SB Nation User Blog: TrueBlue24

I can take a loss BUT.....

TrueBlue24 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:27:21 -0000

OK guys,It's the day after,and I'm coming to terms with the loss,or at least trying to. The scary part is...as bad as this team performed...we were a Sam hurd recovery of an onside kick from celebrating a "Great" come from behind victory. I for one am glad that Sam couldn't bail us out of this one. Dramatic last second wins tend to mask major weaknesses for this team. We've,thus far ,gotten by based solely on our normally outstanding offense. It caught up with us yesterday!

Theres plenty of blame to go around for this one.

Defense

1. Pass defense- The Redskins had a great scheme to battle our defense and chew up the clock. The skins were more than happy to throw quick slants and hitches against our "soft" coverage on the outside.Heck I saw T-New playing 8 yards off the line of scrimmage more times than not. We never seemed to change our coverage on the wideouts,we gave them way to much cushion and they chipped away...4,5,7,8 yards at a time. They ran the ball to keep us honest. When we brought more pressure to the outside recievers they got the ball to TE chris cooley in the middle. And they chewed up clock....and drove the length of the field REPEATEDLY. I mean all day long....They drove on us,sometimes only 2 or 3 yards at a time,but they dinked and dunked us all day long,they chewed up clock and wore our defense out! We were lucky that we held them to 3 FG's in the second half or this one could have become really ugly really quick. Oh Yeah....And for Santana Moss to get open....and I mean WIDE OPEN.....when we're already giving him a 10 yard cushion is totally unacceptable. T-New got burned Repeatedly. Our defense looked anemic,and in the fourth quarter they rammed the ball right down our throats. I'm used to seeing it...But its usually us that are wearing out the other teams defense. Man I hated watching the Skins dominated our Defense like thar.

OFFENSE

Well what can you do when you only get the ball for 20 minutes? apparently not much. 24 points was actually a pretty good total for 20 minutes Time Of Possession. What went wrong? The short answer is everything.

1. The Run- Well,as most of you know,we were unable or unwilling to establish the run.We only ran the ball 11 times. That's right guys 11 times. It gets worse...2 of those 11 rushing plays went to Terrell Owens.MBIII only got handed the ball 8 times. The other running play,was not a running play at all but a scramble for a first down by Romo. This,to me is where we lost the game. We never tried to establish the run.Who is to blame? It's hard to say....Wade? He is the head coach...Garrett.....He says he called running plays but Romo Audiblized out of them. Whomever the blame lies....this needs to be addressed,was it a lack of communication...to say the least.

2. The Pass- Well at least we didn't Ignore this part of the offense. Tony Romo and the offense,Passed early and often. We passed 47 freakin' times.To start the 3rd quarter,the team seemed hell bent on getting the ball to TO....No matter what...Once even lining TO up in the backfield and running a halfback toss to TO. It seemed to Defy all logic.OK...well it did work...Save for a rare MBIII run it was all TO on that drive....And we did score a touchdown to tie the score up at 17. One would imagine that this would have been the perfect time to try to start running the ball,But,down 20-17,with Shawn,Springs and Fred smoot on the bench,Romo proceeds to throw the obligatory INT...at the worst possible time. We pretty much dropped back into the shotgun and Tony's gunslinger alter ego was here to stay. I will say that Miles austin looked good in this game seems to improve weekly. The skins pass defended us well and we had no answer. Thier defense handled our high powered offense pretty darn well,and quite frankly...Made it look easy!

COACHING

Pam Oliver,the sideline reporter,said she asked Wade Phillips what he said to the team at halftime. She Reported that wade said He didn't make a speech , that this team knew what it needed to do and They'd have to get their own selves motivated....

WTF.....Dude,you're the head coach,You are losing by a touchdown to an 11 point underdog AT HOME....and you got nothing to say to the team? The head coach is supposed to lead this team into battle....not leave them hung out to dry!

You wonder why Stewart didn't make any adjustments or why Stewart had 12 men on the feild during a crucial 3rd and 2? LACK OF COMMUNICATION. It all comes right back to Wade and his "AW SHUCKS" hillbilly attitude. He was thoroughly outcoached by a rookie coach. It was as if we hadn't schemed or had no game plan whatsoever. Like wade thought we'd win just because we are the Dallas Cowboys.

Garrett....Ahhh Yeah Jason Garrett,the offensive GURU. Never tried to run the ball,there is no excuse for a lackluster performance like this,not with all the offensive weapons this team has. Was it Garrett or Romo? Garrett says he called runs and Romo changed them at the line of scrimmage. That is no excuse.I know the QB has the right to aubible out of a play if he sees something on defense that he doesn't like, but at some point....the play caller has to demand that we run the ball. Hell we had plenty of 3 and outs...I'd have been fine with running MBIII on all 3 downs just to make the defense work a little....we made it way to easy for the Redskin defense!

In conclusion,It is one thing to lose,it is another thing to be totally dominated in every phase of the game ,especially by an 11 point underdog,AT home ....and to be outcoached by a Rookie head coach. I don't remember a game like this since the 10-6 loss to Philly last year (also at home). this one exposed a lot of weaknesses that we may not have noticed if sam Hurd grabs that ball with 30 seconds to go. Thank you Sam....We've got a lot of work to do....Offensively,defensively and coaching. At least we won't have to listen to how we're the best team in the league anymore,because we're obviously not,...not at this point anythow . But its a long season and realistically,this is just a bump in the road,and hopefully a wakeup call to this team.

That being said....Lets get ready for the Bengals!

Go COWBOYS

Live....FROM CLEVELAND!!!!!!

TrueBlue24 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:05:32 -0000

Hey guys.....Well we finally made it here from Virginia. We got stuck in Marietta,Ohio last night in the midst of the "SternWheelers Festival"....which...For the uninitiated....Is a Paddle boat Party on the Ohio River. Lord what a night....LOL....

This Morning was Hall of fame day. We travelled the 57 miles to canton then spent 57 minutes looking for a parking space....once inside...I was AMAZED....If you've been...you KNOW.....If you haven't....You need to go!!!!! For us Cowboys Fans...Its great! Everything from Rodger the dodger to the Triplets and Super Bowl Highlights from ALL 5 Championships.....I got pictures of the Original 1960 Dallas Cowboys Helmet, I got a picture of Roger Staubach's Signed Dallas Helmet,And Don't even get me started on the Bust room.....Oh my I got great pictures of all the Great Cowboys.....Scram,Landry,White,Dorsett,Aikman,Emmitt,Irvin......Man it was great! And they have a special section on NFL players in the Military. Of course they have a display for American HERO and Arizona Cards player Pat Tillman.But also have great displays for Staubach and Chad Hennings.

All in all it was awesome....I also went to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame....But after many cocktails Things are hazy from then on...But a good time was had by all.....and it was a lot of fun.

However.....after reviewing our Team......I think it would be utterly shocking if we lost this game. I like an Idiot....Arrived in Cleveland in full Cowboy attire...we soon noticed this did not increase the likelyhood of our getting beer any sooner...but in fact.....added fuel to the fire.....LOL..."Damn Cowboy fans!" was heard uttered at more than a few Taverns and sportsbars around town.

I'll give cleveland credit....They are cocky and confident.The players as well as the fans! Watching sports news here in Cleveland makes you wonder if all towns this delusional.....They Really think they are gonna smack US AROUND....LOL.....Tomorrow is going to be a BLAST!

I'll also give an After game report tomorrow night....Good night guys.....and Tomorrow we're gonna start the journey to SIX!!!!!

GO BOYS!!!!!!

Anybody going to the opener in Cleveland?

TrueBlue24 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:16:34 -0000

Anybody going to the opener in Cleveland?

I was just wondering. Every year me and my best bud and our wives go to the opener...no matter where its being played.
This year we're going to canton,and touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame! I can't wait ...should be a great weekend!
I was just wondering if any of our fellow BTB'ers are planning on attending the opener. I thought it would be cool to meet some of you guys if you'll be attending.

Anybody up for a beer before kickoff???

By the way Grizz...We need some BTB apparel....HaHa...T-shirts caps or whatnot so we can represent....while cheering on our boys.....Any possibility????

Pacman...A Cowboy????

TrueBlue24 — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:03:46 -0000

I hear that the cowboys are close to a deal with the Titans regarding Adam "PacMan" Jones.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?...

According to the story,we have offered one of our 2 6th rounders.The Titans have been holding out for a 4th round pick.Also Dallas was asking for a conditional pick,if Jones were to be suspended...we'd in essence get that pick back from Tennessee.

If this deal is made...does this change anything going into the draft,or do we go ahead and plan on taking the bestCB available at #22.

what do you guys think?

Looking for a road trip

TrueBlue24 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:45:05 -0000

Well guys I know I'm so bored waiting on the NFL draft to get here. I'm SO tired of the pacman soap opera and arguing over whether I think we'll be able to afford T-New after this upcoming season.I'm also tired of hearing about how my beloved Tar Heels Laid an egg against Kansas Last night.That being said .....

I am eagerly awaiting the release of our 2008 schedule.Myself,my wife,my best buddy and his wife(to be...congrats John!)all attend the season opener every year...no matter the destination.the last 3 years we've travelled to San Deigo , Jacksonville,and Dallas. Needless to say we start making plans for the opener as soon as the schedule is released.

Now,to make a short story long,Does anybody know when the NFL is going to relesse the rest of the week one schedule?
I've got our week 1 opponents narrowed down to this:

ROAD:
Philly
Arizona
Pittsburg
St.Louis
Cleveland

HOME
Obviously any home game would mean a Road trip to Dallas so the opponent doesn't really matter.

Anybody have any Ideas?
I've heard Rumors that we may be At Cleveland so FOX could have the broadcast,but thus far thats just a rumor.

If you could vote for the season opener where would it be?

Poll

where would you prefer to play the opener

Marinelli says Roy Williams Will NOT BE TRADED

TrueBlue24 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:04:57 -0000

Rod Marinelli says that Roy williams will not be traded and that he envisions the Johnson/williams tandem to be a very productive one for years to come.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...

Marinelli envisions Williams and Calvin Johnson, the Lions' first-round draft pick last year, as a dominating receiving tandem.
Marinelli was forceful in answering when asked if Williams will be traded.
"No," Marinelli said. "I know the rumors that are out. Those two guys together, I want to see those guys where they can really impact a game. They are special.
"They've got to have, and they will have, great years for us. We have to ensure they have great years. Those are explosive weapons.
"Not many people have two guys like that on a team. We've got to do everything we can do to protect our quarterback -- get the ball to those two big guys. I'm very confident he's (Williams) here. Very confident."
Williams, a first-round pick in 2004, will be on the last year of his contract this season.

Marinelli seemed adamant that roy williams will not be traded. If he's not on the trading block,that doesn't leave any real top level WR's in free agency with the possible exception of donte stallworth.

Poll

With R williams out of the picture do we

Rosenhaus keeping cowboys busy!

TrueBlue24 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:36:06 -0000

Has super agent drew Rosenhaus been spending alot of time talking with the cowboys?

http://www.kffl.com/team/14/nfl

According to KFFL.com rosenhaus reports that after working out Zach thomas' deal with Dallas he's been in negotiations with dallas regarding MBIII and Contract extension for TO

I think this is great news that the boys are talking extensions with Two of our best offensive threats. Hopefully we can getr extensions for both of these guys!

America's Team??? Fugggeddaboutit!

TrueBlue24 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:56:23 -0000

Well we all heard about strahan telling the post the Dallas was the toughest team they faced this year.
But did you hear about this one:

http://cowboys.beloblog.com/archives...

Well apparently the super bowl wasn't all they won,Apparently,According to New York Senator Charles Schumer,they also wrestled away our beloved cowboys moniker of "America's team" as well.

New York senator Charles E. Schumer just stood up at the rally in City Hall and Manhattan and declared the moniker the Cowboys have carried for decades is no longer their's. No, in just a few hours time, it was stripped and passed on to the Meadowlands Monsters.
"The Giants aren't just New York's team anymore. They are America's Team!" Schumer shrieked at this breathless rally. "Goodbye, Dallas!!!"

Gosh I hate New York!

I can't wait for the combine and the draft to get here! I want New York AGAIN!

Draft needs

TrueBlue24 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:37:06 -0000

Today I was sitting here thinking about the draft and how our needs may change between now and April. Granted we ‘still have weaknesses in the secondary, the need for a young stud wide out, and the need to replace Julius Jones will still be there. These facts will not change. However there are other circumstances that may affect the focus of our draft. I’m going to look at a few of these factors and look at some possibilities concerning our 1st day picks.

Marion Barber will be our starting running back This fact changes the outlook of our draft in that we’re not drafting for a marquee name (Mendenhall, McFadden, Stewart, and Charles) We now are looking for a complimentary back to spell MBIII in the 3rd quarter to keep the barbarian fresh. I have serious doubts as to whether Jerry will invest a 1st rounder in a backup running back(even though I personally think Felix Jones would make a great "Lightning" to MBIII’s thunder!) and don’t really think he’ll waste a second rounder on one either. So, in my mind we’re looking at a third rounder for our first running back pick . I’m sure that Chris Johnson out of East Carolina( 5’10" 201 4.29/40) won’t be available at that point, However I think Ray Rice out of Rutgers(5’9" 195 4.55/40) will be.I also think that Tashard Choice out of(wink,wink,Grizz) Georgia tech (5’11" 195 4.65/40) would make a great change of pace back as well. There are a lot of others that will be available at that point including Matt Forte, Chauncey Washington and Marcus Thomas. If you guys have others that we should look at that you think will be available,please post and let us know!

All of this could be for naught if:

We Address the back up RB position through free agency This could happen, but we’ll be looking for a career backup not someone looking to be a starter or looking for starters pay. I’ve been a big proponent of signing Michael Turner away from the Chargers, However given his stellar performance in place of LT in the playoffs, I’m sure the price just got higher and Turner will be looking to sign with a team where he has a legitimate shot at starting. That wipes him off our list!

There are other unrestricted free agents that are more than happy to backup MBIII . These running backs include T J Duckett, Musa Smith and Travis minor. I feel as though these guys could be signed at a cap friendly rate and still have plenty of talent to contribute to the cowboys. Maurice Hicks and Mewelde Moore can also be added to this list.

The Tyson Thompson Dilemma
Tyson Thompson...remember him? The feel good story of 2004,making the team as our 3rd back, the first local product to actually suit up for the cowboys, Local boy makes good! Well times have changed, and I’m afraid that Tyson’s time may have come to an end in big D. Thompson’s value on this team has greatly diminished with the emergence of Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton return game. If Thompson is let go that opens up another spot behind MBIII that would need to be filled. This would increase the likelihood of a UFA RB signing in the off-season. Any replacement for Thompson would have to have value on special teams and in particular, Punt returns. I’m not really sure Crayton is the answer for us here and could really use an upgrade.
What do you guys think? Do we keep Thompson? Do we go the free agent route? Do we address this position in the draft? Let me know what you guys think!
This is part 1 of my analysis into our draft needs. I’ll also be addressing our secondary, and wide receiver positions in my next diaries.

TO at practice on monday!

TrueBlue24 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:55:01 -0000

Terrell owens,recovering from a high ankle sprain,participated in this mornings walk through according to the Dallas morning news.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/

Turns out that WR Terrell Owens did participate in this morning’s walkthrough after all.
Several players in the Cowboys locker room indicated as much, saying that Owens was pretty much a full participant in the short session on the outdoor fields at Valley Ranch. Owens was spotted in the training room afterwards, wearing his practice jersey, but declined to speak on the matter.

I think just the fact that TO is participating this early in the week has got to be a good sign for the boys!

Poll

SB Nation User Blog: TrueBlue24

I can take a loss BUT.....

Defense

OFFENSE

COACHING

Go COWBOYS

Live....FROM CLEVELAND!!!!!!

Anybody going to the opener in Cleveland?

Anybody going to the opener in Cleveland?

Pacman...A Cowboy????

Looking for a road trip

where would you prefer to play the opener

Marinelli says Roy Williams Will NOT BE TRADED

With R williams out of the picture do we

Rosenhaus keeping cowboys busy!

America's Team??? Fugggeddaboutit!

Draft needs

TO at practice on monday!

Do you think TO will play on sunday