2014 Cowboys: Deja vu all over again

[SawxSince67]

Ryan Fitzpatrick could fuck up a date with a tipsy and smiling Jennifer Lawrence. But, you play your schedule. Dallas is 4-1. Man they made it ugly though. Was it two procedure flags on a drive that could've sealed the game? Jesus.

Dez Bryant made a play, didn't he?

They are playing Seattle next week and they haven't even started playing the NFC East yet. "Splitting" the rest of their games? I think I'll take it.

Offensive line and DeMarco Murray are no joke.

 

[Greg29fan]

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect them to be 4-1 heading into this game in Seattle.  I can't see them winning it but after that they have three home games (NYG, WAS, ARI) and the Jags (in London) before the bye, so they better make some hay.  

 

[SMU_Sox]

4-2 after Seattle. I think they beat JAC and WAS. 6-2. NYG and ARI... who knows. Still, 6-4 to 8-2 are all solid outcomes.

 

[Bosoxen]

This Cowboys team is making the playoffs as long as Demarco Murray is healthy. Kind of surprising that a Cowboys player is kicking a ton of ass on the field and, yet, it's not getting a ton of attention on the national scene. At least not from what I've seen.

 
I think it will now that he has that streak of five consecutive 100-yard games to start the season. They showed a stat during the game which outlined that it hadn't been done since OJ Simpson in 1975. There's no way that's getting to six with Seattle coming up, but I'm betting it will get some play this week, since I think that would be a record.
 
With that said, that was a game the Cowboys of the previous five years would have lost. Coming off of winning a game that no one thought they would win and feeling really good about themselves. It wasn't for lack of trying, what with three turnovers, but credit to the defense for holding them when it mattered.
 
As an aside, there were times during that game when it sure sounded like they were playing in Houston. But I'm thinking enough Cowboys fans will come out of the woodwork to make sure that doesn't happen against the Giants in two weeks.

 

[soxfan121]

This Cowboys team is making the playoffs as long as Demarco Murray is healthy. Kind of surprising that a Cowboys player is kicking a ton of ass on the field and, yet, it's not getting a ton of attention on the national scene. At least not from what I've seen.

 
Cowboys fans are back, and they are back BIG! 
 
(just funnin ya...but a Dallas fan complaining about a lack of attention is kinda funny, given the history)

 

[Greg29fan]

 
I think it will now that he has that streak of five consecutive 100-yard games to start the season. They showed a stat during the game which outlined that it hadn't been done since OJ Simpson in 1975. There's no way that's getting to six with Seattle coming up, but I'm betting it will get some play this week, since I think that would be a record.
 
With that said, that was a game the Cowboys of the previous five years would have lost. Coming off of winning a game that no one thought they would win and feeling really good about themselves. It wasn't for lack of trying, what with three turnovers, but credit to the defense for holding them when it mattered.
 
As an aside, there were times during that game when it sure sounded like they were playing in Houston. But I'm thinking enough Cowboys fans will come out of the woodwork to make sure that doesn't happen against the Giants in two weeks.

 
I didn't see it but apparently in his postgame presser #9 ripped ticket holders for selling their tickets to Houston supporters.  Said they had to use a silent snap count at times.

 

[Dan Murfman]

There were times in the game against the 49ers I thought it was a home game for the Niners.

 

[Bosoxen]

Finally starting to see the effects of people boycotting the team. Naturally, it happened during a season when they started out like gangbusters, so I don't expect the masses to stick to their guns. Don't count me among those touting their playoff chances, though. Their margin of error is incredibly thin (much like their depth at many key positions), so it won't take much to derail that train.

 

[LondonSox]

Yeah it's pretty amazing what they have done, but mainly on the defensive side that the miracles are happening, and they haven't played many very good offensive teams, so we'll see how that goes. And as you say the injury issues are likely to hit at some point, and the depth is a concern. That said no one can be unhappy with 4-1 and the Eagles are also 4-1 and also look ugly doing it.
 
Murray has been a talent for a while, but he always seems to get hurt, if he can avoid it this year then that will make a difference.
Sans Murray you'd worry about a return to Romo time etc.
 
That said the East looks winnable, I don't THINK the Giants are great either, and the Eagles ugh injuries everywhere and Foles and Shady playing badly, I'd expect them to improve offensively (but the special teams and turnovers to drop off).
 
That catch Dez had on the winning drive (or the missed FG drive not sure) was great, and Romo man, he turned his back on the hit before he even released the ball and Dez still got it.
Good oline Romo upright and Murray and Dez healthy the offense will keep it up for me, the defense.... I mean credit where it's due, they've been better than expected, but I'm not sold.

 

[Greg29fan]

http://t.co/tMFqPRvR7U

 

[Bosoxen]

Yeah it's pretty amazing what they have done, but mainly on the defensive side that the miracles are happening, and they haven't played many very good offensive teams, so we'll see how that goes. And as you say the injury issues are likely to hit at some point, and the depth is a concern. That said no one can be unhappy with 4-1 and the Eagles are also 4-1 and also look ugly doing it.
 
Murray has been a talent for a while, but he always seems to get hurt, if he can avoid it this year then that will make a difference.
Sans Murray you'd worry about a return to Romo time etc.
 
That said the East looks winnable, I don't THINK the Giants are great either, and the Eagles ugh injuries everywhere and Foles and Shady playing badly, I'd expect them to improve offensively (but the special teams and turnovers to drop off).
 
That catch Dez had on the winning drive (or the missed FG drive not sure) was great, and Romo man, he turned his back on the hit before he even released the ball and Dez still got it.
Good oline Romo upright and Murray and Dez healthy the offense will keep it up for me, the defense.... I mean credit where it's due, they've been better than expected, but I'm not sold.

 
The defense was always going to be the question mark. Despite its limitations, it has done an admirable job. The Saints didn't quite provide the blueprint for beating it that I expected, but it should still be obvious to even the most casual observer that they're extremely vulnerable to even a mediocre tight end. I noticed yesterday that they're also vulnerable to running backs catching passes out of the backfield (did someone mention Shady McCoy?).
 
The front seven has held its own up until now, but they don't generate much of a pass rush to speak of and they looked like they started to wear down a tad in the 4th quarter. It'll be interesting to see how they fare against Seattle's ground game.
 

http://t.co/tMFqPRvR7U

 
Let's just file this under "ignoring the elephant in the room". Shouldn't come as any surprise, considering the source.

 

[Bosoxen]

Pro Football Mock weighs in on the Cowboys situation:
 
http://profootballmock.com/facebookchat/nfl-qbs-on-facebook-milestoned/

 

[EP Sox Fan]

Houston's offensive playcalling was a mystery. They were gahsing the crap out of the defense with Foster in the second half but it seemed like they put the ball in Fitzpatrick's hands at key moments.  McClain is clearly a difference-maker on defense.  I grudgingly have to give credit to the GM Jerry and Steven Jones for that move.   When he's in the game, it's simpliy a better defense.  When he's out, they really look vulnerable.  Here's hoping that his groin injury doens't cause him to miss much playing time. If he's not able to go against the Seahawks next week, Lynch is going to have a monster game. Miranelli is coaching the hell out of the defense right now, especially the defensive line. Miles better than the garbage they were last season.
 
That game really shouldn't have been close yesterday. Two red zone turnovers really killed a chance to put that game to bed earler on.  As other have said, that is a game that they lose 9 times out of 10 during the last few years.  It was nice to see them pull themselves up after blowing the 4th quarter lead and getting the W. Next week will be a very big test for the offense. The Seahawks secondary have the personnel to shut down the passing game so they will have to be able to run the ball effectively.  The O-line looked good against a good Texans front yesterday. Seattle is a whole other kettle of fish. Sherman and Bryant should make an interesting battle. Dez's catch yesterday had to be one of the most amazing I've ever seen, especially with the game on the line.
 
As far as the East goes, I think this team matches up really well with the Eagles.  Austin Davis lit up that secondary in the second half yesterday and I think the Cowboys would be able to run the ball effectively as well.  Foles has regressed significantly and they look like they miss Jackson quite a bit (he always seems to torch the Cowboys too). I'm actually more concerned about the Giants at this point.  Eli always plays well against the Cowboys and their defense is starting to play better.  Bottom line for me is that if the running game continues to be aces, this team is going to make the playoffs and has a chance to win a game. If they have to revert to their pass happy ways (due to injury or wear and tear), I don't like their chances. Regardless, this team is actually the most enjoyable to watch Cowboys team since maybe 2009. Coaching is good, playcalling is good, minimal amount of stupid, brain dead penalties, great special teams, and they seem to be fired up and having fun.
 
Given our past history, it seems logical that there is a collective feeling hovering uncomfortably close to the surface that this performance is not sustainable.

 

[soxfan121]

My apologies. Didn't mean to lump you in with these Cowboy lovers.

 

[DanoooME]

Houston's offensive playcalling was a mystery. They were gahsing the crap out of the defense with Foster in the second half but it seemed like they put the ball in Fitzpatrick's hands at key moments.  McClain is clearly a difference-maker on defense.  I grudgingly have to give credit to the GM Jerry and Steven Jones for that move.   When he's in the game, it's simpliy a better defense.  When he's out, they really look vulnerable.  Here's hoping that his groin injury doens't cause him to miss much playing time. If he's not able to go against the Seahawks next week, Lynch is going to have a monster game. Miranelli is coaching the hell out of the defense right now, especially the defensive line. Miles better than the garbage they were last season.
 
That game really shouldn't have been close yesterday. Two red zone turnovers really killed a chance to put that game to bed earler on.  As other have said, that is a game that they lose 9 times out of 10 during the last few years.  It was nice to see them pull themselves up after blowing the 4th quarter lead and getting the W. Next week will be a very big test for the offense. The Seahawks secondary have the personnel to shut down the passing game so they will have to be able to run the ball effectively.  The O-line looked good against a good Texans front yesterday. Seattle is a whole other kettle of fish. Sherman and Bryant should make an interesting battle. Dez's catch yesterday had to be one of the most amazing I've ever seen, especially with the game on the line.
 
As far as the East goes, I think this team matches up really well with the Eagles.  Austin Davis lit up that secondary in the second half yesterday and I think the Cowboys would be able to run the ball effectively as well.  Foles has regressed significantly and they look like they miss Jackson quite a bit (he always seems to torch the Cowboys too). I'm actually more concerned about the Giants at this point.  Eli always plays well against the Cowboys and their defense is starting to play better.  Bottom line for me is that if the running game continues to be aces, this team is going to make the playoffs and has a chance to win a game. If they have to revert to their pass happy ways (due to injury or wear and tear), I don't like their chances. Regardless, this team is actually the most enjoyable to watch Cowboys team since maybe 2009. Coaching is good, playcalling is good, minimal amount of stupid, brain dead penalties, great special teams, and they seem to be fired up and having fun.
 
Given our past history, it seems logical that there is a collective feeling hovering uncomfortably close to the surface that this performance is not sustainable.

 
I'm sure they'll bury Williams on Sherman and put Bryant on the other side against Maxwell.  What I am worried about is them lining Witten up on that side of the field as well and running both guys deep.

 

[Bosoxen]

 
I'm sure they'll bury Williams on Sherman and put Bryant on the other side against Maxwell.  What I am worried about is them lining Witten up on that side of the field as well and running both guys deep.

 
That will only work if they're able to keep Seattle's defensive line out of the backfield. It's likely that Smith, Frederick and Martin can do that, but Leary and Free are weak links when it comes to pass protection. If they can't keep Romo from getting harassed, they'll be able to keep their safeties close to the line of scrimmage to disrupt the running and short passing game. If that happens, it's curtains for sure.
 
Of all the things that could bury the Cowboys in this game, I think turnovers will be the most likely culprit. Seahawks defenders have to be salivating at the thought of ripping the ball out of Murray's feeble grip or on the end of one of Romo's patented "turn my head and chuck it downfield" interceptions. You can get away with turning the ball over three times against the Texans, but do that against the Seahawks and you'll find yourself in a deep hole very quickly.

 

[Greg29fan]

 
That will only work if they're able to keep Seattle's defensive line out of the backfield. It's likely that Smith, Frederick and Martin can do that, but Leary and Free are weak links when it comes to pass protection. If they can't keep Romo from getting harassed, they'll be able to keep their safeties close to the line of scrimmage to disrupt the running and short passing game. If that happens, it's curtains for sure.
 
Of all the things that could bury the Cowboys in this game, I think turnovers will be the most likely culprit. Seahawks defenders have to be salivating at the thought of ripping the ball out of Murray's feeble grip or on the end of one of Romo's patented "turn my head and chuck it downfield" interceptions. You can get away with turning the ball over three times against the Texans, but do that against the Seahawks and you'll find yourself in a deep hole very quickly.

 
I don't know if it was a one-off game or not but aside from the first play of the game Leary was excellent against Watt.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Having the safeties respect the run game is crucial to Dallas's success so far in the passing game imo. The oline dline battle is going to be a thing of beauty this week.

 

[LondonSox]

I did just see the stat that the Dallas D gives up the most yards per snap in the NFL (despite not great competition so far).
That was surprising to me.
 
edit: adding the link as I wanted to check what I had seen
Dallas and Browns at the bottom, both a bit surprising to me, the teams next up were less surprising, Atlanta, Saints, Rams, Giants, Chicago, Jacksonville
 
http://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/opponent-yards-per-play

 

[Bosoxen]

Pants off!

 

[Greg29fan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHa4hUTWydw

 

[dcmissle]

Nobody saw this coming, especially on the defensive side

The message for JJ is pretty plain: keep your hands in your pockets on draft day. Trust your football people. That's how you end up with this o-line and without Johnny Manziel.

 

[Stitch01]

Thought this offense could be good, can't believe the defense is passable.

 

[RetractableRoof]

Nobody saw this coming, especially on the defensive side

The message for JJ is pretty plain: keep your hands in your pockets on draft day. Trust your football people. That's how you end up with this o-line and without Johnny Manziel.

Wonder just how much the bloom is off of Rob Ryan league wide at this point.  He had a hell of a reputation at one point.  I know the offense is controlling the clock in a much different way this year, but damn they are playing differently defensively.

 

[Deathofthebambino]

The Cowboys are back baby.  And count me as one of the few non-Cowboys fans that are happy about it.  A good Cowboys team makes the NFL more interesting, IMO.  And make no mistake, this team is for real.  Their defense seems to have gotten passed the growing pains it had early on, and I think you can reasonably expect them to hold most opponents to 21-24 points.  That may not be that good for a lot of teams, but when you have the offensive line and skill position players the Cowboys have, they will win way more games than they lose if their defense can hold teams to 24 points or less. 
 
At times today and throughout the first 6 weeks, I felt like I was watching the line open holes for Emmitt Smith all over again.  There used to be that argument that went on and on over who was better, Emmitt or Barry Sanders (I'm firmly in the Barry camp), but to me, the difference was that Emmitt used to not have to do much of anything until he was 4-5 yards passed the line of scrimmage, whereas Barry had to make about 4 dudes miss to get to the LOS.  That's what today was like.  There was a run late in the game that was just so vintage Emmitt that I almost did a double take.  They were down around the Seattle 20, and Murray took the handoff to the right, and he could have driven a truck through the hole that was there, he then hit the second level and made a guy miss, and had the guy not got a small piece of his waist, he would have been gone.  He ended up getting slowed up enough that he got tackled for like an 11 yard gain, but I'm telling you, if you went back and watched that run and put it next to Emmitt, it looked almost identical. 
 
If this offensive line can stay healthy, and if Romo can limit his mistakes, I see no reason to think this team can't go into the by week 8-2 at worst.  Maybe even 9-1.  The hardest game on their schedule during that time is Arizona, IMO, because the Cardinals are very good against the run, but if I were a Cowboys fan, I'd be thinking about not just making the playoffs, but a pretty high fucking seed in them.  They are good. 

 

[Tony C]

I'm with DoB...not really a Cowboys fan, but the league is more fun when they're winning and Romo's been kicked so often (SF123!) that I have to cheer for him. Now just get Michael Sam on that active roster and I'm fully on the bandwagon.

 

[dcmissle]

Wonder just how much the bloom is off of Rob Ryan league wide at this point.  He had a hell of a reputation at one point.  I know the offense is controlling the clock in a much different way this year, but damn they are playing differently defensively.

A fair amount, I imagine. McClain is very good but he is only one guy. And how is NO doing on that side of the ball?

 

[Greg29fan]

It's all gonna come down to the last six weeks like usual b/c the schedule is absolutely brutal but this is the Cowboys team best prepared for it that I've seen in a long time.

 

[Super Nomario]

Nobody saw this coming, especially on the defensive side

The message for JJ is pretty plain: keep your hands in your pockets on draft day. Trust your football people. That's how you end up with this o-line and without Johnny Manziel.

Well, wait a minute. Wasn't the rumor in the 2013 draft that the football people wanted Jones to take Sharrif Floyd, but he overruled them and traded back? That turned into Travis Frederick, a big part of that revamped OL, and Terrance Williams, who had the catch of the day today. Meanwhile Floyd hasn't done much. Jerry Jones deserves blame for plenty of things (like the cap nightmare that forced them to give Romo a ton of guaranteed money and lost them DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher), but he deserves credit for the things he's gotten right - like the offensive line.

 

[dcmissle]

Well, wait a minute. Wasn't the rumor in the 2013 draft that the football people wanted Jones to take Sharrif Floyd, but he overruled them and traded back? That turned into Travis Frederick, a big part of that revamped OL, and Terrance Williams, who had the catch of the day today. Meanwhile Floyd hasn't done much. Jerry Jones deserves blame for plenty of things (like the cap nightmare that forced them to give Romo a ton of guaranteed money and lost them DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher), but he deserves credit for the things he's gotten right - like the offensive line.

Can't parse the rumors from this distance. Other than those confirmed by all relevant parties. Like the one confirmed by Jerry himself that Steven Jones had to take from the owner's hand the draft card with Manziel's name on it.

Jerry gets the credit either way. But we have seen Jerry the GM in action for most of the 20+ years since Jimmy Johnson left town.

 

[TFisNEXT]

Well, wait a minute. Wasn't the rumor in the 2013 draft that the football people wanted Jones to take Sharrif Floyd, but he overruled them and traded back? That turned into Travis Frederick, a big part of that revamped OL, and Terrance Williams, who had the catch of the day today. Meanwhile Floyd hasn't done much. Jerry Jones deserves blame for plenty of things (like the cap nightmare that forced them to give Romo a ton of guaranteed money and lost them DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher), but he deserves credit for the things he's gotten right - like the offensive line.

From all accounts, they could have gotten Frederick with their 2nd round pick. So while it should be noted that going O-line was smart, it doesn't necessarily mean that Jerry was right getting him that early. But it's still clear he runs the show, and he should get kudos for swallowing the urge to get big name "sexy" players in the draft. Frederick has turned into a beast, so the "reach" can probably be forgiven. And of course Tyron Smith is probably the best tackle in the NFL (if not, then top 3) and Martin looks like a probowler as a rookie. Dallas has a stud offensive line now. It was their weakness just 2 years ago.

 

[Super Nomario]

From all accounts, they could have gotten Frederick with their 2nd round pick. So while it should be noted that going O-line was smart, it doesn't necessarily mean that Jerry was right getting him that early.

I know that's what Kiper and his ilk said, but I don't have any reason to believe it was true. Pretty much all the OL went earlier than expected - few had Kyle Long and Justin Pugh as firsts, and they went by pick 20. Maybe Frederick would have been available in the second, maybe not. In general, I think criticisms along these lines are unfair. No one knows what 31 other teams are going to do.
 

But it's still clear he runs the show, and he should get kudos for swallowing the urge to get big name "sexy" players in the draft. Frederick has turned into a beast, so the "reach" can probably be forgiven. And of course Tyron Smith is probably the best tackle in the NFL (if not, then top 3) and Martin looks like a probowler as a rookie. Dallas has a stud offensive line now. It was their weakness just 2 years ago.

Yes. From Jones' reputation, you'd think he has a Millenesque run of taking WR in the first every year, when in fact since Dez (a pick that can hardly be criticized in hindsight) he's gone OL, CB, OL, OL.

 

[Tony C]

Yeah, drafts should be judged on how the picks turned out, not if it went according to Kiper et al's projected draft order. 

 

[TFisNEXT]

I know that's what Kiper and his ilk said, but I don't have any reason to believe it was true. Pretty much all the OL went earlier than expected - few had Kyle Long and Justin Pugh as firsts, and they went by pick 20. Maybe Frederick would have been available in the second, maybe not. In general, I think criticisms along these lines are unfair. No one knows what 31 other teams are going to do.
 
Yes. From Jones' reputation, you'd think he has a Millenesque run of taking WR in the first every year, when in fact since Dez (a pick that can hardly be criticized in hindsight) he's gone OL, CB, OL, OL.

No real argument there. I read from more than just Mel though about the Frederick pick...but as already mentioned, Frederick has been a hit, so its pretty tough to criticize hard. A lot worse guys could have been taken. The Mo Claiborne pick is looking bad, but we'll be fair in that most people thought he would go where he did.

Tyron Smith is a total stud and Zack Martin is looking like an awesome pick in the first round right now. So it's definitely far to say the O-Line focus is why the Cowboys are becoming a scary team. It also (at least to me) has shown how much Tony Romo masked the flaws of this team previously. He got a lot of shit (some of it deserved) for some bad losses that weren't always his fault.

 

[TFisNEXT]

They have to be careful about over using Murray. Lose him and this whole season goes poof. Very impressed with this supposedly bad defense. I see a very solid unit.

Rolando McClain is starting to look like the first rounder he was drafted as.

Kind of weird that he would do this on Dallas...that is usually a move the Patriots would do. Revive a former great talent who got lost along the way early in his career.

 

[Greg29fan]

They have to be careful about over using Murray. Lose him and this whole season goes poof. 

 
I don't know about poof - Lance Dunbar can play some ball...he makes plays every time he's in there, whether it's catching balls or breaking a big run like he did today.

 

[LondonSox]

The issue for the Cowboys is depth imo.
 
On both sides of the ball there is questionable depth, esp on the def.
Murray and less that this workload have resulted in injury just about every season, he runs hard and physical, but that takes an impact.
 
I actually don't know re o-line depth, and injuries there are such a wildcard.
 
Bottom line the O is as expected, but with better play calling than expected, and the D is blowing away expectations. The Eagles and Cowboys don't play each other until late in the seasons, and it sure looks right now like those games will matter a lot.

 

[Dgilpin]

I would love to see Detroit's D-line get a chance to match up with the cowboys o-line

 

[LondonSox]

I have to say, it'll be interesting to see the game next week.
The Giants will be in a hissy fit abut the mauling they got in Philly, and suddenly everyone has flipped from telling the cowboys how terrible they are to blowing smoke up their ass. King has them rated the number one team this week etc (hard to argue significantly after winning @ seattle).
 
They need to ease up on Murray imo.
 
But they have 3 home games in a row (Giants, Lolskins and Cardinals, followed by two byes. Sorry @ Jacksonville and a bye.
You'd hope they can win 3/4 of those and that would put them at 8 and 2 (lose cards, win other 3 seems very plausible)
After the bye it's a harder road, @ Giants, Eagles, @ Bears, @ Eagles colts and @ Lolskins.
 
Those Eagles Boys games twice in three weeks late could be awesome.

 

[Bosoxen]

All of the shenanigans involving the Frederick pick need to be considered within the context of the Cowboys' needs at the time. The issue most people had with the pick wasn't that they didn't want them picking O-line (frankly, we'd been clamoring for it for years until they grabbed Smith), it was that they desperately needed defensive line help. That was the year they were transitioning from the 3-4 to the 4-3, and they were really thin on the defensive line, particularly at tackle. Jay Ratliff was on his way out the door (much to my chagrin, as he was my favorite player) and Josh Brent was fresh off ruining several lives with one stupid decision. As much as they also needed offensive line help, the defensive line was absolutely critical. Sharif Floyd dropping to them in the first round was a Godsend, so it was quite the shock that they would pass that up.
 
Hindsight being what it is, it all worked out in the end when Frederick showed signs of being a perennial All-Pro and Jason Hatcher anchored the defensive line. But I think it's important to consider that when discussing the fallout from that decision.
 

 
I don't know about poof - Lance Dunbar can play some ball...he makes plays every time he's in there, whether it's catching balls or breaking a big run like he did today.

 
That was Randle that broke off the big run. I think the Dunbar play you're referring to was the big 3rd and 14 where he caught the pass in the flat and got the first down. But other than that, he didn't do much. He caught 4 passes and ran the ball once.
 

I would love to see Detroit's D-line get a chance to match up with the cowboys o-line

 
And have Suh or Fairly stomp someone's face? No thanks.
 
------------------
 
I'm still on the fence regarding whether I want to buy into this team or not. On the one hand, all signs point to them being for real. The offensive line is great, which makes all of the shiny toys Jerry has collected for the offense shine that much brighter. The defense is looking really good, despite missing key pieces at linebacker every game of the season to date (imagine how much better they'd be with Lee in there...sigh), and is looking like the proverbial "greater than the sum of its parts". On the other hand, we've seen Jerruh's Cowboys look like world beaters before. Thanks to obtaining home field advantage, 2007 looked like the season when they would finally break through their playoff doldrums and make a deep run. In a manner befitting the next six seasons, they found a way to lose to the Giants - a loss which sent the franchise into a death spin of mediocrity. So as much as I want to believe, I can't help but hear "fool me twice..." in the back of my head.
 
Fuck you, Jerry, for finding a way to ruin what should be a really fun season.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

This couldn't be anymore "Cowboys".
 
The fall from grace is going to be delicious.

 

[Greg29fan]

 
That was Randle that broke off the big run. I think the Dunbar play you're referring to was the big 3rd and 14 where he caught the pass in the flat and got the first down. 
 

 
yeah, sorry.

 

[EP Sox Fan]

Well that was unexpected.
 
They tried to follow the typical Cowboys narrative in which they do stunningly dumb things to lose a winnable game in a painful way. Special teams has been a strength for them this season but was a disaster for them yesterday. Yet, the picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and then punched Seattle right in the mouth. Repeatedly. Not to mention that I always enjoy Pete Carroll eating shit. The 80 yard drive ending in the Escobar TD immediately after Romo getting anhilated and giving up the blocked punt for the TD was one of the most impressive drives I've ever seen out of a Cowboys offense ever. No panic, just systematically and methodically moved the ball down the field. I kept waiting for the holding penalty, fumble or soul crushing INT. And I'm loving the defense. They are playing with an edge that I'm not used to seeing out there. I actually applauded the scuffle at the end of the first half. They were playing with a fire I haven't seen in a long, long time. On both sides of the ball they were punishing the Seahawks. Murray was a beast yesterday. Pretty sure Sherman was having nightmares of trying to tackle Murray one on one. O-line, despite some bad holding penalties was fantastic. I think of all the ways they've blown games over the last few seasons because of their inability (or unwillingness) to run the ball and I see this team and wonder "Who the hell are these guys?"  I've been rolling my eyes about "THE PROCESS" for the last few years but maybe that ship is finally coming in.
 
But like Bosoxen, I have a healthy dose of skepticism that this is sustainable.  I've been down this road too many times to buy into the success completely and unequivocally.  Next week is a classic trap game. Giants were completely and utterly humiliated on national TV last night and have lost their biggest offensive threat for the season. Also, Manning was sacked three times on the way to the team bus last night. And the Cowboys are going to be the story in the NFL all week. I guess we'll see just how good the coaches are and whether THE PROCESS gets them to maintain their focus and not buy into the annointing that will surely be occuring over the next 6 days. And until last season, the Giants have owned the Cowboys at JerryWorld.  IMO, what they do next week will be more revealing than their win on the road against the defending champs .
 
And can someone put a muzzle on GM Jerry this week? I have a feeling he's going to try and set new rercords for hyperbole between now and the Bank of America Kick Off (TM) on Sunday.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Joseph Randle arrested for stealing underwear and cologne from a local Dillard's.  Awesome.
 
 

@clarencehilljr Yes, Randle was busted for stealing a bottle of cologne and underwear..
 

 

[Bosoxen]

What? No crab legs?

 

[RedOctober3829]

What? No crab legs?

That's next year.

 

[Greg29fan]

Jerrah says Doug Free is out 3-4 weeks with a foot fracture.  Jeremy Parnell will start at RT.

 

[Bosoxen]

That will probably take longer than four weeks. I'm betting it will be more like 6-8.

 

[LondonSox]

Joseph Randle arrested for stealing underwear and cologne from a local Dillard's.  Awesome.
 
 

Drakkkkkkkkaaaaaaar Noir?

 

[LondonSox]

As soon as the Cowboys get love it was inevit ... inevit.... inevit one more time? inevitable
 
Free fractured foot out 3-4 weeks
http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11699803/doug-free-dallas-cowboys-fractured-foot-miss-3-4-games