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.
Marion Barber
Marion Barber got the start once again and finished the game with 12 carries for 50 yards and 3 catches for 20 yards. As most of us hoped, Barber got most of his carries in the first quarter and as the game was winding down in the fourth. We got to see the Marion the Barbarian we all know and love, soften up the up opposing defense with tough, punishing runs and finishing the Eagles off with more of the same in the 4th quarter. More please.
Felix Jones
Felix Jones had a rather pedestrian day, with 4 carries for 10 yards. Felix looked very tentative whenever he had the ball in his hands, especially on his kickoff returns. He just didn’t have his usual burst whenever he got to a hole. Hopefully thos isn’t a new injury or an old one flaring up.
Tashard Choice
Tashard Choice finally got some significant snaps and made the most of his opportunites with 3 carries for 13 yards and a touchdown to go along with 1 catch for 8 yards. Tashard was the “Wildcat” quarterback and had decent success running the offense, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter. Let’s see if Choice gets more looks from the “Wildcat” as the season moves on.
This Sunday, the Cowboys head up to the not-so-frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys will look to avoid a classic let down game, coming off the high of beating the hated Eagles while the Packers look to rebound from a most embarrasing loss to the creamsicled, and previously winless, Buccaneers.
GO COWBOYS!!!