The Cowboys lost their final season game against the Redskins, 27-6 and while most Cowboys fans did not expect a win, I think it's safe to say that the Cowboys have raised a lot of questions about their readiness for the upcoming playoffs. I'm not sure how critical I should be given the following circumstances: the Cowboys did not need to win for the playoffs, the Cowboys chose to rest several starters for the playoffs, it was an away game against a bitter division rival and, finally, the Redskins needed this game to ensure a playoff spot.
Having listed all of the excuses, I have to say that the Cowboys simply looked bad, particularly on offense and special teams, and were dominated by the Redskins throughout the game. Congratulations to the Redskins, you have to give them credit - they simply were the better team today - they out-hustled and out-performed the Cowboys all game. The goal of the Cowboys was to allow some offensive stars to achieve some individual and team "stat" goals (partial check) and to get the offense back on track - (not done!) and, of course, no injuries - also not achieved! The running game had it's worst result in recent team history, if I'm not mistaken, with something like 1 total yard! Not only did the Cowboys not generate ANY momentum heading into the playoffs, they now have two weeks to listen to the numerous critics about the state of the team. Not good.
On defense, I thought Demarcus Ware, Tank Johnson and Bradie James all had a good game, pressuring Todd Collins and creating turn-overs. The Redskins really took advantage of Jacques "Toast" Reeves in the secondary and certainly highlighted Terence Newman's absence today. For the most part, I thought there was a lot of poor tacking, (i.e. Roy Williams) as evidenced by the fact that Clinton Portis had over a 100 yrds. rushing - the first time all season that an opposing running back has run for 100 yds. against the Cowboy defense.
On offensive, it was a disaster for most of the day and there are few people to single out for having done a good job. I thought Sam Hurd had a decent 1st half, including a nice catch that Wade Philips challenged the ruling on and reversed the decision in the Cowboys favor. Miles Austin had a good 2nd half with a long kick-off return and some nice catches - although he dropped two passes that might both have been touchdowns! Terry Glenn made his first appearance all season and you knew things weren't going to go well when the first ball Romo threw to Glenn was picked off. We didn't see much of Glenn after that and I don't remember seeing him catch a single ball today. Finally, the running game was absolutely pathetic - both Julius Jones and Marion Barber were completely ineffective and the offensive line did little to try and control the line of scrimmage. Tyson Thompson made an appearance toward the end of the game and promptly slips and falls down on his only carry. I was hoping to see more of Isaiah Stanback today but I guess he is still inactive due to earlier injuries.
Several of the Redskins were impressive and had an excellent game: Chris Cooley, Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss and Todd Collins on offense and Chris Wilson, Shawn Springs on defense. Todd Collins was particularly surprising given how little he's played over the past 10 yrs. Clearly, his timing with the Redskins receivers was excellent today and I would think that most Redskins fans are happier knowing that Collins will be running the show in the playoffs vs. a young Jason Campbell.
The Cowboys brain trust should be extremely concerned about the apparent weakness in the offensive game and the lack of momentum heading into the playoffs. In addition, Keith Davis, captain of the special teams and a contributor on defense, came off of the field limping - not sure to what extent his injury is but it's obviously not good to lose anyone to injury at this point. In my opinion, this loss was big because the Cowboys were not able to achieve anything positive - no production or a decent evaluation of Terry Glenn, no correction for Romo and the offense, no momentum for the playoffs. Just a lot of questions and criticism at a time when you want to be firing on all cylinders. They have two weeks to get their act together or else a 13-3 regular season record will essentially mean nothing.
RN, good analysis and an honest assessment of the Cowboys going into the postseason. They'll have a week to iron out the kinks in the offense. I think had they not had home field advantage and had to play next week, they'd be one and done. But if they play like they did today in two weeks, they're one and done.
I was quite surprised that they only gained 1 yard rushing for the game. Was it me, or did the O-line look like they were a step slow?
It's good to see your passion. I don't think there is a need for major concern. The Boys have accomplished a lot this year, now comes the time to prove it out. I'd say the one thing they need to watch concerns their young QB. If he can catch a break here and there, get his confidence up, then the Cowboys will be a force to reckon with. If Tony gets rattled, look out. This is the time when QB's reputations are made... If he plays up to form, I don't think anyone in the NFC will beat them.
Hey jon_464, you are right - if the Cowboys don't get their act together - quickly - it's not going to be a long run in the playoffs. I agree, the o-line did not dominate like they had been doing earlier in the season. It's been an issue for the past 3-4 weeks and I don't think you can blame it all on Gurode being out at center. I guess home field advantage is going to mean more to the Cowboys than anyone realized!! Hope it gets better soon. Thanks for the note!
Hey Dwindy1, thanks for the encouragement! I could use it right now, the Cowboys are killing me right now and I can't wait for the numerous text messages, emails and phone calls from my Redskins friends. Hating life right now! We'll see if the Cowboys can get it together in time for their first playoff game - should be interesting!! Gotta love the NFL. Thanks for stopping by the blog, best wishes.
Cowboys had nothing significant to gain against the Redskins. With the next couple of weeks to heal and prepare, Cowboys go all the way!!! The Redskins and Giants will be lucky to advance.
As goes Romo and TO, so goes the Cowboys. They didn't play and neither did the rest of team, really. I think this week was more about resting players and getting healthy for a Super Bowl run.
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The Cowboys did have everything to play for, Pride! None of their starters were rested until the second half after Romo got his record.
The Redskins shut them down and taught the Cowboys' opponents an important lesson: Smack Owens and Romo around (like Philly did), unnerve them, and win the game.
Being a lifelong Cowboy fan myself, I wasn't terribly impressed with their performance yesterday either. However, I really believe the bye week will give this team everything it needs. Rest, motivation, and refocusing on the one and only goal.
Simply put... Yes, I think we're in trouble. It's not really this past game that bothers me, but more the past month or so. Everything that you mentioned in your article, in my opinion, is accurate. I am hopeful that two weeks off will help the 'Boyz recover physical and mentally because they're going to need it.
I think a season in its entirety has to be examined in order to provide an accurate opinion of a teams condition.
The Cowboys have been very, very tough all year long. They are strong on both sides of the ball. On offense, they can run and possess a prolific passing attack. This only stands to get better with the return of Terry Glenn....and TO will be back after his short break.
Football players are human. Whether they choose to admit it or not, I think there is some letdown in play once they are playing meaningless games.
In a physical game such as football, the human body thrives off of adrenaline. Heading into a season ending game against a division rival you fear very little should they make the playoffs is hardly a source of adrenaline, in my opinion.
As a Patriots fan, the constant analysis from one game to another can get old. Statistically Dallas has been the top offensive team in the NFC and has ranked near the top defensively. No significant changes in personnel (from injury) have happened to change this.
I believe the Boys wil be fine in the playoffs despite Wade.
Cowboys fans should be a little ocncerned. December has not been a good month for an otherwise prolific offense...The redskins looked very tough against your first stringers all first half. Simpletruth I'm surprised. I doubt the cowboys have no fear of the redskins in the playoffs, especially after having their starting offense shut down. Completely shut down...Hopefully the cowboys can tune up, the last thing they need is to be bounced by a division rival...not a good way to end an otherwise great season. good luck in the playoffs!
Hey, thanks for all of the comments - I appreciate the opinions and viewpoints! I agree with several of you that the last month or so has not been reassuring for most Cowboys fans. I don't know if it's a case of untimely injuries, lack of motivation since the playoffs have been clinched or what but the end result is that the Cowboys have dropped two out of the last four games, in both cases to division rivals. In my opinion, they won't last long in the playoffs if they keep up this level of play. We all know they have the potential to reach the Super Bowl - should be interesting to see if Wade (0-3 career playoff record) is up to the challenge! Hope you enjoyed the post - thanks for the comments!
sorewinner, it won't be as simple as that and you know it. Romo will be fine as long as the line gives him time and he has someone to catch the ball. TO is the bigger question - when will he be ready and to what extent? I assume you based your comment on the defense on yesterday's game. The defense is much better than they showed against the Redskins but will have to play much better to reach the SB. I still like the Cowboys chances, providing they get some things corrected and play at the level they played for the majority of the season. Easy for you to write them off so quickly, right - you have all the answers?!
The Cowboys may have seemed suspect after the loss to the Redskins, But they have a bye week to open the playbooks and reevaluate their plays for the upcoming matchups. that is a total of two weeks to regenerate both the offense and the defense.i would have played johnson instead of romo in that match up. that game has given the redskins hope in the first round playoffs. the seahawks defeated the redskins in 2005. let us see if the redskins will have the same game face on with that matchup and i bet you that they will notg and they will lose by a TD. not to include HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE and if it rains, let it pour! SEAHAWKS LOVE THE WEATHER UP THERE.
The redskin fans are in for a bitter disappointment. They beat a Cowboy team that did not want to show any meaningful game plan prior to the playoffs. They literally squeaked into the playoffs. The Cowboys had nothing to play for and and all the while used subs. They will be lucky to get by the Seahawks and may God have mercy on them if they should cross the paths of either the Packers or even the worse the Cowboys again. Additionally it was clear that the league set out to help them win yesterday with some totally indefensible pass interference penalties against the redskin opponent. The league loves drama and human interest stories and they are playing on the recent tragedy that befell them recently.
Sorewinner,
In his first half and full season, Romo has had more impact to a team or the NFL than any QB starting the same amount of games. You think it is all luck or smoke and mirrors. Try playing the game, Cosell-wanabe.
Last edited by Luminator on December 31st at 12:43 PM.
JoseSalsa, I hope you're right. You make a good point about the play calling - remember when everyone had nothing but great things to say about Jason Garrett and his play calling?! I haven't been too impressed with Garrett lately and I'm wondering how much opposing teams have been able to figure out his game, etc. Granted, losing TO makes a huge difference in the plays you CAN call, but I've not been happy with the offense for the last month or so. I hope you are right - the next two weeks will give them time to get it right! As for the Redskins, nothing would make me happier than to see them go out in the first round but I'm afraid the Cowboys gave them some much needed confidence. Stay tuned...
Last edited by RNewhouse44 on December 31st at 12:46 PM.
The skins are working off so much emotion and media sensationalism. They are a much weaker team than everyone gives them credit. They lost 7 games for goodness sake. The last game against the Cowboys was not a testament of how well they will play in the playoff. They will face "starters" not "backups" all game long. Wait and see. Skins going down next week.
Last edited by Luminator on December 31st at 12:53 PM.
Luminator,
Thanks for the encouraging words, I hope you are right. Nothing in the NFL makes me happier than watching Skins fans go beserk and an early out of the playoffs would be great, from my perspective. I'm not concerned about the Skins at all, to be honest. Just a little worried about the Cowboys over the past month or so. Probably just my natural pessimism but I can't shake the feeling the things are not right. Wade better earn his check over these next two weeks and get things back on track - there is too much talent on this team to not perform when it matters most. Thanks for stopping by the blog, hope you enjoyed it. Cheers.
I love the way everyone is using subs as an excuse!! Romo got beat. Barber got beat. Jones got beat. The O and D line got beat. Dallas got BEAT!!!Philly exposed the Dallas offense for the posers that they really are, just like they exposed the Pats. You need to face up to the fact that Dallas is susceptible, Wade Phillips is playing with the Tuna's team, they won't win the SB and next year will be a disaster for them!!
Kellizaal, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. So what? The Cowboys lost a truly meaningless game and you draw the conclusion that it means the Cowboys will go "one and done" in the playoffs, right? Brilliant. Posers? You'd think that teams would've figured out such "posers" before the Cowboys could win 13 games, right? History shows that overall talent and lack of injury are the two biggest factors with successful NFL teams. The Cowboys organization knows quite a bit about winning Super Bowls and I'm hopeful this year will be no different. Isn't it great to see the Cowboys back again?!! Enjoy, Kellizaal and keep up the jealousy and bitterness!
Hi RN, I wouldn't be too critical of yesterday's effort if I were you. It was a must-win situation for Washington, and a nothing game for Dallas. The game of football relies so much on emotion that playing what was essentially an exhibition game to the Cowboys against a team who had everything in the world to play for, probably it was inevitable that it would be a flat effort for Dallas....
I'm sure they will be more than ready to play in two weeks....
Jealousy and Bitterness? I think not. Meaningless game? Since when is an NFL game meaningless? I guess when Dallas loses one that they shouldn't have. The tone in your response tells me that I struck a nerve and that the game wasn't so meaningless. Romo's tantrum on the sideline and the look on the rest of the teams faces tell me that the game wasn't so meaningless after all!!! Meaningless game... I think not!
HalfBaked, you're right but just to clarify, I'm really not putting too much stock into yesterday's game. I'm much more concerned about the offensive performance over the past 4 weeks. The Cowboys should be peaking now and gaining positive momentum for the playoffs. Instead, we're limping in with scattered injuries and a lot of questions on offense. Hopefully, Wade and the staff will get things moving in the right direction over the next two weeks. Otherwise, 13-3 won't mean much if they get bounced out of the playoffs right away. Thanks for stopping by the blog, hope you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comments! Cheers.
I am a lifelong Cowboys fan (living in New England, no less), but I have to give my objective opinion here. While I agree that the Cowboys have looked less than formidable over the last month, I believe a great deal of this can be attributed to complacency (not that it's a valid excuse). The last time they played with any kind of a chip on their shoulders was the Thursday night game against Green Bay. And they looked nasty! Granted, they allowed Green Bay back into the game, but that was the last time they really went out with anything to prove. I think once they sewed that game up, they seemed disinterested in proving NFC supremacy. Hell, it was undisputable at that point. With the first-round bye locked up, I honestly think they've been pretty casual to their approach. Against Detroit, the defense didn't show up. The next week, the defense played like it had something to prove against Philly, but the offense didn't show up. I just dont think they've been playing with any kind of spark or chips on their shoulders. Maybe that is something to expect under the Phillips regime, but it is what it is. Should we be concerned about their momentum going into the playoffs? Perhaps. But my thinking is that once the playoffs start, we're going to see a Cowboys team with something to prove in a big way. I expect to see the same team we did in the first half of the Green Bay game. And THAT team I'd expect to see in Arizona in a month...
Last edited by TBourne on December 31st at 1:57 PM.
O.K., Kellizaal - I admit it, you really are incredibly insightful and have me pegged. On the other hand, you sound like a long-time Cowboy hater so what am I going to say that's going to make any difference with you? What's your point? Since you don't consider any game "meaningless", do you think the Cowboys should've treated that game as a "must win" game?! Should they have started everyone that was ####ed up to help ensure a win? Pulled out all the stops because "every game is meaningful"?! That's asinine and I'm sure you know it. The Redskins had to win to get in - it doesn't get more meaningful than that, does it? The Cowboys had the division, the bye week and home field advantage - doesn't sound very meaningful to me. Are you a closet Redskins fan? To be honest, you sound a lot like an Eagles fan but who knows? Thanks for contributing, sorry you hate the Cowboys so much and we'll see happens in two weeks.
TBourne, thanks for the contribution. Cowboys fans are always welcome here and I hope you are right. I thought the topic would make a good blog and it's certainly inspired some conversation here, which is always good. I'm hoping for the same thing you are - that the Cowboys will use this as motivation to crush teams throughout the playoffs. I don't think the NFC is very good this year to begin with and the Cowboys should still have a great chance to get to Arizona this year. If there is complancey - and it's a good point you make - than Wade better earn his check and get this team properly motivated to win in the playoffs. Keep your fingers crossed, hope you'll stop by the blog in the future. Happy New Year!
robbrrarine, that's a helluva a secret weapon. Say what you will about the guy but can you imagine being Tony Romo right now?! How many of us wouldn't be "distracted" if we had Jessica Simpson waiting for us after the game?! Hey now!! Good luck to your Pats.
If yesterday's Cowboy and Skins game was so meaninful, then why did the Skins lose 7 meaningful ones during the season? If anything, the Skins should have one at least one of those meaningful games they lost earlier in the season. Get your football sense right
Last edited by Luminator on December 31st at 2:44 PM.
The Skins lost 5 of the 7 games (Giants, Packers, Patriots, Cowboys, and Bucs) to playoff bound teams. Sounds like they cannot play well in meanginful games. They won 7 of the 9 games (Dolphins, Eagles, Lions, Cards, Jets, Bears, and Vikings, oh my!) to non-playoff teams. And that is not counting the meaningless game with Dallas yesterday, which makes it 8. From that perspective, looks like they play well in meaningless games except for maybe one game. Good luck in the playoff, if you have a team playing.
Last edited by Luminator on December 31st at 3:18 PM.
Luminator and RN---
I admit it, I am a LOOONG time Cowboy hater!!! But, I give credit where credit is due!!! Midway through last season Romo came on and w/ few (but crucial) mistakes has played outstanding ball. TO has been a surprise thus far for playing well and not having a meltdown. I like Wade but, I think he is running w/ Tuna's team (like Switzer did w/ Jimmy's). All that aside excuses are like @#$-$- holes... everybodys got one!! TO will have his meltdown, Romo will make some mistakes and Wade wont last three years. In the last few weeks everyone has been copying Philly's D against the Boys the same way they have copied Philly's D against the pats. Dallas came yesterday to play and set personal records but, had the door slammed in their face. A win is a win and a loss is a loss, but to make excuses for a loss in such a big rivalry game is pathetic!
Kellizaal, no worries. I would expect nothing less from a Cowboy Hater - most of my best friends are huge Cowboy Haters, so I'm used to it. Some people on this blog might be making excuses for yesterday's game, I'm the one that wrote the blog expressing my concern over the poor play from the Cowboys. I think my blog was a fair and honest assessment of the game - I tried to give credit where credit's due, etc. I agree with you on one point - I do think that, for whatever reason, the Cowboys took the game too lightly and it's cost them in a couple of ways - they did not get the offense back on track, the individual records are meaningless and, worst of all - they gave the Redskins confidence and momentum going into the playoffs! Personally, I blame Wade and I hope like hell that he will get the team ready over the next two weeks. I still can't tell if you are a Redskins fan or an Eagles fan but it all sounds familiar! I got lots of texts and a few phone calls after the game from my Redskins friends so I hear what you're saying. If you have a team in the playoffs - good luck to you. If the Cowboys blow this up, I'm sure you'll be back saying "I told you so" and I'll take my medicine - if that happens!! Happy New Year, Kellizaal!
RN--- Kudos to you!!! I never set out to be overly abrasive. I have read all the excuses posted by the Boys' fans and I thought it was sad due to the length of time that Dallas played their starters and what the score was when they left the field. Again, a rivalry game of this caliber, the opportunity to knock the 'skins out, build momentum into the playoffs, there shouldn't have been any excuses (especially considering Dallas' performance the first three months). Not to mention the fact that they have a first round bye ( the old man up in Lambeau played all 60) Wade has already taken the blame for the loss. Dallas has a very good team this year but, their performance in the playoffs in recent history, TO's history , and how well the Pats are playing (hate to talk about them) I don't think this will be their year. However, with Romo's ability and another receiver to possibly compliment TO (Moss?), they have a future if Wade can coach them. I won't be back telling you so, I just think you have to give credit where credit is due! Happy New Year!!
Kellizaal, thanks - your comments are welcome here anytime. You made an otherwise ordinary blog interesting and I appreciate it. I think you were the only one to try and throw a "bomb" into the discussion and, besides, how boring would life be if we all had the same opinions? I'm just glad that as a Cowboy fan, I'm always right by definition!! HA HA, I'm just kidding - honestly!! Have a great New Year's Eve everyone and stay safe! Best wishes for a great 2008!
A dedicated and avid Dallas Cowboys fan for as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed supporting the Cowboys over the years. This is my first blog and I hope it will be enjoyable and relevant to those that read it. Thank you and Go Cowboys!!
Standard Disclaimer: This blog is an outlet for my thoughts and opinions, is purely for entertainment value and obviously does not represent the Dallas Cowboys organization in any way, shape or form.
