OOPS! The worst case scenario for the Cowboys is in full effect as Dallas fell to the Giants 31-24 at the Meadowlands Sunday evening. Along with that, the Eagles won Sunday, which puts them in a tie for first in the NFC East with the Cowboys with the Giants a game behind and holding the tie-breaker with the Cowboys. There are several area to look at in this loss and the ground game is one of them, as the “Monster” finished with 23 carries for 45 yards and 6 receptions for 20 yards. I think its safe to say you’re not gonna win many games averaging less than 2 yards a carry.
WOW! For one week at least, the Monster got its groove back, finishing with 24 carries for 194 yards and one touchdown to go along with 4 receptions for 42 yards in the Cowboys’ 24-7 Thanksgiving Day thumping of the Oakland Raiders. The Monster was responsible for two of the biggest plays of the game and and had a much bigger impact on this game than in previous weeks.
We got our wish this week as extra emphasis was placed on the run game against the Redskins. What did we get for having our wish fulfilled? A lot of yards on the ground (149 total) but not much scoring. In fact, the once-vaunted Cowboys offense was once again held to a single touchdown on the day. Thankfully, Washington’s offense has been pathetic all year and that continued in a 7-6 Cowboys victory at the Death Star Sunday afternoon.
After losing to the Packers in Green Bay I think my basic question is back on the table: Do the Cowboys make it to and win in the playoffs? I thought going into Green Bay game the Boys ought to have run the ball much much more:
- off tackle with Barbarian
- end around with Jones
- play action with Choice.
A most frustrating Sunday evening in Green Bay for the Cowboys mercilessly ended with a 17-7 Packers victory. The only points Dallas scored came on a touchdown pass to Roy Williams with less than a minute to play in the game. The Monster was pretty much a non-factor (thanks Jason Garrett!) in the game, as they totaled 11 carries for 45 yards and 4 catches for 20 yards. For this backfield to have a TOTAL of 15 touches in any game is inexcusable and, I believe, the lack of committment to the ground game game played as big a part as any in this defeat.
Some new wrinkles from the Monster this week as the Cowboys exorcised some demons from last year with a 20-16 victory over the Eagles Sunday night. With the victory, Dallas now has sole possession of first place in the NFC East. As for the new wrinkles, we saw several plays from the “Wildcat” formation as well as some plays from the three tight end set. The running game wasn’t a huge part of the game plan, as the Monster picked up 73 yards on 19 carries and 1 touchdown to go along with 4 receptions for 28 yards, but it’s impact was felt when used.
The Monster was loose again Sunday afternoon, although it didn’t play as significant a role as we may have liked it to in the Cowboys’ 38-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The three backs combined for 26 carries, 103 yards and 1 touchdown as well as 2 catches for 28 yards. Rather pedestrian numbers, but understandable when the passing game is hitting on all cylinders like it was.
It’s back!!! The Three-Headed Monster was in full effect Sunday afternoon at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas’ 37-21 win over the Falcons. Ok, I don’t if “full effect” is really accurate, as the three combined for 84 yards on the ground on 22 attempts and 30 yards on 4 pass receptions. Atlanta’s defense did a good job of keeping the Monster in check, but you wonder how much of it has to with after effects from injuries and missed time.
Still no Felix? Almost a major problem, averted by the greatness of Miles Austin and his historic day. The Cowboys went up to Kansas City and beat the Chiefs (dressed as the former Dallas Texans) 26-20 in overtime. The Cowboys tried their best to give this game away, but were able to escape Arrowhead with the “W”.
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The Three (Minus the Same Different One) Headed Monster – Week 5
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No Felix? Umm, problem? The Cowboys went up to the Mile High City and once again lost a game on the final play, this time to the Broncos, 17-10.
This week, the Cowboys were without home-run threat Felix Jones, out with a knee injury. With Marion Barber returning from a quad injury, it was up to Tashard Choice to pick up the slack for the ground game. Early on, he appeared up to the task.
This is a preview of
The Three (Minus a Different One) Headed Monster – Week 4
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