America's Team looked like America last nite, all glitz but unable to get it done! by Mark Vogl
(conservative)
Monday, September 12, 2011
If you are a Cowboy fan, last night's game against the New York Jets is a microcosm of many of their seasons. Flashes of brilliance lead a fan to say, " there's my Cowboys, America Team" only to be disappointed by an inability to sustain their top level of performance.
The Cowboys came out, drove down the field and scored on their very first possession. Their defense sacked the Jet quarterback, and it looked like it was going to be a good night. Going into the fourth quarter, the Cowboys led by two touchdowns! In the entire history of their team, the Cowboys had a record of 241 - 0 -1 when winning by two touchdowns in the 4th quarter. And then, it fell apart.
In the end the Cowboys would lose by a field goal.
Throughout much of the game the Cowboys looked for real. But the game went on two things seemed to surface; a lack of stamina in individual players, and a lack of depth on the team. Now the latter criticism may be a little harsh. Both starting corners were out of the game before it even started.
But some other things were apparent to. Despite great improvement in the front line, the Cowboys were unable to run to control the ball and clock. Romo’s passing is really the sole consistent weapon. Felix Jones showed flashes of strength but was tired late in the game. And, the front line seemed unable to open holes late in the game. On the defensive side, the initial energy, speed, and unexpected angles of attack faded in the second half. The 3 – 4 defense was unable to keep pressure on the quarterback, and unable to control the front line when the Jets ran.
And there was an added factor. The referees. I watch a lot of football, and from time to time, I honestly believe the referees have an agenda. This was New York on September 11th. The calls were not blatantly obvious, but there differently seemed like in some crucial places the referees did just enough. On the last Dallas drive Jason Witten, the Cowboy tight end caught a ball and almost ran the field before he was driven out of bounds. It appeared he went out at the one. The referees spotted the ball at the three! Two plays later Romo fumbled. Yet, had it been spotted on the one, the first play would have resulted in a touch down. But, not.
Tony Romo’s two turnovers, a fumble and an interception, were important. But, they also help illustrate the lack of a running game to slow the pass rush and force an opponent to commitment linebackers and defensive backs forward to stop the run.
Dallas has a good team. They are much improved from last year. The Jets are a good team and Dallas was not favored. The pressure is off. For the Cowboys, you are gonna have to earn a birth in the playoffs. You can do it, but toughness, commitment, maturity are all key. Stop celebrating touchdowns, tackles, long gains. Hold your celebrations for team wins!
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