I know I haven't written much since the regular season here at BTB. A comment here, a fanpost there, basically scattered in the brain about the team, and specifically about this draft. Which leads me to this fanpost...

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That's right- that's what I call it. An experiment. You think I'm crazy? Okay, I'm maybe a little bit crazy for calling it an experiment. Maybe I should be saying the "Dallas 3-4 experiment"instead. But it hasn't worked, at least for the Cowboys. And if we are to continue in it, there has to be a much better job of talent evaluation than what's happened since we ditched the 4-3.

The Cowboys 4-3 always had Dallas as one of the better defenses in the league, year after year after year. When Parcells came, New England was successful with the 3-4, and Jerry started believing that "whatever other teams did in the 3-4, we can do better". but the truth is, it is harder to find the right players for a 3-4 scheme than a 4-3.

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I've been wrestling with this...all fans have been wrestling with it. The helpless feeling inside, that lack of confidence that comes from little or ineffective pass rush, and watching Eli Manning (as well as other QB's) drop back, and have ample time to scope out the field, and pick and choose what recievers they want to throw the ball to. It's sickening, and so much so, that you get that stomach turn so often, that it has become constant indegestion. There has to be a cure. There just has to be....

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TK19 had an interesting fanpost titled "David DeCastro and the Yuglies', where he makes a good argument for the Cowboys to draft David DeCastro, guard, in the 1st round of the upcoming NFL draft.


And of course, watching the teams offensive line disintegrate against the Giants again, fans are left with no opposition to the Cowboys continuing to beef up the Oline, and give Tony the protection he's always deserved

But then, several hours later, 5Blings publishes his fanpost "season wrap-up part 3- six for six", where he asserts that guard is not the most pressing need with the Cowboys Oline, but that center is, and states that he believes that the Cowboys should draft Wisconsin's Peter Konz, the top center in the upcoming draft.

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Of course it isn't- you know it isn't. We've seen this so many times, it's become a weekly soap opera now, and it should be called "Cowboys shoot themselves in the foot, episode 33"

I've read it all- all the hate and venting coming Romo's way. It's uncalled for, and unjustified. Why, you ask?

Because Tony is only doing what he is asked to do. My question is simple: Where is the leadership? Where is the smart decisionmaking to win a game? Where is the risk management? I'm not talking about leadership from a player, but LEADERSHIP of the team by the leader, the coach?

To me, it always seems like Garrett runs the offnse the same way no matter what- Pass, pass, and then we'll try to throw in a few runs here and there.Heck, we'll even keep throwing to 2nd string recievers after we built a lead, and show everyone how potent a pass offense we really are! But no matter what, we will keep passing predominantly, even after interceptions that sap the will and spirit of the team happen. Can you say "one dimensional"?

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Over the years, I've never felt like the way I feel now as a Cowboy fan. It's frustrating. There is a tradition to the team, and winning is that tradition. A hard work ethic, as well as a tradition of playing smart football. This is Dallas Cowboy Football, a tradition going back to the birth of the team in 1960.

I'm sorry, but what we as fans have been seeing of the Cowboys offense does not qualify as smart. What we have been seeing of the offense during Garrett's tenure as Offensive Coordinator, and now as head coach, is unprecedented. Every time we get into the 4th quarrter, I as a fan, and I'm sure many other fans, now feel like a 14 to 21 point lead is not enough, and that it will end in defeat. This is horrible feeling, and that's the best I can put it.

Because the defense went downhill last year, whether it was due to Wade, scheme, or the players just giving up on defense, I heard and read alot of people pointing the finger at the defense, and to an extent, I agreed, because last year, watching the defense was a painful experience. But overall, the last 5 years, since Demarcus Ware was drafted, the defense has been repectable, minus last year. 

I wish I could say the same for the offense. I mean, the stats are there, I want to believe, and have hope, that Tony Romo has the ability to lead the team to victory in the super bowl. I even have accepted Creasy's statements that "the run offense is really not that important" explanation as to what Garrett is trying to do on offense. I believe in a strong pass offense, and want Dez and Miles to be tops in the league. No one was happier on monday night, watching the team light the jets up on offense through the air. I was proud, and wanted more.

I promised Bishopwest, Creasy, and Aperfectsar, as well as many other posters here, that I would not belittle Garrett anymore.   I promised to support him, since the Cowboys are my team. I had many heated arguments with them, as well as Raf about Garrett. I promised that I would give him a chance as head coach, as Garrett's supporters also made the claim that he would be a better head coach than offensive coordinator. Alot of Garrett's supporters have also said that he will change the culture of the team, and I can see the changes, and agree that it has had a positive effect on the team. I want to be a Garrett supporter myself. But here comes the million dollar question about Tony Romo and the offensive mentality:

What is the cause of the end of game/season meltdowns? Is it really Romo, or the playcall?

Dumb football cannot continue stupidly without question. I have the right, every Cowboy fan has the right, to question this. Belittle me all you like, enter trolls and attack, but it's really a simple question, and it always was.

What I saw monday night begs for an answer to this. Are you interested in winning the game, or winning the game with a pass play only? Sorry to word it this way, but it is how I feel. I know Garrett's system is an agressive pass offense, but  at some point everyone, in life, as well as on the football field, must become conservative to protect what's yours. In the case of monday nights game, the thing to protect was the lead, and victory. It would have been the prudent thing to do. Protect the ball should have been the focus.

I am very interested now in seeing how Garrett reacts to this latest "Cowboy shoots himself in the foot" episode, because truly, the Jets did not win, the Cowboys gave the Jets a win, and they gave it to them served on a silver platter with a cherry on top. Some want an easy way out by blaming Romo (including Tony Himself), but I'm not talking about a blame game, and I won't hold him responsible for the way he has been coached, and carrying out the play that was called. It's the decisions and playcalling that I and many fans should be questioning, since it is a legitimate concern. I have expectations that Garrett will correct this kind of play, as all fans should, because we have all seen enough of it. This has to end.

That being said, I did not write this fanpost to be negative, because there is alot to be proud of, and reason for optimism. Victory is the purpose, victory with resolve and intelligence. For, after all, Dallas Cowboy football has this tradition I was referring to, and thus I prepare for next weeks game, as I watch.......

Alot of players- alot of directions to go in. Jump at the chance to get a pumpkin spice glazed donut, versus the plain donut you already have?

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In no way am I writing this fanpost questioning the pick of this talented player- in fact, I support it and am excited to see what DeMarco is going to bring to the field on the professional level.

When I was reading comments between 5Blings and Carl Shelton (glorydays88) over at the "Jason Garrett: Cowboys draft philosiphy all about drafting the "right kind of guy", I started to realize that there is alot of opinion out there regarding  the pick, and specifically, who is threatened the most by it.

Is it Tashard Choice, as Carl was hinting at in his comments, simply because of average play last year, with very little playing time to boot?

Is it the obvious Barber, who has lost a step or two, and has the contract that hampers his return?

Or is it Felix, whom by simple virtue of being a first round pick, has become the heir apparant?

I don't write these things to put any of these players down- I love them all. They are Players of my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. But the truth is, the NFL is a business, and it's all about production. And the simple truth is, they all can be replaced. To say the run offense underwhelmed last year is putting it lightly, and the Oline, although a big problem, may only be part of it. So now that the fourth head of the Hydra has sprung up, the real question that we are faced with is this: Who do you feel is most threatened by the pick?

Many interested Cowboy fans would like to know...........

The Being away from BTB for awhile, I did not want to get specific with any player or any issue regarding the team during my absence, understandably because there is much work to do to bring the Cowboys up to contention for the Lombardi Trophy.

But now, the draft is soon coming upon us, so specific we must get. There are two factors in my opinion for fans to ponder regarding the Dallas Cowboys- questions about the team's decisionmaking and questions about what potential players the team should draft in respect to what position the team needs to address.

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In my original fanpost, a lot of people mentioned that DL should be high on the list because they thought a good NT/DT/DE would be a better pick at #9 than safety or Oline, and here is where BPA comes into play.

Adding to the complexity of the issue of "Order of Importance" is my own belief that yes, OLB should be considered too (as insane as that may sound to a lot of us Cowboy fans). Now, before you start calling me names, and claiming my insanity, I hope you at least listen to my reasoning.

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Even though I have been away for a while, I have been reading a lot of comments and fanposts, and now that the focus of the Cowboys has shifted from head coach to assistant coaching staff, I want to take a further jump and zero in on the scouts and the evaluation process of the Dallas Cowboys organization in regards to the draft, and draft prospects.

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Dear Mr. Jerry Jones,

                I write this letter to you out of an appeal for sanity. I'm sure it wasn't your intention to make the Dallas Cowboys into the laughing stock of the NFL, but what's done is done, and now, it's time to move on to bigger and brighter days ahead. I implore you to remove yourself from the GM position, and either put your son in charge, or bring in Dan Reeves or Jimmy Johnson. Someone who will champion the team's best interest first, and make sound long term decisions, not just quick fixes.Someone that will curb your "Shiny Toy" tendencies on draft day, and actually committ resources and time into studying what players would be best suited for the new coach's schemes.

    Also, in the meantime, could you please start the following players, simply because we have nothing to loose, and are getting angry at seeing constant failure by the starters: Tashard for MB3, Church for Ball, Brent Price for Ratliff, Ratliff for Olshansky, McCann for Scandrick,Bring back Cletis and replace Newman with him if Newman is injured, or sit Jenkins, Dez for RW2, Lee for Brooking, Brandon Williams for Bradie James, Victor Butler for Spencer, on and on and on and on....

Please do so quickly! This is no laughing matter. Us fans need to see what players we have now that will be on the future team, and want to see what they are capable of. We would rather see mistakes by these future hopefuls than the continual "Folly on the field" that we are now seeing week in and week out.

The only assistant coach even worthy of consideration as interim coach is Joe D. Do not, I repeat, do not promote Jason Garrett. I wish I could say "That's all", but I can't.....

                                                                                                              -a concerned fan

I don't assume to speak for all Cowboy fans, because there are many, and they all have different opinions. I am not writing out of anger, but sheer disappointment. What's going on out there on the field is hard to swallow. The coaches have no clue, in my opinion, of what players to play. The schemes are at a dead stop. There is no motion- on offense or defense. Are they throwing in the towel?

They just line up, and run plays, and expect that it will turn out for the better- every time. It doesn't. No one has fire, or emotion, to succeed. No one has fear of failure. They just keep going forward with this failed philosiphy on offense, and defense now too. And the defense was the one thing that the fan's could hang they're hat on the last two years- That's gone now people. A perfect example of what they mean when they say the words "window of opportunity".

The most fire I saw was in the rookie Barry Church. He was looking to hit someone, and he did. He even started jawing with a Jaguar player after a hit. That is what I call fire. If these starters cannot comprehend what it means to perform, then bench them in favor of backups. I think we, as Cowboy fans, might be pleasantly surprised. We have nothing to loose anymore anyway.

As for the offense, what can I say? Just another game where the offense doesn't look to run up the middle, and just basically run at all. Alot of people say we have Oline problems, and it may be true, but I can't say conclusively that the Oline can't play well to establish a run when all I see is 15-20 runs a game, with only a couple of them between the tackles. Whoever decided Felix was an every down back now sees what other people meant when they said he never was, and he never had that kind of role- what makes you think he will thrive in that role? MB3 has lost it, and i don't know if he can get it back. Tashard should have been out there as the main RB last year and this year so far- but he sits the bench. Why? Thus come the forced passes as the main focal point of the offense.

I don't know where this team is going with this "pass to set up the run" philosiphy of Jason Garrett's. If it keeps making mistakes, and rips our hearts out any further, then i fear we will fall into a spiral we can't get out of for the next decade or longer. Something has to change.

I know Jerry has said he won't make any coaching changes during the season, but I wonder how long he will stick to that as the losses pile up in a failed offensive philosiphy and a failing defense now too. I do know one thing- something has to simply change. To continue this folly would be utter madness....a trait on all hallow's eve?

As a Cowboy fan, I have been used to seeing the offense perform the way it has for years now, so I am not shocked by what happened on offense, and I do mean the injury to Tony also. But for this fanpost, I will go against what Dallaspalace has usually written about, and make it exclusively about the defense. Many have read my posts, and alot of people have called me "single-minded" in regards to the Cowboys, always talking and writing about the offense, and Jason Garrett. It is true. 

But I also do not like some of the decisions Wade makes on defense also. Jason Williams and Sean Lee should be out there alot more than what we've seen (to replace Keith Brooking and Bradie James, if only to give them a breather).

Anthony Spencer should be replaced by Victor Butler. Maybe not permanently, but what's wrong with lighting a little fire under Spencer, and causing a little competition for the position? This is the coaches job, by the way.

 Danny McCray and Barry Church maybe should replace Gerald Sensabaugh and Alan Ball respectively also in the same way as mentioned above with the LBers.

 Josh Brent-Price should outright be the nose tackle, and move Jay Ratliff over to DE. Maybe that will happen now with the injury to Jason Hatcher. Rat was being manhandled by the Giants Oline, and he is wearing down. The rigors of that position don't fit his physical traits. He is a big 300 lb lean fast Dlineman, but the NT position requires you constantly take on two blockers. If you look at all the teams that have run a successful 3-4 defense, the NT is the monster. He usually is around 6-2 and weighs 330. Rat isn't that kind of Dlineman. Yet he has played NT well, it's just that he gets burned out by the midle of the year. If you noticed, at the middle of the 3rd quarter, Josh Brent-Price was out there, and he was holding his own rather well I thought. This guy is our monster . 

 Lastly, I believe that Newman should be our slot CB, not Scandrick. I don't know where Cletis Gordon is, but they have Bryan McCann on our practice squad, and they both were our leading intercepting CB's during pre-season. Bring one or both back, and demote Scandrick to the practice squad. Jenkins feels like he never gets any safety help. He never does. That's why he committs pass interference penalties. He IS a great CB- trust me on that. That play where Steve Smith caught the ball, I saw Alan Ball with Jenkins, and that was the first time I saw Alan Ball around the ball ever this year (well, maybe a couple of other times too). The Cowboys really need to see what Barry Church and Danny McCray can do at the safety positions.

 Can Barry Church hold down the FS position? We have been asking these type of questions about the position since Darren Woodson retired years ago.

One thing is for certain- alot of fans will be very heated and angry if the some changes aren't made. I've already read alot of people write the sentence "Great- we played like crap, so they are not going to make any changes". What does that tell you about decisionmaking? Some changes should be made. This is not working. But I do believe that the defense can turn things around.

These are my opinion of what should happen on Defense.I don't know if people are going to think I'm crazy- I don't care. At this point, I just want to see some heart, desire, and determination to go out and hit somebody- anybody. Sorry Jacksonville Jaguars, but you are first on this list. Anything to get the juices flowing, and get a victory.

What's your opinion on what should happen to upgrade the defense? Inquiring Dallas Cowboy fans want to know..

During a time where there is alot of bitterness, loss for words, lashing out at each other, namecalling, as well as angry reactions by alot of Cowboy fans, after the dust settles, we are left with some major issues and questions to ponder about how it was that this team came to this juncture, and just what direction should be taken from this point forward.

It's not my intention to presume that I know what direction the team should take, I only have my opinion, and many people have they're opinions. This post is not about my opinion of what should happen, because that is not in any fan's power to influence. Jerry and Stephen are in charge of that, and I believe they will do well by the team.

But in coming to these crossroads with the team, I have questions of debate about the offensive philosiphy, as I have read and posted many comments relating to the philosiphy with many posters. Just what is the thinking on offense is the issue here, and I can only write what I believe has been the mindset, not what others believe. I am not trying to change anyone's mind, or influence them to think differently. But in seeing the mistakes, and the turnovers, of course it is easy to blame the coaches, but I am not trying to do that here, just debate offensive philosiphy.

At the heart of this debate are two trains of thought: What is better for this team- pass to set up the run or run to set up the pass? The Cowboys, under Garrett, have been pass to set up the run. I have believed that to be wrong. I am not an advocate of either philosiphy, because every team is different, and has different skill players, but if I was to choose one, I would side with run to set up the pass. Why? It's always been the historic offensive philosiphy of the Dallas Cowboys, that's why. But I'm not picking sides based on that, but rather what I see our team is like, and what would be the best for what I believe would allow the offense to perform the best.

If anything, I wouldn't want to be either, yet both. I would love balance, and be able to keep defenses guessing, so that the offense would not give defenses an unfair advantage that I believe is the root cause of the offensive failings.

But just what is one of the mindsets of the offensive philosiphy? If I could put it to words, the best I could come up with the philosiphy, from what I believe is the offensive coordinators perspective, would be like this:

"instead of setting up a pass play, let's just go to it because it should work, we are pass to set up the run, so the first option is to pass. After all, the defense will respect our pass, so we will be able to run off of that, right?"

I also wrote in posts over a year ago about another mentality that I believe is still prevalent, and a way Garrett goes about his offense, until recently, when he has possibly finally started to use the run more, and thus begs the question: Is he going against his tendencies, and doing so because Jerry intervened and said "use the run more", or "use Felix"? Here is the second mentality-

"We are a pass first team on offense. We are going to pass, and I don't believe you can stop it, and even if you do, I don't believe you can keep stopping it, so I'm going to continue to pass..."

The flaw in this kind of thinking (if true) would be that if you suffer turnovers, THAT will make you stop continuing, or at least should. You should pick and choose your passes better as a result.

The real question is this: What do you need to make an offense like that function correctly?

My answer (not other people's)- a better performance from the Oline, from years ago, not just recently, and going about with a comittment to upgrade it through the draft. A better evaluation of talent in free agency. Better usage and rotation of RB's. Better usage in game situations of running plays.

It's not like this coaching staff hasn't had time to adress the Oline, but yet very little has been done to bring in young new talent. That hurts us now. Letting Brewster go the other day hurts too. Leonard Davis getting pulled against the Titans was also a further insult and slap in the face.

The Bottom line? These turnovers have to stop- period. No matter what offensive philosiphy on offense you believe in, to continue mistakes and turnovers is a football tragedy for this team. Is "pass to set up the run" the reason these mistakes are happening?

Alot of people say the seasons over. I say it's not. It's only over if we allow the mistakes to continue. I really hated being the losers of the "Mistake Bowl" yesterday. Since the Giants playoff game 3 years ago, we have won many games, but also lost many important games because of mistakes and turnovers.

Against the Giants, this must stop. We must re-assert ourselves, and play like it matters, because it does, and not be like the way the offense was at the end of the game yesterday- no sense of urgency to try and win it.

It's not so much what we should do against the Giants that will bring victory, but what we shouldn't do- and what we shouldn't do is have stupid penalties, and turn the ball over. That applies to every team we play by the way. Do that, and you are just about there putting a notch in the "W" column. And for all those people who would want glamorous elaborate touchdown catches- I would rather have an ugly win, where we don't have good stats. Victory instead of glamour. Sure, it would be nice to have circus catches, and great stats, but this game against the Giants is too important to play so risky. The offense must become more conservative now, if only  to have a chance to salvage the season...

I'm not going to roast Alan Ball. I like him- he is talented, and has been around for a few years now. But here is what I fear.

Talent alone does not make a good safety. We used to be so blessed at safety, for so long, we never knew how good we had it in those days. Breathe a sigh of relief, and repeat the words..."Darren Woodson". There- does that help ease the pain a little bit? Alot of you younger fans that don't know who I'm talking about, you may have to go youtube this guy to understand.

The guy brought the wood AND the hammer, and then he  would nail the coffin shut. the rest of the team would then  carry it off. 

I know the game has changed, defenses have changed, offenses have changed. But watching Greg Olson's touchdown, I got a little confused. Not only was Ball playing off of him, he could not catch him.

Now Ball is a smaller guy, so he can't bring Olson down, at least not easily. And if he can't catch him, then there is a problem. It seems like every team has a "Jason Witten" clone anymore. Big, fast, strong, good hands, good route runner, hard to bring down. I know Ball is a converted corner, and plays the pass well, but the real question is this: Is this an experiment by Wade?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking. the Dallas Cowboys have been plagued with poor safety play for so long, that maybe, just maybe, Ken Hamlin wasn't as bad as we thought he was, or was he? I don't know.

Safety is an enigma for the Dallas Cowboys anymore. I want to give Ball a chance, but after what I saw, I'm wanting performance there (nothing new, eh?)

Dear Aaron,

             For quite a few years now, Since I first joined BTB, I've been pondering a question that still remains unanswered. I don't even know if you would have an answer to the question, but I believe that you would have some information, or intuitive opinion, that would help answer it. For sure, I would love to hear other people's opinion on the matter, because this question is the reason I joined BTB in the first place. I hope someone can shed some light on this tough question, because I think some answers need to come to light about it, especially now. There needs to be an answer that makes sense, because I can't make any sense about it, so here it goes:

Was the Jacob Rogers/Stephen Peterman fiasco that happened during Parcells tenure the reason why the team never has drafted any top talent for the Oline in the upper part of the draft since that fiasco to this day?

I ask this question because I've resolved myself to not accepting that BPA is not the reason that they did not draft any Olinemen in the upper part of the drafts for 5 years now, and I believe the reasons the  situation with the Oline has occured is twofold:

1. They believed that the talent they had was good enough

2. The scouts and the coaches are not good at evaluating Oline talent, and therefore, become gunshy at drafting any at the last moment on draft day.

I ask this of you because i find it odd that the Hierarchy would allow the team to deteriorate into such a state of decay on the Oline, that it boggles the mind. I'm sure many people have been left with alot of questions about the Oline, especially now, and any information you can share on this subject would be greatly appreciated...

                                                                                                                      -Dallaspalace

The seriousness and bitterness of today's loss to the Chicago Bears hasn't really set in yet. That will come during the course of the week for sure. Across the nation, we all can sense the anger and the questions of all the fans, of the why and the how it came to be like this for the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone, and I mean Everyone, is to blame, from Jerry on down. I don't need a report, or statistics, to acknowledge a list of failures. Missed opportunities, bad decisions, turnovers- you name it, and this game had it.

 What Mike Jenkins said is a symptom of this teams mindset, and it bothers me, just like it should bother all Cowboy fans. I know it bothered Lissy enough that he wrote a fanpost about it.

But I don't believe the players are solely to blame for such thinking. Our leadership is complacent. There is no fear of losing a job, no fear of failure. Let's face it, our biggest enemy is not Washington,Chicago, or Houston, or whomever, but ourselves. This is, by definition, Complacency. It's our biggest adversary. 

This is the NFL. There is no Gimme games. Don't get comfortable, and don't get your head too bloated-ever. As soon as you do, you are not far from the unemployment line. Don't get too excited over a victory, and don't get too down about a loss.

After such a stunning loss, you can only be humbled, and take nothing for granted. Maybe that is what we take away from this bitter loss. It should make you go out and work that much harder. Rededicate yourself to your trade, and your fear of failure drives you.

That's what drove Chicago to victory today. Fear of failure. They worked hard, and deserved victory, because they were smart, and they earned it.

Alot of people talk about talent, and how great a pass offense the Cowboys are. I say it doesn't matter. You still have to go out and earn a victory, and work to not be one dimensional on offense, like the Cowboys are forced into being. You have to be smart. If you get a bloated head about how good you are, and believe what people say about you, you are doomed.

If you are a humble person, and are thankful for the things you have in life, rather than have a bloated perception, you will never allow yourself to fail, and that is because it is unacceptable.

So now we come to the real question- Where do we go from here?

Answer- Houston. We go to Houston, and we show heart, gut, and determination, just like Chicago did today. All is not lost yet. Mistakes are correctable.

Work to make smarter decisions. Work to make sure you do your job. Nothing comes easy, and nothing good is supposed to anyway. If the season matters to these players, and coaches, they will rebound in Houston. If it doesn't, then they don't have it, and probably never will, and I don't mean just the players. Then we will have our answer about this team.

What I wouldn't do to see, in the eyes of the players, and the coaches, that look that winning matters, and that defeat is unacceptable. To play like the game has meaning, and not just another team we "underestimated".

To play like it's life or death. A sense of urgency. That's what I'm looking for. They are either going to have it, or not. It's as simple as that.

After such a gut wrenching loss, We all feel a real sick feeling in the stomach I'm sure. We have all been left with questions, anger, and venting. Now, after this setback,What is it that we are looking for to satisfy us after what has occured?

The NFL has what it wants- a rivalry renewed. Ask yourself this though- how normal is it to have the NFL without a strong Redskins-Cowboys rivalry? I don't know the answer to that, because it's been so long that the Redskins have been mediocre, that about the only time I think about the Redskins is the week leading up to the game that specific week, not before or after. Well, I'm definitely thinking about the Redskins now, and I can't wait for retribution. I have circled the date on my calender.

Alot of people have been saying bad things about Alex Barron. Understandably so. But I don't blame the messenger for the message. The Cowboys organization has sent the fans the message all along- They never found it a priority to go after weaknesses on the O-line, and now, the bite hurts wirth a sting. Compounding the problem is the bleak outlook of not having serious, developing, nasty talent in the wings. Can there be a rebound from such a situation, with the season already underway?

If I am looking to blame someone for such play, who would it be? I don't prefer to look for blame, rather answers to percieved and real problems. There is no sugar coating it, our O-line needs help, not for just a running game, but to keep Romo alive. Even today, I read on Yahoo that Logan Mankins was still at odds with Robert Kraft, and asked my self this question:

Even if they went out and traded for Mankins, and make him the 57million dollar man, would that be good, and would that be enough? Quincyyyy has had an effect on me about trading for Mankins in repeated posts about the subject.

And if you were thinking Mankins, why not trade for Marcus McNeil? Actually, I was thinking he would be a better 57million dollar man for what ails us. That's not saying that Mankins isn't as good, or better, but could McNeil be a better fit for what ails the Cowboys most on the Oline?

Maybe thinking like this is an overreaction to a bitter loss, or is it? Just the fact that I was desperate enough to think it started making me think that there was some validity to doing it, and somehow saving the season? Create a running game? Save Romo?

I can be armchair GM all I want, but the fact is I really don't know what they do, or if they do anything as far as trades. But the thoughts did occur in my mind..... 

Yes, I think they are going to be better than they were last year. I don't know that 100%, and it's just a guess, but I believe they will be more competitive. It's also possible they will have the same record as they did last year, but be a better team. It's also possible that they will do real well. As of now, they are a darkhorse- an unknown nemesis. Some will say they are a "known" nemesis,Yet they are a Nemesis- Perhaps the biggest Nemesis.

I believe this first game of the year to be the biggest game for the Dallas Cowboys this year. How, do you ask? I know alot of people will say "You always say that about every game the Cowboys have", and to an extent, that's true, but please listen to my reasoning.

 This game has to kind of be a statement game for the Cowboys. They have to go out and take care of business. Here are some things to ponder as fans mentally prepare for the Redskins game Sunday night:

1. 7 game stretch- starting with the Houston game in a few weeks, there is a 7 game stretch that is brutal for us, save the detroit game in cowboys stadium, and even that may not be a walk in the park either. And I'm not even saying Chicago will be a "lock" or a "stroll in the park" either- there are no gimme games in the NFL.

2. Setting the tone- let's face it, if we get by this first game hurdle unscathed, and with confidence intact, we can get on a roll. This is a priority, in my opinion. Nothing is more important than getting that groove, if you really want to talk about priorities.

3. The Dez effect- ask yourself this: how important to the team will it be to establish the Dez Bryant threat? Answer: imagine the sleepless nights of opposing D-coordinators suffering from the Dez effect, especially if he turns out to be what we all hope he is.

4. A rivalry lost?- actually, it's not lost. It's one sided. The Redskins view the Cowboys as they're super bowl. You all know that if they lost every game during a season, if they beat the Cowboys once, that season was not a loss for them at that point. Knowing that, I wonder how many people feel the urgency that used to happen with this rivalry? If any of you can remember the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry of the past, I ask you to describe that apprehension now, because we as fans of the Cowboys, and the players too, need to get that sense of urgency back. It's been too long dormant, and we don't want to have the Redskins re-awaken the rivalry, we need to re-awaken it ourselves, within our hearts. That way, when we win, it will still remain a dead rivalry for the Redskins. All that will remain is the "We could have beat Dallas", or "We should have beat Dallas", or "We used to beat Dallas" sentiment, and further prolong they're agony. They don't have to know that the rivalry still exists within our hearts. That's the kind of urgency I want to have for this game. This game is not about the Redskins, this is the Cowboy's game to take. The way the Cowboys play in the game will tell the whole story.... 

really trying to process the cuts and trades, trying to get into the mindset of the coaches, and figure out what they believe are weaknesses, explaining the moves they made (Crayton) as well as the cuts. Here is my list of 3 things I am questioning, as well as 3 things I am happy about after "Cut" day:

The Bads:

1. Obviously, Cletis Gordon. Can't figure this one out. i know the coaches believe that Ball/AOA can be backup corners, but this one don't make sense to me, and probably not to alot of other people either.

2. Lissemore and Siavii- Siavii kind of grew on me, because I wasn't convinced when he first came here. Seemed to be a good backup Dlineman with experience, and had good power, and seemed to be progressing. Lissemore has a chance to show he can play now, can he deliver? Wished we could have seen more of him.

3. Bryan McCann- he is multi talented (CB, PR/KR) and that is valuable. A team with too many role players and not enough multi talented will have problems on cut day. I hope he makes it to the PS, and I hope we don't see too many 4 WR sets (especially because of them cutting Cletis too). I really believed this kid was going to make it.

The Glads:

1. Josh Brent- A much needed Bohemoth in the middle. Thank you, oh football gods.

2. Church and McCray- a double shot of powerful youth elixir at the safety position and special teams. Thank you again, oh football gods.

3. Leon Williams- Never a bad thing to have a good  linebacker to fill-in in case of an injury.

I guess there are always going to be glads and bads on cut day.....

What are your 3 glads and bads?

The more better question should be, are the Cowboys interested in OG Chester Pitts?

Just throwing this out there to see if there is any interest by the Cowboys organization. All you hear is that there are teams going to his workout, Could the Cowboys be one of them?

Even though OT is a need, OG is still a position of need. Going the veteran route could work. He may want too much money though. He might be worth a look if he comes at the right price. I've not followed the Texans to say i've seen him play and be able to say he is worth it. Just wondering if he would be a good pick up...?
Microfacture surgery though.....Hmmmm.

Now that the draft is getting close, I sense alot of people are really starting to wonder just what it is that the Dallas Cowboys (Jerry) will do with they're first and second (as well as third) round picks.

What if you were me, constantly pondering what the Dallas Cowboys should do about Free Safety in the upcoming draft?

Do the Dallas Cowboys have to even Adress the position at all in the first 3 rounds? Things would be alot easier if they were free in this draft to concentrate on O-line, since it has now become the biggest priority (my opinion). My belief is that the Cowboys should look to make a deal and move up to try and get a Trent Williams, or Russell Okung, and either that, or just trade down to get extra 2nd and 3rd rd. picks.

If they stay at 27, and one of the top safeties fall, then the decision becomes easy. Would Nate Allen of USF be a reach at 27? Who will be the player that falls? And if that player is a WR, Safety, or some other position than OL, how does that help the team? Our O-line has been the biggest problem for awhile now, and the Cowboys cannot turn they're back and act like it's not anymore. Improving the run offense, and protecting Romo has to be Job 1.The Cowboys need a serious infusion of youth at the OL, and not concentrating on OL in some shape or form somewhere in 2 of the top 3 rounds would be a waste of draft picks (my opinion). If Dallas had a top prospect in the wings with a couple of years of experience waiting to take over, it would help alleviate the questionable decision to let Flo go. Don't get me wrong, it may have been time for Flo to go, but how much confidence in Free do you have? Me, I want to believe, but I have my concerns also. I want an upgrade from Flo, not someone who needs to get more playing experience.

If Micheal Hamlin could show potential, and really come through, and keep the team from going after a safety, it would allow them to concentrate on drafting OL. Trent Williams would have to be traded for, but does Jerry have some sort of deal in the works to move up?

Offensive line should be the focus in the draft.

Or maybe even a more difficult question to answer would be, if we trade up, should that be one of the top OT's, a guard, or a safety? Well, it seems the easiest way to look at the three positions of need is to look at potential trading partners as well as what players may be available at that position in the draft.

to me, the only trading partner that would seem logical, as well as possibly make a do-able trade would be with San Fransisco for they're #17 pick. Since they already have pick #13, and seem to be in need of some players, I would look at swapping picks with them for #17 and trading Carpenter, or MB3. If something could be worked out, and the Cowboys could get to # 17, then there would be a dilemma, and it would be between these players (I believe):

1. Mike Lupati

2.Earl Thomas

3.Maurkice Pouncey

Further complicating the matter would be if one of the top OT's fall and they are available at 17, but that seems unlikely. Although any of these three would be great, I believe we should also explore moving down in the draft and see if we can pick up extra 2nd or 3rd rd picks. To somehow come out of the top 3 rounds with  3 players out of these Catagories would be helping us make up for not having a first rd. pick last year (Roy Williams trade), as well as make up for some draft blunders earlier in the decade:

OT- Bruce Campbell, Vladimir Ducasse, Charles Brown

Safety- Earl Thomas, Nate Allen, or Morgan Burnett

WR-Dexter McCluster(WR/RB/KR), Golden Tate, or Jacoby Ford

OG- Mike Lupati, Rodger Saffold, John Jerry

My picks out of these prospects would be this:

Bruce Campbell, Nate Allen, Dexter McCluster, John Jerry

OT,S, WR/RB/KR, OG

The only way I see the Cowboys getting these players would be to trade down and pick up an extra 2nd or 3rd rd pick, but that's just me. There are many ways to go for a successful draft day haul.

 Once again, because of record, it seems like the Cowboys are in a position in the draft where they are not going to get the player they need out of rd. 1. This is a deep draft, and there are alot of sleepers too. Whom do YOU want the Cowboys to come away with on draft day to improve the team?

Let's face reality- Jason Garrett's playcalling against the Giants defense since he's been offensive coordinator hasn't been very effective in the meaningful games against them. Maybe it's because he used to be a coach for the Giants, and they know him so well, or maybe it's the fact that they hate the Cowboys so much that drives them to go insane and get to the passer with reckless abandon that the Cowboys have no answer for. Add to that an injury to Marc Columbo, and the fact that the Giants have they're back against the wall, and this game has the makings of another Green Bay game, especially if Garrett continues to put Romo back their in the shotgun.

But through it all, there is a ray of hope. Felix had a better game than the previous weeks, and Tashard may see more playing time. Maybe Garrett starts using Barber more down near the goal line, if only to draw the defense into thinking run, setting up the pass nicely, or play action. Miles has hit his stride again, and if ever was a game where Roy Williams needs to perform well, this is it.

The Victory over Oakland provided 2 things. One is offensive momentum, and a chance to avenge the early season loss at the inaugural opening of Cowboys stadium. The second is giving us more tie-braking against the Eagles if we end up in a tie with them. But Nothing, and I mean nothing, will top beating the Giants and grasping a firm hold on the division, as well as good situations in the tiebraking. Let's face it- this is playoff football, and it's time to put up or shut up.

Myself, I would put my faith in the running game. Limiting the Giants opportunities on offense is the biggest key. Making them go the distance of the field, and not giving them a short field, and you are already telepathically sending a message to the Giants offense that they will have to work hard for every yard they earn. Make nothing come easy for them. I don't have faith that a pass-heavy game will end in a good result, regardless of how bad the Giants defense played in Denver or the last 6 games. The Giants seem to know exactly how to punish and torture the Cowboys, and that has to change. This is the biggest game of the year to date.

I would like to see screens to Tashard and Felix, especially if the Giants start getting pressure. Quick developing plays on offense will be critical. Pick and choose your shots down the field smartly. One thing is for certain- The Cowboys have to call plays differently on offense than they have up to now, because dropping back too much is risky play against the Giants, and will result in sacks,turnovers and alot of 3 and outs, and then the game is over before it begins. The Giants are expecting alot of shotgun and passing. 3 and outs on offense happen alot by us against the Giants. Even if we just go down the field, take time off the clock, and score field goals will have a profound effect on the outcome for sure. Limit the Giants opportunities with the ball on offense, and make them go the distance from the 20 every time (It's not David "Ferris" Beuhler's day off), and you are more than 60 percent of winning the game. Right now, they're offense is shaky, and there is no reason to allow them back into the playoff picture. A loss to them would not be acceptable in my book. This coaching staff's defining moment has arrived. What will be the outcome? Only the football gods know. What we do know is what we've done on offense hasn't worked so far against the Giants defense, regardless of how bad the Giants defense has played up to this point.

And please, I don't want to hear anyone write that losing to the Giants is ok because we have a 2 game lead on them, because it's not ok. You put the foot on the throat, and you step on them that much harder. It's what they would do to us, since they love us so much. No easing up, or going into a corner and hiding because you are timid and don't have a zeal or the zest for playing your guts out.

Most of all NO TURNOVERS. GO COWBOYS!

In my previous Fanpost "when are we gonna see Tashard again Garrett", I touched on the subject of helping the pass offense with a stronger running game and better use of all the running backs, not just Tashard. It's obvious that the point of the fanpost was the running game should be used more, but another point of whether the rotation of the RB's was being used correctly was also brought up.

Putting the running game aside as a reason, what weaknesses do you see in this pass offense of ours?

Or better stated, what things need to happen to give Garrett the passing success he so sorely craves?

Obviously better blocking by the O-line. But that is a subject that is a little confusing, because pass blocking is not one of the O-lines strong suites, even if Columbo wasn't injured. But saying better blocking by the O-line is an obvious thought. But putting that aside,I'm looking for a nuance of the passing game that is not so obvious, and seeing which one brings out the most reaction out of people.

Something like designing more plays for Romo out of the pocket?

More screens to Felix and Tashard and MB3?

How about more motion from the recievers?

What about 4 WR sets?

How about play action?

Too much shotgun for your taste?

How about the option to Felix, like Vince Young does to Chris Johnson?

How about more passes to Felix?

How about more passes to Tashard?

Whatever happened to Marty B TV, because I wanted to tune in?

How about Kevin Ogletree for more than just a bubble screen?

Success in only one aspect of an offense can translate into success in another aspect of it. No defense should be able to look at, and figure out, and guess that an offense like the Dallas Cowboys offense should be one dimensional. This will make it too easy for any defense. It;s inexcusable to ever hear any defensive coordinator of another team talk about our offense as though it was vanilla, and fans should be insulted by such reality.

What would be the type of pass plays that are best suited to jumpstart an obvious stagnated and stunted pass offense that Garrett keeps going to even when it's being stopped or just plain not working? Personally, I feel Romo gets into a rythym once he jumps the pocket and makes one of his trademark plays. I would think the best way is to get a play that is designed to get him out of the pocket to do just that. Maybe Garrett is waiting to unleash that in the playoffs. The problem is, we still haven't locked up the division, and the Giants game and 2nd Eagles game both loom as the real tests. And with they're rabid need to get to Romo, i fear he won't have the time.

So putting the running game and offensive line issues aside....

What would you have happen? Inquiring minds want to know......!

I Don't really have much faith that Garrett is going to call a correct rotation (especially since it seems like he already done a lousy job of that) of the running backs even if he calls more runs in a game, further allowing him to prove "we should stick to the shotgun". I've yet to see him rest Barber in favor of pounding him down near the goal line- His strength. Felix is not being used as a reciever more. Tashard and his pass recieving out of the backfield as well as his between the tackle success seems to have become forgotten plays within this drop back/shotgun heavy scheme. Part of the belief and faith you must have in the running game has to do with being able to recognize a running backs ability to do more than one thing effectively against any defense, and put the RB in a position to suceed. I fear that the way Garrett is using Felix, I look at the situation as more and more a wasted draft pick by us. If he's gonna be hurt alot by not being able to take the pounding, and not be able to go full speed, then That is disheartening, since I love what Felix brings to the game. MB3 has lost something, and I don't know if he will regain it.

Meanwhile, Tashard has been a benchwarmer, and without a good reason.

When are we going to see Tashard again Garrett?

It seems like Jason Garrett doesn't know how to call an offense using the strength of what the offensive players he has at his diposal. Maybe it's not just using the running game that is a weakness in his gameplan, but also the understanding necessary to place a running back in a favorable situation to succeed, thus giving him a reason to abandon the run or keeping it a minor afterthought in an offensive gameplan. Whatever the reason, I fear if the running Dilemma of the 3 headed monster isn't adresssed, our passing game in and of itself will fail miserably, and once again end in a quick exit in the playoffs, if even that.

I also dislike the shotgun so much that words cannot do justice. Is this Cowboy football? Keeping Romo in the pocket is a huge mistake. If Romo would have not jumped the pocket, we probably would have lost to the Redskins today. There is no good reason why we don't see more roll outs and play action. Garrett is truly an uninspiring offensive coordinator, and it shows on the field with his playcalls and the players execution. People who want to point to beating the Eagles as a reference to improved playcalling by him forget that it was a close game, and we could have easily lost. I hope he starts making better playcalls, gets his thinking cap on and starts figuring things out about the team, because this stretch of games coming up will define him and the team for this year, as well as the future. 

Last year, watching the Pittsburgh game was a delight. The Pittsburgh defense could not stop Tashard Choice from making positive yards, even when they would meet him head on and stop him with a hard hit. When he would bounce back up, and show them that no matter what, he would go back, and take another crack at them, and make more positive yards. Whether it be 2, 3, 5 7, yards mattered not, because there was just that feeling that he was going to continue no matter what. Believe it or not, that demoralizes a defense and makes them worry about stopping that kind of play. In my opinion, Pittsburgh did not prove that they could stop that kind of playcalling adequetely, did not react to his success catching the ball out of the backfield, and until they reacted to stop that, just keep milking the cashcow.

It was our turning away from that kind of playcall and going to the pass that costed us that game. It was a tragedy, because Tashard worked hard for that victory, but it wasn't to be.

Last night, even after Felix Jones ripped off a couple of nice big, long runs at the beginning of the game, something was missing. The excitement was there, but for some reason, it didn't feel real. Yeah, everybody was cheering, but it seemed...fake. Like the success was , not built on solid success, and that to really beat the Panthers, it was going to take alot more than just a few nice long runs by Felix, as well as there seemed to be a feeling that sooner or later, Felix wasn't going to be able to continue ripping those long runs to the outside. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, since Felix got injured. It's sad to see that such a talented RB like Tashard Choice should have to get a chance based on injury, but no matter. In the end, he became the spark plug that not only ignited the offense, but the defense also.

It all started when Tashard turned the corner and took a dive at making a touchdown. The stadium erupted, and confidence that the team was going to do something good was restored. After an entire first half of being quiet, bored, confused, and  diissatisfied, as well as let down by Felix's injury, the crowd had finally connected with the fact that we were in the game. Even though Tashard did not score the touchdown, something in the gut told you that if he had the chance to punch it in again, he would. He did. Once the crowd was into the game, that feeling did not stop until the Cowboys attained victory. The feeling of confidence was contagious, and even the defense, playing very average, started to play inspiring football. All this because of a dive to the end zone, with determination, grit, resolve, and heart.

Even the pass offense came around after that. It's a funny thing what confidence can do. It's contagious.That is why the run is so important though- To allow the pass offense to be effective. There is no reason to force the pass into double and triple coverage. Not with our backs waiting to be used. Why not try throwing to a wide reciever after causing single coverage? That's the real reason why most of the interceptions happened anyway.

I hope Felix isn't hurt to bad. We need him back to team up with Tashard and MB3 to confuse defenses. Did you see the entire defense fade to the side Felix went to when Tashard fake handed it off to him, then ran the Razorback? Fabulous! I guarantee that if the offense continues to revolve around these three and the run/short passing game with success, we will be able to throw the downfield pass with success- even against the Giants, Pitt, Balt, Philly, and whoever else you want to name. Using these three backs the right way is the key to running our offense.

And most of all, taking the pressure off of Romo and restoring his confidence. Get well soon Felix!

In an embarassment of riches, the Cowboys do have a "run" dilemma. How do they keep all 3 of the heads of the monster satiated? I'm worried about that very much, because we have what other teams don't. Another issue at hand about the "run" dilemma is just how much to use the run versus the pass. Against the Giants, alot of people such as myself feel we did not run enough. The Giants seemed to know our pass plays before we knew we were going to run them. Mysterious, isn't it? Hmmmm?

Was the offense in formations that obviously flagrantly gave away our playcall, and gave the Giants a red flashing alert signal saying "Pass over to there"? The first Romo interception was a little freaky, because the Giants defense against the pass on that play looked too good.

After my mind has settled down here from the frustration of watching my beloved team fall to the Giants again, I started pondering that play a little bit. I wanted to start asking myself questions about what to do offensively to throw the Giants defensive reads off, and this is what I came up with.

I wonder if Jason Garrett has ever considered putting Tashard Choice out there with Felix Jones at the same time.

But if he put both of them out there, couldn't he show the Giants that same formation that made them think "pass to that side", then dump it off to either Tashard or Felix to the other side for a screen?

The Giants defense is fast though. A short pass like that is almost like a run, and it's safer than the forced passes Tony took down the field.

I'm not saying it would work, but it's worth a try. Just in general though, showing pass then going screen or run, has that even been tried?

In any event, Tashard is lethal in his own right, and something else about him- he is a Giant killer. He is always making big plays against them. He had 2 first downs in our second posession that were nice plays. But he didn't get into the game too much after that. We need to use this guy more. What a dilemma. and We haven't even brought up Barber yet......

I wish I did not have to write this, since as a cowboy fan, I want nothing more than victory. But your remarks Raphael have brought me to revisit that old post of mine, and the things you wrote there. I hate saying "I told you so", but you did not even acknowledge a basic understanding of the argument that post brings up with your abrupt response. It's not like I'm some newcomer in writing here at BTB. Let me remind you now of the post if you've forgotten it....

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