Cowboys No Show

So, another NFL season ended without any damage done by the Cowboys in the playoffs. Once again, they're sent away whimpering into the night. Without a fight. Something is fundamentally wrong with this team. It's not talent, I think it's known throughout the NFL that the Cowboys might have the most talent on their squad. So, it's either playcalling or coaching or both.

I'm calling out Jason Garrett. I don't understand some of his decisions throughout the game. Passing more than running on third and short. He seems to outthink every situation in his young career. Sometimes, go with the obvious call. It's ok. We have almost two tons of flesh leading the way, with a lot of talent. You should be able to gain a yard every once in a while by running the ball. The inability to free up Terrell or Roy Williams is troubling. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, even Kansas City seem to be able to get it to their top wideout 6-7 times every game. And if Dwayne Bowe is getting his balls from Tyler Thigpen, Tony Romo should be having a field day with Roy AND TO out there.

Jason Garrett has to go. Or at least demoted. Which he probably won't take sitting down? So, he has to go.

Wade Phillips is a wonderful defensive coach. The things he's been able to accomplish with the defense in the past month has been amazing. However, we're not even in the post season this year. So, that means two things. Wade can't be our head coach and Brian Stewart can't be our defensive coordinator. Jerry says that Wade is staying, I just hope he gets put on defense only. I would like Bill Cowher to be the head coach.

What's missing from this team other than coaching? Not much, I look around and I don't see a lot of weaknesses. The only spots I have questions at are safety, wide receiver and maybe offensive line. In the Philadelphia game yesterday and in the New York Giant game, it seemed like Romo was running for his life the whole game. That's becoming a trend. it might be time to look into three spots along that line. Flozell, Columbo and whoever's at the left guard spot. They seem to get beaten off the line of the scrimmage on a regular basis. Safety, might be filled with the return of Pat Watkins. I thought Watkins took some positive steps this year before falling to injury. And wide receiver. I think the addition of Roy means the subtraction of TO, but I still think we need a speed WR.

Cowboys Lose, Still In Position To Clinch Playoff Berth

Not that the Cowboys deserve it, but they can clinch a spot in the playoffs if they can manage to beat the Eagles next week. Even after allowing two long TD runs (77, 82) at critical junctures in the game where you know Baltimore's going to run. We're still in it. Undeserving of a playoff run. Absolutely. This team won't get past the first round, especially since we're probably going to play the third seed and not Arizona, who just might be the only playoff hopeful playing worse than we are.

Dallas Cowboys vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Tony Romo looked awful while the defense looked absolutely spectacular. I refuse to blame this loss on the defense. Yes, they looked a little futile on the game tying drive from the Steelers, but the unit was on the field for the entire fourth quarter, or at least that's what it felt like. I will put this loss squarely on the arm of Tony Romo. I don't care what route Witten was supposed to run on Romo's last two interceptions. Romo wasn't sharp all game. Wind or not, this was the worst game I've seen him play.

The defense played it's best game to date. Adam Jones was spectacular. Ware was dominant. Bradie James made a serious bid for a Pro Bowl appearance. Jay Ratliff IS the best 3-4 nose tackle. The goal line stand to temporarily preserve a 10 point lead should have sealed the game for the Cowboys. That is, if the Cowboys offense could have mustered any type of drive in the last 8 minutes of the fourth. Anything, even driving to the Steelers 40 and punting would have sealed it. The way the defense was playing, it would have held 10 points.

What this loss does is put a lot of pressure on the Cowboys as they are competing with eight other teams for the last four spots. The only positive thing about this loss was the play of the defense, Tashard Choice and the fact that they were an AFC team. I feel like Dallas has to pull off two of the three remaining games to have a decent chance at a playoff berth. No easy task with the Giants, Ravens and the Eagles on tap. Personally, I think we got ousted from the playoffs when Romo went down against Arizona.

Cowboys Season In Jeopardy

If Romo doesn't play in the next three weeks, Dallas' season might be over. Consider the next three opponents, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants. The Giants game is a loss. The Tampa game is at home so it helps but I see us losing that game as well. The only game that I have the Cowboys favored in is the St. Louis game. That puts us at 5-4 record at the bye week.

In the NFC, I have NY Giants winning the East and the Arizona Cardinals winning the West. That leaves Washington (4-2), Philadelphia (3-3), Green Bay (3-3), Chicago (3-3), Minnesota (3-3), Tampa Bay (4-2), Carolina (4-2), Atlanta (4-2) and New Orleans (3-3) fighting Dallas for the other four playoff slots. And we can only get a wild card.

Other reasons I don't think we'll make the playoffs. We can't rely on the defense. Terence Newman, remember, is also out for a month. Our defense, as highly touted as they are, has allowed 8 more points than the Saints' defense. I have serious doubts on whether or not our defense can carry us to wins. Brad Johnson? Everyone says he's capable, but the fact remains that he's about a 75 rating QB. We're struggling to beat opponents with a 100+ rating QB. Add to that, Felix Jones is out a month. Our most dangerous weapon besides TO.

Oh, and by the way, Mat McBriar is out for 8-9 weeks and Sam Hurd is out 6-8 weeks. At the beginning of the season, people were talking about missing the playoffs at 11-5 given the strong NFC East. We might have four of those five losses at the bye week. And then Romo has to win seven games in a row to put us at 12-4.

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins, Week Four

Ok, I know officiating is part of the game and the Cowboys didn't exactly look very good yesterday but the missed calls were atrocious. The face mask on Adam Jones, the pass inteference no call on Terrell Owens, the false start by the Redskins and the 12 men on the field call to change a 50 yd field goal into a 30 yard field goal and taking an extra 2+ minutes off the clock. It felt like a screw job. Just saying. Those were all really horrible calls. Adam almost got his neck broken, the false start by the Redskins was a full second before the snap of the ball and the 12 men Troy and Joe couldn't find looking at two different replays.

The 12 men on the field call. I don't know if that's reviewable, but Aikman said it was reviewable and Wade Phillips had the red flag out. If it was reviewable, Wade Phillips made a huge mistake not throwing the flag. I know the arguments against reviewing. We only had two timeouts at that point. If we burn one with a bad challenge, we only have one timeout left to stop the clock. Either way, if the Redskins hit a field goal, it was going to come down to an onside kick anyway. Wouldn't you rather take the chance and make the Redskins hit a 50 yard field goal. If they miss, it's only one possession with 5 minutes to go. Timeouts become mute at that point.

Despite all that, the defense didn't do it's job yesterday. The secondary looked terrible as Santana Moss, once again, tore it apart. The defense did step it up and stopped them on some key possessions and the 12 men on the field call didn't help matters. But, overall, we couldn't stop Clinton Portis or Santa and it hurt us a lot.

The offense didn't exactly shine either. Marion Barber only got 8 carries and Felix Jones didn't get a carry at all. One thing that bothers me about Garrett is that he gets too impatient sometimes. Why did he shut down the run and become so one-dimensional? I realize it's only his second year as a coordinator so there's some learning curve to be had. But, we need to utilize every weapon we have and Barber/Jones is a major asset to the offense.

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers, Week 3

So much for never winning at Lambeau Field. Dallas was a far better team as Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett decided to grind out the game with Marion Barber. Perhaps to keep the Green Bay Packer offense on the sidelines a little longer. Or maybe they just didn't think the Packer defense could contain him. Either way, it worked.

This is the best game I've seen from the defense in years. Ryan Grant was held in check and Aaron Rodgers struggled to find some rhythm. Most of their yards came in the closing minutes as the game was already decided. Is it a coincidence that Roy Williams was not in uniform that day? We'll find out more in the next couple of weeks? But my guess is yes. Roy's good for at least 80 yards and TD in each game. For the other team.

Tony Romo didn't look great and Terrell Owens was held to 2 catches for 17 yards. Very encouraging as we beat a very good Packer squad. Jason Witten is absolutely, without question the best tight end in the game today.

Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles, Week Two

So, Tony Romo had his big game jitters going again. It resulted in a interception and a botched handoff that resulted in 14 points for the Eagles. The final score ended up being 41-37. This game was a drag out, pull no punches brawl. It seemed like whoever had the ball last would win it. Anyway, the analysis.

Defense, C: They accounted for only 23 points but the game brought about many issues that we seem to be dealing with every season lately. I'm not going to blame this on the secondary since McNabb seemed to escape every possible pressure situation until their last series. But, something is wrong with this defense. For as much as we're touted for talent, it doesn't seem like we can consistently pressure the QB like the Giants do, WITHOUT Strahan and Umenyiora. I'll give some credit to McNabb but we need to see the QB go down a couple more times on crucial drives.

Offense, A: Without the two miscues, this was another finely tuned offensive game. There's really nothing else to talk about. Witten was amazing, Owens did his job, Barber was a beast and we even saw a little bit of Miles Austin. Even with the miscues, they played an amazing game. They did score 41 points.

Special Teams, A+: Felix Jones had his first career return for a touchdown. Folk nailed a couple of key FG's to keep the game close.

Injuries of Note: Jason Witten separated his shoulder but returned and is expected to play against Green Bay. Roy Williams is out for four weeks due to a fractured forearm. Isn't Roy being injured really a victory for the Cowboys as well.

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns, Week One

Ok, so week one is in the books and the Cowboys gained 487 yards against a suspect Cleveland defense. Besides one series in the game, Tony Romo seemed to have forever and a day to deliver the ball to anyone he wanted. Marion Barber got into the secondary with ease and so did Felix Jones, who scored a touchdown on his first NFL carry. Only an injury to Barber marred this victory.

The defense played exceptionally well, allowing only ten points to high octane offense that scored a lot of points last season. It might have something to do with Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards being a little rusty as they didn't seem like they were on the same page all day. However, they were able to shut down Jamal Lewis for most of the day and Kellen Winslow seemed to disappear as the day went along.

The Cowboys offensive line still commits way too many penalties, but it didn't seem to matter on Sunday. But I would like for that to eventually fade out this season because we won't be able to overcome 1st and 30's too often in the playoffs. Overall, a very good start to the season.

2008 Cowboys Season Preview

It's the beginning of Tony Romo's second full season. The artist formerly known as Pacman was reinstated by the league. No one cares that Terry Glenn isn't on the team. We just resigned our special teams gunner Keith Davis. DeMarcus Ware will be a nightmare for offenses to handle. Marion Barber and Felix Jones look like a fearsome tandem in the backfield. The season is full of promises and the Super Bowl is in sight.

So what could possibly be a concern for a Cowboys fan? Wide receivers and defensive backs. Although, at this point, no one seems to worry about the loss of Terry Glenn, including me, it's a concern. For the first couple of games, we might be seeing TO, Crayton, Stanback and Pacman at WR. I don't know about you, but I'm down on Patrick Crayton. He's had serious problems or lack of focus in the past two playoff games. Dropped balls at key points in the game or drive. This is supposed to be our second best WR. Miles Austin, who I am incredibly high on, hasn't been healthy for consecutive months since Woodstock. Sam Hurd is a nice option. But the fact is the only wideout we can trust game in and game out is Terrell Owens. And he has his own issues with hanging on to passes.

Defensive backs. Roy can change his number all he wants. If I was a defensive coordinator, my whole game plan revolves around isolating him one on one and burning him deep. With anyone. The Cowboys staff has been disappointed with the progress or lack thereof by Mike Jenkins. Pat Watkins hasn't grabbed that SS spot despite the eyesore that Roy is. No one knows if Pacman Jones will be able to hold his wad for the whole season. And like it or not, Terence Newman is having some trouble staying on the field lately.

I know it sounds like I'm nitpicking, but in order for us to succeed in the playoffs, these issues have to be addressed or answered by playoff time. Especially since the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl.

Ken Hamlin Gets Resigned With A Six Year, $39 Million Contract

Ken Hamlin now joins Terrell Owens, Flozell Adams, Marion Barber and Terence Newman as another pro-bowler with a long, healthy contract this offseason. Hamlin hasn't participated in the offseason workouts after the Cowboys tried using the franchise option on him.

The deal is similar to what Gibril Wilson and Kerry Rhodes were offered by the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets, respectively. It's not a horrible contract for the Cowboys but the problem is that Seattle had to cut Ken because of performance issues after he received a lucrative contract from them. So, it remains to be seen whether or not Ken Hamlin is just a pay check player.

Regardless, Ken Hamlin is the best safety that the Cowboys have on the roster so it serves them well to keep him happy.

Pacman Watch

Adam "Pacman" Jones still can't get on the field for the Cowboys or participate in organized team activities. Unlike Tank Johnson, the commissioner hasn't granted Jones permission to join the Cowboys' activities prior to the lifting of the suspension. Goodell has insisted that he will review Pacman's case before the onset of training camp. 

One thing going for him. Tank Johnson has taken Jones under his wing. As a fellow member of the ousted, Tank can provide a unique view on how to get under the good graces of the commissioner. Having taken the necessary steps, Tank is returning the favor that Nate Newton, Michael Irvin and others paid to him. Giving Pacman support. 

Whether or not Pacman has actually turned a corner and realizes that playing in the NFL is a privilege is a question no one can answer. Perhaps not even by Adam Jones. But I don't think what Adam has done mandates a suspension longer than a year. Wouldn't cheating at the game deserve a much bigger punishment? Instead of focusing on personal lives, I would like to see Commissioner Goodell take a stance like that on the Patriots. Perhaps a first round draft pick for each tape made? 

Cowboys Sign Barber & Newman Through 2014

Terence Newman signs a six year extension worth more than $50 million dollars. The new contract puts him in the same range as Asante Samuel and Marcus Trufant salary wise. As the lone stud in the secondary, this is a wise move and T New deserves the contract. 

I would like to see more interceptions or turnovers in general from Newman. But overall,  he's one of the best corners in the league. He should receive some much needed reinforcements with the additions of Pacman and Mike Jenkins. So, he should receive more opportunities to see the ball thrown his way. 

Marion Barber is a much happier running back as he receives a seven year, $45 million contract with $16 million dollars guaranteed. He is a fan favorite and I love the way he punishes defenders who try to tackle him. But not for a part-time back. With the addition of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, Barber will not be a full time back. 

Given that, the fact that he hasn't proven that he could even handle a full load of carries with his aggressive running style plus his average pass blocking skills. I believe that this is a mistake. Not a Roy Williams mistake but a mistake nonetheless. Not because I don't believe he's a good back. I think he's a wonderful running back but $45 million dollars for a player that's not on the field every down.

If you're not convinced that he was overpaid, consider this. Only LaDainian Tomlinson is guaranteed more money. Is Barber the second best back in the league?

2008 NFL Draft: Rounds 3-7

After a slew of trades, moving up and down, Dallas ended up with:

Round 4, Pick 122: Tashard Choice, RB - With only two RB's on the books, Marion Barber and newly acquired Felix Jones, I felt like this was a quality pick. He has a well rounded game and runs particularly well between the tackles. Considered a Heisman candidate earlier in the year, he'll give Dallas more depth at the position and the best rushing attack since Emmitt's glory years.

Round 5, Pick 143: Orlando Scandrick, CB - Although I really liked Tyvon Branch, who was essentially traded to Oakland, I applaud the pickup of this kid from Boise St.  He ran a 4.3 40 and he has enormous potential. With this addition, Dallas has added Pacman Jones, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. A position of weakness may have turned into a position of strength.

Round 6, Pick 167: Eric Walden, DE - The Sun Belt's top pass rush threat. He's being compared to Junior Glymph. I would have preferred a flyer on Tommy Blake from TCU. I understand that Mr. Blake has a mental condition to contend with but I don't see Eric Walden making this squad either. 

The Cowboys have definitely upgraded two positions that they needed to. But they neglected to fill needs at WR and OT. With Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn and Flozell Adams rapidly approaching retirement, an heir apparent at each position would have been an incredible advantage to maintain competitiveness. 

Grade: A

2008 NFL Draft: Dolphins Trade

Details:

From Miami:

2008 4th Round Pick

To Miami:

Akin Ayodele and Anthony Fasano

Well, Bill loves Anthony Fasano. I don't mind losing Akin Ayodele with the acquisition of Zach Thomas. But Anthony's a former 2nd round pick. For one 4th rounder. How about a 3rd rounder Bill? You owe us at least that much. 

Grade: C+

Pacman's Coming To Dallas

First, the details of the trade.
The Titans receive our 4th Round pick tomorrow and a conditional 2009 6th Round pick.
If Pacman is not reinstated, the Cowboys will receive the Titans' 2009 4th Round pick.

Now, I don't know about you. But the fact that we can get the pick back makes this deal a no brainer for me. It's almost a no risk, high reward proposition. No one denies his talent, the doubt lies in whether or not he'll play. Even with a year layoff, if he hits the field as Pacman, he'll make this defense an elite unit.

It will allow the Cowboys to move Anthony Henry to the free safety position, shifting Ken Hamlin to his natural position at strong. The acquisition of Pacman doesn't solve all of our secondary issues (if he plays) but it gets us closer. Especially if it means the removal of Roy Williams from the field. The Boys would still need to acquire another CB in the draft tomorrow.

Grade: A

NFL Draft 2008: Dallas Cowboys - My Wish List

This a list of players I would like in the corresponding round. Given needs and value.

1st Round-
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB (Tennessee State)
Leodis McKelvin - CB (Troy)
Mike Jenkins - CB (S. Florida)
Devin Thomas - WR (Michigan State)
Rashard Mendenhall - RB (Illinois)
Jonathan Stewart - RB (Oregon)
Ryan Clady - OT (Boise State)
Darren McFadden - RB (Arkansas)

2nd Round-
Felix Jones - RB (Arkansas)
Aqib Talib - CB (Kansas)
James Hardy - WR (Indiana)
Joe Flacco - QB (Delaware)
Jordy Nelson - WR (Kansas State)
Chris Johnson - RB (East Carolina)
Kenny Phillips - S (Miami)
Brandon Flowers - CB (Virginia Tech)
Desean Jackson - WR (California)
Jeff Otah - OT (Pittsburgh)

3rd Round-
Andre Woodson - QB (Kentucky)
Jamaal Charles - RB (Texas)
Early Doucet - WR (LSU)
Gosder Cherilus - OT (Boston College)
Sam Baker - OT (USC)
John Greco - OG (Virginia)
Jerod Mayo - ILB (Tennessee)
Tyvon Branch - S (Connecticut)
Quintin Demps - S (UTEP)
Josh Barrett - S (Arizona State)
Tracy Porter - CB (Indiana)
Charles Godfrey - CB (Iowa)
Terrell Thomas - CB (USC)

4th Round-
Kevin Smith - RB (Central Florida)
Ray Rice - RB (Rutgers)
Justin Forsett - RB (California)
John David Booty - QB (USC)
Alex Brink - QB (Washington State)
Kevin O'Connell - QB (San Diego State)
Malcolm Kelly - WR (Oklahoma)
Mario Manningham - WR (Michigan)
Earl Bennett - WR (Vanderbilt)
Andre Caldwell - WR (Florida)
Tony Hills - OT (Texas)
Brandon Keith - OT (Northern Iowa)
Eric Young - OG (Tennessee)
Chris Ellis - DE (Virginia Tech)
Jonathan Goff - ILB (Vanderbilt)
Jameel McClain - ILB (Syracuse)
Chevis Jackson - CB (LSU)
Zackary Bowman - CB (Nebraska)
Marcus Griffin - S (Texas)
Nehemiah Warrick - S (Michigan State)
Brandon Sumrall - S (Southern Miss)

5th Round-
Josh Johnson - QB (San Diego)
Dennis Dixon - QB (Oregon)
Ryan Torain - RB (Arizona State)
Chauncey Washington (USC)
DJ Hall - WR (Alabama)
Adarius Bowman - WR (Oklahoma State)
Shawn Murphy - OG (Utah State)
Chad Rinehart - OG (Northern Iowa)
Tommy Blake - DE (TCU)
Dennis Keyes - S (UCLA)

That's the extent of my knowledge so I'm stopping with the 5th round.