Every Morning Quarterback » Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Beginning Another December Drought?

David Kindervater — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:07:16 +0000

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was a bit defensive in his comments about his team’s lack of production during the month of December over the past few years. But it’s hard to argue with the results—or lack of results, as it’s been recently. The Cowboys always seem to find a way to squander any momentum they’ve built over the first three months of the season, falling apart when it matters most. Go back just one year ago. The Cowboys had the same record (8-4) at this time last year and did not qualify for the postseason.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys / Image: Zuma Press

After yesterday’s 31-24 loss to the N.Y. Giants, Tony didn’t want to talk about another December slump:

“We don’t care about December talk. The season will be written when it’s over with, no matter what happens in December. I know that’s part of it until we win in December, but I just think this team needs to win.”

Uh, yeah. But with streaking San Diego (seven straight wins) and New Orleans (12 straight wins) still on the Cowboys’ remaining four game schedule, Dallas will once again be very lucky to simply make the playoffs. In fact, I’ll predict the Cowboys will not only lose those two games but also their December 27 game against the cursed hopeful Washington Redskins. And if they fail to make the playoffs (again) this season, there could be a substantial housecleaning in order in Dallas.

Source: SportingNews.com

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Cowboys Beginning Another December Drought?

Thanksgiving Day NFL Games

David Kindervater — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:50:21 +0000

To many Americans, Thanksgiving represents the quintessential holiday, synonymous with family, food and football. And for NFL fans everywhere, what a day it promises to be. This Thanksgiving features an NFL tripleheader with traditional holiday games in Detroit and Dallas and the NFL Network primetime game in Denver.

GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS (FOX, 12:30 PM ET): These two NFC North rivals will meet on Thanksgiving for the 19th time. The Lions, who will host their 70th Thanksgiving Day Classic, have an 11-6-1 record on the holiday against the Packers. Green Bay is coming off a 30-24 win over San Francisco, led by QB Aaron Rodgers’ 344 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Lions pulled off a stunning comeback victory over Cleveland as QB Matthew Stafford passed for 422 yards – the most ever by a rookie – and five touchdowns – tied for the most in NFL history by a rookie (Ray Buivid, 1937, Chicago Bears).

OAKLAND RAIDERS at DALLAS COWBOYS (CBS, 4:15 PM ET): The Cowboys will host their first Thanksgiving Day game at Cowboys Stadium when the team welcomes the Oakland Raiders to town. Dallas, who defeated Washington last week, has a 26-14-1 record on the holiday and QB Tony Romo has a perfect 3-0 mark on Thanksgiving. The Raiders will make their sixth appearance on the holiday and first since 1970 when the team played at Detroit. Last week, Oakland scored 10 points in the final 33 seconds to defeat Cincinnati, only the second time in club history the Raiders have scored two times in the final minute of the fourth quarter for a comeback win (November 17, 1968 vs. NY Jets, the “Heidi Game”).

NEW YORK GIANTS at DENVER BRONCOS (NFLN, 8:20 PM ET): Denver will host a Thanksgiving game for the first time since 1963 when the Broncos face the Giants in a primetime battle of two 6-4 clubs. New York will make its first appearance on the holiday since 1992 and 15th overall dating back to the Giants’ 17-0 win over the Brooklyn Lions in 1926. New York is coming off a 34-31 overtime win over Atlanta, highlighted by QB Eli Manning’s career-high 384 passing yards. The Broncos, who will play their 11th Thanksgiving Day game, will look to rebound from a 32-3 loss to San Diego.

Source: NFL Media

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Thanksgiving Day NFL Games

Brian Westbrook Concerned About Concussion

David Kindervater — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:01:16 +0000

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook returned to practice this week after having missed most of two games with a concussion. He was hit in the head by Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher in the first quarter of a 27-17 win back on October 26, forcing him to miss last week’s game against the N.Y. Giants. Normally, I would say the Eagles are a ~~worse~~ different team without the services of perhaps the best all-purpose running back in the National Football League, but they surprisingly had no problem disposing of their division rivals without Brian, 40-17.

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles / Photo: Newscom

When asked about his injury after practice today, Brian provided some honest answers and insight:

“It scared me. It’s tough to go through, really. I didn’t have a great understanding of concussions before. When you think about it, they don’t have a lot of information on concussions when you get to be 50, 60 and 70 years old (and) how it impacts your life. Unfortunately, in this profession, a lot of guys have concussions. Some guys don’t even know they have concussions until it’s too late. I’m concerned about the long-term effects of it, but when you go out there and play football … you have to go out there and try to play with reckless abandon. Hopefully, I’ll never put myself in that same position to get a concussion in that same way. But that’s a part of the game.”

I can certainly understand his trepidation. But he’s right. As soon as you start playing like you’re afraid of suffering another injury, you might as well call it a career. And I don’t see Brian Westbrook doing that anytime soon. I know the NFL has put a great deal of time and money and research into protecting their players, especially in the case of concussions. So, I’m sure the Eagles will be very careful with Brian’s long-term health. Then again, their next game is against Dallas. And the fact that Brian has had full participation in practice the past couple days makes me think he’ll be ready to handle something close to a normal workload Sunday against the Cowboys.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com

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Brian Westbrook Concerned About Concussion

Roy Williams: ‘I’m the Number One Receiver’

David Kindervater — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:47:22 +0000

Dallas Cowboys receiver Roy Williams seemed a bit defensive today when he was asked about his current role with the team. “Number two” receiver Miles Austin has been piling up catches and headlines the past three weeks as a starter (21 receptions, 482 yards, five TDs) while Roy nursed some sore ribs and thought about his poor production since joining the Cowboys 16 games ago (33 receptions, 447 yards, three touchdowns). So naturally, the discussion of Roy’s place in the offensive game plan was going to come up sooner than later.

Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys / Image: Zuma Press

Roy admitted some turmoil with QB Tony Romo exists, but insisted he was still the Cowboys’ top receiver:

“It’s just not even close. It’s not even funny. Not even close. I’m the number one receiver. But things are just going number two’s way. He gets the ball thrown correctly his way. I’m stretching and falling and doing everything. Everybody (else) who’s been here’s balls are there. Our footballs (from Romo to Williams) are everywhere right now.”

Everywhere but on target is what he’s trying to say. It just sounds like a lot of whining and complaining to me. Rather than moan to the media about his trials within the Cowboys’ offense, Roy should take a meeting with his quarterback and maybe schedule some extra practice time so they’re on the same page the rest of this 2009 season. I believe Dallas’ playoff hopes depend on it.

Source: ESPNDallas.com

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Roy Williams: ‘I’m the Number One Receiver’

Miles Austin Goes Nuts, Cowboys Beat Chiefs

David Kindervater — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:52:28 +0000

Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin made his first NFL start today. And you can bet it won’t be his last. Subbing for injured receiver Roy Williams, Miles caught 10 passes for a team record 250 yards with two touchdowns, including the game-winning 60-yard reception in overtime to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 26-20. The previous Cowboys record was held by Hall of Famer Bob Hayes, who had of 246 receiving yards on November 13, 1966.

Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys / Image: Zuma Press

I felt Miles Austin had this kind of game in him (well, maybe not this good) if he ever got the chance. And he certainly made the most of a golden opportunity today, gouging the K.C. defensive secondary for a ridiculous 25-yards per catch. And it wasn’t even so much the numbers (as impressive as they were) as it was the timing of his big plays. Miles had a 59-yard reception that gave Dallas a lead late in the 4th quarter. Then his overtime heroics allowed a walk-off win for a Cowboys team that struggled to beat the still winless Chiefs.

Source: NFL.com

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Miles Austin Goes Nuts, Cowboys Beat Chiefs

Felix Jones Has Sprained PCL

David Kindervater — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:50:24 +0000

It could’ve been worse. It could’ve been a lot worse. When Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones was pushed out of bounds after a 40-yard run against the Carolina Panthers last night, the extent of the injury that forced him to the sideline and onto an exercise bike for the rest of the game was unknown. After undergoing an MRI today, it was determined that Felix won’t need surgery. He’ll just need a little rest and relaxation. And rehab.

Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys / Image: Zuma Press

OK, so that’s the good news. The bad news is one of the National Football League’s best playmakers (with a gaudy 10.1 ypc average) will be out of action for an undetermined amount of time. And for a Dallas Cowboys ground game that ranks first in the league with 581 yards, it’s a devastating loss. Especially when you consider the health of their top running back—Marion Barber—who missed the Carolina game with a quad injury. That leaves second-year RB Tashard Choice as the go-to guy until Felix and Marion are back at full strength.

Source: Dallas News

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Felix Jones Has Sprained PCL

Why is Tony Romo Such a Big Deal?

David Kindervater — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:50:33 +0000

Ever since Tony Romo became the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys back in 2006, I’ve been wondering what all the fuss was about. Present day: he’s a decent quarterback who hasn’t won a playoff game. His first two games of this 2009 season are a perfect example of his mediocrity—four TDs, three picks and an 82.4 QB rating. So why is he widely considered one of the best QBs in the NFL? I can’t answer that question. But I did find someone who agrees with me.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys / Image: Zuma Press

Maybe it’s just us Pitt grads thinking alike, but Cowboys Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett said:

“I don’t know why on God’s earth Tony Romo has been anointed a superstar in the National Football League. Tony is very young in his career. Not to say you can’t be young in your career and be a superstar because you’ve got one up there in Minnesota in Adrian Peterson. But the thing is this: You have a guy who hasn’t done much and quarterbacks in the National Football League, most of them go through this growing curve. (Romo) hasn’t gone through that growing curve, but he was anointed this great player all of a sudden.”

Source: SportsRadioInterviews.com

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Why is Tony Romo Such a Big Deal?

NFL Record Crowd Sees Giants Beat Cowboys

David Kindervater — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:33:35 +0000

Last night’s game between the N.Y. Giants and Dallas Cowboys at the new $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium set an NFL regular-season attendance record with a crowd of 105,121. It broke the previous record of 103,467 set back in 2005 in Mexico City for a game between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. If you’re wondering how the Cowboys managed this with only 75,000 seats, check both ends of the stadium—there are standing room only “party plazas” where 30,000 people milled around. Unfortunately for the Cowboys and owner/host Jerry Jones, the Giants won on a walk-off, 37-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal, 33-31.

Cowboys Stadium / Image: Zuma Press

Source: NFL.com

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NFL Record Crowd Sees Giants Beat Cowboys

Change in NFL Playing Rules

David Kindervater — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:59:11 +0000

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified National Football League clubs of a change in rules for the 2009 season relating to the video board over the field at the new Cowboys Stadium but that will also potentially apply in other situations. After consulting with the Competition Committee and NFL staff, the commissioner said the following will be in effect for all remaining preseason, regular season, and postseason games of the 2009 season:

If a ball in play strikes a video board, guide wire, sky cam, or any other object, the ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot.
If there is not an on-field ruling that the ball struck an object, the Replay Assistant is empowered to initiate a booth review, including if the event occurs prior to the two-minute warning. If, prior to the two-minute warning, no booth review is initiated by the Replay Assistant, a coach’s challenge is permitted under the customary procedures for such a challenge.
In the event the down is replayed: (a) The game clock will be reset to the time remaining when the snap occurred. (b) All penalties will be disregarded, except for personal fouls which will be administered prior to replaying the down.

Cowboys Stadium / Image: Zuma Press

Rule 3, Section 1 of the Official NFL Playing Rules provides for an official ruling to be implemented “in the interim between the annual rules meeting” that is “official only during the current season.” This Official Ruling expires at the conclusion of the 2009 postseason. Commissioner Goodell said:

“We will continue to address the particular circumstances in Dallas, giving full consideration to the competitive, safety and fan experience issues involved. The Cowboys have been fully cooperative as we have addressed this subject, and we will continue to work closely with the club on a longer term resolution.”

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Change in NFL Playing Rules

Cowboys Stadium Scoreboard Too Big?

David Kindervater — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:27:29 +0000

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones unveiled his new $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium last night in a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys won the game 30-10 and the 75,720 fans in attendance seemed pretty impressed with the whole operation. There was only one stadium design flaw. And it was a major one. During warmups, Titans punters Craig Hentrich and A.J. Trapasso kept hitting the behemoth 160-foot long, 90-foot high video/scoreboard that hangs over the middle of the field. A.J. repeated the fete during the game. Craig would later say, “I guess they should have tested it out before they put that thing in place.”

Dallas Cowboys Stadium / Image: Zuma Press

Mr. Jones seemed pretty defiant, claiming the punters were going out of their way to hit it:

“You gotta be trying to do it. The rule is very clear. You just kick it over.”

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher disagrees. He had to throw his red hanky because the officiating crew didn’t see the ball hit the board during the game. Coach Fisher co-chairs the NFL’s competition committee and they are planning a conference call this week to talk about the situation.

I think the thing is ridiculously big for this venue. Sure, it’s really cool. In outer space. And what guy doesn’t want to watch the Cowboys cheerleaders through 30 million light bulbs. But it interferes with the game. And this won’t be the last time a punter hits it. It will probably happen every week. Clearly Mr. Jones went a little overboard with the world’s largest HDTV scoreboard.

Sources: ESPN.com, stadium.dallascowboys.com

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Cowboys Stadium Scoreboard Too Big?