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2011-2012 Regular Season: Surviving Seattle
Sea Hoax
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- November
11, 2011
At 10:30 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf
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- The Dallas Cowboys – from one
generation to the next and during the best and worst of times – have
always had a subconscious habit of underestimating the competition
at the most impossible and improbable of times.
Recalling the moments in history in which the Cowboys played down to
the level of their competition or showed up emotionally
disinterested . . .
will only give Cowboys fans multiple rounds of indigestion.
The Cowboys were defiled by d’ Philadelphia Eagles in a lousy loss
at the Linc.
Fans – most but not all – were not exactly confident in the Cowboys’
pattern of a loss followed by a win continuing this time around.
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- The Seattle Seahawks – like the St. Louis Rams – were expected to be
improved after surprise performance last season.
The Seattle Seahawks – like the St. Louis Rams – have failed to meet
expectations this season.
The Seattle Seahawks – like the St. Louis Rams – could have put the
sleeper hold on a careless Cowboys team.
Fans – most but not all – were unwilling to say Seattle’s ship had
sailed . . . no matter how much they resembled a Sea Hoax.
Seattle represented another trap, and the Cowboys could have been
ready for a nap.
The Cowboys could have been clumsily caught in the claws of two
straight birds of prey.
The Cowboys could have been coaxed into collapse by the Sea Hoax –
but they stood their ground against a Seattle team playing the
supreme spoiler . . . winning 23-13 on a balanced approach that
included even more of the dynamic DeMarco Murray.
The Running Man
The Seahawks’ offense may be a bird turd in the NFL, but Seattle
would not be deterred from piling up good yardage . . . keeping the
game surprisingly close until the third quarter.
While Tavaris “Junior Jouster” Jackson was hardly Hasselbeck
(harassed by Dallas defenders into three interceptions), running
back Marshawn Lynch marched to a different drummer – matching
DeMarco Murray nearly yard for big yard . . . and even helping
Seattle win the time of
possession battle.
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- Romo may have passed the pigskin for nearly 280 yards and two touchdowns
(with Witten, Bryant, and Robinson reaping the rewards), but Murray
continues to show he may be the new rock of the Cowboys' offense . .
. if he continues to run the rock like “The Running Man.”
A Four-Headed Monster?
Fans can remember the excitement of having Marion “The Barbarian”
Barber, Felix “The Cat” Jones, and Tashard “The People’s” Choice
together towards the beginning of their careers
They were all relatively healthy enough – on a semi-regular basis
(no thanks to Felix the cat) – to give defenses exhaustive trouble
as the Cowboys’ original three-headed backfield monster.
The Cowboys had a different flavor of running back for each and
every down – to go along with a similar set of receivers.
Terry Glenn was a small, fast, and reliable target . . . until an
unrelenting knee injury prematurely ended his career.
Terrell Owens was a big, fast, and semi-reliable target . . . until
his mouth – rather than his talent – moved him out of town.
Jason Witten was and continues to be a big and reliable target . . .
who would benefit even further with more reliable receiving options
for Romo.
Nowadays, the Cowboys have the look of a single featured back
offense. They could and would prefer to become a two-headed monster
– with DeMarco Murray and the eventual return of Felix Jones.
This would ideally extend their careers and, once again, exhaust
opposing defenses with a fast and strong, one-two, inside-outside,
potential punch of backfield brilliance.
Then, again, the manner in which Phillip Tanner has taken to his
opportunities may also merit the return of another three-headed
backfield monster.
Fans should not, however, overlook the possibility of a four-headed
“downfield” monster as well.
Fans should conveniently look past the perennially poor performance
Roy “What A Waste” Williams to focus on the potential of Jason
Witten, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Laurent Robinson . . . to give
the Cowboys receiving depth enjoyed by few other teams in NFL
history.
Tempering fan excitement for much of this season has been a
disappointing combination of untimely injuries and inconsistent play
of the Cowboys’ A and B wide receivers: Austin and Bryant.
Further tempering fan excitement for the potential of this
pass-receiving posse has been the fact that poor pass protection in
the pocket will always prevent powerful passing possibilities . . .
whether your star quarterback Romo, Aikman, White (Yes, even Danny
White), or Staubach.
If-and-when the Cowboys’ offensive line ever firms up and plays to
its athletic potential (with one or two more obvious off-season
acquisitions) – sometime before Witten, Miles, Austin, and Robinson
retire . . . Romo might get to see what it is like to play in Mr.
(Aaron) Rodger’s neighborhood.
If-and-when Witten, Miles, Austin, and Robinson ever get completely
healthy as a group – and can regularly and reasonably beat defenders
to their pre-designated spots . . . the Cowboys might get the chance
to see what it was like to have Randy Moss (Dez Bryant), Cris Carter
(Miles Austin), Jake Reed (Laurent Robinson), Andrew Glover (Jason
Witten), and Robert Smith (DeMarco Murray) on their roster.
Fans – as an aside – should take greater note of the bigger
potential performance picture being described here, rather than
ridiculously ruminate on Jason Witten being compared to average
Andrew Glover (in position only) . . . but I digress.
If-and-when all of this comes together – toning down Tony’s turnover
temptations (Bennett bungles notwithstanding) – fans could, indeed,
be enjoying an 11-headed offensive monster.
“Pie in the sky” seems to rarely come down through the hole in the
roof of (now) Cowboys Stadium nowadays . . . so fans should simply
start with the four-headed monster and encourage it to grow from
there.
Finding Religion
Fans – all of them – appreciate and understand the importance of
Sean Lee to the future of the Cowboys’ defense . . . and the extreme
deceleration his absence can expose.
No one doubts the determination and “spot value” of veteran inside
linebackers Bradie and Brooking – though they could run a Bed &
Breakfast faster than they could run on the grid iron these days.
The spot value (level of effectiveness in a limited role) of Bradie
and Brooking – and the continued upbringing of brand new Bruce
Carter – required Rob Ryan to get creative in how to more completely
fill in for Sean Lee . . . and that is when Ryan found religion – or
more of it.
Back-up safety and special teams terror Barry Church was called upon
by Ryan to perform beyond special teams and dive into the nickel
defensive – as a more fleet-footed line-monitoring safety-linebacker
hybrid against the Seahawks.
Vince Albritton comes to mind, but that workout warrior could never
stay healthy enough to make a real difference . . . and Barry Church
appeared to do his job with the shot that he got.
The Cowboys may not have given up 200+ yards to Lynch – like they
did LeSean McCoy at the Linc – but any amount of rushing yardage
that puts eight defenders in the box, exposes uncovered seams, and
loosens up passing lanes in general . . . is already too much.
While flexibility is still a new concept to the Dallas defense Ryan
inherited, it is nothing new to him.
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- The decision to have more than a few
defensive starters take part in special teams continues to steadily
pay off – as demonstrated by Anthony Spencer's successful field goal
deflection.
Everyone on the Cowboys’ defense needs to be ready to help Ryan find
more religion – find more Barry Churches – in the face of untimely
injuries, questionable depth, and the still-real potential for a
post-season participation.
Buehler To IR
David Buehler has borne the brunt of some bad breaks this year –
going from big boomer to backup to barely able to injured reserve
bye-bye.
Fans – most but not all – had already warmed to the idea that
Buehler would simply be no better than a kickoff specialist . . .
the likes of which has not been seen since the early two-way days of
the NFL.
Buehler – with his dual role of kicker and reserve linebacker as a
USC Trojan – is able (when healthy) and willing to deliver
tremendous touchbacks and special teams knockouts. He did, after
all, run a faster 40 and bench press more than each of the top three
linebackers in the year in which he was drafted.
Now, fans must wait until training camp to see if Buehler can be
(and will be allowed to be) the focused special teams specimen who
can exclusively kill kickoffs . . . and apply brutal knock downs to
those clowns to whom kneel-downs are not ideal.
Rookie kicker Dan Bailey has been nothing short of remarkable –
compared to the Cowboys’ recent luck with kickers.
While fans are still quietly holding their breath – waiting for the
other placekicking shoe to drop – they cannot help but be encouraged
and extremely hopeful that Bailey is, indeed, the real deal boomer.
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- Seeing him respond as an emergency
punter against the Eagles reminded me of Danny White – who was more
valuable to the Cowboys as the starting quarterback and punter than
some fans would ever care to admit. He was not only good at both
tasks, he also gave the Cowboys a bonus roster spot, which otherwise
would have been filled by a one-trick punting pony.
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- Fans – all of them – should also
find irony in Tony Romo living to hold once more against Seattle . . . but I
digress.
Nonetheless, there is one minor kicking detail that remains incomplete before
fans can get too incredibly comfortable with the current course
taken by the Cowboys’ kickers.
“There is another Skywalker . . . err, kicker” – Yoda in “The
(Cowboys) Empire Kicks Back.”
Kai Forbath is that other kicker – who evidently was cleared to
practice with the team two days ago . . . after returning from the
NFI (Non-Football Injury) list.
Forbath – back in training camp – was viewed as a combination of the
(now) accurate Bailey and the strong-legged Buehler . . . but he
never got a chance to really prove it.
While the Cowboys have three weeks to determine whether or not to
activate, send to IR, or cut Forbath, it is currently unknown if the
Cowboys are feverishly prepping Forbath to take over as Captain
Kickoff.
If Forbath is given the go-ahead to take a bath in kickoff duties –
and he succeeds – it should make for an interesting off-season.
North By Northwest
The Cowboys had to go “North by Northwest” twice this year – once
physically and once on their home turf – facing and beating two NFC
West opponents.
The Cowboys needed to go North (in the rankings) by beating teams
from the Northwest . . . which they have now done in beating the San
Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.
Fans should find it ironic the 49ers are playing “great” right now
while the Seahawks – for now – are in a season-long slump. You could
never tell the Seahawks were the team from the “Great” Northwest . .
. but I digress.
The Cowboys must now go “North by Northeast” and beat teams like the
Bills, Giants, Eagles, and Redskins . . . while mixing in trips to
Arizona and Tampa, as well as hosting Miami's South Beach Sluggers
on Thanksgiving Day, to round out their regular season.
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- Cary Grant has nothing on the
2011-2012 Dallas Cowboys with parody alive and well in the NFL.
Beware Being Ear-Holed
Fans have to believe that football coaches nowadays – from high
school to the pros – tell their players to “beware being ear-holed.”
Beware an opposing player coming at you from any angle . . . aiming
to see if you enjoy the view from the side portal of your helmet.
Fans see it all the time.
Fans enjoy it all the time.
Fans love the big hit.
Fans – most but not all – will remember the legal but vicious hit
then-Tampa Bay Buccaneer defensive lineman Warren Sapp laid on Green
Bay offensive lineman Chad Clifton back in 2002.
Clifton was effectively jogging downfield during a Tampa Bay
interception return when he got absolutely ear-holed by Sapp.
Clifton left the game with a sprained right hip – due to the way he
fell.
To describe the hit – it was as if an irritated old mountain goat
had ambled up a kitchen-style step stool to shoulder height . . .
and simply put his head down and galloped full-steam towards
Clifton’s head. It was so violent that Clifton bounced like a dirt
clod upon hitting the sod.
The NFL may have refined the “defenseless player” rule even further
to cut down on SBD (Sneaky But Deadly) hits, but some hits – of a
very similar nature – are still aloud depending upon the angle of
the hit and the mood of the discerning referee.
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- Dez Bryant was essentially ear-holed on his way into the end zone
for what would have been sure score when a Seattle defender hit him
from behind . . . forcing him to cough up the football.
It can happen to anyone at any time, and Bryant is as bullish a
physical specimen as any other.
While he may not need to hold onto the ball any harder than he
already does, Bryant might want to keep his head on a smoother
swivel to avoid being ear-holed and losing a scoring opportunity . .
. let alone getting physically flattened.
HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
Testing
The NFLPA’s determined delay to HGH testing of all NFL players is
the perfect reminder that “no matter how much things change, they
remain the same.”
A new, hard-fought, long-term CBA between the NFL owners and NFLPA –
should represent the greatest and most immediate opportunity to show
a previously and largely disgusted fan base that anyone or any group
can and will embrace a fresh start.
The more the owners and players attempt to show how different they
are from each other, the more they show they are exactly the same.
The NFLPA agreed to HGH testing – pending their approval of the
testing procedures . . . if memory serves.
The NFLPA has created delay after delay – and, now, they wish to
delay until at least March 2012 in order to receive more information
about available testing procedures.
The NFLPA – next and to no one’s surprise – suggested that NFL
players might have a higher natural level of HGH than the general
population . . . or their very own fan base.
Time will tell if this request for additional “players versus
population” information . . . is at the convenience of those players
who might need a little more time to become absolutely free of the
juice they may have taken to counter a consolidated training camp.
Time will tell if HGH testing proves to be a highly gratuitous
hassle to the owners, players, and fans.
Will They Or Won’t They?
The Buffalo Bills are coming to Cowboys Stadium.
They were humbled against the New York Jets last week in a game most
fans – around the league – thought the Bills might actually pull
out.
Fans would understand if the Bills were bent out of shape and
looking to take out their frustrations on their next opponent.
Fans would even understand if the Bills were recalling their
ridiculous loss to Tony “Turnover” Romo a couple years ago at Rich
Stadium. Romo relinquished five turnovers – begging the Bills to
beat him – and he recovered in time to steal the victory from badly
beaten down Buffalo fans.
Buffalo also just lost their starting nose tackle for the season and
their kicker for anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
The Cowboys have their own injury issues – some of which have been
odd – like Dwayne Harris injuring his hamstring almost the moment he started
practice after being called up from the practice squad (to take
Buehler's spot).
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- Owusu-Ansah – former fourth round
pick and underwhelming safety turned wide receiver / kick returner –
may not be the answer. After being called up from the practice squad
to replace Harris, the Cowboys are hoping he will not embarrass
(himself or the team). Jerry Jones – either way – appears to be sticking to his
six shooters when
he says roster additions will continue to come from within.
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- Will fans see Sean Lee clubbing the
competition into submission . . . and will the punts be flying
higher with the return of Mat McBriar?
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- Will Felix's high ankle sprain
eventually drive him insane . . . and ultimately leave him with no
starting role to regain?
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- As far as the Cowboys are
concerned, the Bills have a potent multi-faceted offense (led by QB
Ryan "Give 'Em Fits" Fitzpatrick and featuring
fresh rushing sensation Fred "Action" Jackson) and an opportunistic
defense . . . both of which may have simply suffered lousily-timed
lapses last week against the Jets. The Cowboys know all about
lousily-timed lapses . . . but I digress again.
Buffalo represents another trap game . . . and if the Cowboys snooze
– even for a few minutes – they will lose.
No matter how poorly the Bills have played since the retirement of
so many star players from their Super Bowl years . . . this year’s
team is not like the Rams or the Sea Hoax.
Can the Cowboys attack the Bills’ offense like the Bears attacked
the Eagles – relentlessly putting as many defensive hats on the ball
as inhumanly quick as possible?
Yes, the Cowboys can do this – but will they?
Can the Cowboys attack the Bills’ defense like the Bears attacked
the Eagles – relentlessly rushing through their soft middle and
poking holes in their secondary as much as is inhumanly possible?
Yes, the Cowboys can do this – but will they?
Can the Cowboys display end-to-end effort against the Bills like the
Bears displayed against the Eagles for 60 full minutes?
Yes, the Cowboys can do this – but will they?
The game plan from here on in – for the rest of the season – remains
the same, no matter the opponent. Fans should continue keep their
shoes on, keep their big screen televisions intact, and keep
reminding themselves the Cowboys are the only ones who can make it
happen.
Only the Cowboys can draw up a game plan that both fits their
available talent – from end to end on their roster – and outsmarts
their given opponent.
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- Only the Cowboys can determine if their head
coach should really be doubling down as their offensive play caller.
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- Only the Cowboys can second-guess
themselves for not seeing more of the potential they had in
Buffalo's Scott Chandler . . . before releasing him in favor of
Martellus "Mental Block" Bennett.
Only the Cowboys can execute their given assignments no matter who
they may be playing – making key reads, key blocks, key tackles, key
pass deflections, key interceptions, key fumble recoveries, key
runs, key fakes, key passes, key catches, key field goals, key punts
– and a variety of other key intuitive, real-time decisions on any
given play . . . that have a huge impact on wins and losses.
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- Only the Cowboys can outmaneuver their
opponents, defend against dumb decisions, and finish what they start.
Only the Cowboys can take the Bills seriously – even if players and
fans alike still get a laugh out of BILLS (Boy I Love Losing Super
Bowls) . . . but will they?
Only the Cowboys can honor the latest "Ring of Honor" inductees by making the most of each game – each golden
opportunity . . . but will they? Only the Cowboys can do what it
takes to potentially achieve the championship greatness of Larry
Allen, Charles Haley, and Drew Pearson . . . but will they?
We shall see. We always do.
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