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2011-2012 Regular Season: Baffled In
Beantown
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- October
22, 2011
At 10:40 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf
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- The Cowboys arrived at Gillette
Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts determined and ready to perform in
all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.
The Cowboys showed up ready to play a similar game of keep away from
Tom Terrific as they did with Detroit’s M&Ms (Matt and Megatron) . .
. only with the goal of actually doing it for 60 minutes.
The Cowboys had the New England Patriots right where they wanted
them and – for the first time all season – legitimately bad calls
(or reactive calls depending upon your perspective),
rather than bad player performances, prevented the Cowboys from
outpointing the Patriots.
Running To Nowhere?
I stated last week that while running the rock to kill the clock is
a tried-and-true ability for some teams, it is a strange concept for
others, and an outright challenge for still others – whether fans
want to admit this fact or not.
The Cowboys do not have massive and mauling offensive linemen, a
moose of a fullback, and an elusive but powerful little running back
who could collectively deliver decisive yards at almost any time of
the game . . . between the tackles or on the perimeter.
The Cowboys tried to run on the Patriots – albeit only half as much
as they attempted to pass.
Fans – some but not all – jumped out of the woodwork to cry foul . .
. that, once again, the Cowboys were not committed enough to the
run.
Fans – most but not all – will counter with the fact that “try, try,
and try again” does not always equal a formidable rushing attack . .
. or even a reasonable running game.
While history has shown that running the ball until you are blue in
the face can suddenly result in a breakout bull-rushing performance
. . . it is rare to go from rushing poorly over a span of several
games to finding your inner Emmitt Smith.
Emmitt Smith would easily remind everyone that – for all his obvious
side-stepping, tackle-breaking talent – he still appreciated the
assistance of a well-practiced offensive line . . . and a dedicated
fullback who helped clear the road for much of his career.
The Patriots’ offense has shown it is regularly capable of scoring
points in bunches – early and often . . . and if the Brady Bunch
does not bat around on you early, they can always break your back
late, as well.
While they are not unbeatable, you do not mess around with a team
like the Patriots – who, even on their off days, can stop you with a
solid scheme, plenty of talent, or pure pride.
The Cowboys had the lead late in the fourth quarter with the
Patriots as on the ropes as they had ever been, and Dallas decided
it was time to show some rushing resolve – ready or not, for better
or for worse – that would run the clock down and give the game to
Garrett’s gang.
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- Garrett gauged his available goods
and – in the final minutes without Felix (the latest high ankle
sprain victim) – he felt he could forge ahead for a favorable first
down finish . . . even in the face of furious fans (if he found
failure).
Fans – some but not all of those who have been screaming for more
consistent running from America’s Team – are now screaming for
Garrett’s head: “How could you not put the football in Romo’s hands
and throw for a first down?!”
Fans – most but not all – recognized and understood the Cowboys were
sincere in their desire and effort to run and run successfully,
rather than potentially make a risky throw in the direction of an
opportunistic defense that already had one pick on the day.
The Cowboys came up empty, ran in reverse, and left ample time on
the clock for Brady’s Bunch to add another notch to their list of
comeback victories.
Fans also saw that the Cowboys – at least until further notice – are
unable to rely on their running game (running back, fullback,
blocking tight ends, and offensive line) to close out an opponent.
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- There is no denying Garrett’s late game play calls backfired on him
– whether good or bad, aggressive or conservative . . . and, against
the Patriots, they were bad and conservative.
There is no denying Garrett could have authorized Romo to throw for
a first down, but Garrett was reacting to the possibility – not
necessarily the reality – of (Romo's) history repeating itself.
There is no denying an incompletion would have stopped the clock and
an interception would have potentially ended the game (through a
return-for-touchdown or giving Brady another shot at driving to
scoring glory).
There is no denying Garrett is enjoying a bitter catch-22 that comes
with the high-stakes territory of NFL head coaching.
Garrett’s rushing calls could come up aces tomorrow against the Rams
for any number of reasons – poor opponent, missed tackles, improved
blocking, and better, more instinctive running.
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- Fans – no matter how baffled – can only wait painfully and patiently until the
Cowboys stop running to nowhere and start running with the authority
to win games . . . no matter the scenario.
Dezturbing
Dez Bryant has dezplayed an incredible habit of dezappearing after
the first or second quarter of every game so far this season.
“Everyone in the world” wants to know what happened to the dynamic
Dez – who missed four games to injury as a rookie in 2010 and came
back to deztroy several secondaries and special teams units.
Fans, prognosticators, and members of the Cowboys organization – past and
present – have questioned his conditioning, his playbook knowledge,
and his route running.
Outside of a quad injury suffered on a punt return in the first game
of the season, Bryant has appeared to be in excellent physical
condition.
Mental conditioning is entirely another matter. It is not as simple
as “mind over matter – if you do not mind, it does not matter” . . .
if your playbook knowledge is not square with your physical skills.
Tony Romo – by all accounts – knows Garrett’s playbook front to back
. . . as he should, having been exposed to it since 2007. His injury
absolutely required a combination of “mind over matter” and a
handful of painkilling shots – which he will continue to receive for
tomorrow’s game against the Rams.
While Bryant has a shockingly low total of approximately 14
receptions over five games this season, the catch killing criminals
– including only one quality opposing defense – appear to be playbook knowledge and
route running.
“What about the concept that teams have specifically been scheming
Bryant out of the game?”
This concept holds no water, as there would be almost no one left in
the secondary to defend Jason Witten or Miles Austin.
No one will know if Dez has substandard knowledge of the Cowboys’
playbook . . . until “a source within the organization” confesses
Bryant’s true understanding of “The Book of Garrett.” Then, again,
Garrett’s playbook is not the notoriously monstrous call collection
of Al Saunders – who shares big credit with Mike Martz in the
success of the Rams’ former “Greatest Show on Turf.”
“What of the idea that Garrett is trying to get as much out of his
part of the roster as Rob Ryan has gotten out of his defenders? What
if Garrett is trying to make Dez as much of a decoy as he is a
defense destroyer?”
This concept is absolutely stellar and silly all at once. Jason
Witten and Miles Austin are excellent and proven alternatives to
Bryant – who, as an offensive decoy, would be quite expensive if
your real targets just happen to fail in reaping the reception rewards.
Fans would be thrilled to know each and every receiver and rusher in
Garrett’s stable were viable options in the clutch. While that is
neither here nor there, fans can always dream . . . but I digress.
“Does Dez (again) know his routes, give up on his routes too early –
or not adjust his routes quickly enough once he sees Tony may be in
trouble?”
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- Bryant’s problem does not appear to be what happens after the catch,
as he is always outhustling, outmuscling, or outrunning one or more
opponents. Fans could even say Bryant resembles Earl Campbell with
sprinter’s speed . . . once he sees daylight after securing a catch.
If you asked a few former Cowboys greats – each of whom were all-in
for the Cowboys’ organization and each of whom won a Super Bowl with
Dallas – you would think Dez Bryant lacks the complete commitment,
finishing fight, and winning attitude expected of any Dallas player
who would dare to wear the number 88 on his jersey.
Fans begrudgingly understand, however, this mystery is not so
different than that which has plagued Tony Romo, the source of
Bryant’s opportunities for receptions.
Then, again, while Tony has volleyed back and forth between Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde during the first five games of the season, Dez
starts as a spectacle and seems to run off and hide for the rest of
the games he has played.
While bad calls are made, assignments are missed, and injuries
happen, Dez and Tony – to the greatest of degrees – are in complete
control of their collective fate . . . and their end-of-year
destination spots.
Whether Dez is running routes with less crispness than necessary, or
Tony is threading the needle where the loom is just too tight, they
ultimately get to determine whether they are on a pleasant relaxing
vacation to end the season . . . or a preferred working vacation.
Dez would do well to dezmantle his dezturbing trend of late game
dezappearances. Running his routes right against a ramshackle
defense would be a nice start tomorrow.
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- Brown Out
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- Fans – most but not all – were
bracing for a showdown with Tom Brady . . . and hoping Rob Ryan's
defense could continue creating chaos and confusion at quarterback.
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- Brady must have thought he was
suffering a concussive Cleveland flashback from last season – experiencing another Great American Brown Out, feeling
pressure from all sides with hits and sacks . . . and being forced
into a couple interceptions, as well.
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- Ryan's Roughnecks were on the verge
of enjoying some Brown N' Serve at Brady's expense when Ryan found
himself caught in his own coaching catch-22 . . . after the Cowboys'
offense suffered an untimely 3-and-out late in the fourth quarter.
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- Regardless of the time remaining on
the clock, Ryan had to decide not-if-but-how his unit was going sell
out on what was going to be the Patriots final offensive drive of
the game.
Were the Cowboys going to come after Brady and potentially allow the
Patriots' tight ends and Wes Welker to eat them alive on quick outs,
over the middle, and down the seams?
Were they going keep everything in front of them, bending (for the
dinks and dunks) but not breaking (for the big plays) - until time
might finally run out on the Patriots . . . before they could get
into field goal range.
Ryan played it safe, Brady's Bunch dinked and dunked their way down
the field, well within field goal range, and into the end zone for
good measure.
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- Ryan's Roughnecks bent just a bit
too much – failing to continue the Chaos Conga in their pressure
parade when they needed it most.
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- There is no denying Ryan's big
bullies brought it for the fifth game in a row.
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- There is no denying they had Brady
running for his life and making un-Brady-like mistakes for most of the game.
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- There is no denying the offense put
Ryan in a high pressure situation for the fifth game in a row.
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- There is no denying Ryan could have
come after Tom Terrific with more pressure and possibly stopped him
. . . or been burned by any of Brady's boys on a bad blitz.
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- Ryan – like Garrett – chose to react
rather than dictate (which his defense had succeeded at doing for
much of the game).
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- Ryan – like Garrett – aimed for a
more conservative approach to end the game, and it did not work out
as planned.
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- The Cowboys clearly had a chance to
win the game if both offense and defense – regardless of scenario –
had been able to finish the jobs they so carefully and
convincingly started.
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- Fans – all of them – will give Ryan a
huge hall pass, however, for what he has gotten the defense to
achieve so far . . . and what he may get them to achieve as the
season progresses.
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- Kicking Back
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- Dan Bailey continues to make kicks
fresh daily.
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- David Buehler continues to talk
about re-engaging Bailey in a competition that was tenuous when it
started, nearly invisible when Buehler got injured . . . and is
currently non-existent against Bailey's cold-blooded kicking.
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- If Buehler can finally bounce back
from his grown pull – simply to enforce end zone entry on kickoffs –
he should consider himself very lucky.
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- Buehler knows he has the support of
Jerry Jones – who clearly and desperately wants to believe that
Buehler, deep down inside, has what it takes to be the next
Sebastian Janikowski.
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- Fans – all of them – would love few
things more than having a killer kicker who can strike (like an
assassin) from almost any distance at any time to tie a score, break
a tie, or win with mere seconds to go. All the leg strength in the
world is useless, however, without accuracy . . . or a hint of
accuracy upon which to build big kicks.
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- Fans – most of them – believe the
chances of such a technical transformation occurring are as good as
Buehler suddenly finding his finer footing.
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- Fans – all of them – would do well
to remind themselves (as often as possible) that as well as Bailey
has performed, it takes but one poor performance to put this
rookie's place-kicking in peril.
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- While anything is possible – even
with Buehler – fans will just be pleased as punch with the potent
return of his powerful kickoffs.
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- In the meantime, Bailey continues to
give back to the supportive Cowboys community by kicking back
through the uprights without appearing uptight.
A Win Is A Win . . . Sort
Of
Rams starting QB Sam Bradford will not be facing the Cowboys due to
the dreaded “high ankle sprain.”
Fans – most but not all – are jumping for joy at the news the
Cowboys will be facing a completely beaten up Rams team without
their leader. They assume the Cowboys are going to seriously enjoy a
one-sided blowout victory for the first time in nearly
one-and-a-half years.
Fans – some but not most – know far better than to overlook a
wounded squad, a big bruising running back in Stephen Jackson, a serviceable journeyman
second-string QB in A.J. Feeley . . . and pure pride (which cannot be measured when
desperate to avoid embarrassment).
Fans – all of them – are used to their post-team-of-the-90’s Cowboys
finding ways to regularly lower themselves to the level of teams
they “should beat” . . . and struggling to consistently compete with
the better and “elite” teams they “might beat.”
The Rams game is another one of those trap games the Cowboys should
win – with the quality of that win ranging from reasonably
convincing to an absolute blowout.
The Cowboys may simply escape with “any ole’ victory” if they choose
to walk into Cowboys Stadium with less respect than necessary
for an NFL team that would do almost anything for a victory right
about now.
Fans – all of them – should have crystal clear memories of the last
time the Cowboys faced the Rams, without an injured Tony Romo . . .
and were left face-down on the artificial turf.
While the Cowboys may have lost Romo to a famous finger fracture in
the previous game that year, it should not have mattered . . . to
any team unwilling to overlook their next opponent.
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- Any team can win on any given Sunday
– or Monday, Thursday, and Saturday depending on what time of the
NFL season it is – and the teams that ignore this fact receive a
healthy dose of national news embarrassment.
A win is absolutely a win if you beat an elite team “going away.”
A win is a win if you blowout a really bad team you “should beat.”
A win may be a win if you survive a slugfest with a struggling team
who has nothing to lose and all the will in the world.
A win is most certainly not a win if you barely beat a poorly
performing team that has no business being on the field with you –
on paper or in reality.
Fans – all of them – know that a win is a win only when you have
made the playoffs and – to quote the popular tag line from TNT’s NBA
playoff coverage – you “win or go home.”
A win is a win . . . sort of.
NFL Trade Deadline
Tashard Choice’s name, once again, came up as the NFL trade deadline
came and went with no action by Dallas.
The Cowboys will only know at the end of the season whether or not
they made the right choice in keeping Tashard – versus accepting a
draft choice – even with the injury to Felix
Jones.
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- Tashard Choice is not quite Michael
Turner to Felix Jones' LaDainian Tomlinson – whether fans want to
admit it or not.
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- The longer Tashard remains partially
buried on the Cowboys' depth chart – and the more he mixes in a
fumble here and a fumble there in limited action – the further his
value will continue to slowly drop.
Ram-A-Lamb-A-Ding-Dong
Fans – some but not all – may remember the days when the St. Louis
Rams were the Los Angeles Rams. A short time after they fizzled out
against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1989 NFC Championship game,
they quickly managed to hit bottom . . . with John Robinson
returning to USC for a double-dose of collegiate competition and Jim
“Chris” Everett becoming a journeyman QB to close out his career.
“Jim ‘Chris’ Everett,” you say? Everett took such a beating against
the 49ers in that game that he – at one point – hit the turf in
expectation of getting walloped . . . before anyone could get their
hands on him. His "phantom sack" was almost as good as the "free
giveaway" Michael Strahan received from Brett Favre back in 2001 –
as part of his single-season NFL sack record . . . but I digress.
Jim Rome – a sports media personality who is short on physical
stature but tall on provocative opinion – ran with the trampling
footsteps Everett continued to hear long after the 49ers game . . .
referring to Jim as “Chris” at every turn on his radio and ESPN show
broadcasts.
Fans – some but not all – should have vivid memories of the day back
in 1994 when Everett agreed to come on ESPN’s “The Jim Rome Show.”
You could cut the tension with a knife, as the six foot five inch
Everett sat across from the five foot four inch Rome . . . with
nothing but a small round table separating them.
Everett barely had a chance to take his seat when Rome greeted him
with “Jim Everett. Good to have you on the show. Check that – Chris
Everett. Good to have you on the show.”
Everett warned Rome as pleasantly as possible to cut the Chris crap.
Rome could not help himself (with the protection of studio security
hovering nearby), and he let out one more “Chris.”
Everett tossed the table aside, knocking Rome backwards to the
floor, and stood over him – potentially ready to roam all over Rome.
Studio security intervened and ESPN cut to a commercial break.
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- It has been a long time since that moment in Rams’ history, followed
by a laughable Lambs lineage, followed by a Rams’ resurgence through
Dick Vermeil, Kurt Warner, and “the Greatest Show on Turf” . . .
followed by a promising but slow fade back into “Lambhood" with
Warner's understudy, Marc Bulger.
Sam Bradford – the highly accomplished former Oklahoma Sooner and
one of the NFL's up-and-comers at QB – almost helped the Rams
head-butt their way back into the post-season last season (for the
first time in years), leading fans to believe the next coming of
Kurt had finally arrived.
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- This injury-and-mistake-plagued
season may have disproved such a theory, but Bradford – with a
reasonable supporting cast – should become a
solid, long-term, and successful starter at QB for the Rams. The
trick is drafting or finding that reasonable supporting cast.
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- St. Louis fans,
however, could probably go for another commercial break right about
now . . . rather than endure another episode of
Ram-A-Lamb-A-Ding-Dong.
At least they can watch their Cardinals in the World Series . . .
but I digress.
Will They Or Won’t They?
Life – especially professional sports – is all about opportunities.
To use a retail analogy “every customer is an opportunity to sell .
. . and sell a complete solution.”
Every game is an opportunity for the Cowboys to win, to improve
their collective craft, to separate themselves from the competition,
and to avoid tie-breakers which might prevent post-season
participation.
Will the Cowboys make the most of their opportunities against a sore
St. Louis squad . . . especially during the bye week for two NFC East foes?
Will the Cowboys take extra care in keeping DeMarcus Ware’s spine in
line . . . so that he does not feel pain daily like another famous
94 in Charles Haley?
Will the Cowboys finally get a chance to “Welcome Back” and activate
promising rookie linebacker Bruce Carter?
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- Will the Cowboys finally realize the
return of Jason Hatcher (who might have helped them apply even more
pressure against Brady)?
Will Bryant and Romo finally begin to dezmantle their dezsturbing
late game trends?
Will Romo be encouraged to just be himself but always feel free to
pass to his old buddy T.O. (Throwit Outofbounds)?
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- Will we ever again see flashes of the 2007 Romo who turned far more
bad plays into good ones . . . than good ones into bad? The Rams
should remember that year – when Romo gathered up an errant Andre
Gurode snap (big surprise), and zigzagged what seemed like 50 yards
from sideline to sideline before finally making a gain with his
elusiveness and his brain . . . but I digress.
Without Felix in the mix, will Choice and Murray make a difference
in a hurry to a running game that has thus-far turned up lame?
Will the Cowboys’ new offensive starting guard resemble the same
ole’ sack of lard . . . or will Montrae “Entrée” Holland be an
island (made of bedrock)?
Talk is cheap – eventually – for everyone. While the Cowboys are
contractually obligated to perform pre-game and post-game
interviews, will they finally start to put a worthy performance
behind their reassuring words?
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- Will the Cowboys finally begin
putting a successful effort together in all four phases of the game
– play calling, offense, defense, and special teams . . . or will
they continue aiming for three out of four and stunting their true
potential?
Will a potential World Series Championship by the Texas Rangers put
even more pressure on the Dallas Cowboys . . . or simply spur them
onto greater performances?
We shall see. We always do.
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