As desperate as the Cowboys fans are for recapturing a little of the Glory Days, you can pardon our exuberance in the solid victory over the 4-1 NFC South contending Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday. But before we call a wrap to the season and start printing play-off tickets, let’s take a quick gander at just what happened in that game.
We could easily start off by saying “let’s toss out that first quarter completely”. The game had an ominous beginning to be sure: Atlanta marched down and scored a touchdown on their opening possession for the first time this season, all the while relying on backup Snelling. Afterwards, The Cowboys came out passing and had a couple of quick 3 and outs. Yes, the first quarter seemed like a portend of bad things to come. But they didn’t remain bleak. That’s why I don’t want to just dismiss it. The Cowboys Defense seemed to take control of the game and really begin to apply pressure to Falcon QB Matt Ryan. Ware, Brooking and Jenkins all looked solid.
So there is your first good takeaway. With a lackluster offense, and the Falcons eating up eight plus minutes with an opening score, the defense took control and held the Falcons in check while Romo and company recovered.
The next good takeaway was the emergence of Miles Austin as a legitimate #1 deep threat receiver that Romo threw to with guided missile precision. It was fun to see Romo like he was three seasons back. And the scramble at the goal line was vintage. Romo out of the pocket is when he is his most dangerous.
The Bad would be the play of Terrence Newman. He seemed to just go through the motions on that first drive by Atlanta, which set the tone for things to come. And that punt return. What was that all about? That looked like a rookie mistake, but he’s a seven year veteran. I don’t get it.
The Ugly is without question the penalties. The penalties keep racking up; 8 penalties for 50 yards, 13 for 90 yards at Kansas City, 7 for 70 in Denver, 9 for 80 against Carolina. Through week two however they were only flagged a total of 7 times. I don’t get the reversal trend.
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You are dead on! The penalties have been the achilles heel for this squad going to back to even Parcells… the lack of discipline is a killer and it always seems to happen on important plays.
thanks michi. Look at yesterday's box score: 5 penalties for 43 yards. Very respectable. What I want to know is WHY did the Cowboys get their act together, and HOW are they going to sustain this trend?
thanks michi. Look at yesterday's box score: 5 penalties for 43 yards. Very respectable. What I want to know is WHY did the Cowboys get their act together, and HOW are they going to sustain this trend?
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