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2021-2022 Regular Season:
Cowboys Soar And
Leave Eagles Sore While Readying Themselves To See If They Have
Answers For The Undefeated Panthers
October 1,
2021 At 11:19 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf-
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After having escaped some AFC West electrocution, a far more
familiar foe required an NFC East solution.
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Division games are sometimes beyond belief. Two long-time rivals can
be on polar opposite ends of the capability spectrum and – just like
an opportunistic thief – the “wrong” team surprisingly rises up and
the “right” team unexpectedly resembles a nationally-televised, um,
rectum. “America’s Team” has been on both sides of that story (from
wonderful to absolutely gory).
Such important, postseason-impacting contests always remind “The
Tortured Cowboys Fan” of the “Hillbilly Hare” episode from Warner
Brothers’ “Looney Tunes” (a comparison “Cowboys Nation” should not
impugn). You ideally always want your division rivals to beat the
living daylights out of each other and always end in a tie (so that
– upon facing your team later in the season – they have less energy,
fewer available starters, and depth too diabolically-diminished to
successfully defy).
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And yet, as Thanos was fond of saying (when even HE knows there will
be no delaying): "Dread it. Run from it. [The first division game]
arrives all the same."
The visiting Philadelphia Eagles had convincingly taken down the
(still-woeful) Atlanta Falcons in week one, yet against the San
Francisco 49ers in week two, they become somewhat undone. Which
version of the Cowboys' ancient division rival was going to enter
AT&T Stadium? The team with a first-year head coach wearing a "Beat
Dallas" t-shirt and suggesting "We ain't afraid of 'em!" . . . or
the downward-spiraling squad that encourages the Philly faithful to
take a massive, early-season valium?
Blistering The Beaks
The Cowboys would start the game on offense and – like "good" NFL
hosts – Dak and Co. wasted no time in leaving performance dents.
Prescott began picking and choosing defenders to roast and – of
those opportunities – he intended to make the most.
Dallas' first drive began with a seemingly careful and conservative
theme (with a catch by tight end Dalton Schultz and three
consecutive doses of running back Ezekiel Elliott) until one big
play really helped the Cowboys pick up steam. Dak – on 1st-and-10
from the Philly 45 – took the snap from under center, faked the
handoff to Zeke, and aimed for their aerial assault to come alive.
Prescott was lookin' and then got cookin' (launching a javelin
44-yards to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (who climbed the ladder while
the Eagles’ secondary suffered a leaky bladder). While his knee came
down at the Eagles' one, perhaps, PERHAPS Dak could have led his
little Lamb through the end zone, and the score would have been all
done. Rather than delivering in one fell swoop, offensive
coordinator Kellen Moore called on offensive guard Connor McGovern
to play freight train, err, fullback to help ensure Ezekiel Elliott
got the touchdown scoop to conclude the first drive attack.
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts would nearly put the Cowboys on
similar blast, driving the Eagles down the field on a pace so
furiously fast. He would find talented tight end Dallas Goedert for
38 yards on 1st-and-10 (which might have been nipped if Trevon Diggs
had not so awkwardly slipped). "And then, AND THEN" on the very next
play, Philly's fortunes would go the other way. Hurts underthrew his
pass to the front-right of the Cowboys' goal line, allowing none
other than caustically-critiqued cornerback Anthony Brown to step in
front of wide receiver Jalen Reagor for a RARE interception on which
to dine.
Everyone, EVERYONE – from fans to his teammates – reacted as if the
turnover was triggered by one of the all-time greats. The grin on
Brown's face was something for all to embrace.
And JUST when 3C (Complete Cowboys Control) had seemingly appeared,
things unexpectedly got weird. Dak – on 2nd-and-6 from inside his
own five-yard line – would take the shotgun snap and before anyone
could yell "Oh, CRAP!" his pocket, err, end zone trap began
imploding and from his hand the football was floating. Following a
mid-air catch by familiar defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the
ecstatic Eagles were gloating.
A game that seemed to be well on its way to at least 10-0 (if not 14
to nothing) suddenly became 7-ALL with Cox’s turnover haul. Perhaps
TALONted Philadelphia was not bluffing. Perhaps the Eagles really
were “divisionally determined” to put the Cowboys through 60 minutes
of huffing and puffing.
Not quite . . . as Dak and Co. proceeded to methodically drive back
down the field to set things right. "I've got the Eagles on a
string, my offense on a rainbow." – Dak Sinatra was singing (knowing
he had so many weapons and directions in which he and Kellen Moore
could go).
Amari Cooper with a catch, Zeke with another tough run, and Pollard
with simply more of his patented shifts and speed to stun. Then, a
pass interference penalty on Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (who
thought - by arriving too early on CeeDee - he could have his way).
"And then" a converting catch by Blake Jarwin (followed by a 15-yard
facemask penalty so key by Eagles reserve safety Marcus Oops, err,
Epps so key). "And THEN" a power run by Zeke to inside the five-yard
line for more punishing fun. "AND THEN" Dak – on 3rd-and-goal from
the Eagles' six – fired a pass to Zeke near the right sideline at
the three, relying on his best friend to pull one of his bulldozing
goal line tricks. Zeke would turn, ram an oncoming Slay, and appear
to fall right into the end zone for a touchdown to own.
Not so fast as – through instant replay – doubt was cast. Zeke's
knee was downed just before his outstretched body reached that end
zone ground. Head coach Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore decided to
let Dak and Co. go for it on 4th-and-goal with little concern over
their ability to produce a sufficient scoring hole (despite center
Tyler Biadasz' increasingly o-line-weakening role). Dak would take
the snap and attempt to follow the push of his “GOOD Wall Of Dallas”
towards another scoring haul.
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While a top-down view would show Prescott's plunge to be touchdown
true, the officials (on the field and in the New York replay office)
would show off more of their (leaguewide) wisDUMB . . . nothing new.
The only way the whistle-hesitant referees could have topped their
(continuing) case of blindness is if they had allowed Dak's
(post-scoring) loss of possession to become the ultimate sign of
kindness (with Eagles linebacker Patrick Johnson ready-and-willing
to scoop up the fallen treasure and attempt to run it all the way
back for a convenient score by any measure).
After nearly being sacked twice for a safety, THAT Eagles offensive
series would be the very last time the finely-feathered foes and
Jalen Hurts would provoke any potentially-competitive flirts.
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On the Cowboys’ next offensive series, Dak and Co. would officially
take (no-looking-back) command with more consistent and productive
flurries. What particularly caught the eye of THIS "Tortured Cowboys
Guy" was the QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT within and away from the pass
protection towards better pass projection. Dak – with 3:06 remaining
in the first quarter on 2nd-and-3 – took the snap from center, faked
the handoff to Tony Pollard, and ROLLED OUT right, which was (and
has been an occasionally-absent) key. The nearest Eagles defender
had to continue “spying” in case Prescott decided to run (which –
for a stretched-thin enemy – can absolutely be no fun).
The Eagles had to prevent Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony
Pollard (all with excellent hands) from dangerously breaking loose.
While Blake Jarwin snuck away from the offensive line assignment
(relatively unnoticed) to head downfield, fellow tight end Dalton
Schultz presented the better first-down yield. Prescott – two plays
later – would find Schultz jogging wide-open into the end zone and
as the game wore on, Schultz would efficiently help Dallas kick
Philly in the caboose.
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Dallas would go up 14-7, and the Eagles would never recover. The
Cowboys would eventually, merciPHILLY, err, mercifully win 41-21
(and it could have been an even greater smother).
Short Shots And Hot Spots
Prescott would finish the game having completed a "mere"
super-efficient 21 of 26 pass attempts for a "paltry" but sufficient
238 yards yet paired with a "maximized" three touchdowns and zero
interceptions. YES, Yes, yes, he avoidably, unnecessarily indulged
two fumbles and four sacks at more hold-the-ball-too-long
intersections.
Key among Dak's "usual suspects" were Dalton Schultz (nabbing six of
seven passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns), Cedrick Wilson
(snatching two of four throws for only 17 yards but one tippy-toed
touchdown), and CeeDee Lamb (going three for three while, of course,
collecting the longest catch of the game upon climbing a tree).
Zeke Elliott (17 carries for 95 thunderous yards plus two
touchdowns) and Tony Pollard (11 carries for 60 lightning-quick
yards) continued to show opponents they could not collectively be
collared.
For all the attention given to Kellen Moore’s
(inherited-yet-righteously-wrinkled) offense and all the plaudits
Dak “Leader Of Men” Prescott continues to receive, Dan Quinn’s
defense – just three games in – has already overachieved and made a
HUGE difference, you best believe.
Second-year cornerback Trevon "Not Just The Brother Of Stefon" Diggs
delivered his latest (59-yard pick six) interception and – GASP –
veteran cornerback Anthony Brown (whom most fans have often wanted
to see run out of town) had one of his own that practically felt
like redemption.
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Brown’s big moment must have seemed like an out-of-body experience
for both detractors (with no shame) and the defender who (now) has
seven career interceptions (in six years) to his name. After
starting his Cowboys journey as a pass-interference-aggressor, Brown
was modified into (and perhaps mortified by) becoming more of a
hands-off-chaser, last-second-deflector (by former passing game
coordinator Kris Richard, former understudy of Dan Quinn and alleged
secondary oppressor).
A critical reason why the Cowboys’ secondary (beyond Trevon Diggs)
has looked so much more attentive and effective in 2021 has been a
committee of new safeties who have helped “The Mighty Quinns” turn
into interceptions pigs.
The Dallas Cowboys parted ways in the offseason with free safety
Xavier Woods (who – after glimpses of fine goods – consistently
never could). They collectively replaced him (and diminished their
non-special-teams reliance on reserve free safety Darian Thompson)
with a treasure trove of one-year deals from other teams’ cap
casualties in strong-and-free-safety Jayron Kearse, free safety
Damontae Kazee, free safety Malik Hooker, and strong
safety-turned-linebacker Keanu Neal.
Kearse (who led the defense in largely-quality, well-timed tackles
of the Eagles, err, irritating grackles) and Kazee are each playing
on a $1,127,500.00 contact with ONLY a $137,500 signing bonus of
that amount guaranteed (with neither GM Jerry nor son Stephen having
to plead). If their efforts through three games can be
reasonably-maintained across 17 or more, “some team” (Dallas or not)
will line up in 2022 with more moolah in store (as in A LOT). Hooker
received a bigger deal, and it was even larger for Neal.
“And, AND” when still-promising strong safety Donovan Wilson returns
from injury, fitting him (and even rookie free safety Israel Mukuamu)
back into the rotation could require Dr. Quinn “Medicine Man” to
perform playing-time micro surgery. Too many in-house options are
always, ALWAYS better than unplanned free agent adoptions.
Nonetheless, rookie linebacking, err, hybrid sensation Micah Parsons
(with half a sack) and six-year (SIX YEAR?!) veteran defensive end
Randy Gregory were relentless on the edges from the first whistle to
the final gun (often giving Jalen Hurts almost nowhere to run).
Rookie defensive tackle Osa "Leverage" Odighizuwa exploded for 1.5
sacks against an Eagles offensive line unprepared for his
wrestling-based attacks. Defensive end Chauncey Golston – and fellow
NFL beginner – also looks like another promising, high-motor winner.
While veteran linebackers Leighton “Wolf Hunter” Vander Esch and
Jaylon “Smooth” Smith were rather ACTIVE participants and near the
top of the list on tackles collected (due – in part – to the
COVID-19-protocol-powered absence of strong-safety-turned-linebacker
Keanu Neal), those numbers were somewhat HOW-and-WHEN-deceiving and
did not quite have that (THREE-year-old) “Van Jaylon” feel (which –
back in 2018 – used to be routinely projected). Time will tell if
this twosome ever returns to ringing the full-strength,
read-and-react bell.
Last but not least was Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein who practically had
the night off (with Dak and Co. reliably forcing the Eagles’ defense
to gag and cough). Though he had but “ONE job to do," he only kicked
five of six extra points safely through. The Baltimore Ravens’
Justin Tucker (with extremely rare exception) is one accurate
[kicker], and he – at this time in NFL history – is probably the
ONLY kicker ANY team would blindly trust to deliver a game-winner
that does not combust. Zuerlein has clearly not yet found the
full-health light (following offseason surgery to set him right),
and it is undeniably on Dak and Co. to maintain a “touchdowns ONLY”
mentality as they head into each future fight. There have already
been so many close (and overtime) games this season that dangerously
missing a(nother) single kick could and would make both the team and
Cowboys Nation completely sick.
Longer And Stronger
Now, a little more about that previously-mentioned 2nd-and-3 play (and how there is more to it than Dak just rolling away).
That increasingly-rare rollout (for Dallas) can create more
unpredictable movement by targets in the defensive secondary (which
means – regardless of a short or deep opportunity – pass coverage
results can wickedly vary). Discerning members of “Cowboys Nation”
know that Kellen Moore (at most?) layers the routes Dak’s receivers
run. The Tortured Cowboys Fan often refers to those by-design player
paths as “hustle” routes (which force receivers to rely almost
entirely on their own raw talent – rather than a unique,
stutter-stepped, double-move pattern – to “get there” on time) which
can sometimes unnecessarily place those receivers (and Prescott’s
time-limited protection) under the gun. Amari Cooper is seemingly
the ONLY receiver on the team who can tap out his routes like Fred
Astaire (with Cooper’s own ankles becoming quite-painfully
self-aware).
Still, STILL, in the presence of hustle routes and the absence of
cleverer (but NOT cute) outs, the logical, happy medium is to
occasionally encourage Dak to more-often move within or
“responsibly” strafe beyond his protection rather than holding the
ball too long, err, being rigidly pocket-devout. “And, AND” do you
know what allowed former San Francisco 49ers / Oakland Raiders great
Jerry Rice’s career to last so long? “No, but DO tell so we can get
closer to the end of your ‘song’,” you say (hoping this adlib will
go away).
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It was Jerry Rice’s INTENSE, indomitable focus on his technique and
his AMAZING workout regimen of which so many still speak. Amari
simply does not have to be the ONLY route refiner on the team.
CeeDee Lamb, Cedric Wilson, and Michael Gallup (upon his return) can
help extend and enhance their opportunities by further indulging
that very same, exhaustive technician theme. Any receiver can try to
replicate Rice’s drive. The, THE challenge is in the maintenance
necessary to keep it alive.
Remember when (post-foot-surgery) Dez Bryant was somewhat-abruptly
required to expand his route tree beyond just “go up and get it?”
“That Announcer Guy” (with whom Dez enjoyed so much playground
pass-and-catch on-the-fly) was no longer around to help Dez skip out
on a route tree more restricted to separation-based patterns on the
ground. Continuing to lean on a heavier game day dose of 50 / 50
balls was no longer sustainable (with “Batroc The Leaper” being
unable). Neither (conservative) Jason Garrett nor (the
criminally-uncreative) Scott Linehan nor (an obedient-to-a-fault)
Dak Prescott were willing to accept it. Receivers who truly wish to
have that ultimate, longer and stronger career – while Dak is still
young and healthy enough to steer – will dive into more and better
technique without hesitation or fear.
NO, No, no, in fact, it is not too soon to remember and restate
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS as a killjoy reminder to the sometimes (?)
hype-headed, mindless masses. Should any other key receivers besides
Michael Gallup suddenly be lost to temporary or long-term injury,
such steadily-increased route-running improvements (deployed across
ALL of the Cowboys’ currently-available aerial weapons) could
prevent Dak & Co. from prematurely, unexpectedly ending up on their
asses.
Good Quote Or Garbage Bloat?
“Maybe throw a [positional tracking] chip in the ball [to validate
Prescott’s goal line haul].” – Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore
(with a reasonable solution on how the league could more
legitimately determine the success of a future goal line score).
“Yeah, it was clearly a decision. It was to take the lead going into
halftime. I was comfortable based on where the ball was at.” – Head
coach Mike McCarthy (reminding anyone and everyone how his clock
management skills remain unworthy). Dallas had the opportunity to
get the ball back with another chance to apply a "killer instinct"
attack and armed with the better part of two minutes remaining.
Fans, prognosticators, and media members were instead treated to
more of McCarthy's clumsy, post-game "Develop a KILLER INSTINCT?
What's THAT?" explaining.-
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“Micah Parsons has got that Michael Irvin intensity. He has that
Randy White, and I wasn’t around Randy a lot in his playing, but
boy, he’s legendary, and the stories of how he approached it and
just how business he was about it.” – GM Jerry (on Parson’s
still-untapped potential to be truly game day scary).
“Rat poison.” – Cornerback Trevon Diggs (describing how his former
college coach Nick Saban used to tell him and others “Do NOT buy
into the social media hype, son!”).
"I'm trying to get our players to listen to me instead of listening
to you guys. All that stuff you write about how good we are, all
that stuff they hear on ESPN, it's like poison. It's like taking
poison. Like RAT POISON." – Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick
Saban (following a 27-19 victory over Texas A&M in 2017 where the
expected level of execution was not consistently seen, but over his
dead body would his players be lulled into a sense of superiority by
the media he deemed so unclean).
“That would be very selfish to complain about the ball when you won
by 20 points. Obviously, we were doing everything right. I’m fine
with it.” – Wide receiver Amari Cooper (acknowledging that he and
his cracked rib simply did not need to overtly risk another or
further injury hit).
Misery Loves Viruses And Injury
Keanu Neal (as previously mentioned) and second-year defensive end
Bradlee Anae missed the Eagles game. “But wait! There’s MORE!” Their
COVID-19-positive status means their availability for Dallas’ next
contest remains useless, err, the same. Though Neal is known to be
(ever-so-brilliantly) unvaccinated, more CONSISTENT wearing of masks
by one-and-all within the organization will better ensure Dallas’
roster of AVAILABLE players is far-less aggravated.
While wide receiver Michael Gallup continues to recover from his
week one knee injury, rookie cornerback Kelvin Joseph (having
sustained a preseason groin strain) and defensive tackle Neville
Gallimore (with a dislocated shoulder) could, COULD soon become
eligible to exit short-term injured reserve and return to practice
with urgency.
Will They Or Won’t They?
Will the incoming Carolina Panthers be allowed to treat AT&T Stadium
as their personal litter box, or will the Dallas Cowboys proclaim:
“WE are the ones who knock?”
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Sam Darnold-led Carolina is 3-0 with seemingly plenty of room to
positively grow (through the collective creative,
formerly-collegiate success of head coach Matt Rhule, offensive
coordinator Joe Brady, and defensive coordinator Phil Snow directing
the team how best to go). They have the league’s number one defense
and expecting a potential, Tampa Bay-like challenge for Zeke and
Pollard just makes sense.
“Wait – WHAT?! Sam Darnold? THE Sam Darnold? The once-promising
quarterback whose career Adam Gase had covered in heaps of mold?”
you shockingly shout (perhaps forgetting how the New York Jets
allowed Darnold to escape further torment untold).
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“Every team in the NFL” – as has increasingly become common place –
is managing injuries that can make it hard(er) to keep pace. Star
Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey darting around the field
and producing an impressive ground-and-air yield will simply not be
a thing until he recovers from an injury to his hamstring. Exciting
Panthers rookie cornerback and 2021 first-round pick Jaycee Horn is
on short-term injured reserve with a broken foot that has made his
coming out party go equally-kaput.
The Cowboys – of course – continue to “enjoy” their own
year-over-year injured collection (one particular defensive leader
of whom might as well be put in witness protection). “But, BUT”
until a team is absolutely, inconceivably in tatters, none of that
matters.
Will Dak and Co. be able to continue applying (to their latest
opponent) offensive pain, or will Carolina’s defense finally be the
unrelenting group to cause Kellen and Dak to leave an underwear
stain?
Will The Mighty Quinns continue to experience professional growth by
telling a re-energized Sam Darnold where to goeth?
We shall see. We always do.
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