They're in. It wasn't a great game by the offense but the defense pitched a shutout. I think we'll all take it even if the game left a lot to desired. The short yardage offense was terrible and Roy Williams is really starting to run out of chances to prove he isn't a bust. But we can't forget that the Cowboys are in the tournament and have a shot at the ultimate prize. They've won 2 straight December games after hearing about their December record for the last year.
So now a lot of things are on the line next week. Win and the Cowboys will win the NFC East and be guaranteed at least one home playoff game. Lose and they will go in as the #5 or #6 seed and play on the road. And a win would allow them to go into the playoffs on a roll for the first time in almost 15 years. They even still have an outside shot at the #2 seed which would give them a first round bye.
What went right: The offense got off to a great start and scored on their opening drive for the second week in a row. The defense shut the Redskins down and didn't allow a point. Sean Suisham was 2 for 2 on extra points and hit a short field goal. Jason Witten and Miles Austin showed they are extremely dangerous weapons in the passing game. Tony Romo continued to play good football. The Cowboys only had one turnover and that came on a tipped pass.
What went wrong: Roy Williams scored a TD but he dropped an easy ball and tipped another ball that was intercepted. The short yardage running game got stuffed countless times and several of the play calls were questionable. Pulling the guard and allowing Haynesworth a free path into the backfield is not a good idea. Jason Garrett made that mistake at least twice. And the last run play was just stuffed because Marion Barber missed the hole. The short yardage game has to be fixed ASAP.
I doubt that Wade Phillips will need any extra motivation for the game on Sunday but the lackluster showing by the offense will give him something to point to. The Cowboys need to get into playoff mode this week. Even if they have clinched the playoff they need to play like the season is on the line. A home playoff game would be a huge advantage and could be the difference between one and done and a run deep into the playoffs.
All I have to say is that pay back is a mutha***** What the Eagles did to us on the last day of the season last yr will be the motivation factor Sunday. The d-line is going to eat McNabb alive! Please let M Jenkins check D Jackson for the entire game. I just don't trust Newman on EVERY play. GO COWBOYS......I smell a home playoff game in the workings! -Atl_Cowboy
ReplyDeleteRoy Williams is terrible he's a 3rd or 4th reciever at best. Barber looks slow and beat up never give big money to RB. There are too many of them around . But we look good Romo is playing like a allstar those throws to Witten were great. Spencer is playing outstanding a true force on D
ReplyDeleteHeres the new offensive strategy. Roy willliams and crayton block for witten and austin while they do all the work :). Like i've been saying all year witten witten witten. Followed by witten with a long drawn out witten. But maybe i'm bias.
ReplyDeleteAll in all it looks like the best thing of the game was the special teams coach getting an appendectomy and Wes Phillips (yes his son) running special teams. did anyone notice it wasn't a complete catastrophe
It's a great feeling today. We made the Playoffs and knocked the Giants out. Seeing the Cowboys in the playoffs is kind of a new feeling. I missed the game against the Giants a few years ago because of work, but I did see the quincy carter years and the playoff game against the Seahawks. This team gives me a different kind of feeling though, more hope I guess. Feels good
ReplyDeleteCan't agree more.... Witten Witten Witten. He has been a big play threat who has been rarely used at times. He get 8 receptions for 60+ yards and the Cowboys win the takeaway battle, we will beat the Eagles!
ReplyDeleteI think we're all in agreement about Witten. I'm pumped for the playoffs but I really feel like the Cowboys need to go in on a hot steak.
ReplyDeleteDaniel - I'm glad you are back on board. After so many ups and downs over the years I have learned not to get too high in the good times or too low when it feels like the sky is falling.
I'm becoming more and more of a believer, I just needed them to show me something first. I think the last two weeks proved a lot to me. The 2 things that could hold us back from winning it all are Roy Williams and the bad play calling when we get to the other side of the field. The way Roy Williams laughed after he dropped all those passes rubbed me the wrong way. He has talent, but he needs to come through more. Our defense though is the best at not giving up points. Just great all around.
ReplyDeleteMichael Irvin should slap Roy Williams around a little bit to let him know that his job is to CATCH footballs and not smile on national television everytime he drops a ball.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the ProBowlers. I think Jenkins and Romo deserved to be there too, but I'm happy we got those 6.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, love the blog, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteAh the excitement of the playoffs! We all have reason to be excited; we are entering the tournament with a great QB and defense which, as we all know, is the formula needed to win it all. Of course I'm not saying that we will, but just that we have as good of a chance as ANY other team in the league.
In 2007 we were 13-3 and the #1 seed, we all thought it was going to be THE year, a Superbowl appearance at the LEAST. That didn't pan out and everyone panicked after we missed the playoffs last year... Well guess what everyone... we might not be 13-3 and the #1 seed but we have a BETTER defense then we did back then, FAR BETTER special teams, a BETTER offense, and our QB is a lot more in control of his game. We have a better team NOW than back then. It might not be as flashy but they are flat out better, oh and we don't have locker room drama...
I predicted before the Saints game that a win would catapult us deep into the playoffs because the momentum wave would be huge, lets hope I'm right. :D