Imagine this, it is 2nd and 4 and you are a defensive coordinator. On the other side of the line of scrimmage you see Tony Romo in the shotgun flanked by Marion “the Barbarian” Barber and Felix “Catch me if you can” Jones. You immediately start to scratch your head wondering how you are going to stop these two. Then you notice that Terrell Owens (whom I hate) and Roy Williams are lined up at wide receiver. That causes even more concern, but just when you think you know what defense to call to stop them you take another look from the booth and notice that Jason Whitten is flanked out on the side with Roy Williams. At that moment you realize that you are facing your worst nightmare and that you just wet your pants. So Mr. Coordinator, what do you call? Do you double T.O. and leave Whitten and Williams one-on-one on the other side (with a linebacker or safety covering Whitten)? Do you put eight in the box and play the receivers one on one? Do you play Cover 2 and give Barber and Jones all kind of running lanes? What do you do?
This is the problem that the Dallas Cowboys will pose to all defensive coordinators when they get their full complement of skill players healthy. There is no doubt that the Dallas Cowboys are struggling. There are many causes, but no excuses for their current struggles. They are currently dealing with the consequences of making a deal with the devil and signing Pacman Jones. The real T.O. is starting to rear his ugly head, and they have been ravaged by injuries to such players as Tony Romo, Felix Jones, Roy Williams, and Terrance Newman. Looking at their current situation, plenty of people have decided to jump off of their bandwagon and leave them for dead. There are some people that I know that are saying things like they are not going to make the playoffs. Prior to the start of the season, they were my pick to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Although their recent struggles have puzzled me, unlike most people, I AM STANDING BY MY PICK! Now don’t get me wrong, I realize that they are not playing up to their potential. There is also a chance that they won’t make it to the Super Bowl. However, saying that they won’t even make the playoffs is absolutely ludicrous. Due to the overwhelming amount of offensive talent on this team I can see them getting everyone healthy and turning it around in time to go on an insane winning streak. When that happens, I don’t want to see anyone trying to jump back on the bandwagon and saying that they knew all along that they would make the playoffs.
I am by no means a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I am simply looking at the situation as a person that knows a little something about football. Looking at this team objectively, I see a team that has some holes in their defensive secondary. These holes came from injuries to Terrance Newman (one of the best corners in the game) and Roy Williams (although he can’t cover his bed with a blanket, he is a devastating hitter that make receivers think twice about coming across the middle). We can also contribute some of the secondary problems to the Pacman Jones experiment. In case you didn’t hear, he was suspended again. Is anyone surprised? I guess we can now safely say that he wasn’t worth the risk. Their defensive line and linebackers are playing pretty well. They are led by DeMarcus Ware (my pre-season pick to lead the NFL in sacks) who is currently leading the NFL in sacks.
The offense is only being held back by injury. When they get everyone healthy they should be fine. We have not seen this group play together yet and when we do, they will be a treat to see. My real question to all of the naysayers is, ‘Where were you when they started 3 – 0 with three impressive showings?’
Picking the two teams in the pre-season that will play in the Super Bowl is very difficult. If you don’t believe me just think back over the past couple of years. Raise your hand if you picked the Giants to go to the Super Bowl last season, or better yet if you had the Seahawks or Steelers a couple of years ago. So there is a chance that my pick of the Cowboys could prove to be incorrect. But saying that they aren’t making the playoffs is just stupid.
The Cowboys currently have a record of 5-3 and will probably have all their key players healthy a week or two after their bye week. Therefore, we can safely say that the best is yet to come. I’m even going to go as far as to say that they will finish the season with a better record than the Giants, who are the defending Super Bowl Champs and currently leading their division. That being said if you really don’t see this team making the playoffs, please comment and name the six teams in the NFC that will make it over them. Remember your comments will be posted on this blog forever, so think carefully before counting them out and naming your six teams.
Oh, I almost forgot about my original question, ‘What defense would you call?’
I look forward to hearing from all of the doubters.
****COUNTDOWN TO ELECTION DAY****
WE ARE NOW 9 DAYS AWAY FROM ELECTING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. NOW THAT EVERYONE IS REGISTERED TO VOTE, BE SURE TO GET OFF YOUR BUTTS AND ACTUALLY VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH. SPEAK NOW OR SHUT UP FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS!!!!
13 comments:
Some might believe that because the Cowboys managed to pull it out yesterday that they are back on track, but I beg to differ. An offense with all of those tools still only scored 13 points yesterday and a markedly improved defense held a less than impressive Bucs offense to 9. Their next games are against the Giants and the Redskins which will be significantly more challenging and I have to say, I'm doubting them. T.O. should not be worried though, I do have my popcorn out. The reason being that I am much more amused when a team he is on is losing. I think the NFC east will go to the skins and the Cowboys Giants and Eagles will be battling for second.
Hello there people. Defense? Carlos, I am surprised that you didn't think of a defense that could stop the Cowboys. You constantly comment about T.O.'s tumultous behavior on and off the field. The way you stop the offense is to play man coverage against T.O. Jam his ass at the at the beginning, and play dirty. I love T.O.'s ability, however, he is mentally weak. You can frustrate him easily--just like asking Evander's opinion of the last presidental debate. Once a corner with marbels takes T.O. out of his comfort zone, and whispers sweet somethings into his ear, he will reboot the program model, and release a virus into the hardrive. In other words, make T.O. be T.O. The rest of offensive players aren't men, except for Barber, but he's young. I said earlier in the year that the Cowboys aren't a team- great talent- but not a team. I know that I am going against the grain with my usual emotional backing of T.O., but it is what it is. And last but not least, they will make the playoffs.........but............they...........will loose in the first round. Go Redskins! No interceptions for Jason. Boy, if this were Peyton, Madden would need a chin replacement.
Carl better be from Washington or the surrounding area with that "Go Redskins!" comment. Otherwise, it means nothing. GO FALCONS! Coming from Northside Marty, that means everything!!!
Nah, the Falcons, or any team for that fact, is not my team. Martin, I am what you call an observer of exceptional talent. I want the Redskins to do well because of Jason Campbell. He's an alumnus of the sec. As I stated earlier, I follow exceptional talent: SEC is, therefore I watch.
In response to the comment from jamila....
We must remember that this is an offense that is playing without two key components in Tony Romo and Felix Jones.
Remember I am in no way a Cowboys fan (by the way, have I mentioned recently how much I hate T.O.?) and I hope that Washington wins the division, but this team will make the playoffs, plain and simple. That is not up for debate.
In response to the comment from carl....
First of all, please paraphrase me correctly. I have never had a problem with T.O. on the field. He is just a terrible teammate once he steps on the sideline and beyond and is not worth the trouble, but as long as he is between the white lines he is an absolute stud. A jealous diva of a stud, but a stud nonetheless.
As for your logic on jamming T.O., please name a corner that is strong enough to put a good jam on T.O. that doesn't allow him to burn them for a touchdown after their jam attempt fails. In case you haven't noticed, he is as big as a linebacker and runs like a small receiver. Try again.
He loses his cool easily during press conferences and on the sideline, but he is a focused individual on the field and there is nothing you can do about that.
Other than that I agree with most of what you said, except the part about losing in the first round. We will talk about that later.
Also, did you admit that you get emotional over T.O.? I remember you getting offended when I said that about you earlier. Are you saying that I was right?
In response to the comment from carl....
You couldn't have said it better about Madden. That would also apply if it was Brady or the ultimate Diva, FAVRE!
In response to the comment from martin....
YOUR FANDOM IS ADORABLE!
Learn to enjoy the whole game and the whole league and you will understand the game so much better and get so much more from it.
Also, a special thanks goes out to Carl for explaining how to watch the entire league and not miss out on so much by being stuck on one team.
Two words, Champ Bailey: another SEC stud. T.O. was popcornless until he pulled his hamstring. Of course you're not getting and endorsement from me McCainlos. I am just exopsing your blantent hate for T.O. as displaced admiration for the beast named T.O. T.O. was also stopped by Shawn Springs in Dallas. T.O. is good on crossing routes and five yard slants against linebackers. He is not, and I repeat not, a dominate threat on 9 routes. I think, however, we have found a common ground on the mentality of T.O., and the love affair of Madden. He is just special. He's like the old uncle that wears longjohns with strategically placed holes that exposes his goddies when you first introduce him to your bride to be. You know that he doesn't mean any harm, so you talk around the obvious party favorite for his pet cat that mistakes it for a yarn ball. Mad Madden is the epitome of the crazed fan that takes hold of players' talents to vicaroiusly live through their abilities. And, by the way, the Cowboys lost to the Rams. The Rams. The Rams. Doesn't Wade Phillips remind you of a shorter Madden with less football knowledge?
In response to the comment from carl....
HUNH?
I see that you are reverting back to the old carl that used to post on this blog. You remember, when no one could understand what you were talking about.
Try again.
I watched the Dallas-Giants game today. What is totally clear is that no matter how good your receivers and running backs, having terrible QBs will lose every game for you. I don't see how Dallas is going to win another game until Romo gets back. They have a bye next week, but then I see the following: LOSS to Washington, WIN against SF, WIN against Seattle, LOSS at Pittsburgh, LOSS vs Giants, WIN against the Ravens, LOSS to the Eagles. That puts them at 8-8 and probably watching the playoffs on TV.
In response to the comment from scott....
All I have to say is We Will See. As far as your win-loss estimations, remember that nothing in the NFL goes as planned.
My preseason MVP was Tony Romo. If I was correct then that means he is about to lead the Cowboys to the Promised Land...and he will. The Cowboys have more weapons than Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. I think variations of the Cover 2 and Man defenses is the best way to cover this team. Bumping TO and Roy at the line is the best way to disprupt the timing of the play and frustrate both recievers. Ofcourse where there is a plus there is definitely a minus. If Romo gets the same time he was getting before his injury, it's going to be tough to stop them. If he is unable to play the Cowboys will not make the playoffs.
As far as the Redskins winning the east...not gonna happen. It would be nice, but their coach alone is gonna lose that for them.
The Cowboys have a tough schedule ahead, but all the games are winable.
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