Only two things concern me

[RS12]

Only two things concern me the offense and the defense.

Other than that, things are perfect.

 

[reddyuta]

if we start Choice then i will guarantee that we will see better results .As long as mb3 is starting the chance of a change in our running game is bleak.

 

[cowboys2233]

Go back and watch the tape and tell me how many times we dropped out of Cover 1 or brought more than the three down linemen and one outside LB for pressure. And then count how many times the Texans brought at least 5. It's obvious if you really watch the game that there were two different agendas in that game.

Geez, they brought FIVE players?!? The horror. :laugh2:

You sir, are a homer. Not because you're not putting a lot of value in this game, but because you're blaming things like schemes and agendas.

The Texan players wanted to kick our arses in that game. Mission accomplished. Hopefully, we have a different "agenda" when the regular season rolls around, because I'm not digging this "Let's get pushed around like a bunch of 90 lbs. weaklings" agenda they brought to this game.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Geez, they brought FIVE players?!? The horror. :laugh2:

You sir, are a homer. Not because you're not putting a lot of value in this game, but because you're blaming things like schemes and agendas.

The Texan players wanted to kick our arses in that game. Mission accomplished. Hopefully, we have a different "agenda" when the regular season rolls around, because I'm not digging this "Let's get pushed around like a bunch of 90 lbs. weaklings" agenda they brought to this game.

Yeah, they brought 5 and 6 players. They mixed up blitzes. Something we did NONE of.

I have repeatedly said our execution was poor and was the reason for our loss. But the other things, like gameplan and agenda, were factors.

But please explain to me how Jones not getting a pitch which ended one promising drive and how a ball that went through Witten's hands to a defender that ended another were caused by anything the Texans did.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Game was 10-0, we moved right down the field. Roy beats his man clean, Romo sees it, defender grabs Roy and prevents him from getting to the ball. We have the chance to make it 10-7 and no one would be talking. But instead it's first and 10 at around the 15. There is confusion, Romo pitches the ball and Jones isn't ready. No pressure from the Texans, just poor execution from us. So instead of getting blown out, we likely score at least 3 and maybe 7.

Two minute drive next. First play, screen to Choice, who instead of going out of bounds when he could cuts into the field, making us burn our last timeout. We throw an incomplete pass, then hit Austin deep in the middle but can't stop the clock. Again at least a FG attempt. Game could have been 13-6 or 13-10 at the half and no one feels too badly about what is going on. Instead it's 13-0.

This is execution...not a lack of ability. We moved it easily both of these drives.

First series of the third quarter, we move it right down again. Then shoot ourselves in the foot again. Penalties, using TO's and then having an interception...which I will give the Texans credit for...it was a nice play by the corner to deflect it. Romo probably shouldn't have thrown it considering there was a corner on Witten, there was a LB inside in coverage and a safety over the top.

All of this reflects on Dallas executing poorly. The plays were there. So there is some concern. But I think that we will be ready when the season starts.

 

[anava]

Game was 10-0, we moved right down the field. Roy beats his man clean, Romo sees it, defender grabs Roy and prevents him from getting to the ball. We have the chance to make it 10-7 and no one would be talking. But instead it's first and 10 at around the 15. There is confusion, Romo pitches the ball and Jones isn't ready. No pressure from the Texans, just poor execution from us. So instead of getting blown out, we likely score at least 3 and maybe 7.

Two minute drive next. First play, screen to Choice, who instead of going out of bounds when he could cuts into the field, making us burn our last timeout. We throw an incomplete pass, then hit Austin deep in the middle but can't stop the clock. Again at least a FG attempt. Game could have been 13-6 or 13-10 at the half and no one feels too badly about what is going on. Instead it's 13-0.

This is execution...not a lack of ability. We moved it easily both of these drives.

First series of the third quarter, we move it right down again. Then shoot ourselves in the foot again. Penalties, using TO's and then having an interception...which I will give the Texans credit for...it was a nice play by the corner to deflect it. Romo probably shouldn't have thrown it considering there was a corner on Witten, there was a LB inside in coverage and a safety over the top.

All of this reflects on Dallas executing poorly. The plays were there. So there is some concern. But I think that we will be ready when the season starts.

But you can say that about every game. For instance without a bad pass from Rivers and a fumble from the receiver we get our butts whipped 2 weeks in a row.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

The only thing that concerns me: Safety play.

So far it appears to my untrained eye that the safeties are not very physical, especially at the LOS against the run. They also appeared hesitant in run support and missed tackles. I mentioned this last week and noticed it again on Saturday.

Jerry said that the safeties do not need to excel in run support if the front seven can control the LOS. Well, hopefully the d-line will perform better once the regular season begins and Spears returns to the lineup.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

But you can say that about every game. For instance without a bad pass from Rivers and a fumble from the receiver we get our butts whipped 2 weeks in a row.

I think it's a bit different. Newman baited Rivers into that throw and then made the interception. James physically stripped the receiver causing the fumble. These were Dallas players making plays and forcing the action.

Houston did nothing to cause the fumble. Houston did nothing to cause Choice to cut back into the playing field instead of going out of bounds. And Chocie took crap for it from Romo when he came back to the huddle.

The interception the Texans did affect. But it was a poor throw into triple coverage by Romo. Especially because there were receivers on the right that were wide open.

My only point is that we didn't get totally dominated by great play from the Texans. We lost because we weren't focused. Unforced errors were our undoing.

 

[baj1dallas]

Our OL is weak. There is no excuse for not being able to fire of the ball and merely put a block on your man, since the defense is vanilla as well.

I wouldn't say "weak". I'd say "slow" and possibly "confused". I saw them running into each other. I saw them unable to get leverage and get pushed backwards. I saw them reach and wiff. I saw Davis do all 3 of these things, but all of them except maybe Free were missing something or other at some point. It's not a motivation or a trying hard thing. It's just plain slowness off the snap and inability to get a quick first step.

 

[Idgit]

Geez, they brought FIVE players?!? The horror. :laugh2:

You sir, are a homer. Not because you're not putting a lot of value in this game, but because you're blaming things like schemes and agendas.

The Texan players wanted to kick our arses in that game. Mission accomplished. Hopefully, we have a different "agenda" when the regular season rolls around, because I'm not digging this "Let's get pushed around like a bunch of 90 lbs. weaklings" agenda they brought to this game.

He's a homer because he bothered to watch what each team did in the game? Hardly. And you're misreading the agenda we brought to the game, btw.

 

[KJJ]

Sure, I'd admit it. I've also seen enough preseasons come and go to realize that the way we're playing now is not an indication of how we'll play in the regular season. It's not an indication of anything. Good play in the preseason can mean good or bad play in the regular season. Bad play in the preseason can mean good or bad play in the regular season. There's just not any connection between how a team plays when the games don't count and how they play when they do.

If you watched the HOU game, it was screamingly obvious that we weren't running any risks of exposing *anything* prior to the regular season meeting. Who cares about the gaffes? Whatever Cowboy fans may think, this is a fairly well-coached team. There won't be problems with RBs missing pitches when the bullets start flying.

How things go in preseason isn't always an indication of how things will go during the regular season but I'm convinced our OL is going to be a major issue during the regular season. The Cowboys have had problems with the OL for a few seasons and last season Romo was sacked a career high 34 sacks which was 10 more than he suffered in any previous season. Our OL finally did us in against the Vikings in the playoffs. What we saw against Minn is what we've been seeing the entire preseason from our OL. What's alarming is how poor our OL was even before Kosier and Colombo's injuries. Romo was sacked 3 times on one drive against the Raiders with Colombo and Kosier in the lineup. Romo is being pressured right up the middle which is a clear sign our OL is being dominated. The Cowboys have little to no depth on the OL and our QB's have been sacked a total of 15 times this preseason. Not only have we had protection issues but our run blocking has been pathetic. Barber is averaging a dismal 1.9 a carry and Felix is averaging 2.3 a carry. Choice is our only RB averaging over 3 yards a carry and he's been running against scrubs. For a few seasons the Cowboys were struggling mightily on special teams and it always carried over into the regular season and became season long issue.

Jerry did absolutely nothing to upgrade the OL this offseason which was our biggest weakness and it's going to be a major issue this season. Even Gurode a multiple pro bowler played miserable against the Texans the other night. There was no excuse for the Cowboys to play their worst preseason game of the summer in the one you want to look your best in. This team has been unable to perform the basics all summer. They're having trouble simply blocking and tackling. There's so much concern right now it's going to force the team to have to risk their starters for a series or two on Thursday to try and gain some confidence. You would have to go back several years to find a Cowboy team that's looked this out of synch during preseason. The games may not matter but they're designed to get teams ready for the games that do and right now the Cowboys aren't ready to compete for a championship. Let's all be THANKFUL the Cowboys aren't traveling to Lambeau field to take on the Packers opening day. ray:

 

[The Emperor]

1. INJURIES....Our TEs and OL are dropping like flies. Most of our rookies have been hurt. Spears is hurt. I hate em....aside from Phillips none of them look too serious, thank goodness. Hopefully we will be almost 100% come Week 1.

2. NO RUNNING GAME....I know the offense is vanilla, but that is no excuse for such a horrid running game. Our OL is weak. There is no excuse for not being able to fire of the ball and merely put a block on your man, since the defense is vanilla as well. If anything, there should be a ton of holes to run through since the games don't count. The rushing game is more about attitude than anything.....and our OL blocks like they are at an English afternoon tea party, instead of like they are in the middle of a football game. If they continue to block like a bunch of female dogs, it is going to be a very long season.

I'm with you. Those are my two concerns, but those are big enough concerns that they could wipe away the whole season.

 

[Fletch]

Sure, I'd admit it. I've also seen enough preseasons come and go to realize that the way we're playing now is not an indication of how we'll play in the regular season. It's not an indication of anything. Good play in the preseason can mean good or bad play in the regular season. Bad play in the preseason can mean good or bad play in the regular season. There's just not any connection between how a team plays when the games don't count and how they play when they do.

If you watched the HOU game, it was screamingly obvious that we weren't running any risks of exposing *anything* prior to the regular season meeting. Who cares about the gaffes? Whatever Cowboy fans may think, this is a fairly well-coached team. There won't be problems with RBs missing pitches when the bullets start flying.

You seem to understand the difference between preseason and regular season. Wish others did.

 

[KJJ]

You seem to understand the difference between preseason and regular season. Wish others did.

So you don't think the issues we've seen with the OL that's affected our running game and pass protection during preseason will carry over to the regular season?

 

[casmith07]

1. INJURIES....Our TEs and OL are dropping like flies. Most of our rookies have been hurt. Spears is hurt. I hate em....aside from Phillips none of them look too serious, thank goodness. Hopefully we will be almost 100% come Week 1.

2. NO RUNNING GAME....I know the offense is vanilla, but that is no excuse for such a horrid running game. Our OL is weak. There is no excuse for not being able to fire of the ball and merely put a block on your man, since the defense is vanilla as well. If anything, there should be a ton of holes to run through since the games don't count. The rushing game is more about attitude than anything.....and our OL blocks like they are at an English afternoon tea party, instead of like they are in the middle of a football game. If they continue to block like a bunch of female dogs, it is going to be a very long season.

casmith07's remedies:

1. time will heal. In the meantime when its a real game, maybe we'll luck out with a Brewster or Bright that plays like Doug Free last year.

2. trade Barber.

 

[Idgit]

So you don't think the issues we've seen with the OL that's affected our running game and pass protection during preseason will carry over to the regular season?

There very well may be issues with the OL this year. There were last year, and there were the year before, and we didn't do much to address our shortcomings in the off season. But the fact that we blew some protections with backup linemen in a meaningless game against the Texans won't have anything to do with it.

It cracks me up that the board spent all of last year worried about Romo and replacing TO and how RW played and why MBIII couldn't convert on 3rd or 4th and nothing, while ignoring the glaring problems on our interior line in both the running and the passing game. Now, all of a sudden, because of a couple of twists were successful in a preseason, there's a rush to 'get in early' and proclaim the OL the reason why we stumble in 2010. First one to get it right gets a cookie!

The problems we should be worrying about are the problems that manifest when we're doing everything we can to prevent them, with our best players in, when our coaches have prepared the team for the game. Stuff that happens to your rookie OTs while we're running routes for the purposes of evaluating WRs, without the benefit of game planning or preparation, or most of your actual playbook, against players who may or may not be in the league next week, the day you break camp, while your QB is experimenting with whatever tweak to his game he wants to try out this preseason, against a team he'll be facing for real in a couple of weeks isn't. the. problem. It just isn't.

There's no point worrying about it, and there's no point in trying to extrapolate the results to get a sneak-peak at what the regular season is going to look like. There are too many significant variables to worry about. It's not enough like a regular game to be statistically useful.

 

[KJJ]

There very well may be issues with the OL this year. There were last year, and there were the year before, and we didn't do much to address our shortcomings in the off season. But the fact that we blew some protections with backup linemen in a meaningless game against the Texans won't have anything to do with it.

The Cowboys blew protections against the Raiders a few weeks ago that got Romo sacked 3 times on one drive and that happened with Kosier, Colombo, Free, Davis and Gurode.

The problems we should be worrying about are the problems that manifest when we're doing everything we can to prevent them, with our best players in, when our coaches have prepared the team for the game.

You mean like against the Vikings last year during the second rd of the playoffs? LOL We've had issues on the OL for all of 3 seasons and it caught up with us big time during that game and Jerry did nothing to fix it. The OL looks worse now than it did during preseason last year. Romo was sacked only once during preseason last year compared to 5 times this season and 3 of his sacks this preseason were behind our entire starting group. Last preseason Romo completed 70% of his passes because he had time to throw this preseason he's only completed 56.5% of his passes. During preseason last year Romo's passer rating was 90.1 and this preseason it's 64.3. Last preseason Barber rushed for 92 yards averaging 3.5 per carry.

This preseason he's rushed for 23 yards averaging 1.9 per carry. Last preseason Felix rushed for 54 yards averaging 4.9 per carry. This preseason he's rushed for 23 yards averaging 2.3 yards per carry. We'll find out in a couple of weeks if the Cowboys can flip the switch whenever they want that appears to be what this team thinks it can do. I saw enough bad things from the OL in Minn last season and during this preseason to tell me that some of what we're seeing is going to carry over to the regular season.

 

[Idgit]

The Cowboys blew protections against the Raiders a few weeks ago that got Romo sacked 3 times on one drive and that happened with Kosier, Colombo, Free, Davis and Gurode.

You mean like against the Vikings last year during the second rd of the playoffs? LOL We've had issues on the OL for all of 3 seasons and it caught up with us big time during that game and Jerry did nothing to fix it. The OL looks worse now than it did during preseason last year. Romo was sacked only once during preseason last year compared to 5 times this season and 3 of his sacks this preseason were behind our entire starting group. Last preseason Romo completed 70% of his passes because he had time to throw this preseason he's only completed 56.5% of his passes. During preseason last year Romo's passer rating was 90.1 and this preseason it's 64.3. Last preseason Barber rushed for 92 yards averaging 3.5 per carry.

This preseason he's rushed for 23 yards averaging 1.9 per carry. Last preseason Felix rushed for 54 yards averaging 4.9 per carry. This preseason he's rushed for 23 yards averaging 2.3 yards per carry. We'll find out in a couple of weeks if the Cowboys can flip the switch whenever they want that appears to be what this team thinks it can do. I saw enough bad things from the OL in Minn last season and during this preseason to tell me that some of what we're seeing is going to carry over to the regular season.

The problems against the Vikes along our OL were different from the problems we historically have with the OL. In MIN, our RT was eaten alive, we got behind, and had to pass into pressure in a dome away playoff game. We weren't able to get any push against the best interior DL in the game, which wasn't unusual and which we had to expect going in.

The problems with our interior OL that have been on display during actual games for years are well documented.

The issues in the damn preseason all involve preseason snaps, they don't count, and are not indicative of anything. You can read into it whatever you like, but that doesn't make it relevant.

 

[KJJ]

The problems against the Vikes along our OL were different from the problems we historically have with the OL. In MIN, our RT was eaten alive, we got behind, and had to pass into pressure in a dome away playoff game. We weren't able to get any push against the best interior DL in the game, which wasn't unusual and which we had to expect going in.

The problems with our interior OL that have been on display during actual games for years are well documented.

The issues in the damn preseason all involve preseason snaps, they don't count, and are not indicative of anything. You can read into it whatever you like, but that doesn't make it relevant.

Historically doesn't matter you have to look at the present and at the present time the OL isn't getting it done and it's affected our entire offense. I'm not saying this ineptitude is going to continue into the regular season but it's definitely a reason for concern because it's been happening throughout the entire preseason. Our starting offense has only produced one TD in 4 preseason games and is only converting 29% on 3rd down. They've had 3 turnovers and 7 punts in only 15 possessions. This is the worst I've seen our starting offense look in preseason in a long time so the players better start stepping up and corrections better be made or we're going to get of to a rough start. My feeling is our OL is going to be our downfall again this season unless guys start really stepping up and we avoid serious injuries. The Steelers won a SB with a dreadful OL and no running game but they had the #1 defense in the league that year and Roethlisberger remained poised under pressure all season despite the punishment he took and was able to keep plays alive. Like I said we'll find out on opening day where the Cowboys are as a team. Right now they look completely out of synch and lack confidence.

 

[Idgit]

Historically doesn't matter you have to look at the present and at the present time the OL isn't getting it done and it's affected our entire offense. I'm not saying this ineptitude is going to continue into the regular season but it's definitely a reason for concern because it's been happening throughout the entire preseason. Our starting offense has only produced one TD in 4 preseason games and is only converting 29% on 3rd down. They've had 3 turnovers and 7 punts in only 15 possessions. This is the worst I've seen our starting offense look in preseason in a long time so the players better start stepping up and corrections better be made or we're going to get of to a rough start. My feeling is our OL is going to be our downfall again this season unless guys start really stepping up and we avoid serious injuries. The Steelers won a SB with a dreadful OL and no running game but they had the #1 defense in the league that year and Roethlisberger remained poised under pressure all season despite the punishment he took and was able to keep plays alive. Like I said we'll find out on opening day where the Cowboys are as a team. Right now they look completely out of synch and lack confidence.

We're never going to agree. If you want to compare apples to oranges, you'll probably be able to come up with comparisons. Apples aren't oranges, though, and they are never going to be.

Whatever your take on the value of the preseason, it's not very likely that the team itself is losing confidence after a weak showing against the Texans. If anything, they're bored and tired and looking forward to the games counting. I know I am.