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2016-2017 Regular Season: Round Two Goes To Big
Blue When Offense Does Not Follow Through And Finding A Way Against
Tampa Bay
- December 16, 2016 At 11:38 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf
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- “America’s Team”, Cowboys Nation,
and (many) prognosticators viewed a Dallas victory against the New
York Giants at MetLife
Stadium as a given.
An off night for Dak and Company – that wasted a perfectly good
attack from Marinelli’s Men who, frankly, played like they were on
crack – resulted in a failure to launch and winless from the
Meadowlands Dallas was driven.
Sean Lee was a human wrecking ball . . . gather 22 tackles and
threatening to collect ‘em all. It was a franchise record, he is the
Cowboys’ unquestioned defensive leader, and he should be in the
running for NFL Defensive MVP. Lee’s capabilities, unfortunately,
stopped at defense . . . on a day when the offense looked as if it
was conceptually on the fence.
Dak’s pregame interview – with him quivering and shivering – was the
first hint the much-hyped game might just turn out lame. While the
heat of battle most assuredly warmed Dak to the point where his
teeth would no longer rattle . . . then, there was the clearly
slick, wet football that seemingly caused some of his passing
efforts to stall.
But – then – the Giants' Eli Manning
(unintentionally in defense of Dak) . . . offered up in his postgame
interview that a lack of a firm grip also kept him off track. “Yeah,
just slipped out of my hand, just slipped (on one of his multiple
turnovers, which Giants' head coach Ben McAdoo agreed could have
been even more, potentially leading to a victory foreclosure). I
thought I was going to have a shot to hit Roger on a big play down
the sideline, just ... slipped right out of my hands,” he said. “The
longer the drive, sometimes the more wet the ball got.”
“The Great Wall” – in any event – had the benefit of not facing an injured Jason
Pierre-Paul . . . and – yet – it was Dak the Giants’ defensive line
was still allowed, yes, ALLOWED to make look pressured and
unacceptably small.
While Ronald Leary has been playing better than fair since La’El
Collins went down with a right big toe ligament tear . . . there
were a handful of plays where Leary did not seem to know whether he
was here or there. He was NOT alone – in failing to set the
individual battle tone – but with Collins likely seeing a postseason
return . . . Leary needs to course correct to prevent the formation
of a greater forest fire from a one-game burn.
Could Scott Linehan have elected to keep Zeke Elliott in for more of
the contest (on top of his 100+ yard performance) . . . to prevent
poor 3rd down blocking from an undersized Lance Dunbar? Yes. As
stockbrokers like to say . . . “in that choice it would have been
wise for him to further invest.” Alfred Morris is a better blocker,
as well . . . but without making the decision to use him more, Dak
was forced to sell, sell, sell.
As a brief mention about a player known to break normal convention,
Darren "Run DMC" McFadden is set to make his (kick) return in the following
game . . . and – among many a potential task – his blocking is almost
guaranteed to not be lame or force Dak to reach for a flask.
Earlier in the year, when Dez Bryant
was recovering from injury . . . Dak made the most of his “other”
receivers (Witten, Beasley, Williams, and Butler), and they
developed great synergy. At one point, Dak felt comfortable enough to
freeze out those who were not hustling, going with the concept “The
Tortured Cowboys Fan” likes to call “if you’re not open, don’t be mopin’.”
While the Giants’ defense is very good . . . Dez hung Dak out to dry
on more than one play and seemed simply a deztracted dude who was
oddly not in the mood.
Dez would later defend Dak’s play and acknowledge his own poor day .
. . and that – in order for his teammates to continue believing and
achieving – Dez needs to be mentally prepared as the sure-handed
“beast” the Cowboys expect and be ready to make monstrous hay.
The Dallas Cowboys were still able to come away from New York and
round two (with razor-thin losses of 20-19 and 10-7) knowing exactly
what they had to do . . . which is to follow through. If both the
Cowboys and the Giants make the playoffs, it will be most intriguing
to see if Dallas will have learned its clear lesson . . . in time
for a (rare) third bout where the loser heads into an offseason of
reflection and confession.
External Perception Versus Internal Reality
Jerry Jones has been (impatiently) waiting and Waiting and WAITING
for an opportunity, THE opportunity to return “America’s Team” to
its former glory – approximately 20 years ago . . . and counting.
But it was over 22 years ago when a humiliated Jerry told a
“disloyal” Jimmy Johnson where to go . . . determined to pick from
“any one of 500 coaches” and prove he could run the show. He – the
former offensive lineman and co-captain for the 1964 National
Champion Arkansas Razorbacks and magnificent marketing magician . .
. wanted to show everyone who dared to mock him (within NFL circles
and among the league’s fandom) he could be just as good an
organizational tactician.
Jerry brought in Barry (Switzer) – any one of those 500 coaches –
who adopted Jimmy’s fully-stocked roster, nearly pulled off two
consecutive Super Bowl visits of his own, and ended his tenure with
a 6-10 groan.
Since that time, Jerry has continued to be completely in charge and
– with the exception of . . .
1) the short-circuited Chan Gailey experiment
2) the Bill Parcells rebuild that initially overachieved but
succumbed to slippery fingers through which playoff victory was
thieved
3) the two golden opportunities of Wade (Phillips) who would fade
and could not make the grade
4) Jason Garrett’s glorious 2014 groove that came to a grinding halt
with an incomplete “football move”
. . . Jerry’s age has only been increasing and the losses –
including a karma clobbering 2015 – had been mounting.
The Dallas Cowboys organization entered 2016 believing it had as
good a chance as any – within their division – to compete for the
NFC East crown . . . until Tony “Joe Frazier” Romo went down.
Enter Dak Prescott who – after getting things maturely done to go an
unimaginable 11-1 – has simply given it all he’s got. He could have
played like a fourth round rookie, looked lime green, and played
really rotten . . . but his poise-laden performance instead made it
Tony Romo about whom Cowboys Nation had almost forgotten.
“Almost?” you say. While Tony Romo was but an undrafted free agent
who – after Drew Bledsoe was forced to go – played his way to
stardom, it was Jerry who truly hitched his reputation wagon (as
Owner and GM) to Romo’s horse by signing him to a six-year, $108M
contract extension with $55M in guarantees . . . that – fair or not
– left a sizeable portion of Cowboys Nation gaggin’.
“The Gunslinger” had more-than-adequate numbers and rock solid
skill, but his big game inconsistency had been a bittersweet pill .
. . even in the unfair face of consistently having an offensive
line, or a running game, or a defense that would sometimes or
oftentimes disappear without a trace.
While Romo would validate that deal in 2013 on stats alone,
DEFiciencies ensured he could not answer the postseason phone.
Jerry’s “I (finally) told you so!” had to wait for a better date.
When 2014 came around, Romo delivered his best single-season
performance, and most opponents the Cowboys TEAM would pound . . .
until – once finally back in the postseason – a critical catch fell
victim to an unsuccessful football move to the ground.
Jerry’s “I (finally) told you so!” had to – once more – wait for a
better date . . . but would it be too late?
Jerry’s affinity for Romo as a player, as a friend, and almost as
another son . . . has placed his already tremendous ego and sincere
allegiance to Tony under the gun.
No one could have foretold Dak’s incredible success . . . but what
originally had been viewed as another chance to reach the big dance
with a now-bionic-bodied Romo has become maddening for Jerry to
address. After nearly losing to the Minnesota Vikings and barely
losing to the New York Giants – for the second time this season –
Jerry (along with many within Cowboys Nation) is suffering from
“High Anxiety.” What a mental mess!
At 11-2, Jerry’s “I (finally told you so!” is in grave danger. What
to do? WHAT TO DO?!
Take a deep breath, step back, and retrace the high-level steps on
Jerry’s track.
THIS is where most fans and prognosticators (who chose to pay
attention) . . . realize the end result of this season – no matter
what it could establish long-term for the organization – is still
all about Jerry and his legacy.
People had begun to accept Jerry no longer prowling the sideline and
seeming “skybox captivity” . . . as a proof he had slowed down,
allowed his son Stephen more operational control (rather than mere
participation) . . . and that he had finally backed off his “socks
and jocks” proclivity.
Let there now be no doubt that Jerry continues to suffer from mental
gout. He – like a portion of Cowboys Nation – sees Dak’s
recent-and-sudden struggles (rookie or not) as an immediate threat
to his legacy. He cannot bear the thought of late season momentum
evaporating for such a capable team, of ANOTHER premature playoff
vacation, of ANOTHER dashing of his, HIS (being responsible for
fulfilling the Dallas Cowboys’ latest) Super Bowl dream . . . and he
wants to put an end to any, ANY interference on the spot.
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Romo was the centerpiece to Jerry’s grand plan . . . to finally
becoming a well-respected organization-running, football man. Jerry
– at least privately – had to come to grips that his plan was
suffering from a case of the aging-and-fragile player yips. Jerry’s
reset button on his “Romo’s going to play five more years” was
officially fractured . . . and even though Tony would eventually
recover from his latest injury, Jerry knew he finally needed to
engage with the future in order to trigger the former glory he so
desperately wanted recaptured.
Jerry (with at least one armed tied behind his back), Stephen, Will
McClay, and Jason Garrett knew they needed to finally add a more
suitable backup quarterback . . . instead of continuing to pull the
latest retread off the NFL’s used coat rack. Along came the 2016 NFL
Draft day and with “Plan D(ak Prescott)” they came away . . . but
not without first making every attempt to trade up for the
higher-rated Paxton (Lynch) pup.
Fast forward to TODAY . . . with momentum towards the playoffs
seemingly hinging on Dak Prescott’s play. Jerry – like so many
Cowboys fans – is on edge . . . and has to, HAS TO see a(nother)
heady Prescott performance to back himself away from the "you'll
know it when you see it" / insert-Romo ledge.
Like the title of the 007 feature film “The World Is Not Enough,”
Jerry wants to, NEEDS TO see his legacy fulfilled in the most
well-rounded way . . . and – against all he hears, sees, and really,
truly knows – that includes seeing Romo returning to play.
And, yet, THAT is why Jerry – thankfully – has son Stephen, Will,
and Jason around to defy any knee jerk reactions . . . and remind
him of another 007 feature film “Tomorrow Never Dies.” It never does
– whether pondering what once was . . . or the fancy new pup buzz.
Dak represents the promise of tomorrow who is playing today (during
a time when Jerry planned to still have his Romo way).
Perplexed pro-turned-prognosticator, Troy Aikman, says Garrett will
not bite . . . but – at the end of the day – Jason does not have the
contractual right to fight if a traumatized Jerry cannot or refuses
to see the light (of additional key offensive players – on which Dak
relies – making their own critical blocking, route-running, or
pass-catching mistakes . . . with opposing defenses – the past two
weeks – taking immense delight).
Though Jerry has said publicly backed off his “waiting for more
evidence” statement . . . he is still privately preparing to
publically campaign in full force if he witnesses another abatement.
Jerry more recently said "Dak Prescott is our starting QB. We
completely support him." Jerry does not want to wreck team chemistry
by prematurely aborting him.
Jerry is not trying to sabotage Dak’s fantastic first season . . .
though his obsession with how things WERE supposed to go may sound
like treason. Jerry – fair or not, right or wrong – is trying stop
HIS plan from failing for any reason . . . before HIS team hears the
postseason-starting gong (with momentum so weak when they should be
at their peak).
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- Cowboys Nation can only hope external perception versus internal
reality . . . ultimately plays little-to-no role in what they hope
is their team’s potential postseason eventuality.
Will They Or Won’t They?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to AT&T Stadium molten lava hot . . .
at a time when America’s Team has had to hit their reset button and
quickly rediscover their successful offensive spot.
While the Dallas Cowboys are still a very impressive 11-2 and
guaranteed at least a wild card playoff berth . . . they must regain
late season momentum and perform – once more – as if they are not of
this Earth.
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- The winning equation is still rather simple . . . as Prescott MUST
‘merely’ return to his professionally poised play instead of
resembling a ripe rookie pimple. Dak knows that – if his 10 other
offensive teammates follow their assignments and reasonably adjust
from their alignments – he will have at least one solution on every
single play in which to deliver a result so fabulously phat. Dak was
savvy enough to freeze out a receiver or two earlier in the season,
and he may have to do it again if lacking effort gives him a reason.
Scott Linehan KNOWS Dak can function just fine within the pocket,
can successfully throw on the run, or really enjoy some no huddle
fun. Linehan does not need to get cute . . . but mixing it up will
only help put Bucs defenders on mute.
“Fred(erick) Flintstone And The Blockheads” or “The Great Wall” . .
. must, MUST find a way to win their individual pass protection and
run-blocking battles to avoid another easily-fixable fall.
Frederick’s front-facing fellas’ – with a lil’ help from Witten to
keep Dak’s backside from being unreasonably bitten – are THE factor
towards helping their ground-grating tractor, Zeke Elliott, force
the swashbucklers of Florida to tuck tail and get back there.
Marinelli’s (Undermanned) Men stand ready to – once more and from
their solid core – over-compete . . . and strongly encourage a
Jameis Winston-led, Mike Evans-powered offense to make a hasty
retreat.
DeMarcus Lawrence has been ruled out with a bad back . . . and Rod
does not have a ready-to-return Randy Gregory available for the pass
rush they are – once again – potentially expected to lack. Besides,
Gregory even being formally allowed by Roger Goodell to play –
rather than face an inconceivable third, year-long suspension . . .
because Randy loves pot, A LOT – still must wait another day.
Sean Lee should be ready – even with an achy knee – to go on another
speedy tackling spree to gobble up anyone his defensive line may
yield from out of the backfield.
Anthony Brown MUST continue stacking strong plays until Morris
Claiborne can (finally and) fully recover from injury and
(hopefully) return to his markedly improved aerial combat ways.
Special Teams – with Lucky Whitehead back from (hopefully)
embarrassing admonishment – should be ready to deliver some serious
punishment. And if Whitehead is Lucky, he may even be reinserted on
some of his favorite “open space” plays that are so plucky.
Will America’s Team get back on track against a Bucs team ready to
attack . . . or will the Dallas Cowboys (even if Dak delivers in
ways that give Jerry positive shivers) inch that much closer (fairly
or not) to officially triggering the Romo revival to help ensure
their pre-playoffs survival?
Will Dallas find a way against Tampa
Bay . . . while clinching the NFC East crown and a 1st round
postseason bye all on the same day?
We shall see. We always do.
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