Royal]

Oh and another observation from the game - I have a REALLY hard time believing Romo is 6'2". I'm 6'1", and I don't believe for a second he is taller than I - (I went down and was about 5-10 feet from him in warmups).

You'd have to ask Dale, who has interviewed him, but I don't know how tall Dale is. I'm impressed though, with Romo - he stands very tall in the pocket. I love that aspect of a QB and it was something I always felt Henson struggled with (I nicknamed Henson Crouching Tiger - because he always seemed to be hunched over).

 

[Black Bantam 74]

Oh and another observation from the game - I have a REALLY hard time believing Romo is 6'2". I'm 6'1", and I don't believe for a second he is taller than I - (I went down and was about 5-10 feet from him in warmups).

When Romo was on NFLN a couple of weeks ago, he looked considerably bigger than Rod Woodson, who is listed at 6-2.

 

[theogt]

I was at the second TC for he and Parcells. Whether you believe me or not, I don't care, but I will state this - Romo was not as good that offseason as either Vinny OR Henson. That's why he was 3rd QB.

Now don't get me wrong - I pulled some of my notes a week ago or so - Romo and Henson were both raw, and both showed things.

But I really, really believe it when Parcells says that Vinny really helped Romo out. IDK what he saw that year, but Romo would have been destroyed as the starter that year. Romo's education here has been amazing. Gotta give it to the coaches for the patience with the guy.

That was the TC in which he won the 2nd QB spot because he outperformed Henson, was it not?

 

[wileedog]

I was at the second TC for he and Parcells. Whether you believe me or not, I don't care, but I will state this - Romo was not as good that offseason as either Vinny OR Henson. That's why he was 3rd QB.

Now don't get me wrong - I pulled some of my notes a week ago or so - Romo and Henson were both raw, and both showed things.

But I really, really believe it when Parcells says that Vinny really helped Romo out. IDK what he saw that year, but Romo would have been destroyed as the starter that year. Romo's education here has been amazing. Gotta give it to the coaches for the patience with the guy.

Well, Romo himself has said they reworked his mechanics, delivery and footwork, so its not inconveivable that his accuracy would look bad with all those things going on.

I think Dale put up some Romo quotes the other day, though, and and one of them I believe was from his 2nd pre-season, (paraphrase) "I'm seeing it, Coach. I don't have the timing down, but I'm seeing the play."

That might be why he hung around, becuase while he may have been missing the open guy, he was at least trying to get it to the right one. I don't get the sense that Henson ever got that far.

Year 3 the changes start to work, his accuracy improves and he jumps ahead of Henson. Year 4 it all comes together with a stellar preseason, and here we are.

 

[Crown Royal]

That was the TC in which he won the 2nd QB spot because he outperformed Henson, was it not?

No - in 2004 it was Vinny, Henson, and Romo @ number 3.

 

[Crown Royal]

Well, Romo himself has said they reworked his mechanics, delivery and footwork, so its not inconveivable that his accuracy would look bad with all those things going on.

I think Dale put up some Romo quotes the other day, though, and and one of them I believe was from his 2nd pre-season, (paraphrase) "I'm seeing it, Coach. I don't have the timing down, but I'm seeing the play."

That might be why he hung around, becuase while he may have been missing the open guy, he was at least trying to get it to the right one. I don't get the sense that Henson ever got that far.

Year 3 the changes start to work, his accuracy improves and he jumps ahead of Henson. Year 4 it all comes together with a stellar preseason, and here we are.

I'll tell you something he learned from Vinny - footwork. One of the toughest things to watch was how eratic his feet were. One of my favorite things about Vinny (despite his flaws) is his feet. The guy can't move fast, but he moves in the pocket pretty well. He at least knows where to step.

Romo didn't have that in 04 - but now he is phenomenal at it. I think that has a lot to do with the Old Man.

 

[Crown Royal]

When Romo was on NFLN a couple of weeks ago, he looked considerably bigger than Rod Woodson, who is listed at 6-2.

:shrug: I didn't see that. Just what I saw on the field. I know Jones is juuuuust at 5'10", and Romo doesn't have a whole lot of inches on him.

 

[bbgun]

1) for those who may have missed, the GROZ leader (me) ate his crow in a couple other threads...that was a good defensive plan and performance yesterday against an outstanding offensive team...they bent some but made alot of big plays and hit/bothered the QB alot more than in most games...I hope they continue the same type of play in coming weeks

No need to apologize. The Zimmer flunkies never apologized coming off terrible defensive efforts, so you needn't eat crow when Zim finally gets it right.