My meaningless thoughts on the game...

[Wrangler87]

I think there's one big issue that Romo has to curb. He's got other issues like not getting enough air on his deep passes consistently, but it's not the big issue. The big issue is that when Dallas is down by more than a TD, he tends to press and think he needs to make plays. The Dawkins INT was a perfect example. We were driving, only down by 9 points and the defense had actually stopped the Eagles offense in the second half up to that point. But then he thought he had to go deep to Owens and make a play quickly when he didn't need to. If we continue to keep hitting plays, we probably score a TD and we're only down 2 points with tons of time left. Instead he threw into double coverage and made an inaccurate throw and it was picked off. Hopefully with more experience he'll cut that down as that's where most of his INT's come from. But when we are either very close or leading, he doesn't seem to have this problem

Wasn't that pattern supposed to be a post pattern? If so, it seemed like Owens rounded it off a bit, then made no effort to play the ball at all.

I guess we will have to wait to see what Parcells says. It appears to me that Owens fades towards the post, but never actually takes the angle. It was like a rounded off post pattern.

That was the first thing i screamed at the TV. Lazy pattern. I guess we will see.

 

[Natedawg44]

I wish Jerry would please get us one of the Ryan brothers Rob or Rex and fix this piece o crap defense.

 

[Sandman52]

The Cowboys have a big problem on defense. Zimmer doesn't have 3-4 credentials. The Cowboys need a credible 3-4 coordinator who brings much more to the show (e.g., innovations that work).

My theory is Zimmer it not allowed to freelance or do anything other than what he is doing. That could be a function of Parcells . . . maybe BP does not trust him to do more. Or it could be personnel. Or it could be Zimmer trying to kiss butt and do what the HC tells him. But it's more than just Zimmer. Especially since Parcells has the final say so on defensive schemes.

I have believed that this was the case from day one. There is a reason that Parcells does well when he has "his" guys. He trusts them and their innovative thinking. That is why, somehow, someway, I wanted Al Groh to be fired from Virginia and hop on as our 3-4 DC and LB coach.

Same is probly true for the offense. He doesn't trust them and will not allow a more proactive approach. Do you think that there is a reason why we still do not have an OC?

If we had tried any other plays and failed, a billion people would be complaining because we didn't run Marion Barber every time at the goal line, "because that ALWAYS works ... he leads the NFC in touchdowns!"

On 3rd and 4th downs, I was screaming for the play-action, dump-off passes that we used on the goal line in the Thanksgiving game against Tampa Bay. I thought that those plays were paramount because it showed that MBIII was not just an up-the-gut goal line back. He can catch, and we need to utilize that especially if Barber's "Closer" moniker keeps floating around the league.

I was also calling for a Romo roll-out or bootleg at the goal line.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

I wish Jerry would please get us one of the Ryan brothers Rob or Rex and fix this piece o crap defense.

I have been saying that for a while now.

I look forward to the day when my beloved Cowboys become an attacking team on offense and defense. I am so tired of the passive, conservative approach. Letting the other team punch us in the mouth and hoping to withstand the blows.

Last year's home game against the Eagles gave me hope that we could do it, taking it to them from the first whistle. Same with the Indy game this year. But the other games, we allow the other team to punch us first.

 

[notherbob]

I understand the frustration, and yes the defensive scheme needs help. But this is not all on Zimmer.

Parcells does not like to do stunt or twists on defense. He seldom likes to blitz. He believes in playing man for man and having each man win their own battle. He has always been this way. This goes all the way back to his days at the Giants. He just had a better D back then and could play that way.

Part of the problem here is Parcells philosophy, not Zimmer's.

I fully agree. Every employee I have ever known does what their boss says, right up to when they got fired because they didn't do what the boss said. It ain't all Zimmer. He's just doing what his boss tells him to, just like you and I would do.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

If we had tried any other plays and failed, a billion people would be complaining because we didn't run Marion Barber every time at the goal line, "because that ALWAYS works ... he leads the NFC in touchdowns!"

True, but I wouldn't be one of them. If you're going to run Marion on 3rd and 1, then do it near the middle, not off tackle and to the right side where we are the weakest running the ball and he has the best chance to lose yards. If he runs up the middle and gets stuffed it's probably still 4th and inches instead of 4th and 2. And dear lord, try a QB sneak with inches for once. And don't keep on using the Jumbo package every time. I think the smart play is to lean on Barber on those choices, but don't have him do things he doesn't do very well (running out on the edges) or making it so obvious we are going to run the ball. And if you watch a lot of Marion's TD's this year they usually come when there's a *threat* of a pass. Instead, it's jumbo package and they know what's coming and if they get fooled on the play action, everything is so close together that we don't get much seperation.

Like I said, the playcalling has been generally good on offense this year. Against Philly it was horrendous. I could live with that, can't live with Zimmer bringing the parade of suck in the second half of every season, year after year.



YAKUZA

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I wasn't focusing in on what Brady James was doing so I can't opine on how he did yesterday. I could not figure out why he got such a lucrative deal from the Cowboys earlier this year. I do not understand why the Cowboys thought he was worth that much money. I hope I am wrong on this.

Well, it wasn't all that lucrative. He played really well last year. I think Payton pretty much exposed that he sucks in coverage. If there's one thing I've came away from these past few games is that Carpenter is good in space and looks pretty good in coverage. If it were any other coach, they'd probably want to see Carp improve on the run defense, but if he did there'd be strong competition next year between him and Bradie. Problem is that I *think* Parcells may be stubborn to bench James because it's tough to tell your boss that "hey that guy we signed to an extension is now riding the bench" and "that kid we drafted in the first round to play LOLB may be better off at ILB."

Still, if Carp could play pretty well at ILB and we have to bench Bradie, it's not that big of a deal cap wise. Not something you want all of the time to happen, but they could deal with it.



YAKUZA

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I fully agree. Every employee I have ever known does what their boss says, right up to when they got fired because they didn't do what the boss said. It ain't all Zimmer. He's just doing what his boss tells him to, just like you and I would do.

I disagree. Zimmer was not very creative when he got here under Campo. We didn't disguise blitzes worth a damn when he got here under Campo. Not ONE single DB that we've drafted under Zimmer is good at locating the ball in the air (we've got some good DB's, but they can't locate the ball very well).

Here's a look at our sacks under Zimmer as D-Coordinator:

2000: 26
2001: 24
2002: 24
2003: 32
2004: 33
2005: 37
2006: 29 (on pace)

Teams that are *good* at sacking the QB will have 40 sacks in a season. Average is probably 35 sacks in a season. Mediocre is 32 sacks in a season.

Overall, Zimmer has averaged an anemic 29.2 sacks a season as D-Coordinator. With Parcells we've averaged 33 sacks a season. We've changed the schemes, the head coaches, and the personnel and it's *helped*, but we are still a mediocre squad when it comes to the pass rush. We've improved the offense and we are STILL mediocre. We've greatly improved our CB's and we are STILL mediocre in the pass rush.

Like I've said earlier, I know Parcells leans towards being conservative, but we are usually pretty aggressive, creative and versatile on offense. Belichick was creative, aggressive and versatile on defense under Parcells. And it still doesn't excuse the fact that we cannot disguise a blitz.

Zimmer is the common denominator here. *EVERY* single season he's been the D-Coordinator the defense has folded like a cheap suit in the second half. EVERY single season he's been a D-Coordinator the defense's pass rush disappears in the second half of the year. And while we've been overall pretty good against the run with Zimmer, we haven't been *that* great against the run where we can say it was worth playing a run defense oriented scheme.

Personally I'm just not buying into the Zimmer apologists. He's had more opportunities than most D-Coordinators will ever get in the league and he's not cutting the mustard. Should've let him become the head coach of the Cornhuskers when we had the chance.



YAKUZA

 

[Word Mofo]

- I think we need to trade Julius. Perhaps we can find a fairly inexpensive veteran 3rd down back and trade Julius for a 2nd to 4th round pick. All of the sudden he looks like JJ Arrington.

Where on earth does this come from? Julius ran fine when he was given the opportunity, but when we get down by more than three points the coaching staff completely abandons the run.

Running Julius was the only thing keeping the Eagles d-line pass rush honest, but we abandonded that early.

:bang2:

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Where on earth does this come from? Julius ran fine when he was given the opportunity, but when we get down by more than three points the coaching staff completely abandons the run.

Running Julius was the only thing keeping the Eagles d-line pass rush honest, but we abandonded that early.

:bang2:

He wasn't running all that hot to begin with. Sometimes it's the O-Line's fault, but the O-Line isn't doing too bad. But if you watch him closely, freeze frame stuff, you'll see that he doesn't have the vision he once had or the cutting skills. When I watch him now I think he looks like JJ Arrington.

I think since he's got over 1,000 yards and is a veteran, we could get some pretty decent draft pick for him. If we wait, I just see a lousy 2007 and a benching unless he somehow regains his old form.



YAKUZA

 

[Pats Fan]

TO wants the ball. The other receiver (Glenn) is much better, but, you know TO wants the ball. Romo listens, I really do not think Parcells is making those calls.

Jones wants TO, Romo is happy to play and make others happy, TO wants the ball.

First mistake, more calls to Glenn. Big time mistake. Wish we had him. Well, any receiver would be good at this point.

Next mistake, Romo can overcome the shortfall. Well, it was pretty clear that under pressure, Romo starts to fall apart. Peyton comes to mind. But Peyton clearly has tons of talent. But pressure, oh no.

Does it get better with time, sometimes, but in my mind, you either "Got it" or you don't. Control of how you think comes from within. I don't think you learn it. Just my thoughts.

So, get rid of TO. Parcells, well, I just don't know anymore. He must be down and out about now. Use Glenn more Parcells. Tell TO to shut up. And build some major support around Romo. Major.

Sorry to stick my nose in, but you know it was a national game last night, and those of us that like football watch every game. Well, most anyway.

Those are my meaningless thoughts on what I saw last night.

 

[Wrangler87]

TO wants the ball. The other receiver (Glenn) is much better, but, you know TO wants the ball. Romo listens, I really do not think Parcells is making those calls.

Jones wants TO, Romo is happy to play and make others happy, TO wants the ball.

First mistake, more calls to Glenn. Big time mistake. Wish we had him. Well, any receiver would be good at this point.

Next mistake, Romo can overcome the shortfall. Well, it was pretty clear that under pressure, Romo starts to fall apart. Peyton comes to mind. But Peyton clearly has tons of talent. But pressure, oh no.

Does it get better with time, sometimes, but in my mind, you either "Got it" or you don't. Control of how you think comes from within. I don't think you learn it. Just my thoughts.

So, get rid of TO. Parcells, well, I just don't know anymore. He must be down and out about now. Use Glenn more Parcells. Tell TO to shut up. And build some major support around Romo. Major.

Sorry to stick my nose in, but you know it was a national game last night, and those of us that like football watch every game. Well, most anyway.

Those are my meaningless thoughts on what I saw last night.

I wouldn't agree with that. Romo made some great plays in the face of a ton of pressure for three quarters. The only pressure that gets to Romo is the pressure to make something happen. How many drops did the receivers have? Romo gets like Favre, and he tries to force the issue when the teams goes a few series without scoring. Other than that, I thought he was a bright spot for the majority of the game, and without him, this game isn't anywhere close.

 

[Doomsday]

I think it's a case of where the offensive assistants have shown to Parcells they can succeed by being creative and versatile and Zimmer hasn't.

I agree with most of what you are saying but Im not sure if its because he has little faith in Zimmer of if its all the mental mistakes and big plays that have forced them to back off. The long reception by LJ Smith is a good example where if Brady James hadnt missed his assignment there is a good chance that Dallas would have forced a punt there. In that regard are the players stupid or are they just not getting the coaching they should be during the week?

Something has to change thats why I feel like Zimmer needs to go.

 

[Wrangler87]

I agree with most of what you are saying but Im not sure if its because he has little faith in Zimmer of if its all the mental mistakes and big plays that has forced them to back off. The long reception by LJ Smith is a good example where if Brady James hadnt missed his assignment there is a good chance that Dallas would have forced a punt there. In that regard are the players stupid or are they just not getting the coaching they should be during the week?

Something has to change thats why I feel like Zimmer needs to go.

But, like I said earlier, that particular play will only make the Cowboys more gunshy when it comes to blitzing. One players screws up, and that's what happens. They will be even more reluctant to blitz now. That means more setting back and letting weak armed QB's pick us apart on checkdowns.

 

[Doomsday]

But, like I said earlier, that particular play will only make the Cowboys more gunshy when it comes to blitzing. One players screws up, and that's what happens. They will be even more reluctant to blitz now. That means more setting back and letting weak armed QB's pick us apart on checkdowns.

It almost seems like a no win situation, they cant get any pressure whatsoever with out blitzing and when they blitz they either have a mental breakdown or someone gets burnt deep. A lot of the blame has fallen on the secondary but some of it is overdone in my opinion. The Eagles DBs were able to jump on some of the short routes last night because they know their blitzes are going to get there most of the time and Romo wasnt going to have the time to go down field. Our DBs dont have that luxury and it forces them into bad situations where they are all alone.

 

[Pats Fan]

I don't know Wrangler.

You have had a lot of bums as QB's for quite a while.

Romo is good, for sure. But I saw in him what I see a lot in QB's. And I guess it depends on where you want to wind up. SB, or playoffs.

We have been flat out spoiled in NE. Maybe I need to get a reality adjustment. One little QB can in fact do it for you.

But in the age of parity, well, balance is key.

Good enough, everywhere on the field seems to be a key to success, plus one guy out of the woodwork. On offense or defense. QB is always the shining star. Yep, but it doesn't happen often.

I think of the Colts. Everything was on Peyton's back. Well he did have a flat out good RB and WR, but the defense stunk it up big during those days. But the guy never could handle pressure well. Yeh, I saw that last night in Romo. Does that make him a bad QB. Not. Just saw it though.

And I am just honestly saying what I think. When Bledsoe leaves your field next year, you will probably never hear from me again.

 

[Doomsday]

I think of the Colts. Everything was on Peyton's back. Well he did have a flat out good RB and WR, but the defense stunk it up big during those days. But the guy never could handle pressure well. Yeh, I saw that last night in Romo. Does that make him a bad QB. Not. Just saw it though.

What QB does handle pressure well? That is why pressure is so important it forces QBs out of their comfortzone and makes them react quicker then they are use to. Almost every game Dallas has lost this season they were dominated at the LOS and it was really appearant Monday Night who had the better Oline.

 

[Pats Fan]

Easy question Doomsday.

The great ones. Not just the good ones.

 

[Wrangler87]

I don't know Wrangler.

You have had a lot of bums as QB's for quite a while.

Romo is good, for sure. But I saw in him what I see a lot in QB's. And I guess it depends on where you want to wind up. SB, or playoffs.

We have been flat out spoiled in NE. Maybe I need to get a reality adjustment. One little QB can in fact do it for you.

But in the age of parity, well, balance is key.

Good enough, everywhere on the field seems to be a key to success, plus one guy out of the woodwork. On offense or defense. QB is always the shining star. Yep, but it doesn't happen often.

I think of the Colts. Everything was on Peyton's back. Well he did have a flat out good RB and WR, but the defense stunk it up big during those days. But the guy never could handle pressure well. Yeh, I saw that last night in Romo. Does that make him a bad QB. Not. Just saw it though.

And I am just honestly saying what I think. When Bledsoe leaves your field next year, you will probably never hear from me again.

As good as Romo has played, he still only has 9 NFL starts. He will only get better from here, as he gains experience.

The problem is, he set the bar so high early, that people expect so much from him. He played at a Hall of Fame level his first four starts, there had to be a drop off. Since then, he has had a couple of good games, a couple of average games, and on bad game against the Saints. But, it is important to remember, there are high touted young QB's that have three and four times the experience as Romo, and have never played at the level Romo is playing at right now. Look no further than Carr, Harrington, and Alex Smith to name a few.

 

[JPM]

Quick question QR. What did Burnett do or didn't do to get you to write that he stinks ? I watched the game and didn't notice anything glaring. I'll state right now that I like Kevin and which he would play more.