Numerous errors here, par for the course with this dope:
Cowboys turn in ragged performance
8:58 PM Sat, Aug 29, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Jean-Jacques Taylor/Columnist E-mail News tips
The Cowboys turned in a ragged performance Saturday night, which should not be confused with raggedy.
Here's the difference: Ragged teams commit penalties, make mental mistakes and turn the ball over, but still do just enough good things to keep the game close - even if they eventually lose like the Cowboys did.
The problem is their performance leaves you wanting more whatever the outcome.
If you need an example of a raggedy performance, think about the debacle in Philly to end last season.
Got it?
The third preseason game is supposed to be the dress rehearsal, the game where the starters play three quarters and the team tries to put on its best performance because the first-string players won't play much in the fourth preseason game next week against Minnesota.
Yes, the starters led 10-3 at halftime. Yes, Felix Jones turned in his usual jaw-dropping moment, nearly bolting more than 90 yards for a touchdown. Yes, the Cowboys had one terrific scoring drive of 94 yards on 14 plays, which has become their norm in the preseason.
But their uneven overall performance should leave Wade Phillips feeling uncomfortable heading into the regular season. This team is still making the same types of mistakes that have ruined its season the past few years.
The penalties must drive Phillips crazy.
He's attempted to address the issue in the off-season by discussing them with the team and sitting offending players for a play during training camp. Obviously, that's unrealistic in the regular season.
All he can do is hope his players exercise more discipline. Thus far, it hasn't happened.
A holding penalty on Leonard Davis in the first quarter negated an apparent 49-yard field by Nick Folk that would've given the Cowboys a 3-0 lead on their first series of the game. (Except it was on Proctor, who wont be here any more)
Instead, the Cowboys punted.
In the second quarter, on third-and-goal from the San Francisco 4, Marc Colombo committed a false start to make it third-and-goal from the nine. That's a huge mistake because it takes away any threat of the run, while making it a much more difficult conversion.
You shouldn't be surprised the drive ended with a field goal. Again, that's the type of mistake that can be costly in the regular season.
Tony Romo, like the team, was ragged. He led Dallas to only one touchdown in four possessions, which is hardly the way you want to storm into the season. (he threw one poor pass all night)
He threw his first interception of the preseason on second-and-eight from the San Francisco 35. Romo, hit as he threw, forced the ball deep to well-covered Kevin Ogletree and safety Mark Roman easily intercepted the pass. (Hey JJT, go back and look at the tape. Ogletree wasnt well covered, in fact he had his guy beat for a TD, it was only picked because Romo had some pressure and underthrew to the inside)
In the second quarter, Romo had a clear running lane to end zone on third-and-goal from the San Francisco 9, but tossed a pass to Patrick Crayton just before he crossed the line of scrimmage. Crayton gained only seven yards, forcing Dallas to settle for a field goal. (Yeah arse wipe, preseason is the perfect time for your starting QB to go all out and try to scramble into the endzone from 9 yds out)
Did I mention that drive began at the San Francisco 9 after a 43-yard punt return by Terence Newman? The Cowboys must score a touchdown in that situation.
Feel free to blow off the litany of mistakes, if you choose, because it's just preseason game. (not blowing them off, but also not as concerned when you acknowledge that the guys making the most, and worst mistakes wont be here for the games that count)
If the coaches and players take a similar attitude - you should hope they don't - it will cause the Cowboys to end this season the same way the did last year, trudging off the field, their heads bowed, because they didn't make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
This team has talent, no doubt. That's never the question with this collection of players.
But this team isn't nearly good enough to consistently make mistakes, mental or physical, and earn a trip to the playoffs, especially in the NFC East.
The players and coaches must accept that.
This team must play its best football every week to accomplish its goals. In the big picture, this preseason game has no affect on the Cowboys' season, but it's never too early for this team to establish good habits.
