State of the Cowboys

[jterrell]

various:

Murray-- Fighting for yards as ABQ mentions needs to be situational. You don't do it after 30 yard scampers or when 3 dudes are holding onto you.
That's really just not smart football.

Pass Rush-- I didn't state anything shocking... we need a better pass rush. Them playing Melton out at End tells you all you need to know about how much we miss Ware/Lawrence.

Back-up QBs-- This isn't that big a deal for me. It is pretty standard for fill in QBs to have a big game or two then fizzle as defenses figure them out. I am more concerned about our totality versus QBs. I don't expect to play a lot of back up QBs in the playoffs and those are the ones we gotta limit.

CBs-- This team badly needs Mo to grow up and help next year because Carr is declining and expensive thus likely gone. Scandrick is a stud and keeper but we need more than 1 guy who can cover beyond 5 seconds.

 

[cowboys1981]

I am so sick of every QB looking like world beaters against us. Most QBs we face seem to have career days, no matter their experience level. No QB we've played this year has been sore after the game. That really bugs me, especially since our O-line is great, but Romo keeps getting pummeled.

That's in large part to playing soft zone coverage while your pass rush isn't getting enough pressure. Playing so far off allows for those quick throws. Our DB's need to press more. If they keep giving the opposition those short open routes and on top that miss on tackles, we'll see more of what we saw on MNF. Let's play more man like we did vs Seattle. Our corners can't play zone well.

We gave Desean and Colt too much respect. To the point where we altered our game plan in an ineffective way.

 

[AsthmaField]

but the two fumbles and not handling protections with the blitzes is what killed us on Sunday.

Precisely. Without the fumbles, the Commanders don't get hope and the crowd stays in the game and doesn't get quiet.

The blitz protection was off too and that hurt as well, but I think Dallas wins without the fumbles... even if Romo still got hurt.

As a side note, I would have left Weeden in the game to finish... and I'm not talking about using hindsight to see that Romo wasn't going to be effective. I said that before Romo ever came back. Romo just as easily could have hit the game winner like he did after coming back to the San Francisco game a couple of years ago.

 

[Future]

Unless Lawrence comes and gives the team a consistent rush, I see this as being the teams down fall. They made Colt McCoy look like an NFL QB the other night.

An NFL QB who managed to score a measley 17 points in regulation.

People are being too hard on the defense and not being nearly critical enough of the offense...basically repeating everyone's take on last season.

 

[Ring Leader]

An NFL QB who managed to score a measley 17 points in regulation.

People are being too hard on the defense and not being nearly critical enough of the offense...basically repeating everyone's take on last season.

Considering we left 6-10 points on the ground via fumbles and the constant barrage Romo was under, not to mention that he missed a quarter from the injury, I think you are being WAY to simplistic here.

 

[Future]

Considering we left 6-10 points on the ground via fumbles and the constant barrage Romo was under, not to mention that he missed a quarter from the injury, I think you are being WAY to simplistic here.

Left points on the field is the same as not scoring them. For the second time this year, this offense failed to score 20. It is simple. If the offense doesn't play terrible, Dallas wins. The defense played more than well enough to win.

 

[big dog cowboy]

State Of The Cowboys:

Run more and pass less is a good thing.

 

[Ring Leader]

Left points on the field is the same as not scoring them. For the second time this year, this offense failed to score 20. It is simple. If the offense doesn't play terrible, Dallas wins. The defense played more than well enough to win.

If it's the "offense" in general than why the "NFL quarterback" magnifying glass?

 

[Future]

If it's the "offense" in general than why the "NFL quarterback" magnifying glass?

I'm not the one who first said that.

My point is that, even if they say McCoy played great, he still only managed 17. That's nothing in today's NFL.

 

[theSHOW]

Getting stood up and giving a couple of defenders time to find the ball, get a good hold on it and yank on it isn't just a matter of holding on to the ball. If the defenders don't have to worry about containing the runner (2 other guys besides the 2 tacklers) they can find the ball and pull hard enough to get it out much of the time. Murray was holding it well there, unlike some of his fumbles earlier this season. It took the defense a while to get it out. He just stayed up too long, the Commanders found a handle on it, and finally yanked it out.

Getting down was the right thing to do there IMO and something Murray needs to be aware of.

Believe me, no matter how hard you're holding on to the ball, if they have time to hold you up and find it, they can get it out.

I hope you are going to have a talk with DeMarco

 

[lostar2009]

I'll take neutral but not sure exactly what you mean as you begin to specify?

Yes we have been good on 3rd down... that's precisely why we are 6-2.
We lost the 2 games we were

I'll take neutral but not sure exactly what you mean as you begin to specify?

Yes we have been good on 3rd down... that's precisely why we are 6-2.
We lost the 2 games we weren't real good on 3rd down.

You don't think Romo is going in the Ring of Honor?? --If not you probably need to take a minute and think that through.

Nope Romo isnt going to make it, nothing will change my opinion unless he led this team to a super bowl. Also how can you create a post expressing your displeasure about our 3rd offense as a whole but later state otherwise? Then here comes your knock on Weeden due to the fact he out peform Romo Monday. Ha ! Your nothing but a stan trying to gas Romo up while maksing his inability to recognize a blitz that night.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The one thing that scares me about this team is the arrogance they showed in both offensive game planning vs. the Skins and the lack of making adjustments to what the Commanders were doing as the game went on.

Very disappointing.

 

[Frosty]

First I want to announce that losing sucks!
Had 6 weeks break from it and it still sucks just as much as it did week 17.

The most interesting thing to me is we sit here at 6-2 and probably should have won both games we lost.
That I like.

That's what playoff game winners look and feel like. --yea I know from history and other sports smart alecs.

I am also glad we have to eat this losing feeling one less day.
If you are going to suck and lose do so on a short week.

This team has some holes and is far from perfect.
It's biggest stat is 3rd down efficiency.
We aren't making enough big plays to score without hitting on 3rd down.
And this defense isn't good enough to continually face long drives without breaking.
3rd down is key.

Sterling Moore is OK but he isn't good beyond 10 yards.
Carr is likewise a quality CB within 10-15 yards but longer plays are a challenge.

The pass rush is mediocre to bad.

That is not a good combo yet Dallas has played fairly well defensively because they've made it really hard to beat them with the run or with cheap underneath stuff.

Offensively the Romo or no Romo argument is tired and pointless. I do not think the season is fully over if Weeden has to play but I also realize Romo is a Ring of Honor guy and Weeden is a career back up at best. But that OL is truly magical. I am and was loathe to have the best group on the team be the OL because they can truly dominate and you can still lose... but man I have to admit it is really fun to watch those guys put NFL players on skates. Tyron Smith is slightly overrated if I am being honest but Zach Martin is arguably the best interior OL I have seen all year. And the dude is a friggin rookie that we "had to" take because no one else wanted him?? Wow. It's similar to us hitting on Emmitt after failing on the 3 LB targets.

DeMarco Murray has to focus more on ball control and less on yards. Yards are pointless when you don't have the ball. At some point Garrett has to make that clear with severe repercussions to change Murray's habits. Talking about it clearly doesn't work. Murray is running like every yard is worth 50 bucks and he may well be right. But it's the wins that will earn him the truly big payday and we can't get those if he keeps fumbling.

Great post, IMO the state of the Cowboys runs thru the front office and coaches....they are the decision makers....they call the plays...they determine who plays and who sits. Will the front office and coaches STICK with what WORKS and keep this team focused and prepared. OR will the Jerry Jones USED CAR salesmen mentality CREEP back into this franchise. The front office needs to TAKE CONTROL and rid the hyped state of the Cowboys that Jerry loves. Keep JERRY JONES out of the picture. It worked for the first 7 games......Don't RISK the season by pressuring Romo or any other player back to soon.. Rather have Romo healthy and ready for the playoffs.. THEN hurt and struggling for the Cardinals game. These coaches need to keep with what WORKS....a running game has got you 6 wins in 7 games.....don't run away from the running game....use that Beastly OL and let them pave the way.

The STATE of the COWBOYS rest on Jerry Jones shoulder....is the taste of short lived success to much and UN-RESISTIBLE for the Jerry Jones glitz and glamour tour...can he be prudent and make wise decisions? This team needs to be focus on the long term, the playoffs and beyond......has Jerry...is Jerry.... up to the task, has he learned anything in 20years as GM and Owner or will he revert to misguided ways of his past.....is the SHOW that Jerry coverts so much... worth more than a championship.....the state of the Cowboys is in his hands...
I

 

[LatinMind]

First I want to announce that losing sucks!
Had 6 weeks break from it and it still sucks just as much as it did week 17.

The most interesting thing to me is we sit here at 6-2 and probably should have won both games we lost.
That I like.

That's what playoff game winners look and feel like. --yea I know from history and other sports smart alecs.

I am also glad we have to eat this losing feeling one less day.
If you are going to suck and lose do so on a short week.

This team has some holes and is far from perfect.
It's biggest stat is 3rd down efficiency.
We aren't making enough big plays to score without hitting on 3rd down.
And this defense isn't good enough to continually face long drives without breaking.
3rd down is key.

Sterling Moore is OK but he isn't good beyond 10 yards.
Carr is likewise a quality CB within 10-15 yards but longer plays are a challenge.

The pass rush is mediocre to bad.

That is not a good combo yet Dallas has played fairly well defensively because they've made it really hard to beat them with the run or with cheap underneath stuff.

Offensively the Romo or no Romo argument is tired and pointless. I do not think the season is fully over if Weeden has to play but I also realize Romo is a Ring of Honor guy and Weeden is a career back up at best. But that OL is truly magical. I am and was loathe to have the best group on the team be the OL because they can truly dominate and you can still lose... but man I have to admit it is really fun to watch those guys put NFL players on skates. Tyron Smith is slightly overrated if I am being honest but Zach Martin is arguably the best interior OL I have seen all year. And the dude is a friggin rookie that we "had to" take because no one else wanted him?? Wow. It's similar to us hitting on Emmitt after failing on the 3 LB targets.

DeMarco Murray has to focus more on ball control and less on yards. Yards are pointless when you don't have the ball. At some point Garrett has to make that clear with severe repercussions to change Murray's habits. Talking about it clearly doesn't work. Murray is running like every yard is worth 50 bucks and he may well be right. But it's the wins that will earn him the truly big payday and we can't get those if he keeps fumbling.

very very good read.

 

[RS12]

The one thing that scares me about this team is the arrogance they showed in both offensive game planning vs. the Skins and the lack of making adjustments to what the Commanders were doing as the game went on.

Very disappointing.

co sign

 

[KB1122]

6-2 speaks for itself. Very good.

 

[AdamJT13]

I am so sick of every QB looking like world beaters against us. Most QBs we face seem to have career days, no matter their experience level.

Our opponents' passer rating is only 89.7 (13th worst rating in the league), and we're one of only three defenses to hold three quarterbacks to less than a 65.0 rating (minimum 25 attempts) in a game.

 

[TonyRomo17]

People need to stop complaining about the defense, they only gave up 17 points..with this offense thats enough to win, they also gave the offense 2 minutes with 2 timeouts to get a field goal

 

[DABOYZ]

I am so sick of every QB looking like world beaters against us. Most QBs we face seem to have career days, no matter their experience level. No QB we've played this year has been sore after the game. That really bugs me, especially since our O-line is great, but Romo keeps getting pummeled.

Romo is getting pummeled because of Romo, not because of this O-line. Weeden whom I absolutely can not stand and truly have a dislike for made the Commanders look bad. Romo's passes were off from the get go. Just ask Witten who got hung out to dry a few times from high passes.

 

[Roadtrip635]

It is a situational awareness thing. I agree with this.

In a situation where you've just ran for 51 yards, go down and live to run another play.

In a situation where you are 2nd and 2 in overtime, fight for every damn yard for 3 seconds after the whistle blows.

He better change it and quick. He's gotten the reputation as a fumbler which is only going to make it worse. Teams will be getting more and more aggressive about standing him up and stripping the ball and his unwillingness to change that is only going to help their cause.