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Latest News
2007 SCHEDULE
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
| Cowboy's Trivia Question of the Week! Who is the oldest player on the Cowboys' roster? Last Week's Answer: Danny White |
Clash of the Titans: Cowboys/Patriots Preview
This game is easily the most hyped game of the season thus far.
The Cowboys are the first team with a real chance to beat the
Patriots, and in turn the Patriots are a great measuring stick for the
up and coming Cowboys.
I'm really pumped for this game, but it isn't because if we beat the
Patriots we will be the best team in the NFL. It is Week 6. We beat
the 9-0 Colts last season and I think they faired a bit better than us
come post-season. This game is strictly for entertainment. It
should be fun to watch. Games are always more fun when two
teams are evenly matched. This game isn't any bigger than last
week's game. A win or loss against Buffalo is exactly the same as a
win or loss against New England.
Cowboys Run Offense vs. Patriots Run Defense.
Edge: Even
The Cowboys have to be able to run the ball with some
effectiveness against the Patriots assuming they don't take the run
away by putting 8 or 9 in the box on every play. This is what the
Bills did. They were determined to stop the run. If they are that
determined, don't worry because we should be able to throw
effectively if he can keep their pass rush at bay. You shouldn't run
into a brick wall 35 times a game and Jason Garrett knows that. He
displayed that beautifully against Chicago. If you want to stuff our
run, fine we will pass on every play.
This match up features the most physical units in pro football. The
Cowboys offensive line is massive and powerful. The Patriots front
seven is maybe the only front seven that plays with more physicality
than the Cowboys.
Cowboys Pass Offense vs. Patriots Pass Offense
Edge: Even
Tony Romo needs to have a big day for us to win this game. I can't
see us scoring more than once on the ground so he is going to
have to put points on the board. We certainly have the talent to
expose their secondary that is probably the only weakness of this
team if you want to call it that. Cleveland's Derek Anderson had no
problems moving the ball last week, he just couldn't make the plays
inside the redzone. We will see if Tony Romo can do that.
The numbers of Hall of Fame quarterbacks facing Bill Belicheck for
the first time are horrendous. He will confuse Romo, but Romo has
the ability to make a big play against the perfect defensive call. You
might to everything right on defense and Romo can pull a 50 yard
TD rabbit out of his hat.
The key will be our offensive line. He is going to throw exotic looks
at our guys. Some of the front they will show us won't be on
previous film. Romo won't be successful if he doesn't have time.
Our pass protection has been great all year and I think it will be at
least good enough to give Romo a chance. Then it is up to him.
I think our coaches have held a lot back so far this year on offense
and defense. I will get to defense in a bit. Dallas hasn't run a
single trick play this season. He haven't needed them because we
have overwhelmed our opponents with basic plays. I know Jason
Garrett has some good ones up his sleeve so I'd expect to see one
or two on Sunday.
Patriots Run Offense vs. Cowboys Run Defense
Edge: Even
The Cowboys have a very stout run defense. We need to continue
that trend in this game. The Patriots run the ball well on paper, but I
we match up pretty well against them. They aren't the most
physically imposing offensive line, so we should be able to win our
individual match ups. If Laurence Maroney misses the game that
will be another big boost for us.
Patriots Pass Offense vs. Cowboys Pass Defense
Edge: Even
This is a very intriguing match up. The top passing offense in the
league against what has been a very good pass defense the past
month. The Cowboys have made below average passing offense
look horrible. I'm anxious to see what they can do against Tom
Brady and his slew of weapons.
I think our defense is up to the task. We have a lot of confidence
and we are playing at a really high level. Brady will put up good
numbers, but don't be surprised to see him make a few mistakes
especially if we can get pressure on him. He threw three
interceptions in their play-off victory over the Chargers last year.
The Pats one the game, but it wasn't because of Brady.
I think Wade Phillips is going to throw some weird stuff at Brady.
Wade Phillips is a defensive mastermind at a level just below
Belicheck. He hasn't done anything unusual this season because
he hasn't needed to. The Cowboys have played a pretty basic
defense so far this season, but expect a few wrinkles especially up
front. Pressure is how he forced Brady's struggles last season.
DeMarcus Ware has been on fire the past three weeks. He needs
to have a big game. He has the ability to take over a game with his
pass rushing ability. We need him and the other rushers to step up
and put some serious heat on Tom Brady. If Brady has all day to
throw we are toast.
Special Teams
Edge: Even
Surely the Cowboys won't give up another return touchdown. We
definitely won't be able to afford it. Ellis Hobbs ran back the longest
kick-off return ever in Week 1 so we have to be ready to play. We
have the edge in the kicking game though with Folk and McBriar.
Overall
Wow, even across the board. The Patriots are more proven in
these big games, but that might work against them. This game may
not be quite as important to them because they've played in so
many big games. The Cowboys on the other hand believe this
game is literally the biggest game they've played in in awhile. I
should pick the Patriots because the Cowboys always win when I
pick their opponents. I just can't do it though. You have to have
confidence in your team and I do. It is going to be tough, but I'm
saying Cowboys 34, Patriots 31.
This game is easily the most hyped game of the season thus far.
The Cowboys are the first team with a real chance to beat the
Patriots, and in turn the Patriots are a great measuring stick for the
up and coming Cowboys.
I'm really pumped for this game, but it isn't because if we beat the
Patriots we will be the best team in the NFL. It is Week 6. We beat
the 9-0 Colts last season and I think they faired a bit better than us
come post-season. This game is strictly for entertainment. It
should be fun to watch. Games are always more fun when two
teams are evenly matched. This game isn't any bigger than last
week's game. A win or loss against Buffalo is exactly the same as a
win or loss against New England.
Cowboys Run Offense vs. Patriots Run Defense.
Edge: Even
The Cowboys have to be able to run the ball with some
effectiveness against the Patriots assuming they don't take the run
away by putting 8 or 9 in the box on every play. This is what the
Bills did. They were determined to stop the run. If they are that
determined, don't worry because we should be able to throw
effectively if he can keep their pass rush at bay. You shouldn't run
into a brick wall 35 times a game and Jason Garrett knows that. He
displayed that beautifully against Chicago. If you want to stuff our
run, fine we will pass on every play.
This match up features the most physical units in pro football. The
Cowboys offensive line is massive and powerful. The Patriots front
seven is maybe the only front seven that plays with more physicality
than the Cowboys.
Cowboys Pass Offense vs. Patriots Pass Offense
Edge: Even
Tony Romo needs to have a big day for us to win this game. I can't
see us scoring more than once on the ground so he is going to
have to put points on the board. We certainly have the talent to
expose their secondary that is probably the only weakness of this
team if you want to call it that. Cleveland's Derek Anderson had no
problems moving the ball last week, he just couldn't make the plays
inside the redzone. We will see if Tony Romo can do that.
The numbers of Hall of Fame quarterbacks facing Bill Belicheck for
the first time are horrendous. He will confuse Romo, but Romo has
the ability to make a big play against the perfect defensive call. You
might to everything right on defense and Romo can pull a 50 yard
TD rabbit out of his hat.
The key will be our offensive line. He is going to throw exotic looks
at our guys. Some of the front they will show us won't be on
previous film. Romo won't be successful if he doesn't have time.
Our pass protection has been great all year and I think it will be at
least good enough to give Romo a chance. Then it is up to him.
I think our coaches have held a lot back so far this year on offense
and defense. I will get to defense in a bit. Dallas hasn't run a
single trick play this season. He haven't needed them because we
have overwhelmed our opponents with basic plays. I know Jason
Garrett has some good ones up his sleeve so I'd expect to see one
or two on Sunday.
Patriots Run Offense vs. Cowboys Run Defense
Edge: Even
The Cowboys have a very stout run defense. We need to continue
that trend in this game. The Patriots run the ball well on paper, but I
we match up pretty well against them. They aren't the most
physically imposing offensive line, so we should be able to win our
individual match ups. If Laurence Maroney misses the game that
will be another big boost for us.
Patriots Pass Offense vs. Cowboys Pass Defense
Edge: Even
This is a very intriguing match up. The top passing offense in the
league against what has been a very good pass defense the past
month. The Cowboys have made below average passing offense
look horrible. I'm anxious to see what they can do against Tom
Brady and his slew of weapons.
I think our defense is up to the task. We have a lot of confidence
and we are playing at a really high level. Brady will put up good
numbers, but don't be surprised to see him make a few mistakes
especially if we can get pressure on him. He threw three
interceptions in their play-off victory over the Chargers last year.
The Pats one the game, but it wasn't because of Brady.
I think Wade Phillips is going to throw some weird stuff at Brady.
Wade Phillips is a defensive mastermind at a level just below
Belicheck. He hasn't done anything unusual this season because
he hasn't needed to. The Cowboys have played a pretty basic
defense so far this season, but expect a few wrinkles especially up
front. Pressure is how he forced Brady's struggles last season.
DeMarcus Ware has been on fire the past three weeks. He needs
to have a big game. He has the ability to take over a game with his
pass rushing ability. We need him and the other rushers to step up
and put some serious heat on Tom Brady. If Brady has all day to
throw we are toast.
Special Teams
Edge: Even
Surely the Cowboys won't give up another return touchdown. We
definitely won't be able to afford it. Ellis Hobbs ran back the longest
kick-off return ever in Week 1 so we have to be ready to play. We
have the edge in the kicking game though with Folk and McBriar.
Overall
Wow, even across the board. The Patriots are more proven in
these big games, but that might work against them. This game may
not be quite as important to them because they've played in so
many big games. The Cowboys on the other hand believe this
game is literally the biggest game they've played in in awhile. I
should pick the Patriots because the Cowboys always win when I
pick their opponents. I just can't do it though. You have to have
confidence in your team and I do. It is going to be tough, but I'm
saying Cowboys 34, Patriots 31.
Reality Is Tough
I don't know why I'm so disappointed right now. I shouldn't be. The
Cowboys lost to a team that is easily the best I've seen in the last
ten years. The game was closer than the 48-27 final score. We
had the lead in the middle of the third quarter. We are one of the
few teams in the NFL capable of giving the Pats a tough test, but
we aren't quite at that elite level yet.
Our secondary really struggled today. Our guys played their
hearts out, but we just don't have the manpower in the secondary
to match up with their receivers. Anthony Henry would have
helped, but we wouldn't have stopped the bleeding. It was a simple
matter of not having the guys to stop their pass. We would have
had a shot if Brady would have been off, but he wasn't.
This game showed that pass rush can be overemphasized. We got
good pressure on Brady. Our three sacks more than doubled the
season total given up by the Pats. It isn't realistic to pressure the
QB on every single play, so you have to be able to cover. We did
great on the plays Brady was hurried. He was picked apart when
he had time.
Penalties really hurt us in this game. You can't beat an elite team
while committing twice as many penalties. We could have gotten
our running game going if not for all the offensive penalties. You
can't run when it is 2nd & 20. If we could play this game over again
our best chance would be to shorten the game by pounding the
ball. The Patriots were the first team that didn't drop a safety in the
box against us and you could tell. Barber and Jones had
consistent running lanes. The problem was that our defense was
so bad that Garrett didn't feel he could keep up if he pounded the
ball more.
The running backs looked good. Jones broke a couple of long
runs. Marion Barber ran hard and broke tackles. His avoided
safety was crazy.
We missed Terry Glenn in this game. Our receivers struggled to
get open consistently. If we would have had a healthy Glenn, our
offensive weapons would actually be superior to New England's.
The trigger man would still be key, as Romo isn't quite on Brady's
level, but it would have helped. Brady is the key. You can have all
the weapons you want, but if the quarterback struggles so will the
offense. Brady doesn't struggle. He used to put up great numbers
with Troy Brown and David Patten, now he is doing it with Randy
Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth.
I though our offensive line did a good job. We ran pretty well the
few times we ran the ball. Our pass protection wasn't perfect, but I
can't complain with one sack allowed against that defense. Romo
didn't have to rush very many throws. Our real problem passing
was the coverage which suffocated our receivers.
When I look for an answer to find a way to improve this team long
term on defense I struggle. We definitely need to take another
cornerback next season. Reeves is good, but when you have him,
Jones, and a hobbled Newman you can be exposed. Our safeties
aren't the most athletic in the world but you can't do much about
that. Roy is the main problem, but he is locked up long term. You
could find a guy more athletic than Hamlin, but he would be hard to
find. Hamlin is a really good football player who has good range
and coverage skills. He is above average in both of those areas,
but when you team him with Roy and our slow middle linebackers
you have a problem. What I'm trying to say is Hamlin might not be
a perfect fit, but good luck finding someone better.
You can't complain though about the overall talent of this team. No
team is perfect top to bottom. The Patriots have some weakness in
their secondary, but we weren't able to expose it. I will chalk that
up to Tony Romo's caution and Jason Garrett's inexperience.
Garrett is good, but he faced the greatest defensive mind ever.
Overall, I thought we played about as well as we could have. Our
front seven came to play. Ware and Ellis both had big games. Our
run defense was amazing until late in the 4th quarter. Our only
hope if we ever have a rematch is that the Patriots aren't quite as
sharp. They were executing and we couldn't stop them. We can
look the same way at times, but I'm not sure we are capable of that
against a really great opponent.
We shouldn't hang our heads though. We are still the class of the
NFC. Washington lost and is now 3-2. New York has a good
chance of going 4-2 with Atlanta tomorrow night, but we currently
own the tiebreaker over them. We are a really good team, but just
not quite in the elite status yet. If we keep winning we can get
there though. Tony Romo is maturing every week. He did a great
job of not taking chances in this game. Our pass rush is looking
better and better every week. We have a good defense, but they
had an impossible match up today. The key is Terry Glenn. If we
can get him back in time for the play-offs he could make an impact.
I'm disappointed, but this team has come a long ways. The team
shouldn't hang their heads and I'm certainly not. I'm proud to be a
Cowboys fan right now.
I don't know why I'm so disappointed right now. I shouldn't be. The
Cowboys lost to a team that is easily the best I've seen in the last
ten years. The game was closer than the 48-27 final score. We
had the lead in the middle of the third quarter. We are one of the
few teams in the NFL capable of giving the Pats a tough test, but
we aren't quite at that elite level yet.
Our secondary really struggled today. Our guys played their
hearts out, but we just don't have the manpower in the secondary
to match up with their receivers. Anthony Henry would have
helped, but we wouldn't have stopped the bleeding. It was a simple
matter of not having the guys to stop their pass. We would have
had a shot if Brady would have been off, but he wasn't.
This game showed that pass rush can be overemphasized. We got
good pressure on Brady. Our three sacks more than doubled the
season total given up by the Pats. It isn't realistic to pressure the
QB on every single play, so you have to be able to cover. We did
great on the plays Brady was hurried. He was picked apart when
he had time.
Penalties really hurt us in this game. You can't beat an elite team
while committing twice as many penalties. We could have gotten
our running game going if not for all the offensive penalties. You
can't run when it is 2nd & 20. If we could play this game over again
our best chance would be to shorten the game by pounding the
ball. The Patriots were the first team that didn't drop a safety in the
box against us and you could tell. Barber and Jones had
consistent running lanes. The problem was that our defense was
so bad that Garrett didn't feel he could keep up if he pounded the
ball more.
The running backs looked good. Jones broke a couple of long
runs. Marion Barber ran hard and broke tackles. His avoided
safety was crazy.
We missed Terry Glenn in this game. Our receivers struggled to
get open consistently. If we would have had a healthy Glenn, our
offensive weapons would actually be superior to New England's.
The trigger man would still be key, as Romo isn't quite on Brady's
level, but it would have helped. Brady is the key. You can have all
the weapons you want, but if the quarterback struggles so will the
offense. Brady doesn't struggle. He used to put up great numbers
with Troy Brown and David Patten, now he is doing it with Randy
Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth.
I though our offensive line did a good job. We ran pretty well the
few times we ran the ball. Our pass protection wasn't perfect, but I
can't complain with one sack allowed against that defense. Romo
didn't have to rush very many throws. Our real problem passing
was the coverage which suffocated our receivers.
When I look for an answer to find a way to improve this team long
term on defense I struggle. We definitely need to take another
cornerback next season. Reeves is good, but when you have him,
Jones, and a hobbled Newman you can be exposed. Our safeties
aren't the most athletic in the world but you can't do much about
that. Roy is the main problem, but he is locked up long term. You
could find a guy more athletic than Hamlin, but he would be hard to
find. Hamlin is a really good football player who has good range
and coverage skills. He is above average in both of those areas,
but when you team him with Roy and our slow middle linebackers
you have a problem. What I'm trying to say is Hamlin might not be
a perfect fit, but good luck finding someone better.
You can't complain though about the overall talent of this team. No
team is perfect top to bottom. The Patriots have some weakness in
their secondary, but we weren't able to expose it. I will chalk that
up to Tony Romo's caution and Jason Garrett's inexperience.
Garrett is good, but he faced the greatest defensive mind ever.
Overall, I thought we played about as well as we could have. Our
front seven came to play. Ware and Ellis both had big games. Our
run defense was amazing until late in the 4th quarter. Our only
hope if we ever have a rematch is that the Patriots aren't quite as
sharp. They were executing and we couldn't stop them. We can
look the same way at times, but I'm not sure we are capable of that
against a really great opponent.
We shouldn't hang our heads though. We are still the class of the
NFC. Washington lost and is now 3-2. New York has a good
chance of going 4-2 with Atlanta tomorrow night, but we currently
own the tiebreaker over them. We are a really good team, but just
not quite in the elite status yet. If we keep winning we can get
there though. Tony Romo is maturing every week. He did a great
job of not taking chances in this game. Our pass rush is looking
better and better every week. We have a good defense, but they
had an impossible match up today. The key is Terry Glenn. If we
can get him back in time for the play-offs he could make an impact.
I'm disappointed, but this team has come a long ways. The team
shouldn't hang their heads and I'm certainly not. I'm proud to be a
Cowboys fan right now.