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2021-2022 Regular Season:
Dallas Outlasts
New England In A Sloppy Mess And Exit Their Bye Hoping Not To
Regress One Iota On Their Way To Minnesota
October 29,
2021 At 11:58 PM CST
By Eric M. Scharf-
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“America’s Team” – against “Tom Terrific” back in week one – nearly
got it done. The New England Patriots – against a suddenly banged-up
Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in week four – almost pulled off the
winning score.
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“So, if, IF the Cowboys lost to the Bucs and the PATRIOTS lost to
the BUCS . . . WH-WHAT does that mean?!” you publicly pondered
(perhaps knowing that only until the final whistle would you learn
to where the answer had wandered).
Defeating Three O’s To Ensure The Win Total Grows
It was, WAS going to be ENOUGH to overcome a several-times-over,
Super Bowl-winning head coach in Bill Belichick (who devilishly
relishes the opportunity to take a high-flying offense and
schematically, mercilessly apply defensive dents).
But, no. It was going to be a day of the “Three O’s.”
“Out Of Office?” you ask. NO, No, no. It was an entirely different
task.
America’s Team had been slowly-but-surely coming around to the
concept of performing for a full 60 minutes in several a previous
game. They would spend more than an hour competing against their
OPPONENT, game day OFFICIATING (or maybe OAFISHNESS for that handful
of players with the desire to regress) and even into an extra
OVERTIME frame.
There were a number of plays through a handful of series – in all
three phases (offense, defense, and special teams being the
operative phrases) – of the game that validated its “Game Of The
Week” flame.
On the Cowboys’ first drive, they were faced with a 4th-and-1 from
their own 34 with 12:01 remaining in the first quarter, and head
coach Mike McCarthy – with none of the consternation of “Cowboys
Nation” – said, “Who am I to be a go-for-it hoarder?” The desire was
on (ruinous risk or righteous reward) fire, but the play design and
personnel would not align. Would that result be remembered as a
maddening moment for McCarthy and (Kellen) Moore? Perhaps not as
queasy as the same by Barry Switzer and Ernie Zampese (which, in all
fairness, was followed by the Cowboys’ eventual return to the Super
Bowl, though not quite so easy). Anyhow, back to the here and now,
(sometimes offensive guard, other times fullback) Connor McGovern
might have kept the result from going southern, but the opportunity
they would blow and – with almost four full quarters to go – it was
on with the show.
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After Mac Jones and the Patriots used the shortened field (and a
direct snap to running back Damien Harris) for a touchdown yield, it
would once again be the Cowboys’ chance to dance. Dak – on
1st-and-10 from his own 36 with 9:45 remaining in the first quarter
– would take the snap from center and fake the handoff to a
right-running Zeke. Prescott would bootleg left, throwing across his
body to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, and that was when Cowboys
Nation would briefly freak. Though Wilson was staring RIGHT AT Dak,
he was not ready for the pass, and it glanced off his palms like a
volleyball set. The ball would conveniently land in the awaiting
mitts of tight end Dalton Schultz (who ran another 10 yards beyond
the first down marker to ensure their first-down needs were met).
Dak would eventually find Schultz down the seam for another 23 yards
before JUST being stopped by cornerback Adrian Phillips and
linebacker Matthew Judon at New England's one. While Belichick's
defense was – historically, naturally, and traditionally – expected
to efficiently stiffen, Kellen Moore's next play-call forced them to
give in. Dak – on 1st-and-goal with Zeke faking up the gut (placing
linebacker Judon on his butt) and Schultz heading out into the right
flat – would deploy to tight end Blake Jarwin (who would leak or
sneak away from the offensive line) for the touchdown so
simple-yet-fine, and that was that.
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Linebacker Dont'a Hightower was the nearest defender who – between
deciding to bite at the Zeke fake or pursue Jarwin into the end zone
– was caught in the greater-of-two-evils blender (even though a
perfectly-timed raised hand against an already-wobbly throw could
have been a play-ender). Cornerback Adrian Phillips might also have
struggled to keep from double-faultin' against fellow tight end
Dalton. Such a two-layered red zone play-call is something with
which the Patriots were all-too-familiar from their days of Rob
Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez so functionally (yet loosely)
similar.
“The Mighty Quinns” would miss a number of tackles during New
England’s next offensive set, and cornerback Trevon Diggs – against
unrelenting blocker and wide receiver N'Keal Harry – was so
unnecessarily upset. Diggs was "the ONLY guy to swing AND the ONLY
guy to get caught,” with his personal foul resulting from the
official attention he carelessly sought. The series was capped off
by Patriots' tight end Hunter Henry potentially pushing off, err,
beating safety Malik Hooker to a 20-yard scoring pass from Mac Jones
(for which he had to dive to keep alive).
Dak – with his next opportunity – would continue (behind a
seemingly-impenetrable "Great Wall Of Dallas") would drive the
offense with routine fluidity. Cedrick Wilson (from a short crosser
on 3rd-and-14) would nearly get it done, but the Cowboys would bring
in “The McGovern” to help Zeke pickup three yards on 4th-and-1. Dak
would come back to Wilson in a deep way with a 41-yard pass play
(which was underthrown or Cedrick might have jogged into the end
zone). While it should have been 1st-and-goal inside the New England
10, a hands-to-the-face penalty was called on left tackle Tyron
Smith (who pulled an "Old Man Witten"). Smith grabbed Patriots
defensive end Deatrich Wise by the neck (like former Cowboys
offensive tackle Erik Williams’ “Cobra” style), but that result made
nobody smile.
Though he would then find himself operating from his own 40 on
1st-and-20, Dak would return to aiming and firing right on the
money. He would escape the pocket to the right and find elevated
receiver Noah Brown (who – after getting knocked forward – would
land directly on the first down). Amari Cooper and Zeke would take
turns moving the chains, but then play-execution would begin to
strain. Dak – on 3rd-and-9 from the Patriots' 16 – would target an
end-zone-headed Cedrick Wilson and fire about a yard behind him (not
entirely clean). It was tipped by cornerback Justin Bethel and
intercepted by safety Kyle Dugger. The red zone casualty would be
run back out to the Patriots' 26 by the determined defensive bugger.
As soon as the Patriots (with 12:48 remaining in the second quarter
from their own 25) got the ball back, linebacker and “Rookie Of The
Year” candidate Micah Parsons was called for a (docile rather than
destructive) horse collar tackle (instead of his now-normalized
tackle-for-loss over which he and The Mighty Quinns might otherwise
cackle). Whether wild or merely mild, the flags will fly if you are
a facemask or horse collar guy. As a brief aside, it is always
impressive when another, more-experienced teammate pays attention
and forcefully redirects the affected player to avoid any further
penalty retention. It IS impressive, because it does not happen very
often, and veteran linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was determined to
ensure that – from further punishment – the Cowboys' defense did not
build its own coffin.
Mac Jones and the Patriots would try to bake another touchdown cake
upon that mental mistake. They would swiftly drive to the Cowboys'
25 before Jones would find receiver Jakobi Meyers on a 25-yard
touchdown flyer. It would be called back due to an offensive holding
attack. "And Then, AND THEN" (on 2nd-and-17 from the Dallas 35), a
static and unaware Jones found himself too close to the lions' den.
He was brutally sacked by defensive end Randy Gregory causing a
timely, Cowboys-recovered fumble. Jones appeared to barely reach the
sideline with his body still intact (and that was a
nationally-televised fact).
"The Tortured Cowboys Fan" could not – of course – overlook the fact
that Gregory's first reaction following the sack was to assume there
was no fumble on which to snack. While he was momentarily posing for
the audience, his teammates (rookie defensive end Chauncey Gholston
in particular) were aggressively displaying recovery radiance.
Gregory's sack was FANTASTIC but the follow-through (in the future)
must be less look-at-me spastic.
Dak and Co. – with 10:05 remaining in the second quarter on
1st-and-10 from their own 48 – would accelerate back down field
aiming for another (overdue) touchdown yield. Several doses of Zeke
made New England's defense begin to creak. After absorbing a Terence
Steele false start, Dak would find Cedrick Wilson in the right side
of the end zone. Wilson, unfortunately, was unable to hold onto the
pass, as cornerback Jonathan Jones ensured he was not left alone. A
"Greg The Leg" field goal would then make it 14-10.
After The Mighty Quinns would force a three-and-out, Dallas would be
blessed with perhaps the third-most-exciting play on the day. The
Cowboys' special teams would receive some uniquely-triggered cheers
for the first time in years and Years and YEARS! Reserve linebacker
Luke Gifford snuck through New England's offensive line protection
and blocked, Blocked, BLOCKED their punt before Patriots punter Jake
Bailey could successfully send away his fourth-down projection.
Gifford would recover at the Patriots' 17 (without self-defeating
penalties, nice and clean). Dak (on 3rd-and-7) wasted no time in
finding Cedrick Wilson on a crosser from in the slot (coming up just
a half-yard short of an end zone spot). Dak would run a fourth-down
keeper to reach over the top but would appear to suffer from
butterfingers slop. Replay would alternatively show that Patriots'
linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley tipped the ball just loose enough that
Dak being able to maintain possession across the goal line would
have been entirely too tough. New England would recover (with still
more back-and-forth mistakes ready to dangerously smother).
Following another false start (that between both teams was becoming
a brain fart art), Dak and Co. would get out of their own red zone
quickly to avoid their next series becoming prickly. As Dak’s
first-down pocket began to collapse – and just before defensive end
Deatrich Wise, Jr. was able to gather any part of Prescott in his
nearing grasp – Dak would find Zeke on an over-the-middle streak.
Just by linebacker Matthew Judon for the first down would Elliott
squeak. Later in the drive (that deployed five-receiver sets to
strive), Noah "I Don't Get No Respect" Brown – in what looked like a
reverse "Monkey In The Middle" (with Dak playing the two nearest
defenders like a rope-a-dope fiddle) – would grab, safely stow, and
(for 27 yards) go, Go, GO.
After Dalton Schultz (by air) and Tony Pollard (by ground) would go
for back-to-back first downs, it was the return of the
self-inflicted penalty clowns. Dak would target CeeDee Lamb (who was
being held on his way into the end zone). The Patriots’ faithful
would groan (knowing it would inevitably bleed their lead and cut to
the bone). Dak to Lamb would go aloft and up with another
(lead-changing) touchdown New England had coughed.
New England would be thwarted into another three-and-out. Dak and
Co. would resume “matriculating the ball down the field,” but not
without a Tyron Smith ankle injury that began to sprout. Backup left
tackle Ty Nsekhe would do his reasonable best impersonation of being
Tyron stout. A(nother) false start penalty would prematurely end a
drive where the Cowboys’ offense had – once again – come alive. A
Zuerlein field goal would put the Patriots in a slightly
bigger-yet-temporary 20-14 hole.
Speaking of impersonations – upon getting the football back – Mac
Jones was practically Aaron-Rodgers-like in catching The Mighty
Quinns with "12 men on the field" (as he saw late-hustling defensive
end Tarell Basham and said, "Nope! I'll catch 'im!"), resulting in
an effortless five-yard yield. “And, AND,” just when Cowboys Nation
thought The Mighty Quinns were on the verge of truly pinning their
ears back, Mac Jones – with a few timely passes and a heavy dose of
ground and pound – would deliver their own efficient drive to the
end zone to regain a 21-20 lead and get back on track. Flip, flop,
when would the lead changes stop?
Dak – with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter –
was ready for his turn to reset the order. An impressive dose of
Zeke and some jitterbugging by Tony (from behind an offensive line
that had regained the man – not the myth – Tyron Smith) were
starting to make New England's defense (like others before them) a
bit tired and a little phony. "But Then, BUT THEN," there was yet
ANOTHER penalty flag at a time when the Cowboys could least afford
to gag. Left guard Connor Williams was the “Free Hugs” culprit
(which would add 10 more yards to a third down Dallas should not
have had to reinterpret). Dak would scramble up the left sideline on
the next play, but by one yard his skid plate slide would prevent a
first down from coming his way. Though Mike McCarthy might
(“normally” since 2020) have delighted in going for it on 4th-and-1,
he opted for Zuerlein to foot the bill (with 2:43 remaining) and get
it done. Perhaps feeling the peripheral pressure of a potential
block, Greg went wide left with his critical knock (as if he had
kicked the 51-yard field goal attempt with a pirate's peg for a
leg).
While nearly three minutes can be an eternity for an offense
(especially the no-huddle) that could almost instantly go on a
scoring spree (and turn most defenses in a puddle), it was Mac Jones
and the Patriots who were in prime position to display some of their
signature-for-2021, late-game, by-design, constrict-your-enemy
stones.
After absorbing the latest (taking turns) penalty, Jones would
engage in a disastrous (for him and delicious for Dallas)
opportunity. Every single one of his potential targets was draped in
coverage so single, but ONE defender saw the chance to proactively
intermingle. Patriots wide receiver Kendrick "Not Jason" Bourne
would head over the short middle from the slot, but the aim of
“Stare Down“ Jones was just a bit too far ahead. None other than
Trevon Diggs conveniently collected his latest pick-six at just the
right spot, and it seemed that – perhaps – a Patriots’ recovery from
such a kill shot might, MIGHT have been dead.
McCarthy would authorize a two-point-conversion attempt, but the
Patriots would not swoon. They would not allow any sass via Dak's
clever micro-shovel-pass, as they tackled Tony Pollard unexpectedly
too soon. Perhaps if CeeDee Lamb had better-blocked safety Kyle
Dugger, there might, indeed, have been a sneak-through-score for
Pollard-the-plugger. New England – instead – had 2:27 to not just
produce a game-tying touchdown (and their own two-point-conversion?)
but to entirely put the game to bed.
The pressure was on The Mighty Quinns to suppress any late-game sins
and ensure the Patriots could not add to their modest total of 2021
wins (at the very least on THEIR watch). Mac Jones would take the
shotgun snap from his 25, and a fortuitous opportunity went live
(like a tremendous kick in the crotch). Wide receiver Kendrick
Bourne (who up until that point had been 0-1 silent) suddenly became
big, no, HUGE catch compliant, as he ran a (not so
incredibly-refined) double-move against Trevon Diggs out of the
slot. Both Diggs and free safety Damontae Kazee blew (or let up on?)
their collective, come-together coverage as if the Patriots'
receiver was draped in radioactive snot. Bourne would race,
untouched across the goal line for the score. It was once again on
Dak and Co. to make their game-winning case or be dismissed out the
Gillette Stadium door.
Depending on one's perspective, Kazee either terribly triangulated
or momentarily hesitated (believing he would have been mercilessly
flagged for ensuring a "defenseless player" had been ANNIHILATED).
Meanwhile, Trevon (before giving useless chase) had quite the
helpless, hands-up, "Yeah, I blew it, but YOU – my safety release –
ran right through it!” look on his face. The Patriots – with their
own two-point-conversion – would be buyers with Mac Jones to Jakoby
Meyers. Some (but not all) of Cowboys Nation were getting sore over
the 29-26 score and resigning themselves to a rigidly-inevitable (?)
"save defeat from the jaws of victory" perversion.
The Evil Genius and son Stephen would do their wicked best to ensure
Dak and Co. were quickly messed. It was already 4th-and-4 at the
Dallas 35 with 1:30 remaining. Dak would take the shotgun snap,
patiently wait for one particular receiver to show that separation
he was, indeed, sincerely gaining, and he would throw a
back-shoulder pass to the left sideline where the shorts of a rather
acrobatic Cedrick Wilson were in-no-way staining.
The Cowboys had new life, but would the Patriots still manage to
drop the hammer, twist the knife? Dak would toss another one of his
first-down bolts to Dalton Schultz. Dak would then take a(n
incomplete) shot downfield to reserve wide receiver Malik Turner.
Normally, another harmless page-turner. NOPE, Nope, nope. ANOTHER
flag. Check that. Another TWO, dagnabbit, against you know who. That
sometimes promising, other times inconsistent offensive line dope.
No, not right tackle Terence “Formerly Aluminum” Steele (who – for
several games in a row – has gone out of his way to ensure the hand
that has been feeding him has rarely been bitten). No, not left
tackle Tyron Smith pulling an "Old Man Witten." Left guard Connor
Williams was called for both holding "and, And, AND" unsportsmanlike
conduct. YES, Yes, yes, Williams has largely been "good," but he
also has a "poor-timing" habit that he has not yet sufficiently
bucked, understood?
Dak – with 30 seconds remaining on 3rd-and-25 from his own 45 –
would take the shotgun snap, and (just when fans were about to yell
"Ohhhhh, [CRAP]!") CeeDee Lamb he would fantastically find (though
one yard short and just a bit behind)! Rather than take a further
risk with 24 seconds left, McCarthy opted to burden Zuerlein with
the game-tying heft. His 49-yard kick thankfully, Thankfully,
THANKFULLY did the trick! The Patriots would choose to drain the
remaining 20 and head to overtime (granting fans of all types some
extended-play honey . . . to watch a fabulous ending or an
underwhelming crime).
While the Patriots would receive the all-important first possession
in overtime, their initial results were only momentarily sublime.
Mac Jones stepped up in the pocket just ahead of an
all-but-certain-sack by safety Jayron Kearse (that might have
resulted in a cough up) before releasing his throw to Jakobi Meyers
for a 14-yard pickup. "And Then" after allowing the Patriots to
intermittently gouge them all day on the ground, The Mighty Quinns
turned that punishment around. “And Then, AND THEN” on 3rd-and-3,
Mac Jones threw a back-shoulder pass towards the right sideline on
which wide receiver Nelson Agholor could not key.
Admirably-aggressive cornerback Anthony Brown appeared to rake his
hand across Agholor’s facemask, but the officials (perhaps with
“incidental contact” in mind) chose not to make Cowboys Nation reach
for a mind-numbing, memory-wiping flask.
Once it became Dak and Co.’s turn to churn, they displayed plenty of
confidence and little concern. Dak – on 2nd-and-9 from the Cowboys’
22 – took the snap from the gun. Defensive end Matthew Judon would
push right tackle Terrence Steele back, Back, BACK until it seemed
pass protection would crack, but Dak would duck the defender’s swipe
and head right on the run. He would fire to CeeDee Lamb for a
14-yard fix at the Dallas 36.
Prescott would push further with a six-yard dink (to Dalton Schultz)
and a nine-yard dunk (to Amari Cooper). Tony Pollard would pound
seven more yards on the ground. After finding CeeDee for still seven
more yards towards the third first down of their overtime drive,
they would reach the end goal for which they could finally strive.
Dak – from the New England 25 – would take the snap from center and
fake the handoff to Zeke (heading left and predictably followed by a
number of Patriots determined seal any, ANY rushing leak). Prescott
would bootleg right and spot CeeDee once more (who – from the left
slot – would smoothly, uninterruptedly sneak) and who was almost
instantly set up for the winning score. Lamb was already engaging
the "I’M WIDE OPEN" waving with New England's defense surprisingly
out-schemed and unusually caving. Dak – two pump-fakes later (and
not dressed as “Little Bo Peep”) – would successfully find his
“Sheep” still on-the-run at the Patriots' 13. CeeDee – as he slowly,
mockingly entered the end zone – would entertainingly cater and
dramatically preen. Finally-arriving cornerback Jalen Mills was
victimized by the touchdown BLAM and none-too-happy to have been
"Silenced By The Lamb." CeeDee continued his insulting wave, daring
Mills to misbehave (with officials still very-much-present and the
league office always watching). Mills – like almost all of
Belichick’s “toy soldiers” (perhaps concerned with being ground into
a bitter cup of film review Folgers) – clearly thought better of any
further botching.
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Contrary to (some) understandable fan fear, there was no Boston
Massacre, and no poor-adjustment disaster (and – to celebrate – they
were given the ALL CLEAR). The Dallas Cowboys – with a 35-29
overtime victory – more-than-earned their bye week break (during
which they aimed to recover from every possible ache and set
themselves up for an even sturdier, perhaps undeniable postseason
trajectory).
Short Shots And Hot Spots
While Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Dak Prescott, and a
gimmick-triggered CeeDee Lamb combined for 122 yards on 31 a ground
game touch, the Patriots were determined to ensure at least Zeke
(and at most all Cowboys ball carriers) did not compile much.
Dak Prescott was thusly "forced to enjoy" anther productive day. He
thew for 445 yards, three touchdowns, and ONE interception on 36 of
51 completions. And – in turn – Cowboys receivers had plenty of "Air
Time" to burn. Fans will certainly yodel over Belichick’s Patriots
teams having never allowed such a passing yardage total.
Though stellar second-year starter CeeDee Lamb led the way with 149
yards and two touchdowns on 9 of 11 targets to make the most of his
opportunity, the not-so-no-name remainder of the Cowboys' passing
game community (Dalton Schultz, Amari Cooper, Ezekiel Elliott, Noah
Brown, Cedrick Wilson, Tony Pollard, and especially Blake Jarwin)
proved just as valuable in the TIMELINESS of production towards
defensive immunity (and a rather road-warrior-esque win).
While "The Mighty Quinns" were somewhat ground-game-poor against
Patriots running back Damien Harris (in allowing him to top 100
yards including a score), the challenge of slowing New England's
stable of (kinda' sorta') receivers proved unexpectedly and
intermittently hard (with at least four and nearly five Patriots
averaging at least one reception over 20 yards).
Where the Dallas defense somewhat made up for it was in sacks.
Defensive end Randy Gregory collected two more on his relentless,
RELENTLESS attacks. He was routinely giving chase and had a number
of additional, near-miss chances to get into Mac Jones’ face.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs “selected” his seventh interception of the
2021 season. The fact that he turned it into such a perfectly-timed
pick-six was extra pleasin’.
Does History Remain A Mystery?-
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Free safety Damontae Kazee – undoubtedly after too much indulging of
“Victory Monday” – was arrested for and charged with DWI. Though it
was (allegedly) ONLY his first offense (thus-far incurring no league
collection of, um, “rents”), he must, MUST know that just one false,
intoxicated move could have ended his “among the living” groove
(COMPLETELY ASIDE from the fact that he has established himself in
Dallas as an important safety and depth guy). He also needs to think
before choosing, CHOOSING to be pulled over for indulging one too
many a drink.
While
it has been years since the Cowboys lost linebacker Jerry Brown due
to the mistake of defensive tackle and dear friend Josh Brent,
surely no one within the organization or around Cowboys Nation wants
another player to become so irreversibly bent. It is not an
overreaction to say such indulgences are always a risk to gain
devastating traction.
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“Why are you singling Kazee out to shame when there are and have
been tens of hundreds of thousands of millions of people who deserve
the very same – and ultimately ignored – slap on the wrist?” you say
(perhaps a little naively pissed). While people so
comparatively-forgettable still can, do, and have a
tremendously-negative impact so regrettable, Kazee also JUST happens
to be an employee of the most well-marketed, heavily-reported-on
professional sports team in the known galaxy. Damontae is just the
latest (but not the last) human being (around the league and around
the world) to have taken enough (personal time) risk to be put on
(professional and public) blast.
Though Kazee cannot possibly (?) be expected to have been familiar
(enough or at all?) with
a tragic
2012 event that occurred when he was just 19 (especially
with main stream media picking and choosing what should make their
nationally-televised scene), history (when it comes to another
potential indulgence spree) should not remain a mystery. Perhaps the
NFL’s once-vaunted “Rookie Symposium” (now
“Rookie Transition
Program”) is still not sufficiently potent with “this is how you can
cripple your team, ruin your career, destroy your life, and the very
existence of others” reminders ad nauseam (to occasionally interrupt
players’ “football, Football, FOOTBALL” blinders).
Good Quote Or Bad Bloat?
“There’s no excuse for that. That’s ridiculous the way they called
that game. We were able to overcome the Patriots AND the zebras.” –
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (effectively and righteously
say “Bring on those league office fines! There is no better way of
describing it!).
“I thought it was a poorly called game by the refs, if I want to be
honest. But you got to fight through it.” – Cowboys defensive end
Randy Gregory (following Zeke’s lead but acknowledging that better
play-execution by Dallas could, should, and would have meant fewer
penalty flags over which to plead).
"They came right back [on the Patriots’ late-game, go-ahead, 75-yard
touchdown]. Hit a double move. I kind of let up. It was my fault. I
should have been on top of it. I take full accountability for that.
It’s my fault. Next time, I’m going to be better." – Cowboys
cornerback Trevon Diggs (still fuming so admirably and competitively
over a play that could have been HANDled far differently by both he
and free safety Damontae Kazee). Dan Quinn would say there was NO
miscommunication between Diggs and Kazee (to which discerning fans
would – of course – say “You’re CRAZY”). Quinn would kindly insist
they were playing true man-to-man coverage with a center fielder
(and that Mac Jones’ pass followed just the right trajectory,
resulting in a momentarily-MASSIVE yielder).
“FOURTEEN to go.” – Cowboys rookie linebacker and 2021 first-round
draft pick Micah Parsons with a response so, SO pleasin’ (when asked
how well his body was holding up with “11 more games to go” in the
season).
"To have him as a weapon, whether we move him around [to left guard]
or he gets in there at right tackle, is HUGE for this team. He’s an
enforcer on this offensive line. Feel like he may have had his BEST
practice he’s had as a pro." – Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (on
the long, LONG-AWAITED return of offensive lineman La’el Collins,
who SHOULD be more-than-ready to GO following a five-game, drug test
suspension of his own criminally-stupid invention).
Misery Loves Viruses And Injury
Quarterback Dak Prescott – even with 2019’s AC joint sprain and
2020’s ankle injury so traumatic – has so far enjoyed a career with
all other injury opportunities being relatively static. “Nothing
lasts forever,” as they say (with Prescott having suffered a calf
strain during the final overtime play). Those fans who also enjoy a
lil’ NBA were (perhaps) watching Dak limp into the visitors’ locker
room with but the ever-so-slightest shiver of doom.
Perennial NBA All-Star, one-time NBA regular season MVP, two-time
NBA Finals champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, yada, Yada, YADA, and
current Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (in game five of the 2019
Western Conference Finals) suffered a similarly-described calf
strain. Durant (after nine games away and due to the incredibly-rare
opportunity to win a third-straight Finals series with the Golden
State Warriors at the time) tried – attempted to return for the 2019
NBA Finals’ game five. Just 11 productive minutes into the game, a
devastating “pop” caused him to take a dive, and “everyone” was
worried Durant would never be the same. Durant’s Achilles tendon had
torn, and all sorts of fans were forlorn. Durant would, indeed,
recover, but it was MUCH more than a year before meaningful practice
or significant playing time arrived for one highly-competitive
brother.
If the Dallas Cowboys are convinced that Dak should take a temporary
step back – over fears of a him horribly grinding gears – then he is
going to have to take a (short-term?) break to help his team avoid
the (long-term?) ache. “And, AND” Prescott surely has a heavy heart
over learning his grandmother would suddenly, dearly depart.
YES, Yes, yes, the SHORT film on the experience of backup QB Cooper
Rush is enough to make anyone blush. Absent that “other” red head
who left for less-green pastures, it is, in fact, on Rush to ensure
the belief of his teammates he reasonably captures. YES, Yes, yes,
utilizing a HEAVY dose of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard (along
with The Mighty Quinns supporting their share of a serious lean) to
help keep the quarterback position relatively clean.
Cowboys rookie cornerback and 2021 second-round draft pick Kelvin
“Bossman Fat” Joseph is finally, FINALLY ready to make his regular
season debut. While he will NOT be replacing Anthony Brown (who is
currently playing so, SO well, he may never again be asked by fans
to leave town), Joseph being given a special teams assignment
remains true. If, IF the Cowboys somehow find themselves comfortably
up in their next game, it would not be surprising to see some corner
play for the young pup come into frame.
While Cowboys Nation is rightfully excited about the imminent return
(from short-term injured reserve) of wide receiver Michael Gallup
(from a calf injury), neither her nor defensive tackle Trysten Hill
(still recovering from his 2020 game five ACL injury) nor tight end
Sean McKeon (with an ankle injury) will be activated for the
Cowboys’ next game. “Everyone knows” that if you try to rush at
least two of these players back too soon, their absence could be
longer if they pull up further lame.
Defensive tackle Brent Urban (triceps injury) and slot cornerback
Maurice Canady (still recovering from a previously-procured
concussion) were placed on short-term injured reserve. Three games
away is the now the minimum healing time they are required to serve.
Defensive tackle Justin Hamilton has been elevated from the practice
squad as a result of Urban being forced to take a seat and enjoy a
(healing?) bourbon.
Defensive end Dorance Armstrong (with far less fanfare than everyone
else) returns to action, as well, after a few weeks with an injury
to spell.
Trade Deadline
The NFL trade deadline - like the NFL Draft and free agency - is a
time when a certain sector of Cowboys Nation wishes, no, insists,
INSISTS that each and every quality player should be coming the
Cowboys' way (with UNLIMITED trade capital available and MAMMOTH
salary cap space in play).
No, fans who dream a little (or completely unrealistic) dream with a
trade deadline theme are not entirely to blame . . . with GM Jerry
announcing "We're open for business [and we'll play this trade
deadline game].”
Fans – who are already struggling to get an emotional grip
(encouraged by an exciting 5-1 team to give more “haters” some
check-writing lip) – are only further energized by so many top
players always claiming "Oh, I have always, ALWAYS wanted to play
for the Dallas Cowboys! They have always been my favorite team ever
since I was a child!" That, of course, makes fans go “collect ‘em
all” wild.
Still, STILL, this year's NFL trade deadline arrives on Tuesday,
11-02-2021. All 32 NFL teams have until 4:00 PM, ET to get
"something" done. With more than a handful of talented players
(soon) set to return from short-term injured reserve, it will be
intriguing to see if there is at least ONE player who (for the right
price) causes the Cowboys' plans to swerve (and recover oh-so-nice).
Will They Or Won’t They?
The (5-1) Dallas Cowboys – much like CeeDee Lamb did against New
England – waved bye-bye to their bye week with the explicit goal of
keeping their current (five-game) win streak positively movin’ and
groovin’.
They visit the (3-3) Minnesota Vikings in “The Land of Then Thousand
Lakes” for a seemingly sturdy test right out of their break.
America’s Team stands opposed by a familiar face who aims – at least
defensively and perhaps (at most) offensively – to more than keep
pace.
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While Minnesota does not have nearly as potent an offense as Dallas
(on paper), they still, STILL have enough key pieces and competitive
heart to make sure an unprepared defense can do more than smell
their, um, vapor.
They have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins (who is doing slighty-better
than usual in keeping the boo birds from buzzin'), veteran wide
receiver Adam Thielen (capable of giving cocky, opposing fans a
rather nauseous feelin'), second-year wide receiver Justin Jefferson
(who has gone to great lengths to help Vikings fans avoid taking
hard liquor swigs in the absence of former receiving stud Stephon
Diggs), and always-dangerous veteran running back Dalvin "Not A Chef
(But I Can)" Cook (who can always make a poorly-angled player look
like a doe-eyed rook').
“And” though Minnesota lost starting tight end Irv Smith, Jr. for
the year following meniscus surgery, fourth-year veteran Tyler
Conklin can always, ALWAYS be made to look good (if The Mighty
Quinns neglect to bring the down-the-seam wood).
Speaking of Woods, will Cowboys-castoff-turned-Vikings-safety bring
full speed – for at least or at most 70 plays – or will the Cowboys’
offense make him and his Minnesota teammates bleed in a variety of
ways? Then, again, will it be Dak Prescott (confidently) or backup
QB Cooper Rush (questionably) delivering enough quality results to
turn the Vikings to mush (and get the usually-loud Vikings fan base
to simply hush)?
“And, AND” regarding players who like to ream down the seam, will
Minnesota’s defense (currently 30th in yards allowed to opposing
tight ends) see Dalton Schultz and Blake Jarwin as part of “12
Personnel” and get a case of the bends (knowing they will be hell)?
Will former Viking-turned-Cowboy-turned-Lion-turned-Viking, err,
defensive end Everson Griffen put on a “remember me” performance to
Minnesota’s liking?
Will the Vikings continue one of their 2021 themes of beating bad
squads (Seattle, Detroit, Carolina) and losing to good teams
(Bengals, Cardinals, Cleveland)?
Will a particularly-spooky Halloween – and ever-present “On Any
Sunday” – scare that trend away?
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Will Cooper Rush – with career stats not so lush – be wearing a
Cowboys costume that harkens back to preseason of his rookie year
(where his surprising performance gave fans TWO reasons overcome
further Romo injury fear)? Will it be absolutely necessary for the
Cowboys to avoid Prescott injury tale so cautionary?
We shall see. We always do.
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