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2021-2022 Regular Season:
Cowboys
Defensively Sweep Big Blue And Prepare To Host That Washington Team
For Round Two
December 24,
2021 At 11:17 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf-
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“America’s Team” made their annual pilgrimage to MetLife Stadium in
the “Great Swamp of Morris County” – or simply “The Swamp” as New
Jersey locals call it – for another crack at the NFC East’s
host-with-the-least New York Giants. Unlike this year’s well-rounded
week five tally and distinct from last year’s sorry season finale,
the Dallas Cowboys were predicted to present
maximum-if-one-dimensional defiance against which there would be no
rally.
While former Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and his
cataclysmically-conservative process were long-gone, the absence of
their starting quarterback Daniel Jones (over which New York fans
offered very few groans after watching Danny deliver still more
crimes than dimes) would mean journeyman Mike Glennon would step in
(with little expectation he could competitively turn it on).
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The (now 10-4) Dallas Cowboys would break out the broom to
defensively demolish New York 21-6, but while “The Mighty Quinns”
would play with ferocity, Dak and Co. were still, Still, STILL
(curiously or purposely?) far-removed from even a hint of their
early-season velocity. There remain some offensive,
momentum-building “things” to fix.
Short Shots And Hot Spots
YES, Yes, yes, Giants rookie wide receiver Kadarius "Human Joystick"
Toney (who – in week five – was anything but a performance phony)
would neither play nor throw UNPENALIZED punches after allowing
COVID-19 to run astray.
YES, Yes, yes, rookie defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and third-year
defensive tackle Trysten Hill would also be unavailable to play
after giving sway to the COVID protocol way.
YES, Yes, yes, Giants star running back Saquon Barkley – unlike in
week five (when a first quarter, self-inflicted ankle injury would
deprive) – would be a FULL-GAME participant and relatively healthy.
“The Mighty Quinns” – however – still have their middleman struggles
WHEN faced with a reasonably-stout running game. While
seemingly-incentivized Barkley was kept in below-average check,
backup Devontae Booker would enjoy a productive 74 yards on but
eight carries. Even though ONE of those touches was for 31 yards, a
six-yard average on the other seven would leave defenders
momentarily charred.
There were two (?) near-consecutive Giants running plays – on their
second offensive possession of the game – during which the Cowboys'
left defensive end (whether Terrell Basham or DeMarcus Lawrence just
the same) would start from the outside and begin to move inside to
close an interior running lane. They would find themselves closed
off by the Giants' right tackle and right guard for some
well-schemed out-of-position pain. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn
had a by-design surplus of safeties playing off the edge in the
shallow defensive backfield (with Micah Parsons was the only
linebacker in case the defensive line interior would yield).
Meanwhile, a blitzing safety (Jayron Kearse, in one instance) would
have (ideally) either sacked New York backup quarterback Mike
Glennon, pressured him into an incompletion, or hog-tied their
right-side-headed running back (attempting to reach the vacated
right edge). If-and-WHEN Osa Odighizuwa and Trysten Hill return to
action to help give fellow defensive tackle Neville Gallimore
additional traction, closing interior gaps (and allowing Dallas’
defensive ends to more-routinely patrol the edge) could, would,
should be a less-imposing effort to pledge.
While Giants running back Saquon Barkley – on 3rd-and-1 from the
Cowboys' 24 with 2:51 remaining in the first quarter – made a
brilliant, one-handed, behind-the-back catch of a blitz-pressured
Glennon pass is NOT an excuse for demanding all other receivers
around the league begin or continue routinely catching poorly-thrown
or understandably-rushed passes without question. It is a
great-but-purposely-rare skill, and sticking with the more-reliable
“stuff” (as often as circumstances allow) will prevent unnecessary
indigestion (and how!).
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The Giants (on that same series) would hit their limit as
linebacker, err, defensive end, err, safety (?) Micah Parsons –
forced into deep-end action on a by-design pick play – made sure
that New York wide receiver Kenny Golladay could not have his (front
corner of the) end zone way. The Giants had to settle for a field
goal, and The Mighty Quinns (for the rest of the game) were on a
preventive roll.
It goes without saying how much an interception, a fumble, any, Any,
ANY turnover can positively impact the function of a defense and the
mood of an entire team. Seeing the Cowboys' defense go from (years
and Years and YEARS of) a dearth of all types of takeaways to
seemingly plucking them from the air – feeling like it is occurring
on play after play, all damn day – has been and continues to be
quite the dream. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis, free safety Malik Hooker,
and second-year STUD Trevon Diggs were interception PIGS. And not to
overlook those players not always so apt to fly, defensive end
Carlos Watkins was a recovered-fumble guy (though – against the
Saints a few weeks ago – his self-made pick-six was no "mere" try).
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Star quarterback Dak Prescott would go 28-37 for 217 yards and one
touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz (along with three sacks).
One of those sacks – for Dak – was seemingly unavoidable. For one or
more of his teammates, the play may, MAY have been more salvageable.
Dak and Co. were in New York's red zone (with under two minutes
remaining in the first half on 3rd-and-4 and another opportunity to
bypass the field goal moan). Prescott would take the shotgun snap
and – before right tackle La'el Collins could say "What is my
blocking assignment?! HEY!" (or tight end Dalton Schultz could
recognize and bother to chip) – from two soon-to-be-sacking Giants
defenders Dak could not give the slip. As much as "The Tortured
Cowboys Fan" loves, Loves, LOVES to prescribe to Bill Parcells'
"throw it away to survive for another play" – and without better
pre-snap communication (to prevent the Giants’ defensive
triangulation) – there was no way.
While Prescott’s stats would seem rather pedestrian for
“early-season Dak,” it is entirely plausible that offensive
coordinator Kellen Moore ordered the loyal-to-a-fault Prescott to
avoid anything that would unnecessarily cause the offense to go
(further) off track. The relatively-meek Giants – after all (and no
matter how blood-in-their-eyes emotional they always, Always, ALWAYS
make themselves for the visiting Cowboys) – represented a
lower-risk, path-of-least-resistance CHOICE. The Tortured Cowboys
Fan has (momentarily) given up on attempting to decipher who among
Dallas’ offensive personnel (from HC to OC to QB to blocker or
rusher or receiver be he) continues to be THE starting-point,
cataclysmic combination, or end-point reason for such
situationally-stunted, low-output hell.
Although it was "pleasant" to see star running back Zeke Elliott
rush through the red zone for a touchdown and breaking a few tackles
along the way (like the good ol' days), his 52 yards on 16 carries
was still, STILL against a depleted Giants defense (and – against
stiffer, playoff-contending competition – the results may, May, MAY
vary).
Although seeing backup running back Tony Pollard zip, zig, and zag
through Giants’ defenders (to the tune of 74 yards on 12 carries)
was enough to “get the juices flowing,” upcoming postseason
opposition could make for slower going.
GAG, err, Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein remains a special teams mystery
somewhat (Brett-Maher-like?) contradictory. YES, Yes, yes, the wind
was, indeed, blowing (perhaps with additional velocity at either end
of the Giants’ joint), but Greg made THREE field goals, including a
42-yarder, yet with those darned extra points, his (possessed?)
trick leg seems to revel in making them so much harder.
Nonetheless, whatever AND whomever the COC (Collective Offensive Culprit),
America’s Team has three more regular season games in which to
convincingly fix it.
Good Quote Or Bad Bloat?
“I got to be honest, [the offensive failure] actually DOES [bother
me, as it should ALL of my teammates, as well]. Because, yeah, we’re
‘winning’, but THE DEFENSE is playing a huge part in that. [THE
OFFENSE is] not really as explosive as we should be. We’re NOT
converting a lot of their turnovers into touchdowns. A lot of them
are field goals. And I feel like I could be a HUGE [or much bigger]
part of that, so THAT’S what frustrates me. I think I CAN do more in
the red zone IF I get some targets. I can do more on third down IF I
get the targets. To HELP the offense be what we need to be, I think
I CAN definitely help change that. But [THAT – unlike running crisp
routes or making quality catches – is] NOT something I can really
control [as opposed to the conventional play-caller who directs the
reasonably-protected, field-surveying, risk-resisting signal-caller,
ahem]. I DO think there’s a benefit in me getting the ball in those
important situations, like [the somewhat-RADIOACTIVE] red zone, 3rd
down, because I know what I’m gonna’ do. I’m just going to STAY
READY.” – Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper during an interview
with 105.3FM “The Fan” (acknowledging that improving Dallas’
offensive plan can only happen in the ABSENCE OF a – drum roll
please – creativity or flexibility ban). Cooper, of course, and all
of Cowboys Nation can be confident, however, that neither Kellen
Moore nor Dak Prescott is giving Amari the cold shoulder or the
silent treatment (even though his CHOICE of vaccination status
forced upon his team a completely-avoidable two-game bereavement).
Dak (more than anyone) knows, Knows, KNOWS how much he needs ALL (or
as much as possible) of his aerial weaponry WILLING and ready.
"I don't see this as an issue for playtime or anything come Sunday
night. Anytime a player comes back, you just got to be smart,
especially this time of year." – Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy
(putting on a brave face but hoping that defensive end DeMarcus
Lawrence’ 10 games missed due to a foot fracture has become nothing
more than past malarkey).
Misery Loves Viruses And Injury
While the number of contests within a (now-17-game) standard NFL
season has never been even remotely as long as those for MLB (152),
the NBA (82), NHL (82), or MLS (34), football still arguably
indulges the most brutal yearly marathon among all pro sports. This
is largely due to ever-increasingly-poor tackling technique (that –
GASP – has seemingly not yet reached its peak) and perhaps no end in
sight to artificial surface injury plight (with both issues
compounded by multiple variants of a COVID-19 virus that have gotten
dangerously close to causing the entire teams to forfeit, err, stain
their primetime shorts).
Running back Zeke Elliott continues to manage an “On Any Game Day”
knee issue. Running mate Tony Pollard continues (allowing
pain-killing injections?) to manage his partially-torn plantar
fasciitis foot issue. No-longer-reserve running back Corey Clement
has also become a bub with a (toe) stub. Anyone need a tissue?
Another reserve runner Ito Smith may receive a (second?) call-up
from the practice squad (with Dallas holding out hope they can avoid
an external personnel mod).
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis and rookie wide receiver Simi Fehoko have
joined free safety Malik Hooker and reserve running back JaQuan
Hardy on the Cowboys’ reserve / COVID-19 list. Judging by their
social media remarks, Lewis and Hooker (who was finally rounding
into the form that made him such a tantalizing free agent looker)
are understandably pissed.
Rookie cornerback and 2021 second-round pick Kelvin Joseph will be
given, err, gifted the outside cornerback start with Anthony Brown
being shifted inside to the slot. HBO’s “Hard Knocks” darling and
veteran cornerback Maurice Canady has been activated in the event
that sudden injury, illness, or simply poor performance causes the
Cowboys’ otherwise-sturdy secondary to become unavoidably hot.
Promising rookies Israel Mukuamu (safety) and Nahshon Wright
(cornerback) are both listed on the Cowboys’ injury report as having
an “illness,” just like Simi Fehoko. If they both happen to have
caught COVID-19 for the second time this year, they – like their
fellow 2021 rookie draft pick – would, of course, be a no-go.
Left tackle Tyron Smith has been ruled out in order to give his
ankle another week to better-but-not-completely heal. Dealing more
directly with the “bothersome” bone spur(s) in that ankle must – if
at all possible – be delayed until the offseason begins (and “only”
after the Cowboys have successfully addressed 26 years of playoff
performance sins).
Professionally-promising but personally-putrid rookie offensive
tackle Josh Ball has been cleared to practice for the first time all
season. A stubborn preseason high-ankle sprain, a necessary surplus
of time in the weight room, and the desire to avoid having to make a
roster decision were the collective reason. As it was also made
clear that Ball could have returned to practice months in advance,
The Tortured Cowboys Fan believes Dallas gave the young man (more)
time to demonstrate that his off-the-field behavior could be
somewhat-to-significantly improved if given the chance. After all,
GM Jerry is all about granting a (talented) player a second, even a
third, and fourth opportunity if that player can (one day or
immediately) help his team tango longer during the postseason dance.
Pro Bowl So Dull
Though The Tortured Cowboys Fan fully-realizes the
contractually-triggered benefits bestowed upon a player who has been
selected to the NFL Pro Bowl, the actual event itself – ever since
the last-known (?) “competitive” showing in 2006 by former
Washington safety Sean “Always ON” Taylor – has been routinely,
woefully DULL. No matter what the league has tried – with
ever-improving player safety COMPLETELY ASIDE – the game has been a
patty-cake, friendly failure.
And, AND “HOW ‘BOUT” that voting process?! While coaches and players
get the rare, once-a-year opportunity to bypass, overrule, or
flat-out ignore accredited sports journalists and professional
prognosticators, could myopic fans (of any, Any, ANY team) be any
more stuff-the-ballot-box obnoxious? NO, No, no need to postulate
(as highly-defensive, self-important responses will only propagate).
So – in the spirit of a Happy Holiday – let us get underway (in
identifying the Who’s Who from Whoville to have received Pro Bowl
recognition by both fan and peer selection).
Stalwart 11th-year left tackle Tyron Smith earned his eighth
selection – literally – on reputation alone (even though his
ever-present injury history practically guaranteed his 2021 game day
participation was far, FAR from set in stone).
Resolute eighth-year right guard Zack Martin earned his seventh
selection, and he – like longtime linemate Smith – should continue
to collect ‘em all “unless and until” nagging injuries begin to
provoke game day dereliction.
Courageous second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs earned his first
selection, and IMAGINATION is seemingly the only thing stopping fans
and prognosticators alike from venturing a guess as to Trevon’s
season-ending projection. “Just” ONE more sensational snag to go
before even more ‘atta boys can officially flow. Diggs has steadily
been gaining with still THREE regular season games remaining. His
potential to tie or ensure the fall of the rookie-year interception
record of 11 by former Dallas Cowboys great Everson Walls – has
formerly interception-starved members of Cowboys Nation in absolute
heaven.
Ludicrous(ly good) rookie linebacker Micah Parsons (and his stack of
12 sacks) earned his first selection and – from just his first year
to a hopefully-long career – opposing quarterbacks, running backs,
tight ends, and wide receivers should have plenty of time to live in
fear of “The Parsons Project” coming at them from every, Every,
EVERY direction.
Potent tenth-year punter Bryan Anger earned his first selection and
– with the help of special teams coordinator John Fassel – has
proven it is never too late to be productively-savage with a
near-50-yard average. What he once may have thought impossible,
Anger in 2021 has been routinely-savage.
Dominating fifth-year defensive end Randy Gregory – despite missing
FIVE games this year – earned his first ALTERNATE selection. YES,
Yes, yes, that does mean – even if Gregory manages to grow his
currently-six sacks into double-digits by the end of game 17 – he
may still officially face Pro Bowl rejection. “Alternate” in the
indication that another player was formally selected first, and
Gregory will only be bumped up if that player (much like Gregory?)
chooses to instead focus on maxing out his team’s postseason thirst.
Thus, while a Pro Bowl accolade means a selected player could become
more-handsomely paid – and fan base bragging rights explode like
dynamite – The Tortured Cowboys Fan assumes a deep, Deep, DEEP
postseason run and potential, IN-GAME Super Bowl participation will
prove far, Far, FAR more valuable to Cowboys Nation.
Will They Or Won’t They?
Two weeks after America’s Team escaped “The District” victorious
(after some momentary, late-game, self-inflicted
less-than-60-minutes effort so inglorious), “That Washington Team”
is headed to AT&T Stadium looking to reel off some late-season
retaliation.
America’s Team already officially received a playoff berth due to
the Tennessee Titans not allowing the San Francisco 49ers to display
enough Thursday night scoring girth. SURE, Sure, sure, Dallas – like
so many members of Cowboys Nation – can spend time pointlessly
worrying about playoff seeding. If the Cowboys can reignite (and
KEEP ALIGHT) their offense, continue to improve their opportunistic
defense, and reasonably-maintain their special teams (despite a
maddening place-kicking theme), then, no matter where they begin
their latest playoff run, it could be their opponents who are
enduring some performance bleeding.
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If the Dallas Cowboys manage to deliver a repeat of their week 14
performance, will the still-banged-up “No-Names” be perhaps one step
closer to an offseason vacation (or will Washington inconceivably
rise up at the mere suggestion)? After all, it is in divisional
games that “certain” cocky teams have come up inexplicably small.
Will Dak and Co. continue their two-game stretch of producing kinda’,
sorta’, just enough or will a DETERMINED Washington force Kellen,
Dak, and their WILLING weapons to become a bit more
enterprisingly-gruff?
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Will the Cowboys successfully-navigate the desire to protect their
star players against (further aggravated) injury as they prepare for
the playoffs versus building game-winning MOMENTUM that (more often
than not) will pay off?
Will the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East crown and potentially lock
up a home playoff game . . . or will Washington catch their hated
rivals in a moment of arrogant weakness (and engrave into the
visitor’s locker room walls: “Shame, shame, we know your name!”)?
We shall see. We always do. Happy Holidays to the lot of you!
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